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Best Places to Visit in Michigan
March 18, 2024
Growing up in Michigan, I always knew there was something special about the state, but I never knew just how special until I left. Each time I come ‘home’ I'm reminded of the beauty around every corner.
In the decade since I started exploring The Great Lakes State, I've explored nearly every corner & peninsula, from Copper Harbor to Port Austin. Before my blog turned to various corners of the world, it was a Michigan-based blog. My job was finding the best places to visit in Michigan, and now I'm sharing them all with you!
Best Places to Visit in Michigan
1. Leelenau Peninsula
Famous for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Traverse City, and endless wineries, the Leelanau Peninsula has it all. During the day, hike to Pyramid Point and enjoy wine tasting at stops such as Good Harbor Vineyards, Leelanau Wine Cellars, or Willow Winery. Enjoy dinner in Fishtown (Leland) before heading to Empire Beach for sunset. Whether visiting for a week or a weekend, soak up Northern Michigan and enjoy every moment.
Where to stay:
2. Keewenaw Peninsula
Located in far northern Michigan, the Keweenaw Peninsula is the best place in the state to disconnect, relax, and soak up Pure Michigan beauty & sites. Head up in late September/early October for some of the best fall colors in the country. Take a drive to the top of Brockway Mountain for sunset or enjoy a beach day along the red beach of Hunter’s Point Park. There are plenty of cottages, lakeshore hotels, and rustic cabins to rent for a week or a weekend. The shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula along Lake Superior are special, and once you visit you’ll understand why.
Where to stay:
Lake Fanny Hooe Resort and Campground
3. Mackinac Island
If you’ve done any research on the best places to visit in Michigan, you’ve likely already heard of Mackinac Island. The island is located in Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsula. Cars are restricted on the island, meaning that the only transportation methods are by horse & carriage, bikes, or walking. Stay at the Grand Hotel, a resort frequented by past presidents & celebrities. Take a bike ride around the island, grab some Mackinac Island Fudge, or a cocktail at the Pink Pony. The best time to visit is May or September, when crowds have dwindled but the weather remains favorable.
Where to stay:
4. Detroit
After decades of harsh judgment and decay, Detroit is back! I’ve been saying for years that Detroit will soon become the Seattle of the east. If you were to be placed in the middle of St. Martius Square in downtown Detroit and asked what city you were in, you’d probably guess something like Chicago or Denver. The city offers world-class sports arenas, art markets, not-to-miss Detroit-style pizza, and so much more. The next time you visit Michigan, don’t knock Detroit!
Where to Stay:
5. Ludington
On the ‘sunset coast’ along Lake Michigan, Ludington is a common vacation spot for those living in Michigan. The town offers miles of soft, sandy shoreline for the perfect beach day. Choose from staying at a lakefront hotel or campground, or head out of town to a cozy cabin in Manistee National Forest. The town is famous for producing some of Michigan’s best ice cream, so grab a scoop (or two!) at House of Flavors before hiking out to Big Sable Point Lighthouse for sunset (3 miles round trip).
Where to stay:
Ludington State Park
6. The Porcupine Mountains
Typically the words ‘Michigan’ and ‘mountains’ don’t generally go together, but there is a small mountain range located in the western Upper Peninsula. It is the best spot in the Midwest to view fall colors. In the summer, the area offers hiking, backpacking, and stunning beaches along the coast of Lake Superior. Nearby is the Copper Peak Ski jump, which can be climbed to the top for a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
Where to stay:
7. Frankenmuth
If wanting to travel to Europe right here in the United States, Frankenmuth is a picturesque German town located just a couple of hours from Detroit. The town also has the biggest Christmas store in the world (yes, you can get lost in it!). Whether a fan of beer steins or Santa Claus, there will be something for everyone to do in Frankenmuth.
Where to stay:
Photo from Travel Awaits
8. Les Cheneaux Islands
If searching for a place in Michigan that is a hidden paradise away from the main summer tourist track, the Les Cheneaux Islands are the perfect getaway. The chain of 20 islands is a short 20-minute drive east of the Mackinac Bridge. If you aren’t paying attention, you’ll probably pass the blinking yellow light and never know what lies just a few miles away. Traffic might be busier than you think here. That is, boat traffic! Many cottages & homes sprinkled throughout the islands don’t have driveways. Instead, they have boat houses. Grab dinner at the Les Cheneaux Distillery, take a hike to find Narnia, or rent a cabin along Lake Huron. No matter which you choose, be prepared for a quiet week along the ‘Northern Caribbean.’
Where to stay:
9. Saugatuck
Michigan is known as the ‘Fresh Coast’ and boasts one of the longest coastlines in the country. If beautiful, sandy beaches & small coastal art towns are your jam, Saugatuck is your place! Pack your beach bag for a day at Oval Beach or spend the day shopping & exploring art galleries downtown. This area of Michigan is known for its world-class beaches, sand dunes, and delicious restaurants. Don’t miss out!
Where to stay:
10. Grand Rapids
Voted time and time again as the best city for craft beer in the country, Grand Rapids is not to be missed when visiting Michigan. Check out taprooms like Founders, Brewery Vivant, New Holland, Hopcat, and The Mitten Brewery Company. Before you leave the city, take a stroll through Frederik Meijer Gardens outside of town.
Where to stay:
11. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
If you’re the person who can’t decide between a beach & adventure vacation, look no further! Silver Lake Sand Dunes has it all. The area is famous for its Sahara-like dunes ideal for hiking and off-roading. Take a tour with SunBuggy Silver Lake or Mac Woods Dune Rides and then head to Little Sable Point Lighthouse for sunset.
Where to stay:
12. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Perhaps the most stunning and beautiful shoreline in the country, you’ll be left wondering how this area isn’t a national park! During your visit, grab coffee at Gallery Coffee Company then strap up your hiking boots to complete the Chapel Rock-Mosquito Beach loop trail. Head to the Grand Marais Log Slide for sunset, then back to Munising for dinner at the Dogpatch. By the time you leave, you’ll already be planning your return trip.
Where to stay:
Honorable Mentions:
At any given moment, Shalee is either lost, hunting for ice cream, or obsessively planning her next adventure.
Born and raised in rural Michigan, she began exploring the shores of Great Lakes as a teen, often sleeping in her car to save money. Eventually, her urge to explore pushed beyond her Midwest borders. Today, Shalee shares her tips and stories to thousands of readers interested in adventure and outdoor tourism. Her pack now includes two spunky hiking cats and her partner, Josh. Learn more about her here.
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Shalee Wanders, LLC 2024