Michigan is home to more than 10,000 lakes and millions of acres of forest, making it a great destination for hiking, fishing, boating, and more. Yes, exploring the state’s natural gems and small towns is a must, but talk to the locals who will surely suggest historical and cultural attractions to add to your itinerary as well. Michigan is also rich in art — in Detroit, old buildings have even been turned into public art.
Candace Smith of Michigan Tours often takes visitors to the sand dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan in Saugatuck or Silver Lake, as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Meyer May House in Grand Rapids. “With over 300,000 acres of sand dunes, you’ll enjoy amazing views and amazing sunsets along the shores of Lake Michigan,” she said. “(Meyer May House’s) is located on Heritage Hill, one of the largest historic residential areas in the nation, with unique mansions built by timber tycoons, furniture company owners, and Grand Rapids’ early business leaders.”
“Historic Fashion Avenue is one of the largest black business districts in the United States,” Jeanette Pierce, director of the Urban Institute, said of this neighborhood in Detroit. “From specialty stores and galleries to one of the oldest jazz clubs in the world, this neighborhood is home to so much great Detroit culture and community.”
When guests at suburban Daxton Birmingham Detroit asked what to do during their stay, Director of Sales and Marketing Sherrilyn Cavanaugh recommended the Cranbrook Museum of Art, specifically its artist-designed miniature golf course. “Greenfield Cranbrook is back for season two and just opened to the public on May 5,” she said. “Visitors can enjoy two new holes created by members of the Cranbrook community.”
The Glove State (affectionately known as the “Glove State”) also boasts two wine regions near the city of Travers. “Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Lake Michigan, with stunning views from every sip, it’s truly one of the most scenic wine regions in the United States,” said Patrick Brys, an appointing member of the Michigan Tourism Commission and president of Bryce Manor, a vineyard and winery in Traverse City and home to Sleeping Bear Dunes. “Standing on top of a 450-foot-tall sand mountain that tumbles down the turquoise waters of Lake Michigan is jaw-dropping,” he said.
Including testimonials from some of the famous locals above, here are some places to visit in Michigan.
Upper Peninsula Royal Island National Park
Royal Island National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the United States (due to its remoteness, only accessible by ferry or seaplane, and is open seasonally), attracting nature lovers to its stunning 571,790 acres of scenery for backpacking, camping, kayaking, and hiking during Memorial Day. There are also two accommodation options in the park: Rock Harbour Lodge and Windigo Camper Cabins.
National Museum of the Arab Americas, Dearborn
Dearborn is home to more than 40,000 Arab-Americans, and the 35,000-square-foot museum debuted in 2005 to honor them. It is the first and largest museum of its kind in the world, paying tribute to Arab-American history and culture and the Arab-American experience.
Graffiti Lane, Ann Arbor
If you want to collect vibrant, colorful graffiti and street art in a small space, Graffiti Alley is the place to be. It is located in downtown Ann Arbor, a neighborhood northwest of the University of Michigan campus, near East Liberty Street.
Frederick Major Garden and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Considered one of the world’s foremost plant and sculpture experiences, the 158-acre park was founded by the Michigan-based Meijer grocery store founders and features a 30-acre sculpture park with 300 artworks (including “Iron Tree” by Ai Weiwei), a five-story Lena Meijer greenhouse, a Japanese garden, and a children’s garden.
Mackinac Island
The island is a quintessentially American resort town with horse-drawn carriages, no vehicles, and palatial hotels, including the Grand Hotel with 95 rooms, which has the longest portico in the world, opened in 1887. Guests arrive by ferry. In recent years, more hotels have been open year-round on the island, and entertainment such as cross-country skiing and hot chocolate by the fire in nearby parks has also been added.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
This 35-mile-long lakeshore marked by 450-foot-high cliffs, plus the two islands of the North Manitou Islands and the South Manitou Islands, is a beautiful, well-preserved space that is a must-visit near the city of Travers. Visitors can hike, camp (including on both islands), go cycling, climb the dunes, kayak or canoe.
Dutch Windmill Island Gardens
In spring, when the tulips are in full bloom, strolling through this 36-acre garden is a pleasure. The attraction has a real windmill that is about 250 years old, as well as guides dressed in Dutch costumes. When you’re here, walk through the quaint city center of Holland City, where around 100 local boutiques and restaurants are located, including the Dutch Village in Nellis, where you can find items like wooden shoes and Delft plates.
Falls in Marquette County
There’s no better place in Michigan to experience the thrill of the falls. Choose a hike that will bring you closer to your favorite waterfall. This Upper Peninsula community is home to dozens of waterfalls, including Warner Creek Falls, Morgan Creek Falls, Katanet Dam Falls, Carp River Falls, and Yellow Dog Falls.
Cod forest in Midland Dow Gardens
Visitors can walk 40 feet above this forest paradise. The canopy walk here is 1,400 feet long, and after passing through it, there is also a playground and apple orchard on site for you to explore. When the leaves bloom in September (usually), many people make time to visit this destination.
Detroit Institute of the Arts, Detroit
The 658,000-square-foot cultural institution is a fantastic art museum with a collection of 65,000 items and a wide variety of works, including Diego Rivera’s “Detroit Industry” mural and paintings by French Impressionists Claude Monet and Mary Cassatt. There is also a self-portrait of Vincent van Gogh, and Jan van Eyck’s St. Jerome in the Study.
Motown History Museum, Detroit
Motown music was born in Detroit, thanks to artists like Diana Ross and Marvin Gay. In 1959, Berry Gordy purchased a house on West Grand Boulevard and converted it into a recording studio, record label, and administration building, known as “Hitsville USA.” The record label was relocated to Los Angeles in 1972, and 13 years later, the house was turned into a museum. Guided tours are available throughout the week.
University of Michigan LSA Museum of Natural History, Ann Arbor
Located in the University of Michigan’s Biological Sciences Building, the museum is highly interactive and free of charge. Guests have the opportunity to watch researchers at work, and at the planetarium and domed theater, you can watch the constellations and the Northern Lights as if they were right overhead. One of the featured exhibits is the only place in the world where male and female mastodon skeletons can be seen side by side.
Kitch-iti-Kipi, Manistik
When translated from Ogibwe, Kitch-iti-Kipi means “big spring.” This is the largest freshwater spring in the state and is located in the 388-acre Palms Book State Park. The crystal-clear lake is 40 feet deep, and while swimming is prohibited, you can experience it through a viewing raft.