Things to Do In Flint, Michigan

Whether you’ve lived in Flint, MI, for years, recently relocated to the area, or will be stopping through on the way to your next destination, there are plenty of things to do and places to explore. With a diverse community that promotes and fosters the arts and that also boasts a healthy college population, Flint, MI offers a variety of things to do and see for visitors and residents alike. 

This guide from Storage of America can help you explore both well-known and hidden gems in Flint that you’re sure to enjoy.

Food and Lodging

Trip planning should always include these two necessities. After all, it’s not much of a trip if you don’t have anywhere to stay and you’re always hungry. According to Trip Advisor, the top five  hotels in Flint, MI are:

  1. Best Western Plus Flint Airport Inn & Suites
  2.  Hyatt Place Flint / Grand Blanc
  3. Hampton Inn and Suites Flint / Grand Blanc
  4. Baymont by Wyndham Flint 
  5. Hilton Garden Inn Flint Downtown

When it comes to food, restaurants in the area offer a wide variety of options to fit any taste. Italia Gardens of Flint, Grill of India, Sagano Japanese Bistro & Steak House, Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery, and Flint Crepe Company are just a few examples of the various options offered in Flint.

Activities to Do Year Round

The weather in Flint changes with the seasons. As a city that experiences all four seasons with particularly cold winters that often see a lot of snow and temperatures that don’t rise above freezing, the activities that you engage in while visiting Flint will largely depend upon the time of year in which you visit.

Indoor Activities

Flint, MI offers a number of indoor activities for visitors to engage in, whether you’re looking to escape the cold of winter or the heat of summer, or if you just prefer to stay indoors regardless of the weather. Those with an interest in artwork will find themselves right at home at the Flint Institute of Arts, which boasts a wide variety of artwork from different cultures, including:

  1. America
  2. Africa
  3. Asian
  4. Europe
  5. Contemporary 

The Institute also boasts an on-site cafe for those who wish to grab a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine during their visit.

If you’re traveling with young children, you likely know how important it is to keep them engaged and entertained on any trip. Flint Children’s Museum is the perfect destination for any traveler looking for a fun activity for their children. The museum boasts a number of interactive exhibits that teach children about various scientific concepts through playful activities, such as an augmented reality sandbox, magnet wall, and raceway ramps.

Perhaps you like to set your eyes on the skies. In that case, consider paying a visit to the Longway Planetarium. With a variety of shows to choose from, those with an interest in the skies can find plenty to keep them busy and entertained.

Outdoor Activities 

For those looking to spend more time outside than in, Flint also offers many activities to choose from. If you enjoy a historic flair to your activities, consider paying a visit to Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. An authentic Great Lakes town from the turn of the last century, Crossroads boasts a multitude of attractions, including:

  1. 34 historic structures and a thriving community
  2. Rides on the Huckleberry Railroad 
  3. Shows at the Colwell Opera House.

If spending time in nature is a more appealing endeavor, consider the For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum, an expansive, 116 acre arboretum. Experiences include:

  1. 1800 woody specimens representing 157 species, 
  2. Hands-on experience with live animals
  3. Education on how flora and fauna coexist in a healthy ecosystem at this expansive, 116 acre arboretum. 

Should you find yourself in Flint, MI during the warmer months, you would be remiss to not pay a visit to Bluebell Beach & Flint River Bike Path. Boasting sand, sun, water, and a number of pavilions to sit under, Bluebell Beach offers everything you could want from a day at the beach. For children, there is also the Splash Pad Playground available from 8 am – 8 pm at no cost between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. 

Historical Sites

In addition to the previously mentioned Crossroads Village, Flint, MI offers other historical sites to visit. Residents can visit the Flint Arches at Saginaw Street, an 1899 landmark of arches that were among the first of their kind to bring electrical light to a main street in the United States. The arches also symbolize the auto industry that bloomed in Flint during the turn of the 20th century.

Continuing with Flint’s tradition as an automotive pioneer, tourists can also visit the Applewood Estate, which belonged to automotive pioneer Charles Stewart Mott. The 34-acre estate boasts an apple orchard, extensive gardens, a gatehouse, a barn, and a coop, although the estate no longer operates as an active farm.

Visitors can also take an hour-long tour of the Whaley House Museum, a Victorian-era house that provides a look back into America’s Gilded Age, providing information about the Whaley family, American culture, politics, and the city of Flint during the final decades of the nineteenth century. The museum also offers a variety of special events, such as a History Happy Hour lecture series, quilting bee, and Christmas at Whaley House.

Plan Your Adventure with Storage of America Today

These are just a few of the exciting adventures you can hope to embark on when you explore Flint, Michigan. With a variety of storage sizes to choose from and month-to-month leasing, Storage of America offers a convenient, flexible method to store your belongings while you settle into your new home or renovate your existing one. Whether you’re planning a short stay, long stay, or permanent relocation, we hope these suggestions have given you several ideas for how to spend your time in Flint, Michigan. 

Self Storage Facilities in Michigan

Planning Your Benton Harbor Adventure: Travel Tips for RVers and Boaters

With its picturesque beaches, options for family fun, and proximity to the St. Joseph River, Benton Harbor is the perfect destination for RV and boating enthusiasts alike. To help you explore your options for having fun in Benton Harbor, our team at Storage of America has collected a variety of places to stay and things to do. Whether you live right here in town or you’re planning a visit, we’ve got you covered!

Where is Benton Harbor?

Located in southwestern Michigan, Benton Harbor is a beach town off the coast of Lake Michigan. Established between the St. Joseph River and the Paw Paw River, Benton Harbor is an ideal tourist destination. For the best routes, consider taking I-95 or M-63.

What To Expect While Visiting Benton Harbor

Despite its northern Midwest location, Benton Harbor has a fairly mild climate with warm, humid summers and moderate winters. If you’re planning on visiting during the summer months, expect temperatures to be in a range of 77 to 83° F, with mild evenings.

Best Things To Do in Benton Harbor

One of the largest events of the year in Benton Harbor and surrounding areas is the Blossomtime Festival. Taking place in early May, this is the oldest and largest multi-community festival. With an emphasis on the importance of agriculture and education, the Blossomtime Festival holds a Grand Floral Parade, Run for the Buds, and much more.

Are you looking for more outdoorsy adventures? You can also enjoy boating on the surrounding rivers leading into Lake Michigan, camping at Eden Springs Park & Campground, or golfing at Harbor Shores. The possibilities are endless! For some fun in the sun, check out some popular beaches in Benton Harbor, such as:

● Silver Beach

● Lions Park Beach

● Tiscornia Park – St. Joseph

These clean, wide, and beautiful beaches are far less crowded than others with various points of public access available.

Benton Harbor boasts a vibrant dining scene with a variety of delightful options to suit every palate. Starting with breakfast or an early lunch, be sure to stop by the Mason Jar Cafe. If you’re looking for something more casual, check out North Pier Brewing Co., or enjoy your meal on the water at Plank’s Tavern. After a busy day of exploring, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at one of the many charming local restaurants around Benton Harbor!

Places To Stay in Benton Harbor

For everyone looking for a camping experience, Eden Springs has everything you need. Perfect for your RV hookup, Eden Springs offers 42 full-service sites. They also offer tent camping sites or cabin rentals if that is more convenient for you.

If camping or cabin life is not for you, there are a variety of hotel options available in Benton Harbor–The Inn at Harbor Shores and the Boulevard Inn & Bistro are great places to start.

Dynamic Recreation and Family Fun

Fishing and boating are extremely popular in Benton Harbor. With a variety of boat ramps to choose from, this can be a breeze. All of these options on the St. Joseph River feed directly to Lake Michigan to make your trip even more exciting. If you do not have a boat of your own but have a passion for fishing, fishing charter options are also available.

Benton Harbor is a great place to bring the whole family. One of the most popular family-friendly destinations is Higbee’s Farm. Open from mid-July to mid-September, this family-owned, family friendly farm is a great place to bring the kid for picnicking and peach picking throughout the summer.

Find Your Benton Harbor Self Storage Solution With Storage of America

Whether you’re already a resident or you want to make Benton Harbor a regular vacation destination, simplify your schedule by storing your belongings at Storage of America on Townline Road. Equipped with climate controlled units, drive-up access, and auto-pay, our Townline location is the storage experience you can count on.

Rent or reserve your convenient, affordable self storage unit in Benton Harbor, MI,  or contact our friendly storage professionals to learn more today!

A Summer Guide to the Best RV Road Trip Routes in the Midwest

The Midwest is more than just a flyover region. From cities to national parks, lakes to badlands, amusement parks to legendary restaurants, a road trip through the Midwest has it all—with a touch of hospitality. We’ve compiled some essential tips and insider knowledge on hidden gems in the Midwest you’ll have to hit on your next RV adventure, giving you a well-rounded trip featuring cities, camping, cuisine, and everything in between.

The Ultimate Midwest Road Trip

Stop 1: Sandusky, OH

The best RV trip in the U.S. has an exciting start. On the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, OH, is an RV campground just steps from the roller coaster capital of America—Cedar Point. Thrill seekers can spend their day zooming through globally renowned loop-de-loops, while those seeking relaxation can lay out by Cedar Point Beach. You can conveniently park your RV at Lighthouse Point, and if you want to explore more of Ohio, Cleveland is only an hour away.

Stop 2: Chicago, IL

A group of men playing beach volleyball on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Our adventure takes a clockwise loop around the Midwest, and our next stop moves along the Michigan border to the Windy City. Spend your day visiting world-class museums, including the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and enjoy fantastic restaurants, from deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s to infamous “snarky service” at Ed Debevic’s.

If you’re worried about where to park your motor home in the Midwest’s largest city, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many parks and campgrounds are there. Here are a few great options. 

Stop 3: Minneapolis, MN

A waterfall, Minnehaha Falls, surrounded by rocks and green foliage during the day in Minneapolis, MN.

It’s time to head northwest through Wisconsin to the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota may be known for blistering winters, but the summer can bring about some fantastic vacations. Discover waterfalls at Minnehaha Park, shop after visiting an aquarium and amusement park at Mall of America, and bike along the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway. There are several campgrounds in the area for you to choose from, and here are our favorites.

Stop 4: Black Hills National Forest, SD

Badlands National Park in South Dakota at sunset.

South Dakota is appropriately nicknamed the Mount Rushmore State, but the natural beauty of the Black Hills National Forest goes beyond the four presidents. After a picturesque drive from Minneapolis, check out the striking rock formations in the Badlands, see a massive sculpture-in-progress at Crazy Horse Memorial, and drive through the wilds of Bear Country USA. With so much nature to be found, your hardest decision will be choosing where to camp. Here are some suggestions:

Stop 5: Lake of the Ozarks, MO

A bird’s-eye view of Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks on a sunny day.

The stretch from the Black Hills to the Ozarks is long but has plenty to enjoy. As you pass through Nebraska, take a pit stop at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, voted number one nationwide and only 15 minutes from the Lake Manawa Campground. On the way to Missouri, grab some world-famous barbecue at Joe’s Kansas City, where the Z-Man Sandwich is unparalleled. 

The Lake of the Ozarks has something for everyone. Whether you want to explore the caverns of Bridal Cave, refine your palette at the Ozark Distillery and Brewery, or zip line through the trees on the Osage-8 Canopy Tour, you can end your day at a popular lakeside restaurant like H. Toad’s or Captain Ron’s, or just relax by the water. The Ozarks are a perfect spot for some quintessential RV camping in the Midwest, and here are some of our choice campsites in the area.

Stop 6: St. Louis, MO

The Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis at sunset.

As one final stop before heading back on the road leading to Ohio, St. Louis is just as iconic as its Gateway Arch. Explore an enormous architectural playground at the City Museum, meet the Clydesdales on the Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour, and enjoy toasted ravioli at Anthonino’s Taverna. For easy RV camping, see the following spots.

Store Your RV at the End of Your Adventure at Storage of America

Now that you’ve got many trip recommendations, you might need some RV storage ideas for where to park at the end of your journey. Storage of America has secure, convenient vehicle and RV storage solutions across the Midwest. From indoor parking to covered spaces, we’ll help you end your adventure somewhere affordable and dependable that isn’t your driveway.

Contact us today to find your ideal RV and boat storage, and find us in a city near you!