Spring fever is an epidemic among many suffering mid-Michigan students, but the upcoming spring break promises to bring a break in the fever and cold routines, if not the weather. Spring flowers and tropical lagoons await many who are traveling to warmer states during spring break but these things are also available without leaving Michigan, and without breaking the bank.

Spring flowers and blooming butterflies are available close by at the Midland Dow Gardens from mid-March until May. Whether it’s a cloudy day or sunny day, the butterflies are a bright way to enjoy a spring day. Admission to the Dow Gardens is $5 for adults and $1 for students ages 6-17 with open hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“When you are inside the butterfly house, you feel like you’re not in Midland anymore,” sophomore Catie Meadow said. “I feel in touch with nature because I get to touch the butterflies.”

Tropical lagoons and warm lazy rivers are also nearby in Frankenmuth at Zehnder’s Splash Village. Visitors can experience warm waters just 45 minutes away that are like oceans 1,000 miles away. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for all day adventurers with admission prices ranging from $28 to $38. Zehnder’s has activities for everyone including a six-story family raft ride, water basketball and volleyball, and a whirl hot tub for recreation and relaxation.

For nature-loving students looking for the warm, tropical jungles of far-away places, there is the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. This tropical conservatory brings those far-away places back to Michigan. The five-story conservatory brings together 500 species of plants, birds, and butterflies to create a puzzle of different creatures from many different places. Admission at the tropical conservatory is $12 for adults (14 and older) and it is typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tropical waves and surf are also available in Michigan just a two-hour drive away at the Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park at Boyne Mountain Resort. For $40 for a day pass students may enjoy the warm, spring-like air within Michigan’s largest indoor waterpark. Activities include a vertigo cannonbowl slide, glacier hot springs, a lazy river, and a rip zone surf simulator where visitors can ride mini-mavericks. The park is generally open until 9 p.m. but has varying start times.

Tropical fun and flowers are available in other places in Michigan with a little exploring. There are many ways to take a break from the cold during spring break whether it’s with a faraway vacation or a nearby staycation. By Sean Clark

For more information about Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory click Here

For more Information about Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park click Here

For more information about Dow Gardens click Here

For more Information about Zehnder’s Splash Village click Here