Michigan rocks. And I’m just going to get straight to the point here with my epic Michigan Bucket List. These are the top 45 must-do’s in the Mitten before you die.
1. Hike the Porcupine Mountains
2. Hot air balloon at sunset
3. Complete the Michigan “Shore-to-Shore” trail
4. Sleep on the beach
5. Zip line Boyne
6. Transport to the Sahara at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
7. Road trip M-22
8. Witness the galaxy at the International Dark Sky Park
9. Visit the National Holocaust Memorial
10. Cliff jump in Marquette
11. Get lost at Nordhouse Dunes
12. Explore Grand Island in winter
13. Soak in the beauty of Tahquamenon Falls
14. Surf Lake Michigan
15. Check out a Grand Rapids Brewery
16. Urban Explore the Detroit Packard Plant
17. Go sailing
18. Spend the day on Torch Lake
19. Dog Sled in the U.P.
20. Visit Isle Royale
21. Conquer Sleeping Bear Dunes
22. Go on a fall color tour
23. Experience Electric Forest Music Festival
24. Kayak to Turnip Rock
25.Visit the Toy Museum on Beaver Island
26. Climb a lighthouse
27. Explore ‘The Ledges’ in Grand Ledge
28. Catch a sunset
29. Ice Climb a frozen waterfall
30. See the Soo Locks
31. Enjoy a day in Saugatuck
32. Camp in a hammock
33. Road-trip around “The Thumb”
34. Spend the night at Big Bay Point Lighthouse
35. Go mushroom hunting
36. Sled at the Highlands Castle in Canadian Lakes
37. Get stranded on South Manitou Island
38. Go to Hell
39. Bike around Mackinac Island
40. Bathe in a waterfall in Munising
41. Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
42. Tour the historic ghost town of Fayette
43. Snowboard/ski at a town resort
44. Rent a cottage “Up North”
45. Spend a weekend off-the-grid
So there you have it, folks! What numbers have you completed and what ones are next on your list? I want to hear below in the comments!
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4, 14, 18, 26, 28, 35, 36, 41, and 44
I feel so appreciative to Jason Kirkwood, from Marquette, Thanks to him I can check off at least 4 or 5 from that list we visited together from Oregon.
Aliza Miller
How about Kite sailing/surfing off of Tawas Point, Visiting Lumberman’s Monument,
watching the Port Huron to Mackinac race from the shores of Lake Huron, watching the sunrise over Lake Huron?
4,6,7,13,18,21,26,28,30,31,35,38,39, 40,41,43,44,45 #lovepuremichigan ❤️
7, 13, 15, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 35, 37, 38, 40, 44 and 45
A third of these aren’t in “the mitten” ( the lower peninsula), but they’re in ” the fox” (the upper peninsula).
Nice catch, Laura. Thanks for the correction! Both parts are equally beautiful.
Never heard the UP as described as the fox. Been up here all my life!
Awesome list ! These 45 and many more are waiting for those with a sense of adventure in our beautiful state! In my short 50 some years I;ve done all but; 37, 25, 23,16,11, 5, and 3 so I will add them to my todo list! We live in the UP , off grid, and every day is a new adventure here in our beautiful north woods.
Wow! Nice completion ratio. Thank you!
Wow, that’s fantastic! I live downstate and have only done 17 things on the list. I’m 67, but I can do a few more!!
Love this! Definitely saving this! (Personally think Holland’s windmill and Tulip Time festival should be on there, along with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but I guess it just proves how many great things there are to do in the mitten!
http://www.sincerelystudent.blogspot.com
Thank you! Definitely agree that Holland’s Windmill and Pictured Rocks are stunning. It was extremely hard to narrow down the list!
Have quite a few checked off the list myself but was disappointed the list didn’t include the mighty Mac!!!!
Yet, how else are you going to get to the Porcupine Mountains, cliff jump in Marquette, or see Tahquamenon Falls…..? Go through Wisconsin?
Sorry to disappoint! But the bridge is also one of my favorite spots in the state–especially at night.
Rent a pontoon boat and cruise the Pictured Rocks.
Must try this, thanks for the idea!
Or kayak up at Pictured Rocks!
You forgot the winter fest in frankenmuth
Never have been, but I bet it’s amazing!
7 13 17 21 22 26 28 30 31 35 39 41 42 44 And I have stayed in the Royal Suite at the Grand Hotel
.
Jealous!! How was the Royal Suite?
4,7,9,17,21,22,28,30,31,38,39,41,43, and 45.
i definitely think the list should include Kitchitikipi Springs in the U.P. google this and have a look, its another natural beauty.
Beautiful!! Thanks for the suggestion
2,3,4,13,18,21,22,26,28,30,31,35,38,39,43, and 44. Love my state!
Walk the Bridge on Labor Day
Take a tour of Michigan’s beautiful Capital in Lansing and enjoy Silver Bells in the City with the Electric Light Parade, the state Christmas tree is lit, tons of activities simutaneously occur, and the fireworks go off.
Visit Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn MI, especially on the 4th of July with the band, picnics, and fireworks.
Walk the Mackinaw Bridge and visit Mackinaw Island…eat pasties.
See the Winter Carnival ice sculptures at MTU’s Winter Carnival.
Go down into the copper mine in Hancock.
Drive up Brockway Mountain in the Keewenaw Penninsula.
Visit Hartwick Pines, the largest trees in Michigan.
Visit Saugatuck, Holland, Petosky, and even little Leeland.
Enjoy Frankenmuth.
Art Prize in Grand Rapids.
Visit one of the many cider mills and drive through the covered bridges in Ada, and south by Kalamazoo.
Participate in Talons Out Honor Flights in Kalamazoo which honors WWII vets, Korean Vets, disabled vets by sending them for free to Washington DC for a day and celebrating them back.
The list is endless!
Magnificent Michigan!
It’s missing many good things still. What about the Mystery Spot in St. Ignace? Or Whitefish Point? Or swimming in Lake Superior at Paradise???
What about the AuSable Canoe Marathon? Walking the bridge on Labor Day? Lilac festival at Mackinac? Hartwick Pines?
backpacking/kayaking pictured rocks should be on here
………..You missed some, Like swimming in Lake Superior in April/May/June without a wet suit ….What about Henry Ford Museum? Crossing the Mighty Mac on a high wind day? lol Surviving a Michigan winter… … But living in Michigan my whole life I have done several on your list…6,13,21,28,30,32,33,35,36,39,44 & 45.
List also shoud include a trip aboard the Badger across Lake Michigan from Ludington!
there;s also “visit Dutch Village”
Great idea!
Spend the night in a submarine. In Muskegon.
Omg!! Great addition, I have been wanting to do that so bad.
Detroit International Jazz Fest (largest free jazz fest in world).
Heidelberg Project aka Midget Town in Detroit
DIA
A Michigan beercation (so many great breweries besides in the grand rapids area).
The Paulding light in the UP
Beercation…I like that!
It’s sad that I’ve lived in MI my whole life and have only done a few of these things! BUT my Detroit Bucket List is very crossed off, so whenever you venture to this side of town I’ll help you cross a couple of must do’s in the D! :) Mitten love!
Yes! I cannot wait! Eager to finally meet you!! :)
1,7,15,22,28,30,31,32,38,41,43,44,and 45. Looking to do many more, Great article. Michigan is a great place to live. This is only a small sub set of what there is to do here in our great state. Thank you again.
Agreed, I absolutely love living here. Thanks for the compliment!
Shipwreck tours in Munising is Awesome! Add that to your Bucket list!
Added! Thanks for the idea!
1,6,7,13,15,17,18,21,22,26,27,28,30,31,33,35,39,41,42,44,45
Isle Royale should be #1, also, add ,Wilderness state park, in the winter. North Manitou island , backpacking. Cabela’s in Dundee. The “Thumb” area .
Thanks for the additions, all great ideas! Explored the “Thumb” for the first time last month and had an amazing time.
Done 1,4,6,7, 11(but it’s really impossible to get lost), 13, 15,17,21,22,26,28,30,33,35,38 (and Paradise too), 41,45. Nice list.
Thank you!
Stay away from the Packard Plant – It’s private property ON TOP OF not being safe for a bunch of hipsters to be “exploring”.
Hey! I refuse to be called a “Hipster”, more like “explorer” ;). Thanks for the tip! Good to know, I was unaware it’s on private property.
I’ve been able to enjoy the following things in Mich. 7, 9, 13, 15, 18, 21. 22, 26, 28. 30, 33, 35, 38, 39. There are still lots more to see and do in Mich. Like: Visit Greenfield Village, Go down in copper mines in Hancock, Visit Frankenmuth, Bike ride around Mackinac Island, See Pictured Rocks, Cross the ‘Mighty Mac’ bridge, Visit the Heidelberg project in Detroit, Tulip festival in Holland, Tour Capital in Lansing, visit Mich. cider mills, climb a ‘fire tower’ in northern Mich. etc. the list goes on and on!
LOVE your list! Couldn’t agree with you more, there are so many amazing things to explore in Michigan.
Every single post that refers to Michigan as the “mitten” is just so grossly idiotic. Being unnecessarily cutesy about geographic landmass simply reiterates why such a large portion of our state is underrepresented and disrespected, and does nothing proactive to change the mindset surrounding it. The UP is not your footnote or tourist paradise.
Boom goes the dynamite. However, I think judgmental assholes tend to disrespect our state more…but that’s just my opinion.
;)
If you feel so strongly about dissin’ the mitten, why did you even bother to read this article? If people disrespect us because we call it the Mitten, they’re only displaying their own ignorance. Probably the same people who think the U.P. is part of Canada. They don’t care to know and I don’t care to know them. The UP is probably one of the most under appreciated places in the country by those who’ve never been there. Which, ironically, is what makes it one of the most amazing places. Jackwagons who want to develop every scrap of open land leave it alone. *stepping down off of soapbox* Michigan♡
Bizz, you would probably like Disney world or Disney land. Most of us “explorers need something more.
2.5.7.13.18.22.26.28.30.35.38.40.41.42.45
How do you leave out pictured rock!?
Most of these I tried uncovering hidden gems, Pictured Rocks is fantastic but everyone knows of them :).
I just moved back to Michigan. I was born and raised on the West Side in a little town called White Cloud. Moved away for 26 years and now live in Ishpeming (near Marquette). I have a done quite a few of these including: 4,6,7,10, 13, 17, 20,21,22,26,28,30,31,38,40,41,41 (last weekend),44, and 45. I would also like to add Visit the Whitefish Point shipwreck museum, look for Agates on a Lake Superior Beach(do that one alot!) climb Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette.
Oops, I meant 42 last weekend! :)
I know White Cloud! They were a rival for my high school growing up (Chippewa Hills) :).
My mother-in-law owns the Toy Museum on Beaver Island. . .it is a pretty magical place, even for me and for Mary Rose’s son, Jason. I’m printing your blog out and sending to her through snail mail. . . still no internet at her place! Thanks for including it in your bucket list!
So cool! No problem. I’ve visited the island every summer since I was born and have never missed spending time there, even if the visits are short. Such a great lady, I always love her radio newscasts and bumper stickers :) s
4,7,17,22,26,28,35,43,44
Crossing the Mackinac Bridge at night during the Holiday season with the colored lights up. My favorite part ever of driving back and forth between the peninsulas during my college days.
The bridge at night is so fantastic, I can never get over it.
National Holocaust Museum is in Washington DC; Holocaust Memorial is in Michigan
Nice catch! Thank you :)
TipUp Town, USA visit for ice fishing and camping on the ice. Also, Ice Scultures in the U.P. Wonderful place to live and great ideas for the Bucket List.
13, 21, 22, 26, 28, 32, 33, 35, 38, 39, 43, 44, 45. Great list! Don’t listen to the haters yo! Impossible to include everything and you did a great job. I’ve got some ideas to add to my mitten bucket list.
And thank you for this great compliment!
Thank you :)
Oh I almost forgot! When you go to Torch Lake, hit up Brownwood Acres! They have the best doughnuts and the Sunday flea market in the summer is one of my favorite things to do when we are up north. We have a place on the resort property at Shanty Creek :)
Jealous!!! Shanty Creek is one of my favorite places in the winter to enjoying some skiing/snowboarding. That area is so extremely beautiful, thanks for the doughnut idea!
Brownwood is now closed
We have lived in MI our whole lives (40+ years) and have done many but not enough. This is our first year with an exchange student, so we’re always looking for something to do. Guess we better print this off and experience the glory of MI. Thanks for the list!
No problem! Have fun exploring! :)
This is a great list, but why single out Grand Rapids when there are so many great breweries in the state? If you are looking for unique try the brewery at Tahquamenon Falls.
Thanks for the idea! I also just checked out Shorts brewery in Bellaire last weekend…very cool!
13, 18, 21, 22, 28, 31, 38, 39, 44, 45 though I have been dog sledding in the lower
Also running across the Ambassador Bridge at sun rise!
I recommend spending the night in a lighthouse in the Keweenaw, we did, and it was amazing. The Victorian Christmas parade in Manistee is gorgeous too.
What was the lighthouses name? I’d love to do that!
Jacobsville Lighthouse Inn, in Lake Linden area. Hard to get to, but worth it!
I like a challenge :)
13, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 38, 39, 41, 44 (i own a cabin up north in the UP, does that count?), 45. Sad to say that after almost 40 years of living in this great state, I’ve only done 13 of these.
But I have climbed the Pine Mountain ski jump, spent hours admiring the rocks at Whitefish Point (my favorite place), explored Piers Gorge and Devil’s Icebox, picked up stray iron ore pellets from the railroad in Iron Mountain (Home of Izzo), and many more. The list is endless of what we Michiganders have access to without ever leaving the state. So blessed!
We are! Those are all amazing that you have completed. I climbed the Pine Mountain ski jump as a kid and would love to get back and do it again. Thanks for sharing those!
Need a place to stay while Up North? Check out my Farm House vacation rental VRBO #599094
I’ll keep it in mind, thanks!
I’ve got 10 under my belt so far. Great list. :)
Thank you!!
Sledding at the Highlands Castle in Canadian Lakes? How fantastic that this made your list. My wife’s father was Donald Bollman. What a great tribute to him.
Awesome!! I grew up in the area and made sure to sled there every winter growing up. Such a beautiful and peaceful place. Thanks for sharing!
Great ideas!! Keep up expanding the list with your new adventures!
1,7,13,15,16,21,22,26,28,30,31,33,38,39,41,42,43,44,45
Take the Toonerville Trolley Train and Boat ride located in Soo Junction off M-28 (Upper Peninsula)
Gander at the Ypsilanti water tower.
So glad Beaver Island made the list. It’s my favorite place in Michigan.
I love the Island my mom used to live there year round for about 10 years, it was the best years of her life!!! My daughters and I went up to stay with her as much as we could!!!
One of mine also!!! Do you know Eileen W.
So glad to see so much love for the island on here. You guys rock. Also one of my favorite places in Michigan, I visit every summer!
I have done number 7,20,22,27,28,30,35,44 and 45.
You need to add taking a ride thru “The Tunnel of Trees” on M119 and visiting Legg’s Inn.
Agreed
M119 ain’t got nothing on U.S. 41.
I will have to check those out, thanks for suggesting!
Don’t forget picture rock. Iron mountain, Big bear dunes, and oh so much more. Michigan has some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. I traveled all around the state for 11 days and stayed in a different place every day. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
I have done 3, 4, 6, 13, 18, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 38, 39, 42, 44 & 45! Drk Sky PArk is next. Watched cliff jumpers in Marquette, but would never do it!
Jumping would be much easier if the water wasn’t so cold! But I make myself do it at least once a year. :)
If you visit Hell, don’t forget to go to Paradise. These are great suggestions! I also loved watching the bears at the Newberry dump. It doesn’t take much to enertain you in Michigan. LOL Also the Cascades at Jackson should be on your bucket list.
Thank you! It sure is hard to get bored in Michigan :)
Paradise is a definite must! Beautiful area. Haven’t been to the dump in Newberry yet but try to go at least once a year to Oswalds Bear Ranch up there.
We use to go to the Blaney Park dump to watch the bears! Man, that was 40 years ago!
And Christmas, and ” The Gay Bar” in the tiny village of “Gay” in the UP. Also Grand Marais Insummer and winter. Don’t forget to visit Alden Spice Mill in Alden on Torch Lake, especially in the fall when their garden is full of carved pumpkins.
Rent a log home for a week in Northern Michigan. Homeaway #304337. Sit in a hot tub and enjoy a glass of wine while you watch the stars or watch the sunrise over a lake with a cup of coffee in the morning. Kayak between breweries in Traverse City, visit Interlochen Arts academy for a concert.
Thanks for your list. I will provide it for our cabin guests.
Great list! Every one is worthy of a spot on anyone’s bucket list. Could easily add another 90 to this. Michigan is so awesome! :)
10000% agree! :)
I’ve done a good share of these and many more.
How about, Visit the troll under Cut River Bridge. At least knock on his door, he’s not home very often :)
Ride the steam train at the Buckley Old Engine show.
Cut River Bridge is a beautiful place to take a walk. Its also not a far away place. A hop, skip and jump over the Mackinac Bridge.
Agreed! Very beautiful area
cut river gorge below the bridge is the real secret! you can take the hiking trail down from the rest stop across the rd from the bridge and you have the secluded beach (usually) all to yourself with a view of the bridge!!
I like those, thanks for sharing!!
I did kayak to Turnip Rock this summer – awesome trip. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Agreed! I finally did it in September and it was so much fun. We also made it out to the lighthouse. :)
Shalee, how far out is the light house from Turnip Rock? We are planning to kayak to the rock next summer and going to a lighthouse would be great too.
The lighthouse is about 3 miles offshore (although it looks much closer). However, it is definitely doable on a nice day. In the coming weeks I’ll actually have a post up about “The Thumb” and our kayaking adventure. Keep on the lookout for that, it could be very helpful! Thanks!
You should also catch a sunrise. I get them every morning. Winter ones are spectacular.
That is a great suggestion, I love catching Michigan sunrises whenever I’m on the east side. Very lucky you get them every morning!
If you rent a cottage in Paradise you could catch that sunrise.
You missed a really important event – walking the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day! That’s on my bucket list!
Good one! I would love to do that.
Hey don’t forget Cops and Doughnuts in Clare, MI it has such a cool story and history and the doughnuts are FABULOUS!!’
I LOVE cops and doughnuts! Especially the one topped with Bacon. Great Suggestion!
Gosh, I’ve got a good amount already done but certainly not all. I know I conquered Sleeping Bear Dunes as a child…I’ll have to start my “done it” and “want to do it” list..
good idea! Sleeping Bear Dunes was one of my favorites as a child
What about pictured rocks, a tour of a copper mine, bronners Christmas wonderland in franknmuth, the Henry ford and greenfield village, and see the snow in copper harbor(if you can get there) In the winter.
All great suggestions!
I can’t believe that jumping off the Petoskey breakwall didn’t make the list!!!!
I’ll have to check that out!
And all I wanted was to take a picture of a bear. Great list, however, you don’t want to miss Manistee!
LOVE Manistee! You’re right. One of my favorite places as a child.
What about sleep in Flint’s North End?
I’ve done 11, but I’m 66 years old, so I won’t be able to do some.You should add eating a lumberjack pasty in the UP.
Yumm, Pasty’s! Now you’ve got my stomach growling.
9-26-38-41-42. HIKE!!!
You forgot Oqueoc (ah-key-ock) Falls!!
Go snowmobiling should have been in there… Were just the state withe the most register snowmobiles in the u.s…. Js
wine tasting on Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula!!
I still need to do that! Thanks for the tip!
Bay City’s 4th of July Fireworks!
You know? Meijer Garden is interesting. But Dow Gardens in Midland is more of a must-visit. Have you been there?
Thanks for the idea, Crystal. I never have but now it’s on my list!
You could spend an entire summer just touring the 130+ Michigan breweries.
Or spend a day exploring Belle Isle.
Belle Isle is very high on my list to explore next. Can’t wait to go! Went to Short’s brewery last weekend also. Very fun!
Belle Isle as a child was the best place ever!
Ride all of the ferries in Mi. I don’t think I will get them all…Drummond Island, Mackinaw Island, Isle Royal, the Ferry from Ludington to Wisconsin, Bois Blanc, Lake Charlevoix, Manitou Island, Sugar Island……
Great idea! I still have many of those to complete.
The Ironton Ferry crossing the south arm of Lake Charlevoix or the Saugatuck Chain Ferry (only hand cranked ferry left in the U.S.)
4, 28, 31 (several times! ❤️), and 41 – born & raised in Michigan – best place on earth!!
Agreed! Love this state.
Fantastic List!! I would suggest adding a visit to Crossroads Village including a ride on the Huckleberry RR and the Genesee Belle Paddle Boat on Mott Lake (Genesee County) :)
All added to my list of new places to explore, thank you!
Visit the NOAA museum in Alpena (the only NOAA museum in the interior of this country, not on an ocean) and go on a glass bottom boat ride looking at shipwrecks.
Very cool fact! Thanks for sharing
Well, have done 14 of them, couldn’t count cross country skiing up the Taquamennon (sp?) River to the falls, cause we didn’t climb the mostly frozen falls. You need to experience the Music house museum in Traverse city area, castle farms in Charlevoix, pick a bucket of sun warmed blueberries, hike the painted rocks, walk the Mackinac bridge, definitely do the fall color tour to Leggs inn. Yep, lots of fun in all seasons in Michigan. My favorites are the sunsets and lighthouses.
Sunsets and Lighthouses are my absolute favorite. They will never get old. Thanks for the ideas!
I’m sorry, but the National Holocaust Museum is in Washington, D.C. Editors, where are you? There is a Holocaust Museum Center in Farmington, Michigan, however. Bad editing.
The Henry Ford (museum and Greenfield Village) should be near the top of this list, along with a Tiger’s game!!
Is it crazy that I’ve NEVER been to a Tiger’s game?! What’s wrong with me?!
No professional editors here! Completely self-run by yours-truly. Mistakes happen and I’m aware of the error.
Born in the UP, transplanted to the LP. I LOVE this state; I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. I’ve done many of them. Add to the list. 1) Climb Sugarloaf Mountain off M550 in Marquette. 2) Drive to the top of Marquette Mountain for a GREAT view of the city and the lake. 3) Cycle the Leelanau Peninsula; awesome woop de doo hills, great views everywhere. 4) Soo Locks. 5) Ride your bike across the International Bridge at the Soo into Canada. 6) Ride ANY Michigan bike path. We have the most paths in the country. 7) Brockway Mountain Drive in the Keewanau. 8) Attend a Michigan PowWow. 9) Visit the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing. There are many more; but I need to get back to work!!
All fantastic ideas, Marie! Thanks for sharing, I’ll have to get started on those!
What about dead river falls in marquette? Jumping off the rocks right next to the waterfall is amazing. Plus there is a nice little hike to get there. Love it. One of my favorite places.
Packard Plant is a little hard to do as it is being demolished: http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20141017/NEWS01/141019867/crews-begin-demolition-of-packard-plant-in-detroit
Ouch! Sad article.
http://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2017/04/28/detroit-packard-plant-rehab/101044112/
Old news. Rehabbing Packard Plant
Eastern market on a Saturday morning, then to the Riverwalk. Eat off of a food truck, yum.
I love food truck food! There’s just something about it.
how did the tulip festival in holland not make it on here???
Have done 13, 21, 22, 28, 30, 33, 39 and 44. Some other good options in Michigan that I have enjoyed: dinner in Frankenmuth, Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Crossroads Village in Flint, crossing the Mackinac Bridge, Crim Festival of Races in Flint, canoeing on the Au Sable River in Oscoda, Scottish festival in Alma, pasties in St. Ignace, Detroit Zoo, Potter’s Park Children’s Zoo in Lansing…
Visit 3 amazing historical ships in Muskegon — the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper (a US National Landmark), the LST-393, and the USS Silversides nuclear submarine!
And don’t forget the Coast Guard icebreaker Mackinaw in Mackinac City.
Climb the dune at Lumberman’s Monument, climb down the trail at Iargo Springs and wade in the waters ay Oqueoc Falls
Whitefish Point & the Shipwreck Museum. Being there for the ringing of the Edmund Fitzgerald bell is haunting.
1, 4, 7, 13, 14 On a stand up board, 15, 17, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30, 32, 35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 44.. Love Kayaking the Platte, Rouge and Crystal Rivers
And the Bridge Walk! It’s awesome!
Snorkeling the ship wrecks or scuba diving in the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary. Alpena Michigan
I want to spend a week on Mackinaw Island in the winter.
Cross the Ice Bridge
I just suggested this as well Anne! My sisters and I made the walk in February of 2014. It was awesome!
Must do in the mitten???? That’s not right at all
Lordy, Lordy Shalee– you have done a ton for a 21 year old!! Congratulations. I’ve done about half the things on your list. Stuff you need to add: 1) the graffiti-filled Dequindre Cut bike/jogging path in Detroit 2) Pewabic Tile factory in Detroit 3) John K King Bookstore (4 floors and over a million books) 4) our world class DIA 5) downtown Rochester Christmas lights 6) Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit 7) Ice skating at campus Martius 8) Chelsea’s Purple Rose Theatre 9) Art Prize in Grand Rapids 10) Tony’s at Birch Run 11) Achatz Pies were voted #1 in America! 12) Air Zoo of Kalamazoo 13) Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne! And I have so many more….Good luck with your adventures. Suzie
Add “attend Les Preludes concert at the end of the summer season at the Interlochen Center for the Arts!”
33 of them! (Don’t want to type them all in…) Except for 15 months, have spent 69 years in Mich.
Bravo Joellen! You must have some UP roots! Suzie
International Freedom Festival fireworks (in June NOT 4th of July). ANY of the museums and gardens, like the Dossin Great Lakes museum on Belle Isle (and many more too numerous to mention. And a correction the USS Silversides is a diesel powered sub). Canoeing or tubing on a river, such as the Pere Marquette, Pine, Au Sable, Muskegon, Two Hearted, even the Huron (although I wouldn’t recommended the Huron for tubing). Charter (or pier) fishing for trout, salmon, walleye, or perch. Visit Big Spring (Kitch-iti-kipi). Tour a copper and or iron mine, and while you are up there stop at Da Yoopers tourist trap.
Loved this! I have a suggestion for another one you could add to the list:
Walk the “Ice Bridge” to Mackinac Island.
My sisters and I did this in February of 2014, and it was an amazing experience! To see the island in the winter is almost surreal. The hustle and bustle of summer is nowhere to be found. The sidewalks are empty. The shops are closed down. Instead of bicycles, the street is lined with snowmobiles. You can grab lunch, and a beer, at the Mustang Lounge…but don’t come looking for fudge.
Round trip, it is roughly 11 miles worth of walking, but it is worth every mile. To see the Mighty Mac from standing out on Lake Huron is just awesome. If you ever get the chance, drive to St. Ignace and walk the ice bridge.
Mackinac Island in the winter is awesome. Snowmobiling or Cross country skiing is also a great way not only to cross over but to see the island in all its winter glory!! Just realise that the “Ice Bridge” can be very dangerous and conditions can change in minutes. Always excercise caution when planning an excursion out onto the open ice.
My hubby and I had our first date in Hell and honeymooned in Paradise!!!
Also, watch a sunrise on Lake Huron- amazing! I have plenty of pics if you need!
Every one should drive M22
how about golfing any of the gorgeous courses in Northern Michigan. Also, canoeing on the AuSable in the fall near Oscoda is awesome. Smelt fishing in Tawas in February. Cross Country skiing in the Huron National Forest out of Mio. Mackinaw Island lilac festival bike ride. Michigan Adventure Park on the west side. Lived in MI 62 years now and love my state.
Do the luge run at Muskegon winter sports complex and you can also skate the lighted skating trail.
Almost 50% completed! I’ve been lucky enough to see & visit many incredible parts of the world but Michigan is one special place. I grew up here near Grand Ledge (did the ledges innumerable times – way before they were popular!), had family cottages in central Michigan and on Little Traverse Bay (possibly one of the most beautiful spots in MI) went to MSU AND UM!, moved away for many years and never found another place like this.
You’re so right….if you’re bored here – then YOU must be boring!! The bucket list could be quadrupled or more depending on a person’s “likes”. A pet peeve are those with the “winter blahs”… It’s caused by them SITTING inside and looking outside! Not into winter sports (an endless list of those here…)? Then open the door and go for a walk! There are winter days so bright that it nearly blinds you but will forever be imprinted on your spirit.
Summer, Winter, Fall or Spring – Michigan is a place of natural wonder. It can’t be truly seen in a book or video – it’s got to be experienced personally. It’s no mistake that once one of the state slogans was:
Winter, Water Wonderland
4,6,13,15,16,17,21,22,26,27,28,30,31,35,39,42,43,44,45 so far… Another must is hike the 40 mile trail from Grand Maris to Munising via the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail. 2-3 days is all you need. Late August-Early Sept. recommended.
This is the coolest post I’ve seen. I totally agree with you. Glad to be back after living in Arizona for 30 years.
I’m a true Michigan Girl….Born and lived most of my life in Metro-Detroit but I I’ve lived all around the state, large and very small cities. You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Thanks for saying so!
I need to leave San Diego and move back to Michigan…NOT
You are very smart to leave mich I gone.
The AuSable River Canoe Marathon from Grayling to Oscoda, the last weekend in July.
I recommend Stone Circle. Terry Wooten is one of the last poet bards. Very powerful and enriching!! http://terry-wooten.com/stone-circle.html
Agree wholeheartedly. I’ve been, and this is a stunning summer evening experience.
I love that the first picture on your blog is my hometown of Ludington. Make sure you check out The Mitten Bar (www.mittenbar.com) and its co-located sister bar, Barley&Rye, next time you’re there. Cheers!
I have done 8, 21,22,26,27,28,30,31,32,35,38, I also to the boat tour around Pictured Rocks and Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village,
These were two I wanted to add, too! And, as a Hollander, I have to add “see the tulips in Holland during Tulip Time”!
Oh, and visit wineries on Old Mission peninsula and attend a concert at the outdoor bandshell at Interlochen.
Visit the country’s first and only Barstillery™: Flat Lander’s in GR
Great bucket list. I’ve completed many of these and would add the following:
Visit Frankenmuth
Bird watch in Seney Nature Preserve
Drink wine around Leelanau Peninsula
Visit the ‘middle earth’ houses in Petoskey
Overnight at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac
Climb Castle Rock in St. Ignace
Explore Lakenenland sculpture park
Attend a Michigan beer festival
Go agate hunting in the U.P.
Visit Pictured Rocks
Take the ferry from Ludington to Wisconsin.
Yeah, I kind of love this state 3 seasons out of the year!
And also look for Petoskey Stones in Petoskey
Which season don’t you like–winter, or construction?
Oh, Deb, I forgot about Lakenenland. Very neat little sculpture park outside of Marquette.
The Big Spring at Kitchi-ta-Kippee is a must see!!
Yes Jackie..that is a must see quick stop! Beautiful!
Climb to Marblehead on Drummond Island! Love Michigan
46. Catch a salmon on Lake Michigan. Go fishing for native Lake Trout off Stannard Rock light house in Lake Superior.
Live on Drummond! It’s great!
I have had the pleasure of experiencing 1,4,6,13,14,17,21,22,26,27,28,30,35,36,38,39,44,and 45. Would love to complete your list, plus some of the other additions that others have had in the comments.
You guys need to add going on a tour of the motown museum. Pretty legendary for Detroit!
We live on a state surrounded by the one of the greatest fresh water fisheries in the world and not a single mention of fishing the Great Lakes baffles me. Also, the only mention of any hunting is mushroom hunting. Michigan has the greatest number of boat registrations in the US and the only mention of any kind of boating activity is sailing? Going to visit a toy museum and going to Hell makes the list but omit the most obvious puzzles me.
Have To spend more than just a day at torch lake, it’s beautiful up there. Bring about and go to the sand bar. Huge party
I’m thinking its a great list, but you forgot catching a salmon or other big fish.
Tulip week in Holland
Canoeing the AuSable a must, fly fish the Thornapple, Coast Guard fest Grand Haven, Wheatland Music Festival, Bell’s Brewery, bike ride around Mackinaw Island… buy the fudge too, and don’t forget to fly a kite, chill at the Gillmore car museum, Art hop, dance with Kalamazoo Salsa, go hunting, parasail, buy Ice Cream in Plainwell, eat pizza at Papa Pete’s, Blues on the Mall in Grand Rapids, Island fest Arcadia, Fireworks in west branch, eat a Cheeseburger at the Sidney Tavern, hang out with Lions and Tigers, play in a corn field and take a dirt road to find out where it goes.
Funny how you say “45 must-dos in the ‘Mitten'” but #! is in the U.P.
You are not the only person to notice such an odd mistake. I am surprised that it has not been corrected yet.
See a game at the Big House. Play golf at Arcadia Bluffs or Greywalls. Visit Greenfield Village. Tour Cranbrook. Canoe the Au Sable. Wine tour of Leelenau.
13,27,35,39,41, these r da ones I’ve done so far….next on da list I would like to do next is 24 or 40
Kool bucket list. Love all the added comments. Although I have done 25 here, I am making my own list today. Any ideas for winter besides cross country skiing at ForMar? And all the OTE places I have in this beautiful state!
Elk Viewing Sleigh Ride with Gourmet dinner at Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman
Awesome reply. Definitely going to Google that Pam Thanks!
Camp at Tawas state park and see the sunrise and sunset!
How about catch a trout on a dry fly? Fish town, Tailgate at Spartan Stadium, hike the Jordan River pathway, eat a pasty, drive in a lake effect whiteout, pick apples, shop at the Rustbelt market in Ferndale, DIA, DSO, jazz concert at MSU. Yes, trout fishing is a must…
Yep…nothing like the MSU campus on a Fall afternoon…Also, spend the day on Glen Lake and have a burger and beer at Art’s Tavern in Glen Arbor!
1 4 15 28 39 41 45 but I want to do all of them!
Ann Arbor Art Fair.
You should add to this to visit the hunter ice festival in Niles, its always one weekend one January! Very cool thing to do!
A lot of these are in the non-mitten part of of Mi!!!!! Obviously, I’m a Yooper :p. All wonderful suggestions, a lot of which I’ve done myself. Mitten or non-mitten, Michigan sure is beautiful!!!
There are some HUGE things you missed!
#1 Holland michigan tulip fest beautiful and fun
this event made me want to move to Holland MI
#2 Frankenmuth ICE sculpture festival
this event is simply amazing creative and artistic
#3 Cross roads Railraod village Christmas lights
I also truly enjoy halloween at crossroads
#4 GHETTO Beauty of Stepping stone falls
even in the poor places of michigan there is beautiful places.
Art Prize in Grand Rapids;
Curwood Castle in Owosso;
Bronners in Frankenmuth;
Walk the Boardwalk in Grand Haven;
See the Musical Fountain in Grand Haven;
Eat pizza at Fricano’s in Grand Haven;
Saugatuck Shoreline shops;
Leg’s Inn in Cross Village;
Tahquamenon Falls in the winter;
Dune Rides at Silver Lake – Mears;
Steelhead fishing in the Little Manistee River
Make it happen…. I went from Jan 2014 feeling great and walking fine to almost handicapped in six months.. Enjoy every second of good health and make all those memories. Good luck!!
how about the hash bash in ann arbor
Go snipe hunting
always a must.. especially when you’re a youngin”
Round Island next to Mackinac Island is a great adventure. You can rent a kayak at
http://mackinackayak.com/ and they will set up a kayak adventure to Round Island. Ask about camping on the island. There is no charge to stay on the island and there is pirate treasure buried there.
mackinac round island: http://youtu.be/_8n7Ye7g6Nw
Canoe the River Raisin in Monroe.
My aunt is a nun in retirement there. We always drive the Raisin River drive into Monroe. How gorgeous!
lakenland sculpture park in the UP. its amazing and its FREE!!!
Great list! I would add Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth.
I remember going to the “Barbarian” Festival back in the 70’s…wild..
Great list & lots of commenters have added some excellent options. But I am amazed that neither (that I could detect) have suggested Walk the Mighty Mac – can only be done one day per year whereas all the others have multiple opportunities.
I would add Frankenmuth, Fishtown in Leland, and the Cherry Festival in Traverse City. When in TC stop by the Grand Traverse Pie Company for a slice of deliciousness, the State Theater for a step back in time, and a perch dinner at Sleders to kiss the moose!!!
I have completed numerous adventures on this list. I would add one to the list that i have done. Visit the BIG HOUSE, UofM! I worked there for a football season, and in the morning before a football game I would run the top walkway around the stadium.
Also add canoe the river raisin or any one of the numerous rivers. Or polar bear swim and Possey lake.
Just looked up one of the winter suggestions. The sleigh ride to view elk at a resort in Hillman was way too expensive for this retired teacher. Guess I will just have to continue cross country skiing this awesome, beautiful state. ..
Tigers, Lions and/or Pistons. Meadow Brook Hall – tea, tour or Holiday Walk. Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theatre.
Visiting the Les Cheneaux Islands, kayaking with Woods & Water Ecotours, renting a cabin along the water and chilling out on Lake Huron.
This is a wonderful bucket list of sites in Michigan, but they aren’t all in the Mitten. You’ll have to cross the magnificent Mackinac Bridge to experience many of these sites. :-) How about checking out Tahqumenon Falls in the winter, visit Kitch-Iti-Ki-Pi-the Big Spring near Manistique in the summer, visit an abandoned copper mine or take a color tour up Brockway Mountain Drive in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Visit all waterfalls in UP. Drive as far north as u can Brockway mt. Visit all big lake beaches. See eagles nest.
Missed several! I’ve got to get busy. A little tough from here in Fl. Jim
I feel like you have to add Tulip Time in Holland, MI…. Too wonderful to overlook <3
What about Sleeping Bear Dunes and the entire Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Can’t bear the beauty.
How about ice fishing at Tip-Up Town in Houghton Lake? Snowmobiling? How about the Gold Wing Rider’s Association’s “Midnight Ride” – the motorcyclists leave Grand Rapids at midnight and cross the Mackinaw Bridge at sunrise!? What about Blessing of the Bikes in Baldwin each May?
#16 #21 #23 my favorite) #26 #28 #33 #38 #45 all were completed still have so many more to go!!
you missed visiting worlds largest Christmas store in Frankenmuth and eating some chicken at lil Bavaria
Yes, Bronners is a good addition.
love this list…and other ideas from readers….another fun winter idea is .the LUGE in Muskegon ..(check out http://www.grkids.com which is the Muskegon Winter Sports complex for the luge and other winter fun…like ice skating a wooded trail..snow shoeing…cross country skiing etc
Yes! I am doing the Luge this winter and am beyond excited to try it out! Fantastic suggestion.
Charter or pier fishing for trout, salmon, walleye, perch. Dip net for carp, or suckers. Go smelting (I haven’t checked that one off either). Scuba dive a wreck. Go on a train, or river boat tour. Eat at Greek Town and I DON’T mean the casino, “Opa”! Also sample Mexitown, and Poletown. Also in Detroit visit Bell Isle (Dossin Great Lakes Museum, ant the conservatory), AND Eastern Market. Get some Pinconning cheese in Pinconning (and for the more adventurous 10yr aged cheddar, or blind robins – a strong heavily smoked fish). OH oh oh, fudge from the Mackinaw area! Also visit ANY of the dozens of museums and planetariums. And there are many Rails to Trails bike paths. Skiing (alpine, X-C, and water), and snow tubing. Aerial color tour, sand dune ride, hunt for Petoskey stones or agates. Jump or dive from a seawall / pier (be careful of conditions, have 2 exit plans).
I just bought some Pinconning cheese today, at Wilsons cheese shop in Pinconning! Of course, I live in Standish, so that probably doesn’t count. :-)
What’s in Hell?
Like a store and that’s it
What about kayaking picture rocks?
I have only done 8 things on this list. But there are so many things that have been left out. Like walking across the Mackinaw, Going to Port Huron and sitting under the bridge watching the boats go through. Taking a canoe trip down the Au Sable. The lighthouse tour that goes around Michigan, Frankenmuth Winter fest. Snowmobile races, Fireworks in Bay City. The hot air ballon festival in Metamora. (for those who don’t want to go in one. It’s still awesome to watch them all take off. Michigan has some amazing things to do and some really beautiful places to see. :)
You have a great list of which I’ve been fortunate to have done many! I’d like to add: Eat a Pastie from Ste St Marie, Camp in the Huron National Forest and Check out the Northern Lights from the UP.
I would much rather kayak Pictured Rocks. I can’t believe that is not on your list.
Walking the Mackinaw Bridge on labor day WE should have on list also. Wished I saw this 20 years ago, done of few of these but now most wont get done too darn old.
I completely understand your comment!
What about bike time? Unity? Staying at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac? Some of the best things!!
Cross the “ice bridge” on a snow mobile
You forgot to list: Slide down the luge track in Negaunee, site of international competition!
You left off drive through the tunnel of trees! and shop at the Detroit Eastern Market on a saturday morning! the list goes could go on and on..that’s what we love about Michigan!
Climb Castle Rock near St. Ignace in the U. P.
Visit Hartwick Pines near Grayling.
Take a lighthouse tour so many to see their all a bit different but don’t forget to do some ice fishing on lake Superior and eat some smoked white fish witch is the best
How about the Ice Caves at Apostle Island? have been open the past two winters due to the deep freezing.
What about copper harbor, pictured rock, SOO locks, eat a pasty, Shipwreck Museum, legs inn, ice fishing, the tunnel of trees in Harbor springs,
Visit Curwood Castle in historic Owosso MI. While you’re there, see the home of Thomas Dewey.
another list that could be cobbled together with a couple internet searches….not a bucket list, an ‘obvious’ list
Fishtown in Glenn Arbor should be added. It was so interesting when I visited there!!
I love this list. Makes me sad that I’ve missed so many wonderful experiences. Could someone please do a Michigan Bucket List for the “pretty old, mostly handicapped, and definitely unwealthy folks of Michigan? My mountain climbing days are over. Actually, gentle hills were more my thing. I’d love to see a list for Seniors. My best friend, Arther Itis, and I need to gather some coins from under the couch cushions, and get moving!
I would add; enjoy a cold beer at the Gay bar.
Shalee ~
What a Great Project to describe how to get more familiar with “The Great Lake State!”
A very unique & interesting way to learn about Michigan’s attractions first-hand!
One definitely needs to: Stay Overnight at The Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island)!
And, while on The Island: Visit a taffy shop and eat a “freshly-made” sample!
Rent bicycles and cycle around the Island’s perimeter.
My favorite spot for meditation and inspiration:
Walking to the end of the Pier ~ South Haven Lighthouse…go at nighttime or early in the morning…so you have the ambiance & peace just for yourself! :-)
Again, great endeavor…
Bruce H. (Kalamazoo area)
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I would add…
Swim in each of the Great Lakes…even Lake Ontario
Enjoy some of the great local festivals. …like Cheeseburger/Caseville
But most of all…attend a small town Memorial Day Parade…the type of small town with only one stoplight …one gas station…and no fast food restaurants. Attending a small town Memorial Day Parade will make the patriotism swell up inside of you!
Michigan’s Adventure – Shivering Timbers – one of the best wooden roller coasters ever!!
Sunrise from the walk bridge at the mouth of the Two Hearted River,and a canoe trip on the Two Hearted.
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex!!!
Luge Track, Lighted Ice Skating Trail through the woods, lighted groomed Xcountey skiing, and Snowshoe trails!
4,6,7,13,18,21,26,28,30,31,35,38,39, 40,41,43,44,45 #lovepuremichigan
Is hell a place in Michigan?
38?
i guess seeing the cascades in lackson, mich. is too old fashioned..
i guess seeing the cascades falls in jackson is too old fashioned..
Add 46, Tip-Up Town. Houghton Lake end of January a full carnival on the frozen lake! It’s a blast.