21 Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Looking for the very best locations to go to in Michigan? Explore this thrilling and numerous state with this insider’s information to the very best issues to do in Michigan by an area.  Michigan is a favourite trip vacation spot for nature lovers, photographers, adventurers, excessive sports activities fanatics, and anybody in search of 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 numerous causes to go to Michigan.

Best Places to Visit in Michigan

These are the perfect locations to go to in Michigan as advisable by Michigander Sherry Trautman who was born and raised domestically. If you might be in search of street 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 the very 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 automobiles 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 title just a few.

If you do go to Detroit you don’t want to miss the museums. From the Motown Museum and the Detroit Historical Museum to the Henry Ford Museum, you possibly can 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 try 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 positioned immediately on the People Mover making it a great central location. Located in one of many 7 towers of the Renaissance Centre, it is a nice location in Detroit. Doubletree Suites by Hilton – We loved our keep right here in Fort Shelby, a historic district on the prepare station. The Fox Theatre and Detroit Opera House are close by, and among the space’s notable landmarks embrace Masonic Temple and Ambassador Bridge.

2. Charlevoix

Did you recognize you possibly can see your personal little slice of Hobbiton in Michigan? Charlevoix isn’t solely a terrific place to make a base in Northern Michigan, however additionally it is residence to the distinctive mushroom homes designed by famend architect, Earl Young.

Located 4 hours north of Detroit, a go to to Charlevoix was one in every of our favourite issues to do in the decrease peninsula. Its picturesque setting makes it probably the greatest romantic getaways in Michigan.

Start by taking a guided tour of the attractive properties that resemble mushrooms, seek for Petosky stones at Fisherman’s Island State Park and Lake Michigan Beach, and take a tour of Castle Farms, one in every of Michigan’s premier historic points of interest. This fortress was constructed in 1918 by then  Sears, Roebuck & Co-president, and affords slightly slice of Europe in the guts of Michigan. There is an intricate mannequin railroad and hedge maze. This is an exquisite 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 cause 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 automobiles 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 ideal thought is to go horseback driving on the island.

Close your eyes for a second and picture the soothing sounds of waves lapping towards 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 residence to lovely 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 ideal place to keep is The Grand Hotel. This historic grand resort has been welcoming visitors since 1887 and has been named the very best resort 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 gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. Learn concerning the island’s historical past whereas touring Fort Mackinac (and in case you are fortunate, you would possibly get to fireplace 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 normal 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 gained’t be not noted both with a go to to the John Ball Zoo.

If you might be in search of 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 glorious wine tasting, kayaking, biking, exploring, and indulging in all issues cherry. The largest metropolis in northwest Michigan, Traverse City is positioned on the southern tip of Grand Traverse Bay and is a must-stop on a Northern Michigan street 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 photograph 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 can be in full swing.  This enjoyable Michigan pageant attracts over 500,000 guests yearly!  Traverse City’s cherry blossoms bloom in May, providing glorious images alternatives whereas tasting wine on the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas.

Tours and Where to Stay

Discover the spooky facet 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 night time as you cease at among the fashionable 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 positioned 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 recognize there are over 200 shipwrecks in this sanctuary? While visiting Alpena, ensure 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 affords excellent mountaineering, lovely 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 residence 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 one in every of Michigan’s prime 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 concerning the fascinating historical past of the realm. You gained’t depart the seven-acre retailer empty-handed as 50,000 trims and presents will tempt you at each flip! 

8. Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a busy park with glorious waterfalls. One appears to be like 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 had 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 by the Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary. We drove from the Canadan border by Whitefish Point and Grand Marais.

The higher is the bigger and extra lovely 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 by 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 interesting bat hibernaculum. You may also discover and produce residence 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 collection of sinkholes and preserve an eye fixed out for the Devonian Period fossils. This is a superb park for mountaineering and biking. Plus it’s identified for its darkish skies.

10. Photograph Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is likely 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 season and winter playground. Snowmobiling, cross-country snowboarding in the winter, mountaineering, and kayaking in the summer season 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 it is a fashionable spot for cross-country snowboarding.

If you go to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore throughout the winter season, a number of frozen waterfalls are price mountaineering or snowshoeing a number of miles. You may even go mountaineering as pictured rocks have among the greatest mountaineering in the nation. You may also discover the breathtaking Eben Ice Caves positioned 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 ft above the shores of Lake Michigan and climbing to the highest is unquestionably price it. Perhaps one of the crucial scenic and numerous views of the dunes is Pierce Stocking Drive positioned close to Empire, Michigan.

You may 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 affords some gorgeous panoramas. While you might be visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore and the encompassing space, contemplate driving south on M-22 to see Point Betsie, one in every of Michigan’s most lovely lighthouses. 

Where to Stay

To discover sleeping bear dunes, this trip rental is positioned 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 positioned simply 40 minutes from Traverse City. A superb place to keep in Traverse City at Sugar Beach Resort Hotel positioned 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 lovely and exhilarating winter expertise. 

The Jordan River is positioned on the northwestern a part of the decrease peninsula and takes you thru the untamed wilderness the place chances are you’ll 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 thought of a unbelievable trip, contemplate 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 hire 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 an area 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 by a purple pine forest.

Open year-round, uncover what it’s like to wander among the many treetops and stroll suspended 40 ft above the bottom. While visiting Midland, cheer on the Loons throughout a rousing baseball sport or discover the Tridge, a three-way wood footbridge providing a chook’s eye view of the Chippewa and Tittabawassee rivers.  

It’s positioned 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 real of your boots and discover the Sandy Hook Nature Trail paralleling Lake Huron. Tawas Point Lighthouse’s shiny purple brick can also be a placing distinction towards glowing white snow.  

Downtown East Tawas affords glorious 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 the very best locations to go to in Michigan if you’d like 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 possibly can sort out mountaineering trails that take you to lovely waterfalls and overlooks and should you go to in the winter snow shoeing and cross nation snowboarding are on the menu.

Whichever approach you resolve to discover the Porcupine mountains, mountaineering, hopping on the biking brails, or paddling you may be positive to recognize the wonder that surrounds you in this a part of Michigan. Make positive you don’t miss the Lake of the Clouds, it was our favourite a part of the Porcupine Mountains.

17. Holland

One factor you can see when you find yourself the very best locations to go to in Michigan is that loads of them are Quirky little cities. Holland positively matches this description.

Located not removed from Grand Rapids, Holland was based by Duch Americans and is nicknamed the “Tulip City”. Holland positively celebrates its Dutch heritage. You will really feel like you have 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 by the attractive gardens is very memorable in case you are there in the spring throughout 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 approach to the remoted Isle Royale National Park.

Located in Lake Superior, Isle Royal National Park is barely accessible by boat or floatplane and affords backcountry mountaineering and tenting by its north woods forest. It is the biggest 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 effectively.

19. Ann Arbor

The coronary heart of Ann Arbor is its charming downtown space, stuffed with boutique outlets, scrumptious eating places, and energetic bars. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is an interactive museum that’s excellent for households with children, because it affords hands-on displays and actions that educate guests about science, expertise, and extra.

It’s additionally residence to the University of Michigan. Thanks to the coed inhabitants. The listing 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 residence 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 among 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 night time away in the various 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 and not using 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 likely 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 pupil inhabitants. The metropolis has one thing for everybody each young and old. Start by exploring the capital constructing or be taught extra concerning 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 traditional automobiles.

21. Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo has extra to supply than its historical title would possibly counsel. The metropolis is residence to Western Michigan University and affords infinite alternatives for journey seekers. Popular points of interest for guests right here embrace the Kalamazoo Valley Museum which is filled with fascinating exhibitions on science, expertise, and historical past. Its hands-on displays make it a novel expertise for the entire household.

A cease at The Nature Center The heart is well-maintained and with numerous flowers. A stroll by 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 world wide.

23. Bay City

Bay City is a picturesque city positioned on Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. It is likely one of the six communities that make up the Great Lakes Bay Region. We visited throughout the tall ships pageant and we extremely advocate 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 have got it. These are my favourite locations to go to in Michigan. If you might be visiting Michigan, ensure 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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