Nestled within the northern fringes of the USA, Michigan is a state that’s obtained heaps happening! It’s an incredible state to go to as a part of a wider US street journey, and so value stopping by some key spots inside Michigan itself. There are lots of of the perfect 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 probably the most out of your time in Michigan, we’ve jotted down all our favorite spots that you must see whenever you go to.
Oh, and all the time, pop us a message for those who want another tips about 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 it’s essential to be into vehicles to get pleasure from this place; it’s really actually particular and nicely value visiting with all of the household.
Inside, you’ll be capable to see historic vehicles and study 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 prepare depot the place you may go for a experience on a steam-powered locomotive. Visits will take a couple of hours, and it’s the proper place to go to to study extra in regards to the heritage of Michigan and its significance within the automotive historical past of America.
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2.) Detroit
Detroit typically will get a foul rap in terms of enjoyable cities to go to within the US, however I promise, there’s a lot to see and do. In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the finest locations in Michigan to go to if you’d like extra of a metropolis break within the state.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go to the Detroit Institute of Artwork, or DIA because it’s usually 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 even be a part of their Arts and Minds Lectures or the Drop-In Workshop. Simply make sure that to offer your self no less than ninety minutes to walk round (although, in my view, you may spend for much longer right here). It’s simply among the finest 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 inside 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 bear 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 could 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’ll be able to simply spend an entire afternoon right here.
Getting peckish? Then head over to Jap Market. Established within the 1800s, it’s considered one of Detroit’s oldest public markets and continues to be going sturdy to this present day. Now, for me, I’d advocate happening a weekend because it appears busier with distributors then. As soon as right here, you may get items comparable to baked items, crops 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 novel little spot to go to for those who fancy exploring the nice open air within the state. It’s an incredible little spot to go to, particularly if you wish to head out kayaking to see the attractive shoreline right here.
Now, we discovered it useful to hire a kayak from Port Austin Kayak; these guys know their stuff and offer you all the data and native circumstances you’ll must know earlier than setting out. Journeys take about 3-4 hours, and it’s a stunning little outside exercise in Michigan that’s a lot enjoyable. Only one factor, if the wind picks up, it may be fairly powerful to paddle – so be sure to have a comparatively good degree of health, simply in case.
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4.) Grand Island
On the banks of Lake Superior, Grand Island (Google Maps pin) is without doubt one of the finest 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 anticipate eating places, shops or issues like that. Grand Island is extra of a retreat-style journey, if that is sensible? It’s an incredible little island for those who like to camp, with a few 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 an incredible 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 children and don’t need to swim within the lake itself.
5.) Silver Lake State Park
On the western fringes of Michigan is the long-lasting Silver Lake State Park (Google Maps pin). This entire space round Lake Michigan is simply unbelievable and the proper place to go to for those who’re driving a loop across the state itself.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go straight to the well-known dunes! The entire panorama right here is so ethereal and exquisite. 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.
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6.) Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Positioned on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore (Google Maps pin) is gorgeous to go to. Now, the entire space obtained its identify as a result of wealthy colors of iron, copper, and manganese oxide on the rocks, which makes the shoreline gorgeous. The water is normally a shining blue-green mixture, and the cliffs, seashores, dunes, and rocky shoreline type stunning surroundings.
As soon as right here, you may discover the paths, with Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore having means 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 be sure you all the time hearken to native security recommendation, as this could change every day, relying on native climate circumstances.
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 really fairly a big metropolis (by way of measurement for the state) and nicely value staying in a single day right here.
As soon as right here, make sure that to go to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Visiting is definitely among the finest locations in Michigan to go to for its gorgeous grounds and walkways. The botanical backyard has indoor and outside services, so don’t fear if it’s too chilly to go exterior. There are nature trails for navigating by means of the backyard, which offer an excellent show of gorgeous artworks that encompass all of the foliage. Simply make 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 without doubt one of the historic properties you may’t miss in Grand Rapids.
Lastly, hop on over to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. This can be a great place to go to with the household, and there are heaps of reveals inside. Plus, there’s a very cool Planetarium to go to while you’re right here!
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8.) Isle Royale Nationwide Park
Isle Royale Nationwide Park is located on the northwest of Lake Superior and is definitely among the finest 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 (hundreds of years in the past), it left Isle Royale.
It has heaps of lakes and streams, together with heaps of forest trails stuffed with roaming wildlife, with trails you may discover. You’ll be able to see a few of the wildlife there, comparable 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 fairly particular place to go to while in Michigan. First issues first, you’ll must 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, you must go to the gorgeous Arch Rock (Google Maps pin). The entire shoreline on this aspect of the island is gorgeous, and it’s such a wonderful space to discover on the paths. One phrase of warning, there might be snakes round this space, so all the time hold your eyes peeled.
Afterwards, head to city and go to Pink Pony for his or her epic grilled meats. This place is gorgeous in summer time as you may sit exterior and eat alfresco. In truth, I’d go so far as saying it’s among the finest locations in Michigan to eat exterior. We beloved it! Their honey apple and brie flatbread. Plus, their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is the whole lot!
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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, regardless that it’s a smaller metropolis. As soon as right here, make 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, make sure that to go to the Michigan Historical past Middle. Actually, if you are interested in realizing the correct and detailed historical past of Michigan, you must go to. Even for those who assume you don’t, it’s nonetheless value a go to because it’s an incredible place to go to the Michigan Historical past Museum. As soon as right here, you may see heaps of reveals 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 make sure that to offer your self two to 3 hours to wander round totally.
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 chew to eat, head to Meat BBQ. Their smoked wings and brisket are so yummy. It’s among the finest locations in Michigan for those who love barbecued meat.
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