21 Greatest Locations to Go, On the lookout for the very best locations to go to in Michigan? Discover this thrilling and various state with this insider’s information to the very 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.
21 Greatest Locations to Go
The Nice Lake State attracts guests from round America and Canada. From the north shore of Lake Michigan to the Motown and Motor Metropolis heritage of Detroit, there are lots of causes to go to Michigan.
Greatest Locations to Go to in Michigan
These are the easiest locations to go to in Michigan as really helpful by Michigander Sherry Trautman who was born and raised domestically. If you’re 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 the very best issues to do in Michigan and never embrace the Motor Metropolis 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 Challenge simply to call a number of.
In case you do go to Detroit you don’t want to overlook the museums. From the Motown Museum and the Detroit Historic Museum to the Henry Ford Museum, you may 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 wish to be taught extra about all the nice issues to do in Detroit, be sure to take a look at our in-depth article right here. Learn extra: 21 Greatest Issues to Do in Detroit Michigan
The place to Keep in Detroit
- The Marriott on the Renaissance Middle is situated straight on the Individuals Mover making it a very good central location. Situated 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 prepare station. The Fox Theatre and Detroit Opera Home are close by, and among the space’s notable landmarks embrace Masonic Temple and Ambassador Bridge.
2. Charlevoix
Do you know you may see your personal little slice of Hobbiton in Michigan? Charlevoix just isn’t solely a terrific place to make a base in Northern Michigan, however it is usually residence to the distinctive mushroom homes designed by famend architect, Earl Younger.
Situated 4 hours north of Detroit, a go to to Charlevoix was one among our favourite issues to do within the decrease peninsula. Its picturesque setting makes it top-of-the-line romantic getaways in Michigan.
Begin 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 Seashore, and take a tour of Fortress Farms, one among Michigan’s premier historic points of interest. This citadel was in-built 1918 by then Sears, Roebuck & Co-president, and affords somewhat slice of Europe within the coronary heart of Michigan. There’s an intricate mannequin railroad and hedge maze. It is a lovely cease on any go to to Michigan. Learn extra: Mushroom Homes of Charlevoix – All Hobbits Welcome to Michigan!
3. Chill out on Mackinac Island
There’s a motive why Mackinac Island tops our greatest locations to go to in Michigan. It’s 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 loosen up. A terrific thought is to go horseback driving on the island.
Shut your eyes for a second and picture the soothing sounds of waves lapping towards the rocks, the gentle “clop, clop” sound of horse-drawn carriages slowly passing by, and the heat of the solar in your face.
Located between the Higher Peninsula and Decrease Peninsula of Michigan within the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Island is residence to lovely sunsets, artwork exhibits, and countless alternatives for water actions. It’s like an island escape on the mighty Lake Huron. Earlier than taking the ferry over to the Island, cease in at Bridge View Park to take a photograph of the enduring Mackinac Bridge. It’s the fifth-longest suspension bridge on this planet. Try 8 Causes You Should Go to Michigan’s Higher Peninsula
The place to Keep on Mackinac island
A terrific place to remain is The Grand Resort. This historic grand lodge has been welcoming company since 1887 and has been named the very best lodge by the likes of Conde Nast and Journey and Leisure. See evaluations on TripAdvisor
Issues to do
- Hire a bicycle because the island is eight miles in circumference
- Climb the 207 stairs up Fortress Rock (sure, I counted!) to see the well-known Arch Rock and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
- Be taught in regards to the island’s historical past whereas touring Fort Mackinac (and if you’re fortunate, you would possibly get to fireside the cannon!)
- Go to the attractive Butterfly Home
- Hire a kayak to take pleasure in beautiful, seldom-seen views of the island and the Straits of Mackinac.
- Indulge your candy tooth on creamy Mackinac Island Fudge.
- Tour the enduring Grand Resort and its majestic gardens.
4. Grand Rapids
If you’re into microbrews or beer on the whole Grand Rapids is a spot you don’t wish to miss. Situated 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 Metropolis USA”.
If beer just isn’t your factor Grand Rapids additionally has some unbelievable artwork galleries and purchasing. You don’t wish to miss the Grand Rapids Artwork Museum or the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, each deserve a go to in your subsequent journey to Michigan. Youngsters gained’t be neglected both with a go to to the John Ball Zoo.
If you’re on the lookout for out of doors actions, be sure to paddle alongside the Grand River Heritage Path, the 41-mile waterway is an out of doors lover’s playground. And historical past buffs will take pleasure in The Gerald Ford Presidential Museum.
For a enjoyable day with the entire household, head out to Michigan’s Journey, the state’s largest amusement park with curler coasters, water parks, and family-friendly rides.
5. Traverse Metropolis
Traverse Metropolis is ripe (pun meant) for wonderful wine tasting, kayaking, biking, exploring, and indulging in all issues cherry. The most important metropolis in northwest Michigan, Traverse Metropolis 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 USA. Whereas visiting Traverse Metropolis, snap a enjoyable photograph in entrance of the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan, take pleasure in an ice cream flight at Moomers, and embark on a tall ship journey. In case you go to in July, the Nationwide Cherry Pageant will likely be in full swing. This enjoyable Michigan competition attracts over 500,000 guests yearly! Traverse Metropolis’s cherry blossoms bloom in Could, providing wonderful pictures alternatives whereas tasting wine on the Leelanau and Outdated Mission peninsulas. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
Excursions and The place to Keep
Uncover 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 within the nation. This 1.5 hour ghost tour let’s you discover traverse metropolis at evening as you cease at among the in style points of interest.
- This condominium in Traverse Metropolis has two bedrooms, two baths and sleeps 6. There’s parking, and it’s strolling distance of downtown Traverse Metropolis, with all of the pleasant eating places and outlets. Test it out on VRBO
- Sugar Seashore Resort Resort situated straight on the seaside of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Cool Truth: In 2009 TripAdvisor named Traverse Metropolis the #2 small city journey vacation spot within the US and it has been named one of many Prime 10 Locations to retire within the nation. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
6. Uncover Shipwrecks and Fossils in Alpena
Alpena sits on the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. Do you know there are over 200 shipwrecks on this sanctuary? Whereas visiting Alpena, be sure you 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 mountain climbing, lovely biking trails, exploring, and kayaking alternatives at Island Park, Besser Pure Space, and Rockport State Park. Learn extra at Enjoyable and Distinctive Issues to do in Northern Michigan
7. Frankenmuth – Fried Rooster 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 singular 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 among Michigan’s high vacationer points of interest and a part of the six communities that make up the Nice Lakes Bay area. A Hallmark film or two has even been filmed in Frankenmuth due to its christmas theme.
Your journey to Frankenmuth isn’t full till you’ve handled your self to Zehnder’s well-known fried chicken or shopped for handmade ornaments at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas retailer. And ensure to cease on the Frankenmuth Historic Museum to be taught in regards to 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! (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
8. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a busy park with wonderful waterfalls. One appears like a mini Niagara Falls. I might see us sticking round for a day or two for mountain climbing, 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 by way of the Lake Superior Circle Tour – Final Two Week Itinerary. We drove from the Canadan border by way of Whitefish Level 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 mountain climbing by way of so spend a day and benefit from the nice outdoor.
Grand Marais makes for a terrific base to discover Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. Extra on that beneath. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
9. Rockport State Park
If you’re feeling adventurous, spend a few hours at Rockport State Park looking for the expansive rock quarry and interesting bat hibernaculum. You too can discover and convey residence uncommon Devonian fossils relationship again 400 million years!
Situated simply north of Alpena, Rockport State Parks spans 4,237 on the shores of Lake Huron. Go mountain climbing to seek out the collection of sinkholes and preserve an eye fixed out for the Devonian Interval fossils. It is a nice park for mountain climbing and biking. Plus it’s identified for its darkish skies. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
10. {Photograph} Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore is likely one of the most picturesque locations to go to in Michigan. Situated on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Higher Peninsula it’s a summer time and winter playground. Snowmobiling, cross-country snowboarding within the winter, mountain climbing, and kayaking in the summertime supply breathtaking views of the majestic sandstone cliffs and untouched seashores.
There are roughly 100 miles of mountain climbing trails to discover to take pleasure in a peaceable commune with nature. Within the winter this can be a in style spot for cross-country snowboarding.
In case you go to Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore through the winter season, a number of frozen waterfalls are value mountain climbing or snowshoeing a number of miles. You may even go mountaineering as pictured rocks have among the greatest mountaineering within the nation. You too can discover the breathtaking Eben Ice Caves situated in Eben Junction, simply 20 miles southwest of Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
11. Sand Dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore is a must-see whereas visiting Michigan. Situated in Michigan’s decrease peninsula on the shores of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore is simply 30 miles from Traverse Metropolis. The dunes themselves rise over 150 toes above the shores of Lake Michigan and climbing to the highest is certainly value it. Maybe one of the crucial scenic and various views of the dunes is Pierce Stocking Drive situated close to Empire, Michigan.
You should have the chance to {photograph} huge sweeping dunes, climb an extremely steep dune and embark on scenic hikes, together with the Sleeping Bear Heritage Path, which follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan and affords some beautiful panoramas. When you are visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Seashore and the encompassing space, take into account driving south on M-22 to see Level Betsie, one among Michigan’s most lovely lighthouses. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
The place to Keep
- To discover sleeping bear dunes, this trip rental is situated simply tone weblog from Empire Seashore on Lake Michigan within the historic small city of Empire. See it on VRBO.
- Sleeping Bear can be situated simply 40 minutes from Traverse Metropolis. place to remain in Traverse Metropolis at Sugar Seashore Resort Resort situated straight on the seaside of East Grand Traverse Bay.
- This condominium in Traverse Metropolis has two bedrooms, and two baths, and sleeps 6. There’s parking, and it’s strolling distance of downtown Traverse Metropolis, with all of the pleasant eating places and outlets. Test it out on VRBO
12. Rafting Journey 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 timber are breathtaking with every flip and bend within the river. Rafting down the river with Jordan River Outfitters after a contemporary snowfall is a cold but lovely 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 could spot beavers, otters, white-tailed deer, and maybe the elusive bald eagle. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
13. Sand Dunes of Silver Lake
If heart-pounding, adrenaline-pumping motion is your thought of a unbelievable trip, take into account 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 vitality 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 a neighborhood tour firm. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
14. Midland’s File-Breaking Cover Stroll
For a singular Michigan expertise, go to the Nation’s Longest Cover Stroll within the Nice Lakes Bay Area of Michigan. Situated at Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest in Midland, this 1400-foot-long cover stroll weaves by way of a purple pine forest.
Open year-round, uncover what it’s wish to wander among the many treetops and stroll suspended 40 toes above the bottom. Whereas visiting Midland, cheer on the Loons throughout a rousing baseball recreation 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. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
15. Chill out and Discover East Tawas
Tawas Level 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, loosen up on the seaside or meander alongside the Saginaw Bay Birding Path. Throughout winter, clamp some crampons onto the only real of your boots and discover the Sandy Hook Nature Path paralleling Lake Huron. Tawas Level Lighthouse’s shiny purple brick can be a placing distinction towards glowing white snow.
Downtown East Tawas affords wonderful boutique purchasing and eating on Newman Road. Wander the boardwalk across the close by marina for views of luxurious boats bobbing within 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. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
16. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Among the finest locations to go to in Michigan if you need a extra distant journey is the Higher Peninsula’s Porcupine Mountains. Situated 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 may deal with mountain climbing trails that take you to lovely waterfalls and overlooks and when you go to within the winter snow shoeing and cross nation snowboarding are on the menu. (21 Greatest Locations to Go)
Whichever manner you determine to discover the Porcupine mountains, mountain climbing, hopping on the biking brails, or paddling you can be positive to understand the wonder that surrounds you on this a part of Michigan. Be sure 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 when you’re taking a look at the very best locations to go to in Michigan is that plenty of them are Quirky little cities. Holland positively matches this description.
Situated not removed from Grand Rapids, Holland was based by Duch Individuals and is nicknamed the “Tulip Metropolis”. Holland positively celebrates its Dutch heritage. You’ll really feel like you could have 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 can be full with out vising the Windmill Island Gardens. Strolling by way of the attractive gardens is particularly memorable if you’re there within the spring through the Tulip Time Pageant when over 100,000 tulips are in bloom all through the backyard. It’s fairly a sight to see.
18. Isle Royale Nationwide Park
For a very off-the-beaten-path expertise within the far north of the Higher Peninsula, make your method to the remoted Isle Royale Nationwide Park.
Situated in Lake Superior, Isle Royal Nationwide Park is simply accessible by boat or floatplane and affords backcountry mountain climbing and tenting by way of its north woods forest. It’s the largest 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 may be scuba diving right here as properly.
19. Ann Arbor
The guts of Ann Arbor is its charming downtown space, full of boutique outlets, scrumptious eating places, and vigorous bars. The Ann Arbor Fingers-On Museum is an interactive museum that’s good 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 College of Michigan. Due to the scholar inhabitants. The checklist of leisure actions right here is countless. 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 College of Michigan Museum of Artwork.
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 within the area. The Kerrytown District is the historic Market district that’s good 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 contemporary produce, baked items, and different merchandise from native farmers and artisans.
Discover vineyards, take pleasure in performing arts, dance the evening away within the many nightclubw. In case you’re fortunate you get to look at sports activities occasions on the Michigan stadium, one of many largest within the state. 21 Greatest Locations to Go
20. Lansing
A go to to Michigan wouldn’t be full with out a go to to its capital, Lansing. Heat climate and breathtaking view of the nice lakes await. Go to the Michigan State Capital constructing. This Nationwide Historic Landmark was is likely one of the first capital buildings within the US to characteristic a forged iron dome.
Lansing feels very various and dynamic due to its enormous scholar inhabitants. Town has one thing for everybody each young and old. Begin by exploring the capital constructing or be taught extra in regards to the historical past of Michigan on the Michigan Historical past Middle, a museum devoted the early European explorers.
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum is devoted to Outdated American modes of transportation from an previous steam engine to basic vehicles.
21. Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo has extra to supply than its historical identify would possibly counsel. Town is residence to Western Michigan College and affords countless alternatives for journey seekers. Widespread points of interest for guests right here embrace the K
