Michigan is one of the states on the Great Lakes. It has beautiful nature, lively cities, and sweet little towns. Michigan has a lot to offer, from quiet lakeshores to busy towns. Whether you like nature and history or take it easy, these spots in Michigan are some of the most interesting in the state.
The Mackinac Island
When you go to Mackinac Island, you should step back. Many people know you can not drive on the island of Lake Huron. You must walk, ride a bike, or take a horse drawn wagon to get around. On the island, you can see Fort Mackinac, the Grand Hotel (the most extended porch in the world), and other lovely Victorian buildings. Remember to try the island’s famous candy!
Sleeping Bear Dunes are on the northern coast.
Many people know Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for its beautiful dunes that rise 450 feet above Lake Michigan. The dunes are excellent for walking, the drives are beautiful, and the beaches are clean. Beautiful views are along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, and the Dune Climb is necessary for people who like to be pushed. The small towns nearby also have great places to camp and see.
Ford City
Detroit is the largest city in Michigan. It is known for having an active arts and culture scene and a long history of making cars. Many great works can be found at the Detroit Institute of Arts. You can learn a lot about the city’s musical past at the Motown Museum. The Henry Ford Museum, which is close to Dearborn, offers much to learn about American creativity. Stop by the downtown area that has been fixed up to see the cute shops, restaurants, and lovely riverwalks.
The City of Travers
People love to travel to Traverse City in northern Michigan because it has lovely scenery, fun things to do outside, and great wineries. Grand Traverse Bay is right next to the city. It is a great spot to swim, fish, and rent boats. The area has cherry trees, and the National Cherry Festival in July is an excellent time for the whole family. Visit one of the nearby wineries to taste some of Michigan’s best wine.
Ann Arbor
Many people know it for its active arts and culture scene, and the University of Michigan is there. Many theatres, museums, and art galleries can be found in the city. The University of Michigan Museum of Art and the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum are two places. There are many lovely parks and grounds on campus for you to enjoy. Also, downtown is bustling, with lots of shops and bars. The Ann Arbor Art Fair takes place every summer and is one of the country’s biggest and best outdoor art shows.
Holland
Some say that Holland, Michigan, is like the Netherlands in the middle of the United States. The city is famous for its Dutch past and the Tulip Time Festival that happens every year. There are parades, traditional Dutch dances, and millions of tulips. At Windmill Island Gardens, you can see an authentic Dutch windmill. You can also stroll downtown and look at the cute shops and restaurants. Enjoy Lake Michigan and some peace at Holland State Park. The beach is lovely, and the Big Red Lighthouse is famous.
The Northern Part
People who love being outside will love the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The thick forests, beautiful waterfalls, and rough shoreline along Lake Superior make it a great place to walk, fish, and camp. It is good that Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is there. Beautiful hiking trails lead to sandstone hills of many colors. The water is clear blue. You can see the stunning scenery of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which used to be a center for copper mines, or the old town of Marquette.
Grand Rapids
The city of Grand Rapids is often called “Beer City USA,” and its craft beer scene is just as exciting. The city has a lot of brewers, and many of them let you tour and try their beer. The Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Frederik Meijer Grounds & Sculpture Park are great spots for art fans. The gardens and art pieces are lovely. All year long, ArtPrize is an international art show in downtown Grand Rapids.
In Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is a cute town with a solid German past. It is sometimes called “Little Bavaria.” People love it because the delicious food and buildings are always happy and look like they were made in Bavaria. Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn are great places to eat because they are known for their chicken dinners. There is no bigger Christmas store than Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. You can also take the Bavarian Belle Riverboat for a calm trip down the Cass River.
Lansing
Lansing is the capital city of Michigan. It has both natural and cultural sights to see. The Michigan State Capitol building is beautiful; trips inside teach you a lot. You can learn much about Michigan’s past at the Michigan History Center. The nearby Lansing River Trail is a great place to have fun outside. You can walk or bike along the Grand River on beautiful paths. You can also visit the Potter Park Zoo with your family.
Petoskey
People love it for its beautiful surroundings and old fashioned charm. Little Traverse Bay is right next to Petoskey. The town is famous for the Petoskey Stone, a unique piece of coral that has been kept and can be found on the beach. You should check out the cute downtown area. It has art workshops, small shops, and restaurants. Petoskey State Park is close by and has beautiful beaches and great hike trails, so it’s a great spot to spend time outside.
Douglas Island and Saugatuck
Saugatuck and Douglas are two nearby towns that people love to visit because they have excellent, artsy vibes, beautiful beaches, and a lively culture. Many consider Oval Beach in Saugatuck one of the country’s best. The towns have many art galleries, one of a kind shops, and cozy B&Bs. Enjoy the outdoors by taking a boat ride on the Kalamazoo River.
Conclusion
Michigan is a beautiful state. There is something for everyone here, from the exciting cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids to the sweet little towns of Holland and Frankenmuth and the stunning nature of Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Upper Peninsula. You can travel all year to Michigan because each place offers unique things. It’s time to see everything this great state has to offer. Pack your bags!