Pre-Trip Fun for Western Michigan

"Escanaba in da Moonlight" -- Jeff Daniels wrote, directed and stars in this silly hunting comedy that takes place in the Greak Lakes region. If you don't mind the theme (deer-lovers beware), older kids may get a kick out of the offbeat humor. (Teens)

Whitefish -- Lightly breaded whitefish is a Northern Michigan staple.

Cherry Pie -- Northern Michigan's signature food is the cherry. What better way to celebrate it than surrounding it in flaky crust? (A la mode, if you dare.)

"Tears for Mother Bear" by Anne Margaret Lewis -- Through a touching legend, readers learn the enchanged past of Michigan's state stone. Nice for fans of "The Legend of Sleeping Bear." (Ages 4 to 8)

"M Is for Mitten, A Michigan Alphabet Edition" by Annie Appleford -- Kids can learn to read while discovering some of the state's highlights, including Vernor's soda and Kellogg's cereal. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Cherries Can Be Fun" by Suzanne Donohoe -- Travel with Bobby to the National Cherry Festival, which celebrates Michigan's most loved fruit. (Ages 6 to 8)

"Curious Kids' Activity Guide to Michigan" by Emily Eisbruch -- Written by a mom who's traveled all over Michigan, this colorful guidebook covers hundreds of fun things for kids to see and do. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Terror Stalks Traverse City (A Michigan Chillers Book)" by Johnathan Rand -- Talk about a scare tactic. Nothing makes a place more interesting than adding a little mystery. (Ages 9 to 12)

"The Great Lakes: A Literary Field Guide" by Sara St. Antoine -- All about what makes the Great Lakes great, from its Native American history to quicksand bogs and 400-foot dunes (Ages 9 to 12)

"Explore Michigan -- Traverse City: Insider's Guide to Michigan" by George Cantor -- Older teens looking to scope out cool things to do can flip through this more adult-focused guide. (Ages 15 and Up)

Lighthouse in a Bottle -- With just a little help from you, kids can turn everyday household items into a beachy reminder of the Lakes.

Sand Mosaics -- These easy, sparkly crafts can be made into postcards to send during your trip; or make them after using local sand the family collected.