Introduction : best places to visit in michigan

Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Hey there, fellow travelers! So you’re thinking about exploring the Great Lakes State? Smart choice! Michigan might not always get the same hype as coastal hotspots, but trust me—this mitten-shaped wonder packs a serious punch when it comes to stunning landscapes, charming towns, and unique experiences that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t visit sooner.

I’ve spent countless summer weekends and winter getaways exploring Michigan’s peninsulas, and I’m pumped to share my favorite spots with you. Ready to discover some pure Michigan magic? Let’s dive in!

Mackinac Island

Ever wondered what life would be like without cars? Mackinac Island gives you the perfect taste of that simpler life. This charming island sits in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and bans all motor vehicles. That’s right—transportation here is strictly by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage!

The moment you step off the ferry, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The clip-clop of hooves on pavement replaces the usual traffic noise, and the sweet smell of the island’s famous fudge wafts through downtown. I still remember my first visit—I planned to stay for a day and ended up extending for three because I couldn’t tear myself away.

The Grand Hotel stands as the island’s crown jewel with its massive 660-foot porch (the world’s longest!) overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Even if you’re not splurging on a stay there, the grounds and common areas are worth exploring.

Don’t miss cycling the 8.2-mile road that circles the island. The views of Lake Huron’s crystal blue waters against limestone bluffs create perfect photo ops at every turn. And yes, you absolutely need to try the fudge—my personal favorite comes from Ryba’s, but tasting your way through multiple shops is half the fun!

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

If someone had told me that Michigan has sand dunes rising 450 feet above Lake Michigan, I would have thought they were exaggerating. Then I visited Sleeping Bear Dunes and had my mind completely blown.

This national lakeshore features massive sand mountains alongside crystal-clear lakes, lush forests, and some of the most breathtaking coastal views you’ll find anywhere in America. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers several overlooks where you can appreciate the immensity of these natural wonders.

Feeling adventurous? Try climbing the Dune Climb—a giant sandbox for adults that will quickly remind you just how challenging walking uphill in sand can be! I made the mistake of thinking it would be a quick jaunt to the top and ended up with sand in places I didn’t know could hold sand. Worth it? Absolutely.

The small towns surrounding the dunes—Glen Arbor, Empire, and Frankfort—offer charming places to stay, eat, and shop. Don’t miss grabbing a cherry-anything from a local farm stand. This region produces some of America’s best cherries, and they find their way into everything from pies to salsa to beer.

Detroit

Detroit has undergone an incredible renaissance in recent years, transforming from a city people avoided to one that belongs on every traveler’s radar. The Motor City now buzzes with creative energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and a food scene that rivals much larger metropolitan areas.

Eastern Market on Saturdays has become my go-to recommendation for visitors. This historic public market spans six blocks and features hundreds of vendors selling everything from farm-fresh produce to artisanal cheeses, handmade crafts, and vintage finds. The surrounding area has blossomed with colorful murals that make perfect Instagram backdrops.

The Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of America’s most significant art collections, including Diego Rivera’s famous Detroit Industry Murals. When I visited during a rainy afternoon, I planned a quick one-hour tour and ended up spending the entire day mesmerized by the 100+ galleries.

For sports enthusiasts, catching a game at Comerica Park (Tigers), Ford Field (Lions), or Little Caesars Arena (Red Wings and Pistons) gives you a taste of Detroit’s passionate fan culture. The energy in these venues is absolutely electric!

The food scene deserves special mention—from classic Coney dogs (an ongoing friendly rivalry exists between American and Lafayette Coney Island) to innovative farm-to-table restaurants and authentic international cuisine in Greektown, Mexicantown, and Hamtramck. IMO, you haven’t really experienced Detroit until you’ve had a proper Detroit-style pizza—that crispy, caramelized cheese edge is life-changing.

Traverse City

Wine country in Michigan? You better believe it! Traverse City sits at the same latitude as renowned wine regions in France and Italy, creating perfect conditions for cool-climate varieties like Riesling and Pinot Noir.

The Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas jut into Grand Traverse Bay, creating scenic wine trails with dozens of vineyards offering tastings with spectacular views. I spent a memorable birthday hopping between wineries, and the hospitality rivaled anything I’ve experienced in more famous wine regions—plus, the tasting fees are refreshingly reasonable.

Beyond wine, Traverse City has earned its reputation as Michigan’s foodie capital. The fertile surrounding farmland and freshwater bounty from the Great Lakes supply local restaurants with incredible ingredients. The annual National Cherry Festival celebrates the region’s most famous crop with parades, competitions, and more cherry-themed food than you can imagine.

Downtown’s Front Street offers blocks of independent shops, galleries, and restaurants housed in historic buildings. The State Theatre, lovingly restored under the guidance of filmmaker Michael Moore, hosts the renowned Traverse City Film Festival and shows movies at refreshingly affordable prices year-round.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sleeping Bear Dunes (mentioned earlier) are just a short drive away, as are countless lakes, rivers, and trails for hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—or the U.P. as locals call it—remains one of America’s most underrated wilderness destinations. This vast forested region makes up almost a third of Michigan’s land area but contains just 3% of its population, creating miles of unspoiled natural beauty.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches for 42 miles along Lake Superior, featuring colorful sandstone cliffs that tower up to 200 feet above the water. The minerals that seep through the rock create vibrant streaks of red, orange, blue, green, and brown. Seeing these formations from the water provides the best perspective—I recommend splurging on a boat tour or renting kayaks for an up-close experience.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park showcases one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The Upper Falls spans nearly 200 feet across with a 50-foot drop, earning its nickname “Root Beer Falls” from the amber color created by tannins from the cedar swamps. The park’s brewery and pub make a perfect stop after hiking the scenic trails.

The Keweenaw Peninsula juts into Lake Superior and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the Midwest. During fall, the vibrant foliage against the backdrop of the world’s largest freshwater lake creates views that rival New England. Winter brings astronomical snowfall amounts (often exceeding 200 inches annually) that transform the region into a paradise for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers.

Don’t leave the U.P. without trying a pasty (pronounced PASS-tee)—a handheld meat and vegetable pie that Cornish miners brought to the region. These hearty treats fueled workers in the copper and iron mines and have become the unofficial state food of the Upper Peninsula.

Ann Arbor

Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor blends collegiate energy with sophisticated cultural offerings. The city consistently ranks among America’s best small cities for food, arts, and quality of life.

The downtown area features a walkable grid of streets lined with independent bookstores, eclectic shops, and diverse dining options. Literati Bookstore has become a local institution, complete with a public typewriter where visitors leave anonymous notes (later compiled into a charming book).

Zingerman’s Deli has achieved cult status far beyond Michigan’s borders. Their sandwiches are so good that I’ve legitimately planned trips to Ann Arbor around eating there. Yes, you might wait in line, and yes, you might pay more than you’re used to for a sandwich—but one bite will silence any complaints.

The University of Michigan campus offers several worthy attractions even for non-students. The Law Library reading room looks straight out of Hogwarts, the Museum of Art houses works spanning centuries and continents, and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens provide a perfect nature escape.

Visit during a home football Saturday to witness the transformation that occurs when 107,000+ fans pack into “The Big House”—Michigan Stadium, the largest in the United States. The sea of maize and blue, the iconic fight song, and the palpable excitement create an unforgettable atmosphere even for those who don’t follow sports.

Grand Rapids

Michigan’s second-largest city has reinvented itself from a furniture manufacturing hub to a vibrant urban center with an internationally recognized craft beer scene. Beer enthusiasts flock to Grand Rapids for what locals proudly call “Beer City USA.”

Founders Brewing Company stands as the city’s most famous brewery, but dozens of smaller operations create a perfect beer trail experience. The annual Art Prize competition transforms downtown into an interactive art gallery, with installations displayed throughout public spaces and local businesses.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park combines horticultural displays with a world-class sculpture collection. The 158-acre campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory, multiple themed gardens, and works by renowned artists like Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas, and Dale Chihuly. During summer, their outdoor concert series brings national acts to an idyllic garden setting.

Downtown Grand Rapids has undergone impressive revitalization, centered around the Grand River that flows through the heart of the city. The Downtown Market houses multiple food vendors, restaurants, and shops under one roof—perfect for grazing through different local specialties.

Frankenmuth

Looking for a taste of Bavaria without crossing the Atlantic? Frankenmuth delivers with its distinctive German architecture, cuisine, and traditions. This small town embraces its heritage so completely that walking down the main street feels like stepping into a European village.

Frankenmuth’s claim to fame is Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland—the world’s largest Christmas store. This massive establishment operates year-round and stocks over 50,000 Christmas-related items. Even in the heat of July, you can browse endless ornaments, trees, and decorations while Christmas music plays softly in the background. It’s either magical or slightly maddening, depending on your perspective. 🙂

The town’s famous chicken dinners draw visitors from across the Midwest. Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant sit across from each other on Main Street, both serving enormous family-style chicken dinners with all the fixings. The portions are absolutely ridiculous—I’ve never managed to clean my plate despite my best efforts.

The covered wooden bridge, horse-drawn carriage rides, and clocktower with animated glockenspiel show add to the old-world charm. For adults, the Frankenmuth Brewery and local wine tasting rooms offer libations with a German influence.

Holland

True to its name, Holland celebrates its Dutch heritage with authentic touches throughout this charming Lake Michigan coastal town. The annual Tulip Festival in May showcases millions of tulips in bloom across the city, alongside traditional Dutch dances, costumes, and food.

Windmill Island Gardens features a 250-year-old working Dutch windmill—the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States. The surrounding gardens burst with color during spring and summer, creating a perfect setting for photos.

Holland State Park offers one of Michigan’s best beaches, with soft sand and views of the iconic red “Big Red” lighthouse against the blue horizon of Lake Michigan. The sunsets here consistently rank among the best in the Midwest—I’ve spent hours watching the sky transform into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple as the sun sinks into the lake.

Downtown Holland features heated sidewalks that melt snow in winter—a practical touch that exemplifies the city’s attention to detail. The shopping district blends national retailers with local boutiques, galleries, and cafes.

Saugatuck-Douglas

These twin lakeside towns have long been known as the “Art Coast of Michigan” for their thriving creative community. Dozens of galleries, studios, and shops showcase local artists’ work, from paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry and furniture.

The area’s natural beauty provides plenty of inspiration, with towering dunes, pristine beaches, and the winding Kalamazoo River. Oval Beach consistently ranks among America’s best freshwater beaches, with soft sand and stunning sunsets that draw photographers and romantics alike.

The towns have also become a welcoming LGBTQ+ destination, with inclusive restaurants, bars, and lodging options. The lively yet laid-back atmosphere appeals to diverse visitors seeking a relaxing coastal getaway.

Don’t miss a ride on the hand-cranked chain ferry across the Kalamazoo River—it’s one of the last of its kind in operation and offers a charming glimpse into transportation methods of the past.

Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, urban exploration, cultural experiences, or outdoor adventures, Michigan delivers with its diverse offerings across two unique peninsulas. From the renaissance of Detroit to the unspoiled wilderness of the Upper Peninsula, from the wine trails of Traverse City to the coastal charm of lakeshore towns, the Great Lakes State rewards visitors with authentic experiences and warm Midwestern hospitality.

So pack your map (cell service can be spotty in the remote areas!), bring layers for Michigan’s famously changeable weather, and prepare to fall in love with a state that offers far more than meets the eye. After all, as Michiganders will proudly tell you—if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look around you!