Looking for one of the best locations to go to in Michigan? Explore this thrilling and numerous state with this insider’s information to one of the best issues to do in Michigan by a neighborhood. Michigan is a favourite trip vacation spot for nature lovers, photographers, adventurers, excessive sports activities lovers, and anybody on the lookout for an unforgettable expertise.
The Great Lake State attracts guests from round America and Canada. From the north shore of Lake Michigan to the Motown and Motor City heritage of Detroit, there are a lot of causes to go to Michigan.
Best Places to Visit in Michigan
These are the easiest locations to go to in Michigan as really helpful by Michigander Sherry Trautman who was born and raised regionally. If you might be on the lookout for highway journey concepts, add these locations in Michigan to your journey. This publish has been up to date by The Planet D for 2023.
1. Detroit
You can’t have an inventory of one of the best issues to do in Michigan and never embrace the Motor City of Detroit. Detroit is Michigan’s largest metropolis and has much more to supply than simply vehicles and Motown (though these are fairly cool too). Detroit has a cool artwork scene with the Detroit Institute Of Arts Museum and the Heidelberg Project simply to identify a couple of.
If you do go to Detroit you do not need to miss the museums. From the Motown Museum and the Detroit Historical Museum to the Henry Ford Museum, you’ll be able to be taught all about what Detroit was like in its heyday and a go to to Corktown and the East MArket will give a terrific look into the town’s tradition.
If you need to be taught extra about all the good issues to do in Detroit, be certain to take a look at our in-depth article right here. Read extra: 21 Best Things to Do in Detroit Michigan
Where to Stay in Detroit
The Marriott on the Renaissance Center is situated immediately on the People Mover making it a very good central location. Located in one of many 7 towers of the Renaissance Centre, this can be a nice location in Detroit. Doubletree Suites by Hilton – We loved our keep right here in Fort Shelby, a historic district on the practice station. The Fox Theatre and Detroit Opera House are close by, and a number of the space’s notable landmarks embrace Masonic Temple and Ambassador Bridge.
2. Charlevoix
Did you understand you’ll be able to see your individual little slice of Hobbiton in Michigan? Charlevoix isn’t solely a terrific place to make a base in Northern Michigan, however additionally it is house to the distinctive mushroom homes designed by famend architect, Earl Young.
Located 4 hours north of Detroit, a go to to Charlevoix was considered one of our favourite issues to do in the decrease peninsula. Its picturesque setting makes it among the best romantic getaways in Michigan.
Start by taking a guided tour of the attractive houses that resemble mushrooms, seek for Petosky stones at Fisherman’s Island State Park and Lake Michigan Beach, and take a tour of Castle Farms, considered one of Michigan’s premier historic points of interest. This fortress was constructed in 1918 by then Sears, Roebuck & Co-president, and provides a little bit slice of Europe in the center of Michigan. There is an intricate mannequin railroad and hedge maze. This is a wonderful cease on any go to to Michigan. Read extra: Mushroom Houses of Charlevoix – All Hobbits Welcome to Michigan!
3. Relax on Mackinac Island
There’s a motive why Mackinac Island tops our greatest locations to go to in Michigan. It is such an idyllic island vacation spot for adventurers, dreamers, and lovers.
No vehicles are allowed on the island and since horse-drawn carriages, strolling, and bicycles are the one modes of transportation on the island, you’ll really feel your physique and thoughts slowly chill out. An important concept is to go horseback driving on the island.
Close your eyes for a second and picture the soothing sounds of waves lapping in opposition to the rocks, the comfortable “clop, clop” sound of horse-drawn carriages slowly passing by, and the heat of the solar in your face.
Situated between the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island is house to stunning sunsets, artwork exhibits, and infinite alternatives for water actions. It is like an island escape on the mighty Lake Huron. Before taking the ferry over to the Island, cease in at Bridge View Park to take a photograph of the long-lasting Mackinac Bridge. It is the fifth-longest suspension bridge in the world. Check out 8 Reasons You Must Visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Where to Stay on Mackinac island
An important place to keep is The Grand Hotel. This historic grand lodge has been welcoming company since 1887 and has been named one of the best lodge by the likes of Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure. See critiques on TripAdvisor
Things to do
Rent a bicycle because the island is eight miles in circumference Climb the 207 stairs up Castle Rock (sure, I counted!) to see the well-known Arch Rock and beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Learn in regards to the island’s historical past whereas touring Fort Mackinac (and in case you are fortunate, you may get to hearth the cannon!) Visit the attractive Butterfly House Rent a kayak to get pleasure from beautiful, seldom-seen views of the island and the Straits of Mackinac. Indulge your candy tooth on creamy Mackinac Island Fudge. Tour the long-lasting Grand Hotel and its majestic gardens.
4. Grand Rapids
If you might be into microbrews or beer in basic Grand Rapids is a spot you don’t need to miss. Located on the banks of the Grand River not removed from Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids has greater than 80 Craft Breweries and quite a few awards and you’ll quickly discover out why they’ve nicknamed Grand Rapids “Beer City USA”.
If beer isn’t your factor Grand Rapids additionally has some unbelievable artwork galleries and purchasing. You don’t need to miss the Grand Rapids Art Museum or the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, each deserve a go to in your subsequent journey to Michigan. Kids received’t be not noted both with a go to to the John Ball Zoo.
If you might be on the lookout for out of doors actions, be certain to paddle alongside the Grand River Heritage Trail, the 41-mile waterway is an out of doors lover’s playground. And historical past buffs will get pleasure from The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum.
For a enjoyable day with the entire household, head out to Michigan’s Adventure, the state’s largest amusement park with curler coasters, water parks, and family-friendly rides.
5. Traverse City
Traverse City is ripe (pun supposed) for wonderful wine tasting, kayaking, biking, exploring, and indulging in all issues cherry. The largest metropolis in northwest Michigan, Traverse City is situated on the southern tip of Grand Traverse Bay and is a must-stop on a Northern Michigan highway journey.
The Cherry Capital of the World and its 5 surrounding counties produce forty p.c of the annual tart cherry crop in the United States. While visiting Traverse City, snap a enjoyable picture in entrance of the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan, get pleasure from an ice cream flight at Moomers, and embark on a tall ship journey. If you go to in July, the National Cherry Festival will likely be in full swing. This enjoyable Michigan competition attracts over 500,000 guests yearly! Traverse City’s cherry blossoms bloom in May, providing wonderful images alternatives whereas tasting wine on the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas.
Tours and Where to Stay
Discover the spooky aspect of the town by touring the deserted state psychological facility and steam tunnels on the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, one of many largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the nation. This 1.5 hour ghost tour let’s you discover traverse metropolis at evening as you cease at a number of the well-liked points of interest.
This condominium in Traverse City has two bedrooms, two baths and sleeps 6. There is parking, and it’s strolling distance of downtown Traverse City, with all of the pleasant eating places and outlets. Check it out on VRBO Sugar Beach Resort Hotel situated immediately on the seashore of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Cool Fact: In 2009 TripAdvisor named Traverse City the #2 small city journey vacation spot in the US and it has been named one of many Top 10 Places to retire in the nation.
6. Discover Shipwrecks and Fossils in Alpena
Alpena sits on the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. Did you understand there are over 200 shipwrecks in this sanctuary? While visiting Alpena, make sure to take an exhilarating glass-bottom boat tour to view a number of sunken wrecks all through Thunder Bay. It’s an unforgettable expertise!
The Alpena area additionally provides excellent mountaineering, stunning biking trails, exploring, and kayaking alternatives at Island Park, Besser Natural Area, and Rockport State Park. Read extra at Fun and Unique Things to do in Northern Michigan
7. Frankenmuth – Fried Chicken and Christmas Wonderland
As a phrase of warning, Frankenmuth, Michigan, can simply steal your coronary heart. This charming Bavarian-themed city is house to the well-known Holz Bruke-covered bridge, horse-drawn carriage rides, and tantalizing sausage, taffy, and fudge outlets. For a novel expertise, ebook a pretzel rolling class on the Bavarian Inn or embark on a riverboat tour on the family-owned Bavarian Belle.
Frankenmuth is considered one of Michigan’s high vacationer points of interest and a part of the six communities that make up the Great Lakes Bay area. A Hallmark film or two has even been filmed in Frankenmuth thanks to its christmas theme.
Your journey to Frankenmuth isn’t full till you’ve handled your self to Zehnder’s well-known fried rooster or shopped for handmade ornaments at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas retailer. And be certain to cease on the Frankenmuth Historical Museum to be taught in regards to the fascinating historical past of the realm. You received’t depart the seven-acre retailer empty-handed as 50,000 trims and items will tempt you at each flip!
8. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a busy park with wonderful waterfalls. One seems to be like a mini Niagara Falls. I might see us sticking round for a day or two for mountaineering, swimming and easily having fun with the surroundings. There have been lots of people visiting the Falls. There are two entrances, an higher and decrease falls.
This cease on our greatest locations to go to in Michigan was part of our scenic drive via the Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary. We drove from the Canadan border via Whitefish Point and Grand Marais.
The higher is the bigger and extra stunning of the 2, however the decrease had an choice to take a ship or go for hikes so they’re each a must-stop. Three are 40 miles of scenic trails to go mountaineering via so spend a day and benefit from the nice outside.
Grand Marais makes for a terrific base to discover Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. More on that under.
9. Rockport State Park
If you’re feeling adventurous, spend a few hours at Rockport State Park trying to find the expansive rock quarry and engaging bat hibernaculum. You may discover and produce house uncommon Devonian fossils relationship again 400 million years!
Located simply north of Alpena, Rockport State Parks spans 4,237 on the shores of Lake Huron. Go mountaineering to discover the sequence of sinkholes and preserve a watch out for the Devonian Period fossils. This is a superb park for mountaineering and biking. Plus it’s recognized for its darkish skies.
10. Photograph Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is without doubt one of the most picturesque locations to go to in Michigan. Located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula it’s a summer time and winter playground. Snowmobiling, cross-country snowboarding in the winter, mountaineering, and kayaking in the summer time supply breathtaking views of the majestic sandstone cliffs and untouched seashores.
There are roughly 100 miles of mountaineering trails to discover to get pleasure from a peaceable commune with nature. In the winter this can be a well-liked spot for cross-country snowboarding.
If you go to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore through the winter season, a number of frozen waterfalls are value mountaineering or snowshoeing a number of miles. You may even go mountaineering as pictured rocks have a number of the greatest mountaineering in the nation. You may discover the breathtaking Eben Ice Caves situated in Eben Junction, simply 20 miles southwest of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
11. Sand Dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see whereas visiting Michigan. Located in Michigan’s decrease peninsula on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is simply 30 miles from Traverse City. The dunes themselves rise over 150 toes above the shores of Lake Michigan and climbing to the highest is unquestionably value it. Perhaps some of the scenic and numerous views of the dunes is Pierce Stocking Drive situated close to Empire, Michigan.
You could have the chance to {photograph} huge sweeping dunes, climb an extremely steep dune and embark on scenic hikes, together with the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, which follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan and provides some beautiful panoramas. While you might be visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore and the encircling space, think about driving south on M-22 to see Point Betsie, considered one of Michigan’s most stunning lighthouses.
Where to Stay
To discover sleeping bear dunes, this trip rental is situated simply tone weblog from Empire Beach on Lake Michigan in the historic small city of Empire. See it on VRBO. Sleeping Bear can also be situated simply 40 minutes from Traverse City. An excellent place to keep in Traverse City at Sugar Beach Resort Hotel situated immediately on the seashore of East Grand Traverse Bay. This condominium in Traverse City has two bedrooms, and two baths, and sleeps 6. There is parking, and it’s strolling distance of downtown Traverse City, with all of the pleasant eating places and outlets. Check it out on VRBO
12. Rafting Adventure in East Jordan
Rafting, tubing, and kayaking followers will love the clear, fast-moving rapids of the East Jordan river. Views of the towering pine bushes are breathtaking with every flip and bend in the river. Rafting down the river with Jordan River Outfitters after a recent snowfall is a cold but stunning and exhilarating winter expertise.
The Jordan River is situated on the northwestern a part of the decrease peninsula and takes you thru the untamed wilderness the place you might spot beavers, otters, white-tailed deer, and maybe the elusive bald eagle.
13. Sand Dunes of Silver Lake
If heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping motion is your concept of a unbelievable trip, think about including a dune buggy journey in Silver Lake to your Michigan trip itinerary. Upon arriving, you’ll discover the city feels alive, virtually vibrating with power and pleasure.
Adrenalin followers can lease jeeps or buggies to crest and rush down the towering dunes overlooking glowing Silver Lake. For a shorter, family-friendly dune expertise, embark on an exhilarating dune trip with a neighborhood tour firm.
14. Midland’s Record-Breaking Canopy Walk
For a novel Michigan expertise, go to the Nation’s Longest Canopy Walk in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan. Located at Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest in Midland, this 1400-foot-long cover stroll weaves via a crimson pine forest.
Open year-round, uncover what it’s like to wander among the many treetops and stroll suspended 40 toes above the bottom. While visiting Midland, cheer on the Loons throughout a rousing baseball sport or discover the Tridge, a three-way picket footbridge providing a chicken’s eye view of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers.
It’s situated 30-minutes northwest of Saginaw and two hours from Detroit.
15. Relax and Explore East Tawas
Tawas Point State Park is a unbelievable place to go to throughout all 4 of Michigan’s seasons. The hotter climate months supply alternatives to kayak, paddleboard, bike, camp, chill out on the seashore or meander alongside the Saginaw Bay Birding Trail. During winter, clamp some crampons onto the only of your boots and discover the Sandy Hook Nature Trail paralleling Lake Huron. Tawas Point Lighthouse’s vibrant crimson brick can also be a hanging distinction in opposition to glowing white snow.
Downtown East Tawas provides wonderful boutique purchasing and eating on Newman Street. Wander the boardwalk across the close by marina for views of luxurious boats bobbing in the water and waves cresting on Lake Huron. As you stroll, seize a Pronto Pup, a surprisingly crispy corn canine on a stick for a enjoyable afternoon snack.
16. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
One of one of the best locations to go to in Michigan if you need a extra distant journey is the Upper Peninsula’s Porcupine Mountains. Located on the western tip of this space of Michigan, the Porcupine Mountains is the out of doors adventurer’s vacation spot of selection.
With over 60,000 acres of wilderness you’ll be able to deal with mountaineering trails that take you to stunning waterfalls and overlooks and when you go to in the winter snow shoeing and cross nation snowboarding are on the menu.
Whichever method you determine to discover the Porcupine mountains, mountaineering, hopping on the biking brails, or paddling you may be certain to respect the sweetness that surrounds you in this a part of Michigan. Make certain you don’t miss the Lake of the Clouds, it was our favourite a part of the Porcupine Mountains.
17. Holland
One factor you’ll find if you find yourself one of the best locations to go to in Michigan is that loads of them are Quirky little cities. Holland undoubtedly matches this description.
Located not removed from Grand Rapids, Holland was based by Duch Americans and is nicknamed the “Tulip City”. Holland undoubtedly celebrates its Dutch heritage. You will really feel like you’ve got stepped again in time with Duch-inspired structure and even a 250-year-old windmill (DeZwaan) that has been imported from the Netherlands in The Duch Village.
No go to to Holland could be full with out vising the Windmill Island Gardens. Strolling via the attractive gardens is very memorable in case you are there in the spring through the Tulip Time Festival when over 100,000 tulips are in bloom all through the backyard. It is sort of a sight to see.
18. Isle Royale National Park
For a really off-the-beaten-path expertise in the far north of the Upper Peninsula, make your method to the remoted Isle Royale National Park.
Located in Lake Superior, Isle Royal National Park is barely accessible by boat or floatplane and provides backcountry mountaineering and tenting via its north woods forest. It is the most important island in Lake Superior with loads of out of doors recreation and nature actions. Isle Royal, there are many out of doors actions for hikers, kayakers, and canoeists and there’s scuba diving right here as properly.
19. Ann Arbor
The coronary heart of Ann Arbor is its charming downtown space, crammed with boutique outlets, scrumptious eating places, and vigorous bars. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is an interactive museum that’s excellent for households with youngsters, because it provides hands-on reveals and actions that train guests about science, expertise, and extra.
It’s additionally house to the University of Michigan. Thanks to the coed inhabitants. The checklist of leisure actions right here is infinite. Take a tour of the attractive campus and take a look at the museums and galleries, together with the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
Ann Arbor is house to a thriving craft beer scene, with quite a few breweries and taprooms to select from. Take a tour of a brewery or go to a taproom to pattern a number of the greatest beers in the area. The Kerrytown District is the historic Market district that’s excellent for purchasing in boutiques. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is a well-liked vacation spot in Kerrytown for locals and vacationers alike. The market options all kinds of recent produce, baked items, and different merchandise from native farmers and artisans.
Explore vineyards, get pleasure from performing arts, dance the evening away in the numerous nightclubw. If you’re fortunate you get to watch sports activities occasions on the Michigan stadium, one of many greatest in the state.
20. Lansing
A go to to Michigan wouldn’t be full with out a go to to its capital, Lansing. Warm climate and breathtaking view of the good lakes await. Visit the Michigan State Capital constructing. This National Historic Landmark was is without doubt one of the first capital buildings in the US to function a forged iron dome.
Lansing feels very numerous and dynamic thanks to its big scholar inhabitants. The metropolis has one thing for everybody each young and old. Start by exploring the capital constructing or be taught extra in regards to the historical past of Michigan on the Michigan History Center, a museum devoted the early European explorers.
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is devoted to Old American modes of transportation from an previous steam engine to basic vehicles.
21. Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo has extra to supply than its historic identify may counsel. The metropolis is house to Western Michigan University and provides infinite alternatives for journey seekers. Popular points of interest for guests right here embrace the Kalamazoo Valley Museum which is stuffed with fascinating exhibitions on science, expertise, and historical past. Its hands-on reveals make it a novel expertise for the entire household.
A cease at The Nature Center The middle is well-maintained and with a lot of flowers. A stroll via the backyard may be very calming expertise thanks to the sounds of singing birds and water flowing.
Visit the Kalamazoo Insitute of Arts. The institute boasts a powerful assortment of thought-provoking items by American artists and all over the world.
23. Bay City
Bay City is a picturesque city situated on Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. It is without doubt one of the six communities that make up the Great Lakes Bay Region. We visited through the tall ships competition and we extremely suggest it. But there are many issues to do in Bay metropolis from touring the USS Edson. This battle ship is docked full time in the harbor. Even in case you are not a historical past buff, the tour is fascinating due to the guides.
A go to to the historic Regent Theater is a should and ensure to go crusing to discover the attractive coast.
Map of the Best Places to Visit in Michigan
Fall in love with Michigan
So there you’ve got it. These are my favourite locations to go to in Michigan. If you might be visiting Michigan, make sure to get out of Detroit and see all of the cool points of interest that the Great Lake State has to supply.
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