Michigan? Really? Yes—Really. And Here's Why We Can't Stay Away

📍 From Arizona to the Upper Peninsula to Van Buren State Park...and back again.

Let me tell you something I didn’t expect to say on our 3-year RV journey: Michigan is stunning.

Like… top-of-the-roadtrip-list stunning. And it all started with Gordon Lightfoot.

While we were hanging out in Arizona, Uncle Earl (Brody’s great uncle) was playing The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, and suddenly our 11-year-old joined in.

Scott and I just stared at each other like, “How does he know this?”

Uncle Earl, without missing a beat, said, “You know there’s a museum about that ship up in Michigan, right?”

That one sentence rerouted our entire trip. We crossed the Mackinac Bridge in our fifth wheel, and landed in one of the most unexpectedly breathtaking places we’ve ever camped—Tahquamenon Falls State Park in early August.

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Northern Bliss: Tahquamenon Falls 🌲💦

We paid just $30/night for huge wooded sites (electric only, but dump and water were nearby).

The weather? A heavenly 65 degrees. We explored both the Upper and Lower Falls, hiked gorgeous trails, and soaked up Michigan’s forest.

One of our favorite day trips was to Whitefish Point and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Set on the edge of Lake Superior, it tells stories of the hundreds of ships—and lives—lost in these cold, deep waters.

The Edmund Fitzgerald remains the most famous, but it’s far from the only one.

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Downstate Detour: Safe Haven with Friends 🚤

Two days later, we made our way to South Haven, where our dear friends were camp-hosting at Covert/South Haven KOA.

KOAs are basically our version of a splurge vacation.

This one had a pool, splash pad, general store, and the ever-essential “jumpy thingy.”

But our favorite part? The blueberry patch in the back.

We floated down the Black River on paddleboards our friends lent us—and loved it so much, we bought our own inflatables.

It is still one of my favorite ways to enjoy God’s creation: peaceful and a good workout.

Brody did manage to sprain his ankle, but being the trooper he is, he powered through.

We also visited a fish hatchery at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery, wandered charming downtown South Haven, let the dogs loose on the dog beach, and participated in a local “farm tour for pie” event.

(Yes. That’s a thing. Yes. You want to do it.)

That’s where we discovered strawberry rhubarb pie, and basically had a spiritual experience. 🥧

This is also where Scott decided he wanted to try carnivore (check out our transformation journey here)

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Full Circle 🎶🌅

At church (Pleasant View), someone heard about our RV past and asked if we wanted to go Labor Day camping. We said yes—though I’m pretty sure he wasn’t expecting that. 😂

They usually book out six months in advance, but one site was left. Only problem? We had no money after buying a house.

A couple that couldn’t go gave us their spot—right in Van Buren State Park, just outside South Haven.

We barely knew anyone. But God showed up.

We built friendships, worshiped on the dunes, and Brody even played guitar alongside his youth group leader.

My favorite part? The sunsets and ice cream.

We’re heading back this Labor Day, and Scott’s been asked to teach.

Full circle moment.

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More Michigan Moments 🌊🍓

After we moved to Indiana, my parents came to visit, and we took them to St. Joseph, Michigan to see Lake Michigan—in hopes of luring them our way (no shame 😂).

We stopped at Base Bowls, where Summer fell in love with their delicious açaí bowls. Highly recommend if you’re in town—it’s fresh and beachy.

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Final Thoughts: God, Pie & Paddleboards 🍂

I’m so thankful we live so close to Michigan now. If you’ve never been, go. 

The lakes act like oceans—waves, horizon, breeze—reminding me of my SoCal roots in the best way.

I hear Sleeping Bear Dunes is next on our list. I’ll let you know when we go!

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A Word of Encouragement

I’m currently going through the One Year Chronological Bible and thought the wise words recorded in Proverbs would be the perfect fit here:

Proverbs 19:21
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

• God rerouted our  trip through a song and a child’s voice. 

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Let’s Pray Together

Father, thank You for the unexpected beauty You place in our path. Help us to stay open to Your leading, even when it reroutes our plans. No matter where we are in this world, give us eyes to see You and hearts that trust You. You deserve all the praise and glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

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• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. 

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Love,
Brooke @tinyurl.com/2f6yxxmb

P.S. Got a favorite Michigan spot? Drop it in the comments—I’m building my list. 💙