Located in the Great Lakes region, Michigan is a top destination for travelers across the United States. Whether you are searching for historic locations or outdoor activities, Michigan offers it all.
With so many options for travelers, it can be difficult to narrow down where you want to go or what you want to see. Below is a simple list offering the best things to do in Michigan. Review the options and plan your trip based on the fun things to do that catch your eye!
1. Mackinac Island
Perhaps the most unique area of Michigan, Mackinac Island offers travelers a fun way to explore the outdoors. Travelers head to the island every year to explore the outdoors. The only way to reach the island is to arrive via airplane or ferry. Once there, you can only get around on foot, horseback, or bicycle. The island harkens back to simpler times before the use of automobiles.
The island consists of a State Park where you can visit Fort Mackinac and a historic downtown area. Enjoy hiking trails, a nature center, dining, and more on the island.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
This national park is nestled near Empire, Michigan, and offers 65 miles of protected lands. On Lake Michigan, the park features high bluffs where you can enjoy amazing water views and tall grasses.
Visitors often participate in the Dune Climb, where you must scramble up sand dunes. There is also a Dunes Trail where travelers can take a 3.5-mile hike to the bluffs and enjoy views of Manitou Islands and the lake. Explore hiking trails, camping, and local beaches during your trip.
3. Ann Arbor
Known as the “City of Trees”s, Ann Arbor is a must-stop on your tour of Michigan. The city is home to the University of Michigan and includes many cultural stops you will enjoy. Visit the campus to tour the architecture, and then make your way to the Kerrytown Market to enjoy dining and shopping options.
A historic district also features shopping and a yearly farmers’ market. The farmer’s market is actually over 100 years old and continues to be a staple of the city. Travelers can also make a stop at Argo Park, where you can watch kayakers tackling the rapids of the Argo Cascades.
4. Hollywood Casino at Greektown
If you’re a dedicated gambler looking for excitement, a visit to Hollywood Casino at Greektown is a must. This casino, one of Detroit’s three, offers a fantastic gaming experience with 2,200 of the latest slot machines and classic table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette.
However, if you prefer the convenience of online gambling, a plethora of legal online gambling options await. From slots to card games, the world of online gambling offers a diverse and accessible way to enjoy thrilling entertainment. Whether you choose the physical casino or the world of online gambling, your gaming adventure awaits.
5. Michigan’s Adventure
If you are traveling with children, why not consider a trip to Michigan’s Adventure? Most travelers do not know that the state is home to an amusement park with many exciting rides to enjoy.
Michigan’s Adventure is located near Lake Michigan and offers several rides, including a large Ferris Wheel and a wooden roller coaster known as Shivering Timbers. Children can enjoy the lower intensity rides with a water park also located on-site.
6. Port Austin
If you enjoy fishing and lake activities, then Port Austin is a great travel destination. The area is located on the northern tip of the state and offers a tiny village atmosphere. Many travelers come to this region to fish for lake trout and walleye.
It is also home to a unique natural landmark known as Turnip Rock. Visitors can kayak or boat to the area to see the unique rock formations. Port Austin is also home to Bird’s Eye Park, where you can explore a boardwalk and beach.
7. Detroit Institute of Arts
This museum is one of the best in the United States due to its large collection of artwork. The museum has around 100 galleries and features over 65,000 installations.
Visitors enjoy the lovely building where the artwork is housed and the items inside the facility. The space is 658,000 in size, offering all types of art on display, including photographs, paintings, sculptures, and more.
8. Kitch-iti-kipi Spring
This unique spring is located in Palms Book State Park in the state’s Upper Peninsula. The natural spring houses 10,000 gallons of freshwater per minute and rises to the surface with crystal-clear water.
Visitors can move across the water with a raft connected to a rope and look down to see all types of fish and limestone formations. The spring is a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed.
9. Local Wineries
Most people have yet to learn that Michigan is a fertile farming region that creates grapes for winemaking. The state offers several wine regions, including Lake Michigan Shore AVA.
Visitors can travel to locations such as the St. Julian Winery & Distillery to enjoy wine tastings and see how the products are made. There is a wine trail in the state that is home to 15 wineries and tasting rooms, offering travelers plenty of options for touring.
10. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
If you are interested in local history, travel to the sanctuary, a 4,300-mile aquatic preserve located in Lake Huron. This area is home to around 100 historic sunken boats.
Travelers enjoy the Michigan Maritime Heritage Center, which describes ‘Shipwreck Alley’ and the state’s shipping industry. Visitors can take a glass bottom boat tour to view underwater artifacts preserved due to the colder lake temperatures.
Enjoy Michigan Today
There are so many things to see and do in Michigan; you could take several trips to the state and still have new options to explore. Plan a trip today and visit any hot spots above to create a unique adventure with friends and family.