The Ultimate Summer Bucket List – Mt. Pleasant!
As a CMU senior, I’ve attended college here for the last four years, yet I have never experienced a summer in Mt. Pleasant. I have always heard about big community events, summer concerts and festivals downtown. Upon completion of my internship with the Mt. Pleasant Area CVB, I learned so much about Mt. Pleasant and what there is to do in the area, that I might not have known before. So I wanted to capitalize on that and make my own version of what my summer bucket list would look like for a summer spent in Mt. Pleasant.
Painting the Intersections: Saturday, June 2
I have heard of this event in the past and always notice the artwork while driving/walking along Broadway Street. This year Art Reach of Mid-Michigan is allowing the public to paint two different intersections (Main and Broadway & University and Broadway). For anyone wanting to get involved, what better way to put your stamp on the world than to contribute to the yearly displayed artwork on the street?!
Back to the Bricks Promo Tour Car Show: Friday, June 8
I was raised in a car-loving family, so this is a must for me. I’ve always enjoyed the beauty of maintained and remodeled old-fashion cars. I grew up going to the Woodward Dream Cruise, so this would be fun to see a similar event with all the local Mt. Pleasant enthusiasts. As with any car show, whether you come as a spectator or a car owner, you’re guaranteed a good time!
Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival: Saturday, June 9
This downtown event features some of the greatest brews & ciders throughout the state of Michigan. I am a HUGE craft beer fan and one of my favorite things to do is try new flavors of different Michigan ales. What better place to do this than in the heart of Michigan; Downtown Mt. Pleasant. Featuring craft brews, live music and food vendors, this event is on the top of my list.
Thrilling Thursdays: June – August
These are FREE weekly events, open to the public from June through August, showcasing different activities each week. One I wanted to add to my list is Yogapalooza. I have participated in communal yoga classes before and had a blast. I love yoga but never have the time or money to join a class, until now! Just like past years, this yoga class will be held outdoors on the grass in downtown Mt. Pleasant.
Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series: June-August
The Max & Emily’s summer concert series returns to downtown Mt. Pleasant for it’s 10th year. With amazing music, dancing in the streets, and good eats, this is a must-do bucket list idea. Each year adds new talent and excitement to the community. This year welcomes back crowd favorite and Michigan native, Jeff Daniels (among others). These family friendly concerts are free to all and goes on throughout the summer.
Thursday Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market | June 7 – October 25 at Island Park
Saturday Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market | June 30 – October 13 at City Hall
I love farmer’s markets, shopping for fresh produce is such an enjoyable summer experience. I look forward to seeing new products and friendly faces. To my surprise many other items are offered as well, like: flowers, crafts, baked goods, organic meats, and sometimes-even fun drinks. The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market will be going on throughout summer and some of fall, so don’t miss out!
Movies by Moonlight: August
There’s no better way to spend a cool summer evening than sitting out on lawn chairs and sharing blankets with your friends and family to enjoy an outdoor movie. This is such a fun idea and almost nostalgic in the best way. I am looking forward to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Movies don’t start until August but it’s worth the wait considering the best part, it’s absolutely FREE! Showings include: Leap (August 4), Star Wars: The Last Jedi (August 11), Coco (August 18) and Jumanji (August 25)
Art Walk Central/Artist Battle: August 6 – 30
As someone who enjoys the arts, I can’t wait to see what will be showcased this year! This event put on by Art Reach of Mid Michigan sets up all of Mt. Pleasant as an art gallery, while 100 plus artists compete for $10,000 in prizes. From paintings to sculptures, to photography and crafts, there is something for every art enthusiast.
Disc Golf: Anytime
This is an awesome summer activity and seems to be a leisure sport that everyone has gotten into, except for me. I really want to learn to play and with Deerfield Nature Park courses being ranked the 11th best in Michigan, it looks like that’s the place I want to be! All you need is a couple of disc golf discs, some friends or family, and a nice summer day.
Putt Putt/ Ice Cream at the Golf Center: Anytime
I didn’t know there was miniature golf around here, and I am so excited there is! This hidden gem is another cool Mt. Pleasant summer idea and is located at The Golf Center. Putt Putt with family and friends is really nostalgic and fun for all ages. This is on my list for an afternoon of leisurely fun. Be sure to visit the ice cream shop for an after-round treat, complete with delicious, homemade waffle cones.
Zip Line at Snow Snake: Anytime
I am a thrill seeker, so of course I need to experience the adventure of Central Michigan’s Snow Snake Zip Line Tour. Complete with TEN unique zip lines, the longest line is over 820 ft. long and the highest is over 75 ft.; that is taller than a five-story building, count me in! This activity is a bit pricier coming out to $55, but worth it to enjoy this thrill seeking adventure.
GKB Riverwalk Trail/Access Adventure Trail: Anytime
A friend recommended this trail to me and it looks awesome! The GKB Riverwalk Trail spans 1.8 miles along the Chippewa River and connects Chipp-A-Waters Park to Pickens Field. The trail includes the access adventure trail, and audio guide option, and connects five of Mt. Pleasant’s most popular city parks. For anyone looking for some time to get away and enjoy the beauty of nature, this one’s for you.
Kayak down the Chippewa River: Anytime
Nothing sounds more relaxing than floating down a river on a hot summer day. The past four years I have yet to experience the Chippewa River. It seems to be a “college go-to” in the summer and I am curious to check it out. You can kayak from any of the launching sites along the Chippewa River and end up at one of the parks for an afternoon picnic trip with family and friends.
Summer in Mt. Pleasant is jam packed with fun! Be sure to share summer fun photos with us, as you check off activities on the summer bucket list! Tag @mtpleasantcvb and use #MtPleasantMI. Also, look out for our summer photo contest #ILoveMtP coming in June!
Natalie Campbell is a CMU Alumni from Central Michigan University who studied Integrative Public Relations with a minor in Fashion Merchandising and Design. Natalie was also an Intern for the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau during the spring 2018 semester.
