Spring break is in 16 days. Many families will be hopping on planes heading to beautiful, sunny destinations such as Florida, or California.

However, some of us will be stuck in Michigan. That sounds like “so much fun,” doesn’t it?

Well, with the right planning and adventures it could be. While Michigan, may not seem exotic or adventurous to us Michiganders, it can still be beautiful and fun.

Here are the top 10 places to visit in Michigan.

Traverse City

The city’s slogan is “True North,” and it lives up to it.

With museums, cherries, and adventure parks, this place really has it all.

Among the museums located in the city, there are Dennos Museum Center, and the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.

And the city is famous for its cherry orchards, which if the weather is nice enough, should be starting to bloom.

Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park is also located in this wonderful city. Here you can find several fun activities: zip lines, miniature golf, go-karts, and “swashbuckling fun for the whole family!”

All in all, this city is worth the visit even though it is 188 miles, or three hours, away.

Detroit Institute of Arts

This museum is world famous for housing beautiful artwork by artists such as Diego Rivera, Rembrandt, Seurat, Picasso, and Matisse.

Most of the artwork is permanently stationed there; however, there are some special exhibitions that are temporary. To see what exhibitions will be there at any given time and what fun activities will be happening, click here.

Located in the heart of Detroit, this museum offers culture and beautiful works of art.

Only 73 miles separates you from a chance to see some true works of art.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

If we are lucky enough to be rid of the snow, this destination can make for a fun trip.

If you have never been to the dunes, they can offer a beautiful sight and some good exercise. They overlook Lake Michigan, so after you have had your fill of walking, and if it is warm enough, you can opt to be lazy on the beach or even take a dip in the water if you are brave enough.

All that separates you from this beautiful excursion are 200 miles and three and a half hours.

Somerset Collection

Somerset houses a large collection of stores, ranging from Nordstrom and Luis Vuitton to Forever 21.

There are also some fantastic eateries housed here, including The Capital Grille, which offers its renowned dry-aged steaks.

This can be a more expensive venture. If you are interested, start saving now, then you will be able to treat yourself.

The Collection is only 57 miles away, which is only about an hour in travel time.

Frankenmuth

This destination offers a quaint town with dozens of cute little shops and some wonderful chicken.

Zehnder’s Restaurant is famous for its chicken. It is on the more expensive side, but if you love chicken it will definitely be worth the cost.

Frankenmuth is also home to an indoor water park, “Zehnder’s Splash Village.”

And, even though Christmas is far off, you could snag some great deals at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland during its off-season.

Even though you may have no specific place you want to visit, just by walking around and ducking into shops, you could have a good time and find some cute stuff.

With Frankenmuth only 22 miles — 30 minutes — away, this destination can be a fun, quick day trip.

Up North

This destination can vary from person to person, but one thing remains constant: it always offers a lot of fun.

Some people own cabins, others rent, and still others pitch a tent up in the great outdoors. Activities here can range from boating, riding a quad, sitting around campfires, and playing the Michigan go-to game of euchre.

It is common for friends and family to gather together on summer weekends Up North, away from technology and the noise of the city, so it might be worthwhile to travel north for spring break when there will be fewer tourists.

The distance can vary, but it can take some people an hour to get to their favorite destination Up North, while for others it may take three to four hours.

Detroit Zoo

Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!

All sorts of species and animals can be found at this fun location. From polar bears to something as common as an eagle, there is sure to be an animal for everyone.

Food and refreshments are found throughout the vast zoo. On certain days the zoo also puts on special activities, so be sure to investigate what will be going on during your trip.

In light traffic it should only take a little over an hour, or 65 miles, to get there.

The Whiting

On the last few days of spring break, The Whiting will be putting on the beloved classic, “Annie.”

This fun musical showcases the life of a young girl in an orphanage.

Through a series of events, Annie ends up living as one of the well-to-do New Yorkers. Humor- and comedy-filled, this musical can be a good way to spend time over break and get out of the house.

And, the best news, The Whiting is only 11 minutes, or six and a half miles away from KHS.

Sloan Museum — Longway Planetarium

Over spring break there will be some interesting things happening at the Sloan Museum, but isn’t there always?

The 2 by 2 show will be in the Buick Gallery and will only be here for the next few months, ending on May 29. This car show features 20 cars, broken up into pairs.

There is also a fun, yet educational, clean-water maze going on: Water’s Extreme Journey.

Visitors to this maze will be educated on how to keep our water clean. With various activities including a zip slide, a water cycle puzzle Mirror-Mirror, and much more, this could be fun day spent with younger siblings or friends to get in touch with the Earth and your inner child.

Just like every other month, there will also be a First Friday at Longway event.

On the third of the month, you could also enjoy some yoga under the stars; however, get your tickets fast, this event is a hot seller.

And, on April 9, the Back to the Moon for Good show opens at the planetarium.

Located in the same plaza as The Whiting, this location can offer a lot of fun for only a little travel time.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

Yes, this is the second shopping location on this list, but there are more than just stores at this shopping center.

This place offers everything from stores to food to, yes, even an aquarium.

It was named the largest indoor outlet mall in Michigan for a reason — it has a lot of stores. Some of the biggest retailers have come together in this one location, including Michael Kohr’s, Bath & Body Works, Art Van, Group USA: The Clothing Company, and countless more.

And it is not just the stores that are in good taste. Some excellent cuisine can be found here as well. Ranging from Dairy Queen to Rainforest Café, there is a restaurant here for everybody.

The outlets opened their new aquarium SEA LIFE Michigan just a year ago, and it has been a big hit with shoppers ever since. And less than a month ago, the aquarium added a new exhibit: Claws, the giant Japanese spider crab.

Located in Auburn Hills, this fantastic center is only a 35- to 40-minute drive, or 41 miles away.

All of these locations can offer an adventure for the whole family, and none require a plane ride or a trip over state borders.

These can each offer an inexpensive, quick trip during spring break, as well as over summer break.

Good times in Michigan are closer than you think.