6. Rothbury Festival (Early July)
Rothbury, Michigan
Still in its infancy, Rothbury aims to be all about peace, love, and sustainability. And music, of course. With more than 70 bands rocking eight stages, the forested lands of the Double JJ Ranch and Golf Club in western Michigan becomes party central for jam-band fans. A-list talent such as Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson are featured, as are gen-next artists like Girl Talk and the Hold Steady. But it's the commitment to "green" alternatives that makes Rothbury a breakout model for destination festivals. The generators powering the bands, for instance, all run on biodiesel, and organizers offset the conventional energy used at the festival by investing in wind farm development. What's more, concert-goers are invited to participate in onsite discussions with scientists, scholars, and progressive activists about economic solutions, organic farming, and lifestyle choices. Lest anybody get bored of the jam sessions at the main stages (blasphemy!), entertainment extends to recycled art exhibits, yoga programs, and late-night DJ sets at the Tripolee Domes. Basic tickets include onsite camping, while upscale packages ($800) offer amenities such as air-conditioned lounges and flush toilets. The site is halfway between Chicago and Detroit, a three-hour drive from both.

Hot tip: You can work off the price of a three-day pass by joining the Green Team, and then working three shifts of five to seven hours doing tasks like picking up trash and sorting recycling.

Michigan Travel Guide