As the weather warms, it’s time to head for Michigan’s Coldwater Country for a family fun getaway. Located in south-central Michigan along the US-12 Heritage Route, halfway between Chicago and Detroit, is an area brimming with outdoor recreation, delicious dining, unique attractions, quaint downtowns, stunning architecture, and a whole host of family fun entertainment options.
Home to more than 100 freshwater lakes Coldwater Country offers an opportunity to escape and relax on the water. It’s easy to spend the entire day on the water. One of the unique experiences in the area is the ability to travel from one lake to another through the chain of lakes. Coldwater Country is home to not only one chain of lakes but two–North Chain of Lake and South Chain of Lakes. Enjoy a leisurely pontoon ride, or kayak the Union City Heritage Water Trail, just one of nine water trails in Michigan. Try to catch the limit while reeling in the big one. Bluegill, perch, pike, and walleye are among the fish to be caught.
Spend the day at one of the area’s newest water attractions, The Aqua Pit. This inflatable aquatic playground features a multi-tiered obstacle course in the water, alongside a beach area for relaxing. Rent kayaks or paddle board for more on the water activity. It’s tons of fun for the entire family!
Take a break from the family fun to grab a bite at one of Coldwater Country’s locally owned diners, restaurants, or pubs. From grab and go breakfast to fine dining, barbeque, ethnic cuisine and more you’ll find it in Coldwater Country. Whether it’s a meal on the water, with outdoor seasonal seating, and family friendly you’re sure to enjoy the flavors, local scene, and hospitality of the area’s unique eateries.
Head to the Adventure Zone for the afternoon for mini golf, go-carts, laser tag, and a virtual reality lounge, perfect for the days when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Kids will delight in the play, and learning, at the Children’s Museum of Branch County. Children and their families can paint a masterpiece at Picasso’s Art Studio, dig for dinosaur fossils, become a dentist, put on a play and more! Take a ride on the rails with the historic Little River Railroad’s 110-year-old steam engine train.
Enjoy nature with a visit to the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary. Observe amazing animals and their tropical habitat during guided tours and animal interactions. Walk through the swamp and feed the alligators, or just watch them bask and swim at this reptile paradise.
Shop ‘til you drop at the many unique boutiques and shops throughout the area. Treasure the local antiques, enjoy homemade baked goods, one-of-a-kind accents, and jewelry. Coldwater Country is also home to Michigan’s Antique Capital–Allen, with the largest concentration of antique dealers in the Midwest. The area is home to five stately antique malls including the Allen Antique Barn, boasting two floors of more than 25,000 square feet of treasures.
The beautiful architecture of the Tibbits Opera House makes it a treat to visit year-round. Tibbits offers a diverse selection of arts and entertainment throughout the year. Or make your way to Southern Michigan’s 1,000 car, twin screen drive-in movie theater, the Capri Drive-In. Family owned and operated since 1964, the Capri Drive-In offers the unique, and often nostalgic, drive-in experience.
For a magical experience head to Colon to learn magic tricks and how to entertain a crowd. Home to magic shops, countless activities, and events, it’s no wonder they call Colon the Magic Capital of the World.
Coldwater Country also knows how to celebrate! Make sure to plan your getaway around the fun festivals and hometown events including the culinary grilling competition the Magic City Grill Fest, car shows, the annual Strawberry Festival, Pints in the Park and more!
For more on what to see and do, and where to stay, in Michigan’s Coldwater Country visit ColdwaterCountry.com.
