Legendary Music, Sleeping Dunes and Great Lakes: Michigan, America’s Summer Secret

In this episode, we’re going to run down giant sand dunes, listen to Motown in Detroit, explore an island that’s trapped in time (you must take a horse and cart to your hotel), hear stories from a Native American elder, and lots more. 

Today, we’re going to one of America’s undiscovered corners. This is where legendary music meets small town vibes, and quiet moments together are framed by endless Great Lake blue. We’re going to Michigan. Pure Family Fun.

Behind the Page

Family Travel YouTube star David Reilly (@lifeofreillytv) takes us behind the scenes on a week-long road trip with his family up the Lake Michigan coast. From the epic beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes, just a short drive from Traverse City the Cherry Capital of the world, and the quiet bliss of Mackinac Island, to mushroom houses, Indiana Jones bridges, fossil hunting and more.

“This is for those families that want something a bit different,” David says.  "You will have so many unique experiences. So many stories you can tell.” 

Don’t Take Our Word For It

Detroit is where Motown was born. The Temptations, Aretha Franklyn, Smoky Robinson, and dozens more all got their start here. Northern Soul DJ and Detroit music obsessive Phillip Lancaster (@we_are_them_images) tells us how to get the most out of one of America’s great musical cities.  “There’s so much musical history and innovation in Detroit,” He says. “Take your kids, they’ll thank you for it later”. 

Mama Knows Best

Local mum Nikki Donald gives us the lowdown on everything she loves about her hometown city of Detroit, from where to get the best Detroit style pizza to the museums, attractions, festivals and fun you can’t miss. If you want to plan the perfect long weekend in Motor City this is your ultimate insider resource. How would she describe Detroit in three words? “Resilient, Unexpected, and Amazing”  

Bedtime Story

We finish with Anishinaabe Elder Hank Bailey talking to us about the culture and history of his people, and how you can discover some it for yourself. He also tells us about the Legend of Sleeping Bear, a geographical feature in the Sleeping Bear National lakeshore and just a short drive from Traverse City.

The Lowdown

For more information on everything discussed in this show go to Michigan.org. Follow on social @puremichigan – Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Tik Tok / Pinterest / Twitter(X)

Thank you to VisitTheUSA.co.uk for supporting this episode. Visit The USA are America’s official travel and tourism organization and a top-notch resource for all things US travel. Follow them on social @visittheusa – Instagram / Facebook / You Tube / Tik Tok 

Brought to you by Family Traveller magazine, the global voice of authority on family travel.

This show was produced, hosted and written by Aaron Millar, award-winning travel writer and not very award-winning dad of two. Find more of his work at armchair-productions.com