Spring up north

Spring comes late and unevenly this far north. March can still feel like winter, and the shore often stays cool well into May while inland areas warm up sooner. In return, you get quiet beaches, open trails and towns getting ready for summer.

It suits anglers, hikers, morel hunters and anyone happy to trade beach weather for empty parking lots. Much of the region opens for the season in May, so plan around what is still closed.

Morels and mushroom weekends

As the forest warms, morel hunting starts in the woods around Cadillac and Ludington. The big gathering is the National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, held the weekend after Mother’s Day with tastings, a competitive hunt and a carnival downtown. It draws thousands of visitors, so book a room early if you want to be there. Mesick, near Cadillac, holds its own Mushroom Festival in May.

Cherry blossoms and wine

Cherry blossoms, wildflowers and orchards along M-22 usually peak in mid-May. Drive the M-22 loop through Suttons Bay, Northport and Leland, or stay close to Traverse City, where blossoms open in May. May is also Michigan Wine Month, and Traverse City Uncorked runs through it. Bloom timing moves with the weather, so watch local reports rather than the calendar.

Steelhead runs

Spring is steelhead season on the rivers. Anglers fish heavily below Tippy Dam on the Manistee River for the run. The Jordan River near East Jordan and the Platte River get spring fish too, and on the White River below the Hesperia dam, April is usually the peak.

To watch rather than fish, go to the DNR weir on the Little Manistee River at Stronach, where steelhead eggs are usually collected in April and you can see the work up close. Before you cast anywhere, buy a license (see licenses and passes) and check current DNR rules; some rivers close to fishing for part of the year.

Spring events

• Fort2Fort Five Mile Challenge: an early May run on Mackinac Island that starts inside Fort Mackinac.
• Bayshore Marathon: Memorial Day weekend in Traverse City, out and back along East Grand Traverse Bay.
• Empire Asparagus Festival: a day of food, music and a 5K in Empire. It has been held in May and moved to June in 2026, so check the date.
• Lantern-lit snowshoe hikes at Ludington State Park can run into March when there is snow.

What opens, and what is still closed

Spring is the shoulder season, and openings roll in through May. Confirm each one before you plan around it.

• The S.S. Badger returns to Ludington in May, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse reopens for the season.
• On Mackinac Island, businesses reopen in late April and May. Crowds are lighter and lodging deals are common, but expect cool, wet and windy days early on.
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear opens to cars in late spring.
• Seasonal shops in Glen Arbor reopen by May, the Northport visitor center opens on Memorial Day weekend, and Kaleva’s Bottle House Museum opens in late May.
• Near Arcadia, a quarter-mile middle section of the Arcadia Marsh boardwalk closes from April 15 to July 15 for nesting season. Both trailheads stay open.
• The day-use lot at Petoskey State Park typically stays closed until early spring because of drifting snow and sand.

For a quiet beach day, hunt for Petoskey stones; the season runs from spring until the snow flies, and the Petoskey breakwall is a favorite spot.

Visitor preparation tips

• Pack for every kind of day. Cold mornings, wind off the lake and warm afternoons can all happen in one trip. Layers and a waterproof jacket earn their place.
• Expect seasonal openings. Many attractions, ferries and shops open for the season during spring, and some do not open until late May. Check opening dates directly before you plan around them.
• Trails can be wet. Snowmelt and spring rain leave some trails muddy. Check with the park or trail manager.
• The water is cold. Lake Michigan stays very cold in spring. Enjoy the beach, but treat the water with caution.