kwick58

Spending 3 days in Frankenmuth in July. Need day trip suggestions. Would enjoy some easy hiking, kayaking on a nearby lake, etc. Anything in nature. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

gardendiva

I am not too fluent in that area of Michigan other than the downtown area and the outlet mall. However, Frankenmuth is less than an hour from Bay City. We used to camp there when we were kids. I suggest starting there. Lexington is also a popular destination. It is to the east. The town is very small but they have a marina, etc.

I suggest looking at the Chamber of Commerce or visitor sites for these 2 cities as a start.

Sorry I could not be of more help.

Traverse City is also just a few hours away.

like_2travel

Seven Lakes State Park in Holly has kayaking, and its less than an hour from Frankenmuth. Hiking trails too.

For a nature stroll you might like the Dow Gardens in Midland MI, less than an hour from Frankenmuth.

There is a Frankenmuth Outfitters but have never used them. Looks like they have SUP and kayaking, possibly right in town.

Farther south are many State Rec areas and lakes.

Enjoy your trip.

MargaretandTony

Hi kwick -

Michigan has a great system of rail-trails for hiking and biking. As you may know, these are old converted railroad rights-of-way that have been converted for recreational use. Here are some that seem relatively near to Frankenmuth:

Bay County Riverwalk/Railtrail System
http://www.traillink.com/trail/bay-c...il-system.aspx

Harger Line Rail-Trail
http://www.traillink.com/trail/harge...ail-trail.aspx

Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
http://www.traillink.com/trail/sagin...ail-trail.aspx

Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path
http://www.traillink.com/trail/tawas...bike-path.aspx
]

- I have not used any of these trails myself, but there seems to be a number of trail reviews on-line that you could check out.

Good luck.