We may be a little biased with some of our “best choices,” but Michigan has a host of great places to see this summer and fall and a treasure trove of hidden gems. We’ll go through a few of these and give you some reminders for auto upkeep to check before you go to prevent accidents.
With so many hidden gems in Michigan, we thought we’d focus on some that are auto-related:
Gilmore Car Museum. With more than 400 vehicles on display, North America’s biggest auto museum takes up more than 90 acres in the small town of Hickory Corners near Kalamazoo. They have some rare vehicles, like pre-Model T cars of the late 1800s and muscle cars of the 1960s and ‘70s. There’s also an authentic 1941 roadside diner and a 1930s-era Shell gas station. https://gilmorecarmuseum.org/
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Check out this Detroit museum’s permanent exhibit, Driving America, which looks more at the folks who drive cars than the cars themselves. This destination boasts one of the most expansive automotive-centric experiences in the museum world. There are more than 100 vehicles on display, including the Kennedy Presidential limo and Rosa Parks’ bus. You can also take a ride in an authentic Model T or have a tour through the Ford F-150 Assembly Plant to watch a Ford truck being built. https://www.thehenryford.org/
Mackinac Island. OK, it’s hard to add this wonderful family-friendly destination to a list of hidden gems. That’s’ because for o0ver a century, visitors have come from all over the world to enjoy this national treasure that’s home to historic Fort Mackinac, world-famous Mackinac Island fudge, and car-free streets full of horse-drawn carriages. That’s right: NO CARS. Of the more than 4 million miles of public streets in the United States, Mackinac Island’s M-185 is the only state highway in the country where motor vehicles are prohibited! https://www.mackinacisland.org/
The Yoop Loop. A road trip through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is also not to be missed. With 21 state parks and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, it’s not hard to understand why the area has become a much sought-after destination. Make sure you take in the view at a lookout in Porcupine Mountains State Park, check out the crystal-clear waters of Kitch-iti-Kipi¬—Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring, and enjoy the unofficial official food of the UP: the pasty! https://www.michigan.org/article/road-trip/stops-scenic-road-trip-upper-peninsula
Before you hit the road and take in Michigan’s awesome sights, be sure your vehicle is in top working condition. Remember these maintenance tips:
Fluid Levels: Check and top up your car or truck’s motor oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid, as low levels can result in an overheated engine and other problems.
Tires: check that your tires are within the factory specifications for pressure, tread depth, and overall condition. Tires that are under-inflated or damaged tires can put your vehicle’s stability and fuel efficiency at risk.
Brakes: make certain that your brakes are responsive and not making any noise because worn-out brake pads can hamper the ability to stop quickly when you need to.
Lights: See that all your exterior lights—head and tail lights, turn signals, and brake lights—are working correctly. This is critical for safe driving.
Battery: Take a look at the battery terminals for corrosion and see that it’s holding a charge. A bad battery may leave you stranded during your getaway.
Air Conditioning: Test your AC system and make sure it’s working well for your summer road trip.
Wipers: Your windshield wipers should be free of any indications of wear. If they’re cracked, replace them so you have good visibility during adverse weather conditions, like sudden thunder storm.
Get your vehicle ready, get packed, and take off for some fun in Michigan!
For a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Grand Rapids, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including major cities like Grand Rapids and Detroit, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs.