Nestled within the northern fringes of the USA, Michigan is a state that’s received heaps happening! It’s an incredible state to go to as a part of a wider US highway journey, and so price stopping by some key spots inside Michigan itself. There are lots of of the very best locations in Michigan scattered all through the state.
From cities like Detroit, to wider museums and the shoreline of Lake Erie, you’re going to be spoilt for alternative! So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Michigan, we’ve jotted down all our favorite spots that it’s a must to see while you go to.
Oh, and at all times, pop us a message for those who want some other recommendations on visiting Michigan. Have an incredible time!
1.) Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
Nestled within the wider area close to Detroit, particularly within the metropolis of Dearborn, is the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Now, don’t be fooled into considering you want to be into automobiles to get pleasure from this place; it’s truly actually particular and properly price visiting with all of the household.
Inside, you’ll be capable to see historic automobiles and be taught extra about a few of America’s nice minds and their innovations. Not solely that, you’ll get to see issues like previous presidential limousines, that are so cool to see.
Additionally, don’t neglect to take a look at the working farms, take a experience in a Mannequin T, and go to the practice depot the place you may go for a experience on a steam-powered locomotive. Visits will take a number of hours, and it’s the right place to go to to be taught extra in regards to the heritage of Michigan and its significance within the automotive historical past of America.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
2.) Detroit
Detroit typically will get a nasty rap in terms of enjoyable cities to go to within the US, however I promise, there’s a lot to see and do. In reality, I’d go so far as saying it’s top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to go to if you need extra of a metropolis break within the state.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to the Detroit Institute of Artwork, or DIA because it’s typically abbreviated as. This institute boasts an enormous assortment of labor from nice artists from America, Asia and Africa. It holds a whopping 60,000 distinctive and superior artworks in over 100 galleries, which may take a while to get round! Not solely that, the DIA options an interactive show, which is nice for those who’re visiting with the household.
Not solely that, there are world-renowned European work contained in the DIA, together with works from Picasso, Matisse, and Rembrandt. If , you can too be a part of their Arts and Minds Lectures or the Drop-In Workshop. Simply be sure that to present your self a minimum of ninety minutes to walk round (although, in my view, you may spend for much longer right here). It’s simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Michigan for those who’re an artwork lover!
Afterwards, head over to Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. Belle Isle Park sits proper throughout the Detroit River, bordering Windsor in Canada. The park is a shelter to the historic Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium within the US. Simply keep in mind, the aquarium closes at 4 pm every day. Inside, the historic aquarium (from 1904) homes heaps of native and extra unique seafaring species. If that’s not your factor, there are many different spots on Belle Isle Park you can simply go to. Locations just like the Anna Scrips Whitcomb Conservatory, Dossin Nice Lakes Museum, Belle Isle Boat Home, James Scott Memorial Fountain or simply stroll across the park itself. You possibly can simply spend a complete afternoon right here.
Getting peckish? Then head over to Jap Market. Established within the 1800s, it’s one in every of Detroit’s oldest public markets and continues to be going robust to this present day. Now, for me, I’d suggest happening a weekend because it appears busier with distributors then. As soon as right here, you will get items corresponding to baked items, vegetation and different goodies.
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3.) Eagle Bay (Turnip Rock)
Simply shy of Port Austin in Michigan, Turnip Rock (Google Maps pin) is a singular little spot to go to for those who fancy exploring the nice open air within the state. It’s a terrific little spot to go to, particularly if you wish to head out kayaking to see the beautiful shoreline right here.
Now, we discovered it helpful to hire a kayak from Port Austin Kayak; these guys know their stuff and offer you all the knowledge and native situations you’ll have to know earlier than setting out. Journeys take about 3-4 hours, and it’s a beautiful little outside exercise in Michigan that’s a lot enjoyable. Only one factor, if the wind picks up, it may be fairly robust to paddle – so be sure to have a comparatively good stage of health, simply in case.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
4.) Grand Island
On the banks of Lake Superior, Grand Island (Google Maps pin) is among the greatest locations in Michigan to go to as you drive the northern fringes of the state.
Now, there’s little or no by way of services right here; don’t count on eating places, shops or issues like that. Grand Island is extra of a retreat-style journey, if that is sensible? It’s a terrific little island for those who like to camp, with a number of the nicest spots round Trout Bay.
Now, to get right here, you may be a part of the Grand Island ferry that docks in Williams Touchdown. It’s all so peaceable and a terrific little spot to go to.
Additionally, don’t neglect, you may be a part of a shipwreck tour on the well-known glass-bottom boats that may take you to 2 of the biggest wrecks within the bay. We booked ours with Shipwreck Excursions, and it was fairly cool, particularly for those who’re visiting with youngsters and don’t wish to swim within the lake itself.
5.) Silver Lake State Park
On the western fringes of Michigan is the enduring Silver Lake State Park (Google Maps pin). This entire space round Lake Michigan is simply unbelievable and the right place to go to for those who’re driving a loop across the state itself.
As soon as right here, be sure that to move straight to the well-known dunes! The entire panorama right here is so ethereal and delightful. Additionally, you may be a part of a experience on the dunes with Mac Wooden’s Dune Rides. It’s a lot enjoyable, and the guides are a hoot!
Additionally, don’t neglect to identify Little Sable Lighthouse (Google Maps pin). It’s really easy to see, particularly for those who’re heading down North Lighthouse Drive.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
6.) Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Situated on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore (Google Maps pin) is beautiful to go to. Now, the entire space received its identify because of the wealthy colors of iron, copper, and manganese oxide on the rocks, which makes the shoreline beautiful. The water is often a shining blue-green mixture, and the cliffs, seashores, dunes, and rocky shoreline type lovely surroundings.
As soon as right here, you may discover the paths, with Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore having approach over 100 miles of trails across the park itself. Additionally, don’t neglect, you may head out boating and kayaking for those who fancy getting on to water. Simply make sure you at all times take heed to native security recommendation, as this will change day by day, relying on native climate situations.
Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore is very easy to go to for those who’re already heading to Grand Island, because it’s simply east of the island itself.
7.) Grand Rapids
Within the west of Michigan, Grand Rapids is a good metropolis to go to if you wish to anchor your self in a single space and discover the western edges of the state. It’s truly fairly a big metropolis (by way of measurement for the state) and properly price staying in a single day right here.
As soon as right here, be sure that to go to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Visiting is definitely top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to go to for its beautiful grounds and walkways. The botanical backyard has indoor and outside services, so don’t fear if it’s too chilly to move outdoors. There are nature trails for navigating by means of the backyard, which offer a great show of lovely artworks that encompass all of the foliage. Simply be sure that to see the American Horse, which is 24 ft tall and Louise Bourgeois’s Spider.
Afterwards, head for a go to to Meyer Could Home (Google Maps hyperlink). It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is among the historic properties you may’t miss in Grand Rapids.
Lastly, hop on over to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. It is a great place to go to with the household, and there are heaps of displays inside. Plus, there’s a very cool Planetarium to go to while you’re right here!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
8.) Isle Royale Nationwide Park
Isle Royale Nationwide Park is located on the northwest of Lake Superior and is definitely top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to go to for those who’re on an outdoorsy journey to the state. You see, the Ice Age Glaciers created this entire panorama, and since their melting (1000’s of years in the past), it left Isle Royale.
It has heaps of lakes and streams, together with heaps of forest trails filled with roaming wildlife, with trails you may discover. You possibly can see a number of the wildlife there, corresponding to foxes, otters, ospreys, herring gulls, falcons, and extra. To get a greater view of the park, you may go mountain climbing or go on boat excursions.
Simply don’t neglect, to entry the island, you may solely go by a seaplane or boat.
9.) Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is simply off the shores of St Ignace and a reasonably particular place to go to while in Michigan. First issues first, you’ll have to get the ferry from St Ignace (Google Maps pin) or from Mackinaw Metropolis (Google Maps pin). From these two factors, you’ll be capable to get to hop on the ferries that may lead you straight to Mackinac Island.
As soon as right here, it’s a must to go to the beautiful Arch Rock (Google Maps pin). The entire shoreline on this aspect of the island is beautiful, and it’s such a ravishing space to discover on the paths. One phrase of warning, there may be snakes round this space, so at all times preserve your eyes peeled.
Afterwards, head to city and go to Pink Pony for his or her epic grilled meats. This place is beautiful in summer time as you may sit outdoors and eat alfresco. In reality, I’d go so far as saying it’s top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to eat outdoors. We beloved it! Their honey apple and brie flatbread. Plus, their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is the whole lot!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
10.) Lansing
One other wonderful metropolis to go to in Michigan, Lansing is correct within the coronary heart of the state and completely simple to go to as you drive from Detroit to Grand Rapids (or vice-versa).
Now, being the capital of Michigan, Lansing has heaps happening, though it’s a smaller metropolis. As soon as right here, be sure that to discover the Michigan State Capitol space. On the opening of the constructing in 1879, it was thought of a groundbreaking architectural achievement.
Afterwards, be sure that to move to the Michigan Historical past Middle. Truthfully, if you are interested in understanding the correct and detailed historical past of Michigan, it’s a must to go to. Even for those who assume you don’t, it’s nonetheless price a go to because it’s a terrific place to go to the Michigan Historical past Museum. As soon as right here, you may see heaps of displays on issues just like the native geology of Michigan, Native American historical past within the space, the formation of the broader Nice Lakes Area, and a lot extra! Simply be sure that to present your self two to a few hours to wander round absolutely.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to the Shigematsu Japanese Backyard (Google Maps pin). It’s a small however completely spectacular Japanese backyard that solely takes about 10 minutes to stroll round.
For a chunk to eat, head to Meat BBQ. Their smoked wings and brisket are so yummy. It’s top-of-the-line locations in Michigan for those who love barbecued meat.
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