Nestled within the northern fringes of the US, 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 numerous 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 selection! So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your time in Michigan, we’ve jotted down all our favorite spots that it’s important to see whenever you go to.
Oh, and all the time, pop us a message in the event you 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 it’s essential be into vehicles to get pleasure from this place; it’s truly actually particular and nicely value visiting with all of the household.
Inside, you’ll have the ability 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 overlook to take a look at the working farms, take a journey in a Mannequin T, and go to the practice depot the place you’ll be able to go for a journey on a steam-powered locomotive. Visits will take a couple of hours, and it’s the proper place to go to to study extra concerning 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 foul rap on the subject of enjoyable cities to go to within the US, however I promise, there may be loads to see and do. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s probably the greatest locations in Michigan to go to if you would like extra of a metropolis break within the state.
As soon as right here, be certain 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 might take a while to get round! Not solely that, the DIA options an interactive show, which is nice in the event you’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 may as well be part of their Arts and Minds Lectures or the Drop-In Workshop. Simply be certain that to offer your self at the least ninety minutes to walk round (although, in my view, you’ll be able to spend for much longer right here). It’s simply probably the greatest issues to do in Michigan in the event you’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 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 which 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 may simply spend an entire afternoon right here.
Getting peckish? Then head over to Japanese Market. Established within the 1800s, it’s considered one of Detroit’s oldest public markets and remains 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 reminiscent of baked items, crops and different goodies.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
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 in the event you fancy exploring the good open air within the state. It’s an amazing little spot to go to, particularly if you wish to head out kayaking to see the attractive shoreline right here.
Now, we discovered it helpful to lease a kayak from Port Austin Kayak; these guys know their stuff and offer you all the data and native situations you’ll have to 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 robust to paddle – so ensure you 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 likely one of the greatest locations in Michigan to go to as you drive the northern fringes of the state.
Now, there may be little or no when it comes to 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 smart? It’s an amazing little island in the event you like to camp, with among the nicest spots round Trout Bay.
Now, to get right here, you’ll be able to be part of the Grand Island ferry that docks in Williams Touchdown. It’s all so peaceable and an amazing little spot to go to.
Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll be able to be part of a shipwreck tour on the well-known glass-bottom boats that may take you to 2 of the most important wrecks within the bay. We booked ours with Shipwreck Excursions, and it was fairly cool, particularly in the event you’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 enduring Silver Lake State Park (Google Maps pin). This entire space round Lake Michigan is simply unbelievable and the proper place to go to in the event you’re driving a loop across the state itself.
As soon as right here, be certain that to move straight to the well-known dunes! The entire panorama right here is so ethereal and delightful. Additionally, you’ll be able to be part of a journey on the dunes with Mac Wooden’s Dune Rides. It’s a lot enjoyable, and the guides are a hoot!
Additionally, don’t overlook to identify Little Sable Lighthouse (Google Maps pin). It’s really easy to see, particularly in the event you’re heading down North Lighthouse Drive.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
6.) Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Positioned on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore (Google Maps pin) is beautiful 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 beautiful. The water is normally a shining blue-green mixture, and the cliffs, seashores, dunes, and rocky shoreline kind stunning surroundings.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to discover the paths, with Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore having method over 100 miles of trails across the park itself. Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll be able to head out boating and kayaking in the event you fancy getting on to water. Simply be sure you all the time hearken 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 in the event you’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 superb 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 (when it comes to dimension for the state) and nicely value staying in a single day right here.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Visiting is definitely probably the greatest 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 the backyard, which give a superb show of gorgeous artworks that encompass all of the foliage. Simply be certain that to see the American Horse, which is 24 toes tall and Louise Bourgeois’s Spider.
Afterwards, head for a go to to Meyer Might Home (Google Maps hyperlink). It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and is likely one of the historic properties you’ll be able to’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 extremely 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 probably the greatest locations in Michigan to go to in the event you’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’ll be able to discover. You may see among the wildlife there, reminiscent of foxes, otters, ospreys, herring gulls, falcons, and extra. To get a greater view of the park, you’ll be able to go mountaineering or go on boat excursions.
Simply don’t overlook, to entry the island, you’ll be able to 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 have the ability to get to hop on the ferries that may lead you straight to Mackinac Island.
As soon as right here, it’s important to go to the beautiful Arch Rock (Google Maps pin). The entire shoreline on this facet of the island is beautiful, and it’s such a wonderful space to discover on the paths. One phrase of warning, there will be snakes round this space, so all the time 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’ll be able to sit outdoors and eat alfresco. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s probably the greatest locations in Michigan to eat outdoors. We cherished it! Their honey apple and brie flatbread. Plus, their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is every thing!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
10.) Lansing
One other wonderful metropolis to go to in Michigan, Lansing is true within the coronary heart of the state and completely straightforward 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 certain 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 certain that to move to the Michigan Historical past Heart. Actually, if you are interested in realizing the correct and detailed historical past of Michigan, it’s important to go to. Even in the event you suppose you don’t, it’s nonetheless value a go to because it’s an amazing place to go to the Michigan Historical past Museum. As soon as right here, you’ll be able to 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 be certain that to offer your self two to 3 hours to wander round totally.
Additionally, don’t overlook 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 probably the greatest locations in Michigan in the event you love barbecued meat.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit