If you’re trying to make last minute Labor Day plans, picking the place to spend your long weekend can be a ton of pressure. Look no further! We’ve got you covered on the best spots for your first weekend in September.

Saugatuck, Michigan
Cozy storefronts, fantastic restaurants, and Lake Michigan. What’s not to love? Take the two and a half hour drive out to Saugatuck for your Labor Day weekend, and you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to drop by Crane’s Pie Pantry, about 15 minutes away from Downtown Saugatuck, and pick up some pie to enjoy when you return home.

Galena, Illinois
Snag a room at one of the historic bed and breakfast homes, or make a reservation and one of their lakefront resorts. Antique stores, waterfront entertainment, a distillery and brewery, and Ulysses S. Grant’s original home are just a few of the offerings Galena has for visitors.

New Buffalo, Michigan
Famous restaurants Casey’s, Stray Dog, and Redamak’s aren’t all this small town has to offer. Spend a day on the beach or peruse the shops in town. Check out the Farmer’s Market on Thursday nights (if you’re one of the lucky ones who took off work on Friday)!

Starved Rock in Olgesby, Illinois
Fill up your biggest water bottle and hike the many trails and slopes of Starved Rock. If you’re lucky, there will have been some recent rainfall in the area, and the waterfall will be in full force. It’s a gorgeous climb either way.

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Whether you’re someone who enjoys swinging away at golf, relaxing on a boat, or going to wineries, you’ll find something for you in Lake Geneva. This beautiful place has plenty to do, and you will sincerely enjoy your weekend.

Door County, Wisconsin
Explore with every outdoor adventure possible! You can hike, kayak, swim or go boating! Visit the art galleries to complete your art collection, grab some beers at the local brewery, eat all of the fudge possible, and shop for anything your heart desires.

Mackinac Island, Michigan
There’s more than fudge in Mackinac (though it is fantastic). Experience a vacation of years past with horse and carriage rides throughout the town, cozy family owned lodging, historical tours and plenty of food and shopping for your entire weekend.

Traverse City, Michigan
Journey to Traverse Bay for the weekend! Many visitors rave about this area’s breweries and wineries, as there’s many to choose from. Not to be outdone, the restaurants range from small Irish pubs with traditional fare to upscale places you’ll be dressing up for.

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Often everyone’s favorite choice for long weekends, there’s plenty of different parts of the Dells to experience. Zipline courses, boat tours, theme parks, and waterparks are a snippet of the excitement, which is suitable for all ages. It would be a jam-packed holiday weekend, indeed!