The state of Michigan lies in the Great Lakes region in the US, making it a prime location to get some much-needed relaxation and fun time. With attractions ranging from dunes and museums to beaches, you can enjoy countless exciting activities like swimming, exploring art, and hiking. That’s why we’re sharing the ultimate travel bucket list, filled with the most thrilling places to visit in the Wolverine State.
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1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks is a beautiful sight, no matter the season. It has almost 35 miles of painted sandstone cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. Here, you can go hiking using trails leading to the striking waterfalls, dunes, and hidden beaches for swimming. Kayaking is also an option, but it would be best to do this from June to August because that’s the peak season for kayak-guided tours.
2. MGM Grand Detorit
MGM Grand Detroit, nestled along the Detroit River, offers a vibrant and luxurious physical gaming experience in the heart of Michigan. With a modern and glamorous ambiance, the casino features a vast gaming floor, complete with slot machines, table games, and poker rooms. The scenic waterfront location adds to its allure. Furthermore, in line with Michigan’s progressive approach to online gambling, MGM Detroit Casino seamlessly integrates into this digital landscape, offering gaming enthusiasts a user-friendly online platform.
3. Detroit Institute of Arts
With over 100 galleries and 65,000+ artworks, the Detroit Institute of Arts is famous for being one of the largest art collections in the US. You can expect to find famous paintings like Van Gogh’s self-portraits and Cotopaxi. It’s the perfect destination for art lovers, as you can tour by yourself or with a friendly guide and admire the masterpieces. But that’s not all, besides looking at the artwork, the museum offers many free events you can attend, including movie screenings and live performances.
4. Holland State Park
Do you enjoy swimming but don’t feel safe in the ocean’s open waters? Spanning over 140 acres, Holland Park in Michigan is the best option for making memories with your family and friends at the beach. You can have a blast with activities like making sand sculptures, playing beach volleyball, or even soaking up the sun to work on your tan. On top of this, the pristine waters are perfect for boating, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing.
5. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a must-visit for those looking for a place to wind down and enjoy the simple things in life. Tourists visit here to enjoy the island’s breathtaking beauty and calm atmosphere, especially during the warm summer. You can access it by airplane or ferry and explore by foot, bicycle, or horseback. There are a variety of iconic destinations to visit here, including Arch Rock, Sunset Rock, Devil’s Kitchen, and Fort Mackinac.
6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a natural oasis that covers up to 65 miles along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. It’s famous for its magnificent field of deep sand and tall grasses, where you can hike to the nearby sea cliffs and enjoy the astounding view of the lake and Manitou islands. If you’re curious how the place got its name, head to the Dune Center Bookstore, where you can partake in the exciting Dune Climb.
7. Traverse City
From exploring the nearby sandy beach of the Grand Traverse Bay to exploring the Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City is one well-rounded town. If you book a room at Hotel Indigo, you’ll be close to Clinch Park, the city’s center for lakeside activities like swimming and sand volleyball. On top of this, the place is home to the National Cherry Festival, a weeklong celebration held in July. There, you can buy baked products, enjoy parades and fireworks shows, and participate in cherry spitting contests.
8. Grand Trunk Pub
Are you on vacation with your spouse and looking for fun places for couples to visit? Try the Grand Trunk Pub, a unique bar built in a former railway station in the 1900s. After a full day of sightseeing, you can relax here and try assorted dishes like chicken, burgers, and salads. There are also over 170 craft beers you can choose from, so it all depends on your taste.
9. Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia is a top-tier ski destination in Michigan and is estimated to be around 1,100 acres in size. So, this would be the best place to spend your winter if you enjoy winter sports. But if this isn’t your thing, you can also try snowboarding, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. After a fun-filled day in the snow, you can wind down at the onsite Nordic spa, with steam rooms and warm waters to soak yourself.
10. Presque Isle Park
Presque Isle Park is another premium location resting along the shores of Lake Superior. It’s a small oval-shaped park with pebbles, a concert shelter, and picnic areas, perfect for planning an endless array of activities. These include bike riding through the scenic trails, hiking through the rich greenery, and jumping from 10-15-foot cliffs into the sparkling water. If you want a nice, quiet getaway where you’ll be surrounded by a scenic landscape with lush forests and glistening water, this is the place to be.
Enjoy Michigan’s Fantastic Destinations Any Time of the Year
Michigan is gorgeous year-round, so it has a special place in the hearts of tourists and locals alike. During the warmer days, you can visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or Holland State Park and go swimming, and in winter, try skiing at Mount Bohemia. Michigan Stadium is also an exciting location for sports enthusiasts as you join the adrenaline-pumped crowds and watch live matches. Whatever you have in mind for your next visit, you can never go wrong with touring Michigan.