Father’s Day is almost here (Sunday, June 16th)! This year, why not honor dad with a trip to scenic White Lake? A relaxing hotel room, outdoor fun, delicious food, and some quality together time with the family may be just what he needs for a memorable Father’s Day weekend.
Ahead, we’ve compiled a list of some events we’re sure the dad in your life will love. But first — we’ll mention one annual event you certainly won’t want to miss over the weekend…
The 41st Annual White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival
This Father’s Day weekend — Saturday, June 15th & Sunday, June 16th — the White Lake community will celebrate its 41st Annual White Lake Arts & Crafts Festival.
This highly-anticipated event celebrates arts and crafts in all their forms — with more than 70 creative artists and crafters showing their makes and wares! Come with the whole family to peruse the wide array of goods that will be for sale — from stained glass and items for the garden to wood furniture, jewelry, children’s toys, paintings and prints, and much more!
The event will also host a wide array of talented musicians, performing live throughout the weekend. While shopping and enjoying the music, don’t forget to partake in some delicious local specialties from area food trucks. There will even be games and activities for the kids!
Where: Goodrich Park in Whitehall
When: Saturday, June 15, 2019 @ 10am – 5pm, Sunday, June 16, 2019 @ 11am – 4pm
What: Arts and crafts booths, live music, food trucks, jump house & inflatable obstacle course
5 More White Lake Activities to Do With Dad This Father’s Day
#1 – Book a charter fishing trip.
For the dad who loves to fish, charter fishing makes the perfect day out. Forget packing all that cumbersome fishing equipment yourself. The team you charter with will do it all for you! All dad has to do is sit back, enjoy the ride, and fish till his heart’s content.
Here are some places in White Lake where you can book a charter trip as soon as today:
#2 – Spend the afternoon disc golfing.
One of the simplest sports that everyone can enjoy, a round of disc golf is the perfect Father’s Day activity. Never played before? Not to worry — it’s easy to get the hang of this fun sport on your first try. Whether you’re a complete newbie or an old pro, it’s always a good time!
As with traditional golf, the goal of disc golf is to send your Frisbee-like disc into the “hole” (a wire basket) at each stop on the course. Most disc golf courses have around 18 holes, though some have more or less, and you can generally choose the number of holes you want to play (it’s pretty relaxed). Along the course, you’ll encounter similar challenges as traditional golf — water, wooded areas, hills, and other obstacles.
Check out our page on disc golf in White Lake to find a course to try out while you’re here.
#3 – Or … play some traditional golf with dad.
For dads who prefer a golf ball to a disc, there are plenty of amazing golf courses in our area as well! Just check out our White Lake area golf page to find the perfect course for your dad.
#4 – Bike, paddle & kayak your way around White Lake.
Just across Dowling Street from our lakeside inn in Montague, you’ll find WaterDog Outfitters. This local rental outlet has everything you’ll need for a fun trip biking, paddling, or kayaking around White Lake, White River, the Hart-Montague Bike Trail, or our local downtown areas. The choice is yours!
Bike: Both single and tandem bikes can be rented from WaterDog Outfitters. Take your bikes out on the Hart-Montague Bike Trail (access is right out our front door), and head as far north as you want. The entirety of the paved, well-maintained trail is 22 miles. Check out the map found here to plan your route!
Of course, you’re also free to bike around town. There are many shops, pubs, and restaurants to check out at your leisure.
Paddle: WaterDog Outfitters also provides SUPs (stand up paddle boards), perfect for exploring the many bodies of water in our area. Take your boards out on White Lake or White River — just ask for instruction if you’re new to this super-fun watercraft!
Kayak: If standing up for a paddle on the lake or river isn’t your cup of tea, have a seat in the single or tandem kayak of your choice. Kayaking makes a great daytime activity, and you can even paddle on over to one of the area’s on-the-water dining establishments, park your kayaks, and enjoy a meal during your excursion!
WaterDog Outfitters also rents and sells an array of skateboards and accessories, home décor, apparel, disc golf equipment, and more.
#5 – Pack your cooler and head to the beach!
You’d be remiss if you didn’t get a good glimpse of Lake Michigan while you’re here — so why not make a day of it!
If dad’s idea of a good Father’s Day isn’t gearing up for a fishing trip or paddling or riding around town, a relaxing day at Lake Michigan might be just what the doctor ordered. White Lake is right in the middle of the most beautiful 26 miles of coastline on Lake Michigan.
If you’re looking for a great go-to beach in the area, we recommend heading over to Duck Lake State Park. The park itself is large, and within it, right along N. Scenic Drive, you’ll find a beach area on Lake Michigan that’s sandy and perfect for swimming. You can also check out our beaches page to find other area beaches perfect for you and your crew!