Michigan’s Best Travel Deals: Fall specials Up North, camping spots

It’s hard to believe we’re looking at fall travel deals already, but if you’re someone who likes to plan ahead then you’ll have plenty of options for fun things to do as the weather turns cooler, all while saving money.

Here are some deals that hit our inbox this week. They range from low October prices at one of Mackinac Island’s fanciest resorts to a hugely popular event at Boyne Mountain in November. And for camping fans, we’ve also tucked a KOA deal in here, too.

Here are the highlights:

#1 Boyne Mountain’s WreathFest Weekend

You can score early access to tickets for this popular wreath-making and pre-holiday event event by booking lodging at Boyne Mountain for its WreathFest Weekend. Sweetwater Floral is leading the wreath-making workshop, and there’s plenty of activities on deck for a fun weekend. See more details on Boyne’s website here. What to know:

• Lodging starting at $155 per night
• Valid November 8 – 10, 2024
• Exclusive early access to WreathFest 2024 tickets
• Includes complimentary scenic chairlift rides, bonfire & s’mores, and more.
• To book, call 855.264.1074 and mention WreathFest

#2 Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel

The Celebrate Michigan package is available at Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel, and October is going to be the month with the deepest savings. Deals are still available on August and September travel to the island’s iconic hotel, but the best deals happen in late fall.

“We are thrilled to share that the annual Celebrate Michigan sale is still available, offering the best savings of the season, including $199 per person rates in October,” Grand Hotel marketing staff said. “This limited-time offer includes exclusive deals on accommodations, dining, and exciting Mackinac Island activities.”

Find more details on Grand Hotel’s website here.

The $199 rate is based on double-occupancy. A single rate of $285 per night is also available. To reserve a spot, you can call Grand Hotel reservations at 1-800-334-7263 or book online.

The Celebrate Michigan package includes:

• Breakfast & Dinner daily
• 25% off Lunch Daily at Grand Hotel restaurants
• One round of miniature golf on The Gem
• 25% off golf on The Jewel, including cart rental
• Admission for one visit per room to Fort Mackinac
• Admission to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Art Museum

#3 KOA Rewards Deal for Fall Campers

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) reached out to us with news about a deal it is offering its KOA rewards members this fall: Campers booking a stay from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30 with their KOA Rewards account will earn double the points, in addition to the standard 10% discount. See all the details here on KOA’s website.

“With over 500 campgrounds across North America, KOA has the perfect place for every camper to wake up to crisp mornings, explore colorful landscapes and cozy up under starlit skies,” KOA marketing staff said.

We asked KOA for details on some of its popular campgrounds in Michigan, and here a couple of the spots they suggested, with KOA descriptions provided:

Gaylord South / Bradford Lake KOA Holiday | Frederic, Michigan

1. Nestled right on beautiful Big Bradford Lake, near Otsego Lake State Park, Gaylord South/Bradford Lake KOA is your perfect Northern Michigan lakeside getaway. Make the trek 15 minutes north to be smack dab in the middle of Gaylord’s golf mecca or explore the Alpine Village of Gaylord. Hikers and bikers will find themselves nearby the many trails between Gaylord and Mackinaw City.

Traverse City KOA in Buckley

1. Right in the beautiful Northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, only 15 minutes from Traverse City, this is the Cherry Capital of the World. Traverse City KOA is the home of 119 sites, both sunny and shaded, ranging from rustic tent sites to Deluxe Cabins to meet all your camping needs.