Nestled within the northern fringes of the USA, Michigan is a state that’s obtained heaps occurring! 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 one of the 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 will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Michigan, we’ve jotted down all our favorite spots that you must see while you go to.
Oh, and at all times, pop us a message in case you want every other 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 pondering it’s essential be into automobiles to take pleasure in this place; it’s truly actually particular and effectively price visiting with all of the household.
Inside, you’ll have the ability to see historic automobiles 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 trip in a Mannequin T, and go to the prepare depot the place you may go for a trip on a steam-powered locomotive. Visits will take just a few hours, and it’s the right 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 nasty rap in terms of enjoyable cities to go to within the US, however I promise, there’s lots to see and do. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s the most effective locations in Michigan to go to if you would like extra of a metropolis break within the state.
As soon as right here, ensure 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 case 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 too can be part of their Arts and Minds Lectures or the Drop-In Workshop. Simply ensure that to provide your self at the least ninety minutes to walk round (although, for my part, you may spend for much longer right here). It’s simply the most effective issues to do in Michigan in case you’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 that 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 possibly can simply spend an entire afternoon right here.
Getting peckish? Then head over to Jap Market. Established within the 1800s, it’s one in all Detroit’s oldest public markets and remains to be going robust to this present day. Now, for me, I’d suggest occurring a weekend because it appears busier with distributors then. As soon as right here, you will get items akin 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 novel little spot to go to in case you fancy exploring the good outdoor within the state. It’s an awesome 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 hire a kayak from Port Austin Kayak; these guys know their stuff and provide you with all the knowledge and native situations you’ll must know earlier than setting out. Journeys take about 3-4 hours, and it’s a stunning little out of doors 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 you 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 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 amenities 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 awesome little island in case you like to camp, with among the nicest spots round Trout Bay.
Now, to get right here, you may be part of the Grand Island ferry that docks in Williams Touchdown. It’s all so peaceable and an awesome little spot to go to.
Additionally, don’t neglect, you may be part of a shipwreck tour on the well-known glass-bottom boats that can 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 case you’re visiting with youngsters 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 complete space round Lake Michigan is simply unbelievable and the right place to go to in case you’re driving a loop across the state itself.
As soon as right here, ensure that to go straight to the well-known dunes! The entire panorama right here is so ethereal and delightful. Additionally, you may be part of a trip 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 in case you’re heading down North Lighthouse Drive.
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6.) Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Situated 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 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 in case you fancy getting on to water. Simply make sure to at all times take heed to native security recommendation, as this will change every day, relying on native climate situations.
Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore is very easy to go to in case 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 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 effectively price staying in a single day right here.
As soon as right here, ensure that to go to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Visiting is well the most effective locations in Michigan to go to for its gorgeous grounds and walkways. The botanical backyard has indoor and out of doors amenities, so don’t fear if it’s too chilly to go outdoors. There are nature trails for navigating by the backyard, which give show of gorgeous artworks that encompass all of the foliage. Simply ensure 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 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 displays 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 well the most effective locations in Michigan to go to in case you’re on an outdoorsy journey to the state. You see, the Ice Age Glaciers created this complete 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 among the wildlife there, akin to foxes, otters, ospreys, herring gulls, falcons, and extra. To get a greater view of the park, you may go 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 must 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 can 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 gorgeous space to discover on the paths. One phrase of warning, there could be snakes round this space, so at all times 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 outdoors and eat alfresco. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s the most effective locations in Michigan to eat outdoors. We beloved it! Their honey apple and brie flatbread. Plus, their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is all the pieces!
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10.) Lansing
One other wonderful metropolis to go to in Michigan, Lansing is true 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 occurring, regardless that it’s a smaller metropolis. As soon as right here, ensure 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, ensure that to go to the Michigan Historical past Heart. Truthfully, if you are interested in figuring out the correct and detailed historical past of Michigan, you must go to. Even in case you assume you don’t, it’s nonetheless price a go to because it’s an awesome 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 ensure that to provide 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 chew to eat, head to Meat BBQ. Their smoked wings and brisket are so yummy. It’s the most effective locations in Michigan in case you love barbecued meat.
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