OT: Camp Michigania Fall Colors Weekend Advice
I've never been to Camp Michigania. The other day my MGoWife got us a spot for one of the upcoming "Fall Color" weekends & I'm really looking forward to it. However, poking around the internet & this site's archive, I can't find to seem to find a lot of reviews or advice on the Fall Color weekends.
One day we'd love to take our family to Camp Michigania for a full week in the summer, which I understand is how to *truly* experience the place. But for now---
Has anyone here experienced a Michigania Fall Colors weekend somewhat recently (within the past 10-15 years)? If yes, what was it like generally? Any suggestions for a first timer? If you have also attended Camp Michigania at other times of the hear, how does the Fall Colors weekend compare/contrast with the Winter Camp & more classic/popular Summer Camp?
September 11th, 2019 at 4:49 PM ^
Advice? Go north of the Mackinac Bridge. Stop just south of heaven. Take pictures.
September 11th, 2019 at 5:50 PM ^
I was going to say, "Go to Traverse City. Find a vineyard you enjoy. Keep ordering samples. Refuse to leave when they close."
Your suggestion doesn't end in a run-in with the authorities though.
September 11th, 2019 at 10:49 PM ^
Except for the fact that this thread is about Camp Michigania, which is neither a vineyard nor in TC...
September 11th, 2019 at 5:09 PM ^
My Michigania experiences involve pretty much everything but Fall Colors, but it's going to be gorgeous. Take some time to hike around, go see Two Lakes Meadow, put in some quality porch time, etc. My impression is that it's much, much smaller and lower-key than the summer program, which is sort of the vibe of the winter sessions as well. I'm not sure they have much more than a small staff, and not the usual gaggle of college kids. Probably a lot more lounging activities, lectures, hikes, etc. than the usual camp fare.
It'll be great, have an awesome time!
September 11th, 2019 at 5:16 PM ^
Two year staffer of Michigania here. Never worked Fall Colors, only the summer programming, but I'm friends with a few people who have worked Fall Colors. It's absolutely gorgeous up there this time of year. A very underrated aspect of FC is that I believe only adults are allowed and there are no kids. That's really a big deal if you're planning on doing a lot of the programming (like archery, boating, arts and crafts, etc.) because kids absolutely outnumber the adults during the summer and take up a lot of space. Another great thing is I think they serve alcohol since no kids are there. That's another thing you won't get with summer programming. Overall, I hear it's an excellent time. I highly recommend going during the summer if you can get in (I know it's absurdly hard) but you should be very excited to be able to go in the fall where it's even more exclusive than the summer. Have a great time!!
September 11th, 2019 at 5:35 PM ^
I visited Michigania as a student (was camp counselor through the med school for something called Summer Science Academy). Had a blast. Now I'm wondering what it takes to go back. Can you just ... visit? Alumni association members only? Can I bring family? There have to be rules, and a quick scrolling of their website informed me little. Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you!
September 11th, 2019 at 6:20 PM ^
1. You must be an AAUM member to apply to get in. Camp does a "lottery" to determine who gets in (it's not really a lottery)
2. You can pay to be a guest for a day with a family you know who is camping that week.
3. Family is highly encouraged. It is a family camp, after all. But it is not out of the norm for adults to go with their SO or by themselves too
September 11th, 2019 at 5:41 PM ^
I grew up in Boyne City. Everywhere around there is pretty great if you are a tourist.
I suggest going to 'Avalanche' at the south end of the city... its a hike up around 300 stairs but the view is great, especially in the fall.
September 11th, 2019 at 5:49 PM ^
half-correct friend - as suggested, view is great, but it's 462 stairs :)
September 11th, 2019 at 9:00 PM ^
I didn’t want to scare them away :-)
I used to run those stairs twice a day to prepare for football camp. Seriously good way to gas yourself. The walk down / around the backside is great too.
September 11th, 2019 at 5:56 PM ^
Tunnel of trees north of harbor springs in mid to late October.
September 11th, 2019 at 6:04 PM ^
If you drive the tunnel of trees, have to stop at Leg's Inn for lunch or dinner!
September 11th, 2019 at 6:35 PM ^
Go to manistee and start on M 22 north around the first or second week in October and go all the way up to Leland and Northport. Unbelievably beautiful with plenty of vineyards and stops to take pictures.
September 11th, 2019 at 7:17 PM ^
Moving to Boyne City in a few weeks, can’t wait!
September 12th, 2019 at 4:32 PM ^
Sweet! I moved to Boyne City nine years ago and we absolutely love it. Are you relocating for work?
September 11th, 2019 at 9:03 PM ^
The person who suggested the Two Lakes Meadow hike was spot on. Camp has miles of great trails that are often overlooked. The trail that goes along the lakeshore from north camp is also a highlight. If it’s not too mucky you can make it al the way to the road that is the boundary of camp.
If the weather isn’t too cold and the sky is clear the upper tennis courts is a great place for star gazing. Bring blankets, pillows and a few beers and count the satellites. I general I find roving around camp after dark to be a lot of fun.
It’s also fun to have a fire at the sand pit or way out at steak ride of to sand pit is taken.
September 11th, 2019 at 9:53 PM ^
What week
Color peaks about a week early in Gaylord, especially around the high places.
Be open to taking a drive, esp Gaylord area if peak color, Jordan River pathway and Deadman's Hill overlook off US 31.
Drive north of Harbor Springs in that area
Charlevoix has a great harvest festival last weekend of Sept and an Apple Festival around the 11th of October where you will find more kinds of apples than you knew existed.
September 12th, 2019 at 7:44 AM ^
I would recommend an afternoon canoe trip if the option is available in the Fall.
Has anyone tried this? Are kids not allowed as someone else suggested? Activities would suggest that there are some kid activities. I would sign up for this if my kids were allowed.
https://alumni.umich.edu/camp-michigania/fall-colors/
Fall Colors Activities
Archery
Test your aim at our archery range. Lessons are available.
Campfires
Campfire locations include lakeside or in a clearing in the woods. You bring the conversation, and we’ll provide the s’mores!
Ceramics/Arts/Crafts
Create stunning artwork, thoughtful gifts, and mementos of your time at Michigania.
Faculty Forum Speaker
Hear from a University of Michigan faculty or staff member as they provide insight into an area of expertise.
Guided Hikes
Explore Michigania on a guided hike that will take you to different beautiful camp locales.
Horseback Riding
With our pack of horses and lessons for all levels of ability, enjoy a recreational ride or hit the trails.
Rock Polishing
Find a Petoskey Stone around camp or bring a rock with you and take it to our nature center to enhance its beauty.
Ah i see a little asterisk which states - for adults only.