You can always run down to the store and pick up a tie or aftershave. And Dad being a good guy will smile and say thanks. Dads do that. But here's five idea for doing some special with Dad on Father's Day. Remember, you're making memories.

1 - Little River Railroad Train Ride

The Flying Scotsman Takes To The Tracks Under Steam After An Extensive Restoration
(Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)s
loading...

Take Dad for a family trip through the countryside on the historic Little River Railroad steam locomotives in Coldwater (Branch County). Dads ride free with purchase of a regular ticket. The round trip train ride lasts an hour and forty five minutes and takes you from Coldwater to Quincy where you’re given the opportunity to see the locomotive switch around for your return trip.

2 - South Haven Harborfest

Waves Crash Over Lighthouse on Lake Michigan
(Photo by David McCreery/Getty Images)
loading...

South Haven’s Harborfest falls on Father’s Day weekend! There's live music by the river, dragon boat races, a classic boat show, and more. And if the weather cooperates, head over the beach on Lake Michigan. Or watch the sunset on the Idler.

3 - Take Him Golfing

This is a no-brainer: Golf. If the old man loves golf, pick a golf course and go. Thornapple Creek is a pretty course and challenging, or if the kids are younger, Red Arrow is a fun 9-hole course on the east side of Kalamazoo.

Shameless plug: The Townsquare Golf Cards give Dad multiple rounds of golf with a cart. It's quite the deal.

4 - Lemon Creek Father's Day Festival

New Study Finds That Red Wine May Boost Longevity And Counteract Obesity
(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
loading...

Any number of breweries can set Dad up with a cold brew. But let's be a little more inclusive. Head west on I-94 to St. Joe/Benton Harbor and then turn south. Plenty of wineries and breweries, too. Round Barn in Baroda does both wine and beer. Lemon Creek Winery has a Father's Day Festival.

5 - Check Out the Classic Cars at the Gilmore Museum

What's more synonymous with Dad than old cars. Two places to go Father's Day Weekend: The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners has a "Air Cooled" car event on Saturday, June 18th. Charlton Park in Hastings hosts their 35th Annual Father’s Day Car Show on Sunday, June 19th.

Bonus - Dads Do Detroit

Here's a bonus item that I've actually done with the kids when they were young. It's a little pricey, but so very cool. Do a weekend in Detroit. Go a ballgame on one day and do the Henry Ford Museum on the other. The Tigers are out of town on Father's Day Weekend, but you can check their schedule and make it happen.

More From Kalamazoo's Country