Travel Tips: Michigan International Speedway

Michigan International Speedway will play host to the NASCAR Camping World Truck (VFW 200) and Sprint Cup (Pure Michigan 400) Series. This two-mile, tri-oval, 18-degree turn banking racetrack - which is located in Lenawee County - is sure to provide some exciting weekend racing. You can follow Michigan International Speedway on Twitter and Facebook.

The most recent winner at this racetrack was Dale Earnhardt Jr. (June 2012) and there is sure to be a huge number of spectators at this facility to see if he will become a repeat winner along with working his way back to capturing the points lead, which was lost this past weekend due to his finish at Watkins Glen.

For this week’s edition of Travel Tips, I will be sharing a number of venue suggestions from the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce website. The area motto is “enjoyment and beauty in every season.”

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-Golfing:

Clarke Lake Golf Course is located approximately 10-12 minutes northwest from the speedway. There are three courses located on over 9600 yards of irrigated land – East Nine, North Nine and South Nine. Rates & Specials, click here.

Hills’ Heart of the Lakes Golf Course is located approximately 10 minutes south of the speedway. This 18-hole, uniquely designed facility is owned and operated by Mike Hill, PGA Tour Pro Player. It is know to be “a golf masterpiece that is both rewarding and challenging to players of every skill level.” Rates & Specials, click here.

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-Local Attractions:

The Buffalo Ranch will provide area visitors with the opportunities to either go horseback riding or taking a wagon ride to feed some buffalos. Other activities on the ranch include zip lining or sitting by campfires. It is located approximately 20 minutes from the speedway. Prices, click here.

Cherry Creek Schoolhouse Winery is located approximately five minutes from the speedway and provides a family friendly environment for visitors. One of the two wineries is located in a historic 1870 schoolhouse and one house rule is that “all visitors under the age of 12 are required to ring the 142 year old school bell once before their parents will be served.” Sample tasting items such as Butter Fudge and Michigan Cherry Preserves as well as gourmet items such fresh pressed Artisan Olive Oil and 18-year old Italian Balsamic Vinegar are available. Additionally, there is a selection of wines to choose from for your wine tasting pleasure along with a selection of appetizers. Locations and Operating Hours, click here.

Port to Port Adventure Golf offers some fun-filled family fun with a 19-hole adventure miniature golf course, batting cages with 100 foot hitting distances, 18-station bank shot basketball courts, air hockey, two pool tables and family game rooms. It is located approximately 10 minutes from the speedway in Tipton, MI. For pricing information, call (517) 431-2262. $1 Off Pricing Coupon, click here.

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-Parks/Recreation:

Hayes State Park is located less than 10 minutes from speedway and offers an abundance of recreational activities such as boating, camping and fishing. It has been deemed as “one of the oldest state parks” because it was dedicated in the 1920s. The park was originally named “Cedar Hill State Park” but was renamed after former Michigan State Senator Walter J. Hayes after his family made a land donation to the park and requested for the name change in his honor. Park admission is FREE. For other pricing information, call (517) 467-7401.

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For local restaurants, click here.
For additional visitor information to Michigan International Speedway, click here.
For weather updates, click here.

Enjoy race fans!

Race Broadcast Schedule:

August 18 – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: VFW 200
TV: ABC, 12:00 p.m. ET / Radio: MRN, 12:15 p.m. ET

August 19 – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Pure Michigan 400
TV: ESPN, 12:00 p.m. ET / Radio: MRN, 12:00 p.m. ET

Unique Hiram is an Associate Editor/Contributing Writer/Media Rep for Skirts and Scuffs. Additionally, she is also the author of "Fast Lane Poetry" which was published April 2011. Unique can be contacted via email or through Twitter.