With Labor Day marking the unofficial end of the summer season, you might be looking to have one last hurrah through West Michigan before the colder weather arrives. Road trips are a fun, inexpensive way to see Michigan and visit places you'd otherwise never see.
Best of all, day trips don't require a whole lot of planning, given that your vehicle is in good, working order. If you want to be sure before you hit the road, trust the experts at the Borgman Service Center to thoroughly inspect your vehicle. We'll make sure your tires, brakes, fluids, and other systems are in ship-shape so can focus on exploring Michigan with confidence.
Ready to hit the road to adventure? Take a look at these three fun destinations all within a reasonable distance of Grand Rapids, and better yet, they're all outdoors so you can enjoy your trip at minimal risk during the pandemic.
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
113 Miles | 2 Hour Drive from Grand Rapids, MI
Located just north of Ludington, MI, and situated between the Lake Michigan lakeshore and Hamlin Lake, Nordhouse Dunes are a great destination for people who love nature, hiking, and camping. Whether you enjoy the view from atop a 140-foot dune or strolling through the woods to observe the wildlife, there's plenty to explore in this 3,450 acre National Forest.
The Nordhouse Dunes are popular among hikers and campers, with about 10-miles of trail accessible from 2 developed trailheads at the end of Nurnberg Road and the Lake Michigan Recreation Area. Best of all, you're only a short trip from the Ludington State Park & Campgrounds, or the many bars and restaurants in Ludington itself. Be sure to check ahead though in case you need to make special arrangements during COVID-19.
You can learn more about Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and plan your trip here.
Silver Lake State Park
76 Miles | 90 Minute Drive from Grand Rapids, MI
For those that want a little more thrill from their day-long road trip, Sand Lake is a popular destination. Here, you can put your ORV through its paces in the Off-Roading Area, rent 4-wheelers, go on dune rides, and more. There's also a campsite if you plan on staying overnight, but you'll likely need to make a reservation in advance so be sure to call ahead.
This State Park encompasses just under 3,000 acres of lakeshore dunes and beach, and calls off-road enthusiasts from all over, as it's the only place you can drive on sand dunes in the eastern United States. You can also bring your boat and enjoy the scenery from the water!
You can learn more about Silver Lake Dunes here.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
39 Miles | 35 Minute Drive from Grand Rapids, MI
If you're looking for something more leisurely like a long walk on the beach, we suggest taking a look at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Just a short while north from Saugatuck's Oval Beach, this small state park offers 2 and a half miles of secluded coastline along Lake Michigan and roughly 1,000 acres of dunes and rolling hills to explore. Though camping is not permitted here, it's still a fantastic place to spend the day and watch the sunset over the lake.
In addition to being relatively close to Grand Rapids, it's also within minutes of Saugutuck's downtown area, with various shops, art galleries, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Be sure to check in to see which businesses are operating this year though, as some are only allowing a limited number of people inside.
Learn more about Saugatuck Dunes here.
Make Sure Your Vehicle is Road-Trip-Ready at the Borgman Service Center in Grand Rapids, MI
Taking one last trip out of town is a great way to have fun with the whole family. By exploring West Michigan's state parks, you're also having fun safely by avoiding enclosed spaces and places with crowds of people. If you're planning on getting out there before the summer ends, schedule a checkup at the Borgman Service Center. Our experts can make sure you're up on your regular maintenance, fluids are topped up, tires are in good shape, and find unexpected problems before you hit the road.
Schedule your appointment online and be sure to check out our latest Service Specials. During your visit, we'll make sure you understand everything we find about your vehicle so you can make informed decisions, then make the necessary repairs in a timely manner. Come see why we're the Best in the West!