Consider Michigan for Your Next Assignment
Have you ever thought about visiting Michigan?
Michigan is the only state whose borders touch four of the five Great Lakes and has one of the longest freshwater coastlines, second only to Alaska. Yet, even if you don't enjoy being around the water or water sports, there are other great reasons to pick Michigan as your next travel assignment. Let's take a look at some of those.
It's a Winter Wonderland
The state of Michigan sits just under Canada. The winter's promise snow, and they rarely disappoint. If you're looking for hockey and maple syrup, the northern reaches of Michigan is just what you've been searching for. Canada is just a bridge or tunnel way, and suddenly you're in a completely different country while working in the U.S. Even if you're working in Detroit, you can often fly very cost-effectively to the cosmopolitan city of Toronto, or visit Montreal or Quebec. It's important to remember American travelers will need a passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license to get into and out of Canada.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is technically on Lake Huron, between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Although there are nearly 35,000 islands in the state of Michigan, Mackinac is likely the best known. The island is only accessible by a ferry, and once you arrive, you'll find you've been transported back to a more specific place and time. There are no cars, buses, or other motor vehicles on the island. People get around in horse-drawn carriages, hiking, or on bicycles.
Plan a trip to the island when you have time to stay for a day or two. Although it is accessible year-round, the bulk of the businesses begin to wind down in October. During the summer months, the highs hover near 75 degrees, and the evening sinks into the 50s. Much Mackinac Island is a parkland with miles of trails that are perfect for hiking and horseback riding.
Walking Tours and Forests
But you don't have to go to Mackinac Island for walks on wooded trails. Michigan has at least seven areas where you can walk through old-growth forests. Some of these include Sylvania wilderness, which takes up 18,000 Acres near Ottawa National Forest in the western Upper Peninsula. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 60,000 acres in the ancient mountain range in the upper peninsula. Warren Woods National Natural Landmark is further south along the western shores and is one of the last known stands of virgin beach maple in southern Michigan. Detroit, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City all offer unique walking tours that cover beer breweries, sidewalk food, city landmarks, and local haunts.
Don't Forget About the Beaches!
Whether you enjoy large bodies of water or not, it's hard to overlook the beaches in Michigan. Grand Haven is a classic summer area where you can enjoy a 48-acre state park and one of the most popular spots in Michigan. There is a beautiful red lighthouse, boardwalks that go to the center of town, and fabulous eating. There's even a pet-friendly beach where you can take your furry friend. Empire Beach is another beautiful area nestled in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It's a dog-friendly beach that's perfect for adventurous vacationers who want to combine being near the water with bird watching, hiking, and enjoying nature. Copper Harbor is another place where you can combine the scenic beauty of mountain trail systems and large areas of water. There are dozens of quaint galleries, games of mini-golf, and a beautiful beach just across from the lighthouse.
Are You Ready for a Trip to Michigan? Call GetMed!
As a traveling nurse, you're afforded the unique opportunity to enjoy the culture, community, and healthcare environment of different areas across the U.S. While developing your career options is essential, traveling to remarkable places that offer sites and experiences you can't get elsewhere is a dividend of taking a traveling assignment. Call us today! We are excited about helping you find your next assignment.