The Best Things to Do in Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

          Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  This amazing coastline has a variety of things to see.  There are waterfalls, lighthouses, huge sand dunes, and rocky cliffs and rock formations.  This is probably one of the most popular things to do in Michigan.  It’s well worth a visit.  You can take a boat tour or kayak on Lake Superior, both things I have  yet to do.  Be sure to check out Grand Sable Dunes and Munising Falls

Holland

          Check out Holland during tulip time.  The Tulip Time Fest is in the spring and it’s a fun event to go to.  Holland is also nice year round so you can go anytime.  There are plenty of other things to do there as well.  There are tons of restaurants,  boutiques, beaches, a lighthouse, and so much more!

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

          Tahquamenon Falls State Park has a huge waterfall.  It’s one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.  There are trails for hiking and you can view from the upper falls and lower falls lookouts.  It’s impressive to see. 

Lighthouses

          Visit some lighthouses.  There are 129 in the state of Michigan, more than any other U.S. State. Michigan is THE state of lighthouses.  If you ever wanted to explore some, it’s the perfect place to do it.  This one is Eagle Harbor Lighthouse.

Mackinac Island

          Take a ferry to Mackinac Island.  This island is a “must see” in Michigan.  There are no cars, so everybody gets around on foot, by bike, horse, or boat.  There are tons of fun things to do like beaches, shops, restaurants, gardens, Arch Rock, etc.  Don’t forget to try some famous Mackinac Island fudge.  

Mackinac Bridge

          Cross the Mackinac Bridge.  I can’t mention Mackinac Island without mentioning the bridge.  It’s one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and a significant site in Michigan.  It’s $4 to cross. 

Silver Lake State Park

          Explore the 2,000 acres of sand dunes at Silver Lake State Park.  You can ride in an off-roading vehicle, (something I haven’t done) go sand boarding, or just walk around the dunes.  Silver Lake has a campground and lighthouse.  Dogs are allowed as well. 

Traverse City

          Traverse City is one of my favorite cities in Michigan.  It’s probably top 3.  It’s located on a bay and has a nice beach.  The town itself has a lot of great shops and restaurants.  There is this fun riverwalk area that is a few block in from the beach.  A few of my other favorite coastal Michigan towns are New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Saugatuck, South Haven, Grand Haven, Ludington, Glen Arbor, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Mackinaw City, Marquette, and Houghton. 

Brockway Mountain

The drive up Brockway Mountain is super scenic.  It’s close to the tallest mountain in Michigan (Mount Arvon) so you can image it’s a pretty view.  You can view surrounding lakes and Lake Superior from the top.  It’s known for being great for birdwatching.  I can image sunset and the Northern Lights would be incredible from the top.  

Sleeping Bear Dunes

          Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is another super popular thing to do in Michigan.  The overlook area is super high up and overlooks Lake Michigan.  You can hike down to the water if you choose or save your energy. It’s a very tiring and long way down so it’s not recommended if you aren’t in good shape.  

Detroit

        I've been to Detroit a few times in my life but had never really spent much time there until last year.  One of my good friends moved there.  It's a fun little city with a lot to do.  This picture was taken on Belle Isle.  If you're there in the summer I recommend checking it out. 

Ann Arbor

        I went to Ann Arbor last summer for my husband's birthday and because I was in the area for a wedding.  We visited the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, which were beautiful.  We also stopped to get ramen at Slurping Turtle for my husband's birthday dinner.  The food was amazing.  I had some of the best sushi of my life and the ramen was really good too. 

Dearborn

          I don’t have any photos of Dearborn because I haven’t been in years and years but it’s a very popular city to visit for students and history lovers.  Check out the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.  

          Here are some other places that I haven’t had time to explore, but are worth mentioning. 

–Fredrik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, in Grand Rapids

-Frankenmuth

–Kitch-iti-kipi

-Isle Royale National Park

-Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park