Nestled within the northern fringes of the USA, Michigan is a state that’s acquired heaps occurring! It’s a tremendous 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 various 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 need to see whenever you go to.
Oh, and at all times, pop us a message when you want some other tips about visiting Michigan. Have a tremendous 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 worthwhile to be into vehicles to take pleasure in this place; it’s truly actually particular and effectively price visiting with all of the household.
Inside, you’ll be capable to see historic vehicles and be taught 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 trip in a Mannequin T, and go to the prepare depot the place you’ll be able to go for a trip on a steam-powered locomotive. Visits will take a number of hours, and it’s the right place to go to to be taught extra concerning the heritage of Michigan and its significance within the automotive historical past of America.
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2.) Detroit
Detroit generally will get a nasty rap with regards to enjoyable cities to go to within the US, however I promise, there may be a lot to see and do. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to go to if you would 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 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 may take a while to get round! Not solely that, the DIA options an interactive show, which is nice when 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 a part of their Arts and Minds Lectures or the Drop-In Workshop. Simply make sure that to provide your self a minimum of ninety minutes to walk round (although, in my view, you’ll be able to spend for much longer right here). It’s simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Michigan when 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 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 remains to be going sturdy to at the present time. 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, 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 when you fancy exploring the nice open air within the state. It’s an excellent 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 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 out of doors exercise in Michigan that’s a lot enjoyable. Only one factor, if the wind picks up, it may be fairly robust to paddle – so be sure to have a comparatively good degree 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 without doubt 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 excellent little island when you like to camp, with a few of the nicest spots round Trout Bay.
Now, to get right here, you’ll be able to be a part of the Grand Island ferry that docks in Williams Touchdown. It’s all so peaceable and an excellent little spot to go to.
Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll be able to be a 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 when you’re visiting with children and don’t wish 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 complete space round Lake Michigan is simply unimaginable and the right place to go to when you’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’ll be able to be a 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 overlook to identify Little Sable Lighthouse (Google Maps pin). It’s really easy to see, particularly when you’re heading down North Lighthouse Drive.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
6.) Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Situated on the South Shore of Lake Superior, the Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore (Google Maps pin) is beautiful to go to. Now, the entire space acquired 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 often a shining blue-green mixture, and the cliffs, seashores, dunes, and rocky shoreline type stunning surroundings.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to discover the paths, with Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore having manner over 100 miles of trails across the park itself. Additionally, don’t overlook, you’ll be able to head out boating and kayaking when you fancy getting on to water. Simply be sure you at all times hearken to native security recommendation, as this could change each day, relying on native climate situations.
Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore is very easy to go to when 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 measurement for the state) and effectively price 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 well top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to go to for its beautiful grounds and walkways. The botanical backyard has indoor and out of doors services, so don’t fear if it’s too chilly to go exterior. There are nature trails for navigating by the backyard, which offer a great show of lovely artworks that encompass all of the foliage. Simply make sure that to see the American Horse, which is 24 toes 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’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 displays inside. Plus, there’s a very 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 well top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to go to when you’re on an outdoorsy journey to the state. You see, the Ice Age Glaciers created this complete 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 filled with roaming wildlife, with trails you’ll be able to discover. You’ll be able to see a few of the wildlife there, akin to foxes, otters, ospreys, herring gulls, falcons, and extra. To get a greater view of the park, you’ll be able to go mountain climbing 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 fairly 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 be capable to get to hop on the ferries that may lead you straight to Mackinac Island.
As soon as right here, you need to go to the beautiful Arch Rock (Google Maps pin). The entire shoreline on this aspect of the island is beautiful, and it’s such a ravishing space to discover on the paths. One phrase of warning, there will be snakes round this space, so at all times 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 exterior and eat alfresco. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying it’s top-of-the-line locations in Michigan to eat exterior. We cherished it! Their honey apple and brie flatbread. Plus, their BBQ pulled pork sandwich is every part!
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Detroit
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 occurring, despite the fact 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-about a groundbreaking architectural achievement.
Afterwards, make sure that to go to the Michigan Historical past Middle. Actually, if you are interested in figuring out the correct and detailed historical past of Michigan, you need to go to. Even when you suppose you don’t, it’s nonetheless price a go to because it’s an excellent place to go to the Michigan Historical past Museum. As soon as right here, you’ll be able to 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 make sure that to provide 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 chew to eat, head to Meat BBQ. Their smoked wings and brisket are so yummy. It’s top-of-the-line locations in Michigan when you love barbecued meat.
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