Michigan's Adventure

[ColinCodyMom]

Budget friendly theme park?? We're contemplating scrapping our Disney trip this year for a closer to home, more economical vacation. Since we live in Michigan, we were thinking Michigan's Adventure. We have never been and am wondering if someone could point me in the direction of a nice hotel around Muskegon to stay. We are used to staying deluxe at Disney so we definitely don't want a motel type place. Something with a pool as well. Getting excited as we were planning on driving to Florida this year for the first time but now that gas prices are so high, that isn't likely until next year. I would appreciate any advice on the theme park, good hotels, and anything else fun to do nearby. Thanks everyone!

 

[MichiganKris]

Michigan Adventure is OK, but deluxe accomodations and Muskegon don't go together. I also can't picture going there for more than a day trip and going home (that's what we did when I lived in the Detroit area). If you wanted to add some time at South Haven with the beach there are some great B&B's there, or you could go up towards Traverse City, but if all you're doing is Michigan Adventure, go there and come home in the same day.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Michigan Adventure is OK, but deluxe accomodations and Muskegon don't go together. I also can't picture going there for more than a day trip and going home (that's what we did when I lived in the Detroit area). If you wanted to add some time at South Haven with the beach there are some great B&B's there, or you could go up towards Traverse City, but if all you're doing is Michigan Adventure, go there and come home in the same day.

Thanks for the reply! We were only going to to a couple days but maybe not. Wow, everything I heard from people over the years suggested it was a great place. Never been to the Muskegon area either but the accommodations concern me. Maybe someone has another plan for a family vacation? Just looking for a 3 or 4 day thing though. Good for family that has tamer rides. Not "big" roller coaster fans. Thanks again though. Although I'm a tad bit bummed now...

 

[Gumbo4x4]

How far are you from Wisconsin Dells?

 

[ColinCodyMom]

How far are you from Wisconsin Dells?

Southeast Michigan. Half hour north of Detroit.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Southeast Michigan. Half hour north of Detroit.

Ew, 8 hours. You're not any closer than I am

That said, it sounds like it'd be right up your alley. 90% of the water rides are akin to "gentle" rollercoasters. My family isn't into the big thrill rides at typical theme parks, but loves water parks. Accomodations at The Dells can be quite nice, and there's plenty of other stuff going on aside from the water parks.

 

[DisneyDreamer88]

Living in Grand Rapids, I have been to Michigan's Adventure MANY times. Most times I have gone, we are ready to head home after 6 hours or so. The water park is pretty nice, but the rides are sub-par at best. I'd definitely say a better option is driving over to Chicago and going to Six Flags in Gurnee, then spending a few days in Chicago. Navy Pier has some interesting rides as well. I went on a Chicago River cruise two years ago and it was AWESOME. So beautiful and we had a BOGO coupon, so I think it was $20 bucks total for two people. While West Michigan is gorgeous, Muskegon doesn't have much to offer, decent hotel wise. The closest "deluxe" level hotels are probably in downtown GR (JW Marriott and Amway) or resorts on Lake Michigan ($$$).

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Living in Grand Rapids, I have been to Michigan's Adventure MANY times. Most times I have gone, we are ready to head home after 6 hours or so. The water park is pretty nice, but the rides are sub-par at best. I'd definitely say a better option is driving over to Chicago and going to Six Flags in Gurnee, then spending a few days in Chicago. Navy Pier has some interesting rides as well. I went on a Chicago River cruise two years ago and it was AWESOME. So beautiful and we had a BOGO coupon, so I think it was $20 bucks total for two people. While West Michigan is gorgeous, Muskegon doesn't have much to offer, decent hotel wise. The closest "deluxe" level hotels are probably in downtown GR (JW Marriott and Amway) or resorts on Lake Michigan ($$$).

Oh, that sounds like something to look into. We were discussing how we'd love to go to Chicago. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to check into that. Maybe we will take a day trip to Michigan's Adventure to check it out but if its subpar and we're used to Disney, it might not be the best choice. I still want to have a nice vacation.

 

[TinaMcTeer]

If you want to spend a few days around the area I would suggest staying at Double JJ Resort. Indoor and outdoor waterpark, horseback riding, rodeos every Saturday night with a pig roast. Great golf and activities to keep everyone busy. A trip to michigan's adventure would last you a day. If you wanted to stay closer to the park, I'd recommend the weathervane inn in Whitehall, mi. I live in Whitehall and I love it here!

 

[ColinCodyMom]

If you want to spend a few days around the area I would suggest staying at Double JJ Resort. Indoor and outdoor waterpark, horseback riding, rodeos every Saturday night with a pig roast. Great golf and activities to keep everyone busy. A trip to michigan's adventure would last you a day. If you wanted to stay closer to the park, I'd recommend the weathervane inn in Whitehall, mi. I live in and i love it here!

The weathervane was the only one that caught my eye when I searched actually so that's good to know. Looks like a beautiful place so glad to hear it. Thanks!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

Depending on where you live- Cedar Point may be closer. I live near Lake St. Clair and it's closer for me to drive to Cedar Point for the day than go to the west side of the state. Go to Cedar Point and then stay at Kalahari. Might work for your family.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Depending on where you live- Cedar Point may be closer. I live near Lake St. Clair and it's closer for me to drive to Cedar Point for the day than go to the west side of the state. Go to Cedar Point and then stay at Kalahari. Might work for your family.

Cedar Point definitely crossed my mind and it would be closer but "huge" roller coasters are definitely not for us and I worry the way they market that that's mostly what they have. Not sure because its been so many years since we've been there but the only coasters we do are barnstormer and big thunder mountain! I will look into it though. And we do want to do Kalahari although I worry about the cost. Hope there's a deal! Thanks so much!

 

[mousefanmichelle]

I don't like huge rollar coaster myself and I think that there is plenty to do at Cedar Point and they have a water park too. You could always look at their on-line brochure to see what rides they have. I was just there last May after not having been there for many years and was suprised how much they offer. Whatever you do - have a really good time!

 

[mjhd]

MI Adventure is fun, but not for more than a day. I would do the Double JJ like someone else said and pair it up with MI Adventure OR I would rent a house on or near Lake Michigan and incorporate MI Adventure into my plans. There are some gorgeous beaches along MI's west coast. Also, tons of campgrounds if you are outdoorsy. I could be a fabulous (but different and not deluxe) vacation.

 

[stsomewhere]

The price is great for Michigan Adventure. I think it is $25.

My family really enjoys the waterpark. They would rather be there than the ride the rides.

We have stayed in Grand Rapids at a nicer hotel.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Cedar Point and the surrounding area has a lot to offer.
Not far from CP is Kalahari Water Park which has great rooms and a lot to do especially if you go after Memorial day when the outside park and all the outside activities are open.

 

[nicki.momof3]

Niagara falls has a ton to do and only about 4.5 hours away.

 

[jme829]

I third the Cedar Point option. You can easily spend a few days in the area. (we are originally from Toledo). CP has more than just big coasters...lots more. tons of family rides, shows, frontier town (a "frontier" shopping village with old time stores.). They also have a great water park. It is right on Lake Erie, so there is also the beach and you can go parasailing, they have a nice campground that you can bring your own RV or stay in a "cabin". Plenty of Hotel options from basic to deluxe on or off property.

Plenty of restaurants in Sandusky.

Like others said there is a Kalahari right down the road. You will also be close to Put-in- Bay which is a nice day trip or Kellys Island. PIB has wineries, mini golf, caves, the battle of 1812 monument/museum, shops, etc.. (don't go on a weekend, then it becomes a huge drinking fest..weekdays are more family friendly. You can take a ferry or the Jet Express.

Marblehead Lighthouse is just across the bay from CP and is a fun little time killer. East Harbor state park in Port CLinton (just a few miles from Sandusky has a great beach with super shallow, CLEAR and clean water (I think it's the cleanest spot on Lake Erie..lol).

Oh CP also has Challenge Park with go carts, etc...

I think you could easily spend a week in the area.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Niagara falls has a ton to do and only about 4.5 hours away.

THAT sounds fun

 

[ColinCodyMom]

I third the Cedar Point option. You can easily spend a few days in the area. (we are originally from Toledo). CP has more than just big coasters...lots more. tons of family rides, shows, frontier town (a "frontier" shopping village with old time stores.). They also have a great water park. It is right on Lake Erie, so there is also the beach and you can go parasailing, they have a nice campground that you can bring your own RV or stay in a "cabin". Plenty of Hotel options from basic to deluxe on or off property.

Plenty of restaurants in Sandusky.

Like others said there is a Kalahari right down the road. You will also be close to Put-in- Bay which is a nice day trip or Kellys Island. PIB has wineries, mini golf, caves, the battle of 1812 monument/museum, shops, etc.. (don't go on a weekend, then it becomes a huge drinking fest..weekdays are more family friendly. You can take a ferry or the Jet Express.

Marblehead Lighthouse is just across the bay from CP and is a fun little time killer. East Harbor state park in Port CLinton (just a few miles from Sandusky has a great beach with super shallow, CLEAR and clean water (I think it's the cleanest spot on Lake Erie..lol).

Oh CP also has Challenge Park with go carts, etc...

I think you could easily spend a week in the area.

I think that's the best thing about contemplating a trip to CP. More to do than just CP... I love the idea of all the other things to see/do. Thanks!

Niagara falls has a ton to do and only about 4.5 hours away.

I love Niagara Falls. Stayed fallsview a few years back before they required passports!! Yikes!! Thanks for the suggestion. I wish we could go back.

Cedar Point and the surrounding area has a lot to offer.
Not far from CP is Kalahari Water Park which has great rooms and a lot to do especially if you go after Memorial day when the outside park and all the outside activities are open.

I am definitely looking into Cedar Point. They market the huge coasters which made me leary but sounds like they have a lot to offer and my family does love the waterparks. Looking at July so hopefully... Thanks!