
Fishing Tournaments & Events
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Photo by Liz Fitch on Unsplash.com
One of the best things about West Michigan is the fresh goodness of locally grown fruits and vegetables. Various farm markets around the region offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around. Shopping for fresh produce is convenient, with many of the local farm markets open from May until September or October.
To register or for more information on Leelanau County Farmers Markets, visit leelanaufarmersmarkets.com.
Although the seasons are dependent upon the weather, we’ve listed the time periods when local crops typically are harvested.
Late April-June: Asparagus, Raspberries, Rhubarb, Strawberries
July-August: Apples, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries, Corn, Green Beans, Peaches, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tomatoes, Watermelons, Zucchini
September-October: Apples, Green Beans, Tomatoes, Watermelons, Zucchini
Interested in learning more about local agriculture? Read our story about the Agricultural Trail in Mason & Oceana Counties and download a brochure for more details.
Asparagus starts the season in the spring, with Michigan being the third largest producer in the nation. Oceana County is actually known as the “Asparagus Capital of the World,” due to its high production of this healthy crop.
Also in the spring comes the maple syrup, a true American sweetener. Here in Mason County, Kistlercrest Farm on Old PM Highway produces about 1,200 gallons of syrup every year. The real thing is thinner than the brands of syrup you buy in the supermarket, but the taste is far superior. The Kistlers also make maple sugar candy, granulated maple sugar, and at Christmas, maple cream candies.
As summer arrives, so does a bounty of fruits and vegetables, including apples, cherries, lettuce, sweet corn, and strawberries. Local farm markets and roadside stands sell the freshest produce, picked daily. Near the end of summer, it’s blueberry time. Michigan tops the list for the most blueberries grown in the nation. Various U-picks in the area let you choose your own blueberries.
Autumn is a wonderful time in West Michigan, with cool temperatures, trees sprouting gorgeous colors of reds, yellows, and oranges, and best of all…pumpkins! Driving through the countryside in search of the perfect pumpkin is enjoyable in itself, but once you arrive at your destination, you’re in for a treat. Many farms offer corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin decorating, just in time for Halloween.
West Michigan fishing tournaments give anglers a chance to add a little money to their pocket in addition to the fish in their bucket.
Grab snacks, chairs, and blankets to enjoy a family friendly movie at Manistee’s beautiful First Street Beach near the Rotary Gazebo.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
Take a tour on the Historic S.S. City of Milwaukee car ferry and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Acacia docked in Manistee, Michigan.