Getaway Guru: One Tank Trip to Mount Pleasant
With the price of gasoline reaching $4 a gallon, the idea of a one-tank vacation gets more and more attractive. Just 150 miles north of the Detroit area, Mount Pleasant is home of one of the largest casinos in the state, art museums, Central Michigan University and the Chippewa River. It offers the excitement of a casino to the peace and quiet of nature all just a tank of gas away.
Getting There
Getting to Mount Pleasant is quick and easy with just150 miles to travel from Detroit. Take I-96 west toward Lansing. When you reach the Lansing area, take exit 106B, which will put you on to US-127 north. Continue north for roughly 65 miles until you reach Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
(888) 732-4537
www.soaringeaglecasino.com
Price: from $164
Soaring Eagle is home to the largest casino in the state, operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Those who would like to try their hands at games of chance will find slot machines, table games, bingo, poker and keno. The resort offers so much more though; it is home to performances by some of the biggest names in entertainment, with outdoor concerts by stars like Santana, and Talon Night Club offers a mix of music and comedy shows throughout the week. For nearby dining, choose from Endless Options Deli offering lighter fare to the Siniikaung Steak & Chop House or Isabella's for a taste of Italy.
Related: Best One Tank Trip for Detroiters
Ziibiwing Center
6650 E. Broadway
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 775-4750
www.sagchip.org/ziibiwing
Price: $6.50 for adults, $3.75 for seniors, youths and active military personal/$4.50 for college students/$2 for teachers/free children younger than 4
Native American tribes called the Mount Pleasant area home long before it became a tourist attraction. The Ziibiwing Center offers a rare and true look into the lives, influences, contributions and culture of the tribes. The permanent display, the The Diba Jimooyung exhibit, seeks to communicate the story of the first inhabitants of the Great Lakes region and the prophecies they believed in, The Seven Teachings. It is an intriguing looking into a rich culture and proud heritage. The center also hosts special programs and revolving exhibits that promise to shed more light on the history of the Indian Tribes of the Great Lakes region.
Central Michigan University Art Gallery
251 E. Preston St.
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
Phone: (989) 774-3800
www.cmich.edu/
Price: free
Mount Pleasant is the home of Central Michigan University and the area's brightest up-and-coming artists. Each summer, the school exhibits between 60 and 70 insightful and often stunning student pieces. Also throughout the summer, enjoy an exhibit of newly acquired art at the Park Library located across the street from the art gallery as it becomes part of CMU's permanent collection. Both venues offer a unique opportunity to view the students' best artwork this year.
Chippewa River Outfitters
3763 S. Lincoln Rd.
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858
Phone: (888) 775-6077
Chippewa River Outfitters
Click here for options/call for pricing
If the outdoors is more your taste, then consider a calm and relaxing ride down the Chippewa River. Whether you want to enjoy the water close up in a tube, or prefer to paddle a kayak or canoe, there is something for everyone on the waterway. Trips range in length from three miles, which take approximately 90 minutes to a day long, to 15-mile jaunts. The outfitters will pick you up at the end of your river ride and take you back to your car at the starting point. Prices vary depending upon the type of craft you choose and the length of the ride.
The Country Chalet and Edelweiss Haus Bed and Breakfast
723 S Meridian Rd
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 772-9259
www.countrychalet.net
Price: from $109/$10 discount for multiple-night stays
Located on 20 acres, the Country Chalet and Edelweiss Haus B&B boasts lush, green gardens and ample opportunities to reconnect with nature. Each of the four guest rooms offers private baths, Wi-Fi and premium bedding along with private access to a balcony that surrounds the entire building. Rates begin at $109 per night for a couple, which includes a complete breakfast with homemade breads and other treats. Mixing up the old-time charm, the modern use of a solar hot water heating system, composting, and locally grown and produced foods make this the perfect place for conscientious consumers to rest their heads.
Award winning freelance writer and photographer Lawrence DiVizio is based in Southeast Michigan and works to convey in words and images the world around us. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
