10 Best Things to do in Michigan

  • February 25, 2022

Michigan, which borders four of the Great Lakes, is surrounded by the breathtaking landscape in every direction. Its stunning coastline is dotted with white sand beaches, massive dunes, and vibrant sandstone cliffs, where old lighthouses remain after decades.

During the summer, you may travel from Detroit to South Haven, learning about the intriguing history along the route. There are plenty of historical and cultural attractions in Michigan, from Henry Ford to Motown.

As the weather cools, enjoy the gorgeous fall foliage, and snowy scenery as Michigan's little villages become increasingly lovely.

1. Holland State Park Beach

Holland State Park Beach, which overlooks the beautiful Lake Michigan, is the place to go in the summer. Enjoy a seemingly endless lakefront just outside of Holland, where you'll have plenty of space to relax in the sun and cool off in the water.

Throw the football around and play cornhole on the sand, or go out on the lake using the boat ramp. Within the state park, fishing is also permitted. Enjoy the various paths that circle the lake's shore if you're looking for other dryland experiences.

Head to one of the park's two campsites if you can't bear leaving at the end of the day.

2. Motown Museum (Detroit)

The Motown Museum, located in downtown Detroit, was established in 1985 to honor the city that gave birth to the genre. The museum examines the history of Motown, from its humble origins to its most famous songs in an authentic studio.

Visitors may see historical items, costumes, and memorabilia from some of Motown's most prominent singers in various displays.

3. South Haven Lighthouse

The South Haven Lighthouse, built around the turn of the twentieth century, has long possessed a magical air that has enchanted visitors. The crimson lighthouse sparkles beneath its beacon at the end of an elevated catwalk packed with lamp posts at night. It promises to be an awe-inspiring spectacle, whether the stars shine brightly overhead or the sky is dark.

The lighthouse is composed of cast iron, which has been shown to be durable enough to withstand the swells of Lake Michigan for over a century. The raised walkway was built primarily so that the lighthouse keeper could still go to the lighthouse in the event of a storm.

The Maritime District Harborwalk may be accessed by parking in downtown South Haven. The trail takes you through local history before leading you to the iconic lighthouse.

4. Detroit RiverFront

A walk along the Detroit RiverFront is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the city. There are 3.5 miles of riverfront walking lanes along the Detroit River, where you may enjoy great views of the city skyline while strolling along the river.

The paved walkway is comfortable for pedestrians and bikers alike. The route begins on the west end at the Renaissance Center on the river, which houses GM's headquarters. The Cullen Family Carousel and shopping, entertainment, and dining will be available to visitors.

5. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, which opened in 1995, mix a large botanical garden with various public art. It is a popular event for residents and visitors alike since it combines a cultural experience with time in nature. It's Michigan's second-most-visited destination.

The park is located in Grand Rapids. Where you may enjoy a tranquil experience meandering through stunning indoor and outdoor gardens just streets away from the rows of breweries, the Japanese garden, and the Iron Tree Sculpture, both designed by the one and only Ai Weiwei, will be among the highlights of the tranquil experience.

6. Mackinac Island

On the lovely Lake Huron, you'll get the chance to ride in a horse-drawn carriage around the Midwest's Cape Cod. Travel through the Old Town to see streets adorned with Victorian-era buildings, home to charming cafés and romantic restaurants.

Mackinac Island boasts numerous boutique BnBs from where you can enjoy magnificent autumn foliage walks and sample the island's famed fudge. Later, take a sunset sail on Lake Michigan or explore Fort Mackinac.

7. Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Saugatuck Dunes State Park features a magnificent shoreline, massive dunes, and lush woodlands along an isolated portion of Lake Michigan. While it's typical for guests to relax on the beach's white sands in the warm summer sun, there's much to see and do.

Dunes that have grown to reach over 200 feet tall may be found along the park's 2.5-mile coastline. Saugatuck Dunes has 13 miles of hiking paths that exhibit the lush woodlands where birds come during the summer months.

With the dunes now coated in powder, the hiking routes provide for spectacular afternoons of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

8. Michigan State Capitol (Lansing)

The beautiful Michigan State Capitol, designed by Elijah Myers and built-in 1879, is still an administration site and well worth a visit.

The Michigan State Capitol was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992, following extensive renovations. The structure has one distinguishing element that sets it apart from the bulk of previous capital structures. That being its magnificent cast-iron dome, which is best admired from the expansive grounds.

Today, you can either explore the iconic structure on your own or join up for a fascinating guided tour that takes you behind the scenes of one of the state's most significant structures.

9. Front Street (Traverse City)

Running through the center of Traverse City, Front Street is dining, retail, and entertainment hub. The street is home to over 150 merchants, housed in 19th-century buildings alongside the charming brick sidewalks.

Front Street is a happening place to be at any time of year, with endless events to enjoy. The street is lined with leafy trees and white blossoms that stick around through the summer months in the spring. In the fall, the spectacular foliage makes a superb partner as you sip on your coffee and watch the world go by. As the snow falls in the winter, the street is covered with twinkling lights to celebrate a magical time of year.

10. Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve and a distant and car-free natural world. The park comprises several islands clustered around the center of Isle Royale. The only way to begin your experiences here is to arrive by boat or seaplane.

You may explore the Isle Royale National Park along many pathways once your feet are back on solid land. Each depicts a world sculpted by the Ice Age, complete with abundant lakes, rivers, and deep forests teeming with life. Otters, moose, wolves, and a variety of predatory birds are frequently seen.

 

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