by Are you looking for fun things to do in Lapeer County, Michigan? Here is a list of the best places and activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. While these aren’t all of the fantastic things you can do in this neck of the woods, they are what caught my eye and made me say, lets check this out the next time we are in the area.
Explore History at the Lapeer County Historical Society
Have you taken a tour of the Lapeer County Museum? It’s an incredible place to take your kids and grandkids or spend an afternoon enriching yourself with the history of our great country. Make sure to check out all of the exhibits, including our most recent one: Vietnam. It’s an amazing way to learn about this war, and what it meant for our county and country.
The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 to 3. A donation of $2.00 per person is suggested.
Located in downtown Lapeer on the northwest corner of Nepessing and Mason, The Lapeer Heritage Museum houses our permanent collection and features seasonal curated exhibits.
Our historic courthouse is located at the corner of Court and Nepessing. It is the oldest continually operating courthouse in the state, and one of the oldest courthouses in the nation. Our Farm Shop Museum is on the site of the former Davis Brothers’ farm at the west end of Davis Lake Rd. In 2017, Sara Bates curated our Vietnam exhibits in coordination with the Lapeer County 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War Commemorative Committee.
City of Lapeer Community Center
The City of Lapeer Community Center is designed to provide year-round recreational, social, cultural, physical, and educational activities to all ages of people of the Lapeer region. The Community Center will improve the community’s quality of life through its facilities and programming.
Outside facilities include a spray park, two basketball courts, and two sand volleyball courts in the courtyard outside the pool. Come visit the facility now; it’s open seven days a week!
Youth, adults, and seniors can participate in various programs at the Community Center. The 55,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 1995 and is situated on 6.9 acres, includes an indoor six-lane competition/leisure swimming pool with a water slide and zero entry, a gymnasium with seven baskets, weight/fitness equipment, meeting/group fitness rooms, track, two racquetball courts, child care area, cycling studio, locker room facilities, and the Park & Recreation department administrative offices.
The Campground At Lapeer Water Tower RV Park
The City of Lapeer Water Tower RV Park is 3 miles north of the I-69 & M-24 intersection and just north of the downtown Lapeer commercial center. All of the pull-through sites at this 24-site campground include water, sewage, and power, and it’s conveniently located near all of the facilities you’d need for shopping or entertainment. From May 1st to October 31st, the park is only open for a limited time.
Tent campers will find an area separate from the RV sites with its fire ring, picnic table, and parking for one vehicle. There are restrooms, showers, laundry facilities nearby, and playground equipment for children.
Hop The Train at Lapeer Depot
The perfect spot for a selfie or a FB story. The historic Lapeer Train Depot, built-in 1900, is one of 21 current terminals in Michigan that serve the AMTRAK International Line, which runs between Toronto and Chicago. Because it is the only station between Port Huron and Flint, the Depot in Lapeer serves people from various nearby counties.
Over the previous 20 years, the Lapeer Depot has undergone extensive renovations. The interior of the structure and platform and the external landscape were rebuilt in 1990. The Depot received a comprehensive Historic Restoration in 2004, giving it an appearance close to that of the early 1900s.
Metamora Hot Air Balloon Festival
During the final days of summer in August look to get to Metamora. There is enough of entertainment for the entire family. You may ride in the monster truck, see the tractor pulls, and watch the hot air balloon launches. There was lots of decent food, a beer tent, and various concession stalls. There are also helicopter rides, a bouncy house and slide, and food available on the premises! Let’s not forget the balloons! The tractor and truck pull is fantastic! Bring a lawn chair and relax on the hill after the balloons take off.
The VFW Hall serves good meals. The balloon launch is one of the greatest I’ve ever witnessed. You can get up near and personal for amazing photographs. Saturday morning procession, tractor pulls At night, there is live music at the beer tent for adults only. The weekend concludes with fireworks, which put on a magnificent show for small-town America. If you’re going, arrive early; otherwise, you’ll have a lengthy walk because parking is restricted in this little town.
Downtown North Branch
North Branch is a small town in Lapeer County. It is a beautiful area with quite a bit to do, and it’s worth spending an afternoon strolling around downtown. Check out the shops, restaurants, and bars that line the streets, or spend some time in the park.
Imlay City Farmers Market
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can go to the farmers market! It is a great place to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. You will find delicious food at the Imlay City Farmers Market. The products are local and organic. Stop by on your way home from work to pick up some fresh produce for dinner. Fresh salads for dinner have never tasted so good!
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, you have room! They’re always looking for more people to sell their wares at this market. The Imlay City Farmers Market is a great way to learn about your community, get involved with local businesses, and support local farmers!
Hilton and Marjorie Tibbits Nature Sanctuary – Columbiaville
4089 Columbiaville Rd, Columbiaville, MI 48421
Since 1994, Lapeer Land Conservancy has been protecting farmland and natural areas, Supporting environmental education programs, and creating a network of land stewardship demonstration properties. They assist landowners who do not want their property subdivided or developed, by advising them of alternatives.
The Hilton and Marjorie Tibbits Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful little spot. It’s easily overlooked, with no signage on the road. There is a nature trail loop that is short, sometimes steep walk. There is a nice place for a picnic.
Almont’s Quaint Downtown District
The best thing to do in Almont is to drive around town and see the historic district. It’s not just the old stone buildings but many stores that line Main Street.
Foodies should head to Bistro Dujardin and stop by Monet Coffee, down the street from Bistro Dujardin. Another place you should check out is Joseph’s Bakery & Cafe, an upscale bakery and cafe in downtown Almont that serves a variety of delicious treats, such as their famous red velvet cupcake (a local favorite!). Try a few wines from Sutter Winery on Pleasant Hill Road and buy some wine for your trip since it’s only two hours away from Detroit!
Visit and Stay At The William Peter Mansion
This historic mansion has been converted into a bed & breakfast in the center of Columbiaville, Michigan. Visit the residence of Columbiaville’s founder, William Peter, to learn about the town’s history. This enormous home, built in 1892, symbolizes an era of riches and absolute excellence.
The Mansion has a one-of-a-kind architectural style that incorporates the cubic form of the Italianate style, which was fashionable at the time. The walls of the main hall and entry are richly paneled oak, with a stunning hard oak parquet floor. Mr. Peter was a wood specialist who adored being surrounded by beautiful examples.
Each room includes a fireplace with ornately carved wood mantels surrounding ceramic tiles in a variety of hues. Beveled glass is also used in the picture windows and entry doors. The Mansion will transport you back in time, whether you stay the night in one of their lovely bedrooms or enjoy a night of murder and mayhem! It’s also noted for its “bump in the night” paranormal activity.
Look For Deals At The Historic Farmers Market of Lapeer
Supporting local farmers is usually a smart idea. Local fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods, jellies, and other products created by the sellers themselves, are available at this market. Its mission is to provide our Lapeer community with the freshest and healthiest locally grown vegetables and Michigan-made items.
The Lapeer Farmer’s Market is a great place to meet people and spend time with your friends and family. Open May through October, Wednesday & Saturday 9 am – 3 pm At this market, you can purchase everything from eggs to flowers!
North Branch Memorial Park, North Branch
4295 Huron St, North Branch, MI 48461
This little town park is well-kept and has activities for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. A memorial garden area makes for a serine touch. T.Js Ice Cream Cabin is within walking distance when playing is over and you want to do something extra special for the kids. There are different play areas with slides and ladders for smaller and larger children. The park also has two picnic areas and pavilion. Huge trees make for a shaded area during the hot summer months.
An area has been carved out for scooters and skateboards. Ramps, transitions, and vert have been placed where riders gain enough momentum and speed to do airs and grinds on the edges.
Related Reading – 26 Things to Do in Mid-Michigan
Take a Horseback Ride Along the Southern Links Trailway
The Southern Links Trailway connects the villages of Columbiaville, Otter Lake, and Millington with a 10.2-mile asphalt paved route. The path is well-kept and provides a safe and picturesque location for biking, hiking, and equestrian riding in the neighborhood. The route contains quarter-mile markers, which are a fantastic way to keep track of your mileage gone and possibly urge you to go a bit farther or perhaps finish a full loop (20+ miles)!
The trailheads in each of the neighboring cities provide parking lots. There’s no problem if you don’t have a horse. It’s a well-kept, safe area where our family can run and ride bikes without fear of being hit by other vehicles. The Columbiaville section of the route is directly on the lake with beautiful vistas. Simply being out on the path is a wonderful way to spend a day.
Lapeer County Fair – August
The Lapeer County Fair is always held the second weekend in August. It’s Michigan’s largest free festival. It’s a fun time for everyone. You can find the fairgrounds at 425 N Saginaw Street. The fairgrounds are also used for other events throughout the year.
When you go to the fair, be sure you’re aware of everything going on by checking out their website so you won’t miss anything!
The fair features rides, games, shows, food, and animals. The midway is always a popular area with rides and games that will test your skills!
Lapeer County’s Wine Country
It may not be Napa Valley, but you’ll love Lapeer County’s own Wine Country if you love wine! It’s Michigan’s “Little Tuscany,” where you’ll find some delicious wines on-site.
Explore the wine heritage of Lapeer County with a wine tour through Sanilac, Lapeer, and St. Clair counties. This tour will take you on a historical adventure through small towns and scenic landscapes. Learn more at https://www.blueheronwinery.com/wines/tour/.
Final Thoughts on Things To Do in Lapeer County, Michigan
There is so much great stuff to do in Lapeer County, and the folks we talked with were accommodating and enthusiastic. In the end, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something here to enjoy, whether it’s on one of your driving adventures through one of Michigan’s smallest county or a visit to one of the many attractions from people who know the area best.
