The state of Michigan is a top destination for travelers in America as it is located at the top of the United States and offers a wide range of attractions and hidden gems. Michigan offers all four seasons, so you can travel anytime to explore its many wonderful outdoor locations, cultural events, fine dining, historical areas, and more.
Review the popular spots below to get an idea of how you can plan your next trip to Michigan. The state offers options for weekend getaways as well as full vacations for families, couples, and friend groups.
Bay City in Saginaw Bay
As one of the oldest Michigan towns, Bay City is a great option for your traveling needs. The area is home to cultural buildings and memorials you can tour to explore its rich history. Stroll through downtown and explore historical buildings, with much of the architecture dating back to the 19th century.
Travel along the Riverwalk to explore the lovely views of the Saginaw River, or explore one of the scenic parks with your family to enjoy a day out in the sunshine.
Mackinac Island
One of the unique locations in Michigan to visit is Mackinac Island. You cannot reach the island by car and must travel on the ferry to reach your destination. The island can be explored on foot or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride.
Mackinac Island is home to shopping and dining areas, plus hiking trails. Put on your best hiking shoes and travel to Fort Mackinac, where you can enjoy a historical tour of the property, which dates to the American Revolutionary War.
Detroit
A trip to Michigan is not complete without visiting the cultural melting pot known as Detroit. The city has a rich cultural history and is known for contributing to the motor industry and Motown. Sports fans will love traveling to Detroit, home of the Tigers, Pistons, Lions, and Red Wings. Depending on the season, you can enjoy all sorts of professional sports games, and the downtown area is ready to welcome you for nightlife.
The downtown area is home to music, bars, dining, and additional entertainment via spots like MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino, and MotorCity Casino. The local casino options make it easy to enjoy slots, table games, dining, drinking, and more.
If you are traveling with adults, spend a day or two exploring the local casinos, with options for overnight stays and additional entertainment.
Ann Arbor
This college town is a great getaway if you are a football fan or want to explore a fun sports area of the state. Ann Arbor is home to the best in college football and basketball, where fans cheer for the Wolverines. Aside from being the location of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is also an area where you can visit art galleries and view international art from various areas like Italy and Asia.
The Kerrytown District is a perfect spot to explore local flavor, including artwork. There are cafes and shops for dining, plus options for art and independent films. The Huron River is also located in Ann Arbor, which is a great location for those interested in fishing or boating.
Paradise
Who doesn’t want to visit Paradise? Paradise is home to the Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan, offering almost 50,000 acres and more than 13 miles of parkland. In the winter, travelers can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing on marked trails.
In warmer months, visitors can enjoy camping and hiking along the trails. The city is known as the Wild Blueberry Capital and annually offers the Wild Blueberry Festival.
Traverse City
For wine enthusiasts, the best city to visit in Michigan is Traverse City. Here, you can explore local wineries or visit the downtown area, home to shops and local dining. Mix in a little outdoor fun by traveling to the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can bike or enjoy views of the water and dunes.
Get Out and Explore
Michigan is a wonderful state that offers a nice mix of sports, outdoor activities, historical attractions, casino gaming, and cultural experiences. Plan your next trip based on the locations above, and you will be sure to have an enjoyable trip!
