Michigan, affectionately known as the mitten-shaped state, offers 3,200 miles of freshwater shoreline, 3.9 million acres of DNR-managed land, and dozens of cultured cities with museums, upscale restaurants, and extraordinary shops. As a four-season state, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including fishing, boating, hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, and more. Known for its Upper and Lower Peninsulas, here are some must-visit places in Michigan.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors should plan plenty of time to explore this 384-mile-long peninsula, home to the highest mountains in the Midwest and all but two of 152 waterfalls. Here are some must-visit places:
Mackinac Island
Take a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, where horse-drawn carriages, quaint shops, and historical exhibits await. Visit Fort Mackinac, built by the British in 1782 during the American Revolutionary War. Summer months feature reenactments and tours.
Pictured Rocks
Marvel at multi-colored sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior on this 15-mile stretch, known for hiking trails, beaches, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Isle Royale
Explore 99% federally designated wilderness in this North Woods sanctuary. Enjoy 165 miles of scenic hiking trails, fishing, paddling, shipwrecks, and wildlife observation.
Houghton/Copper Harbor
Admire views from Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline to Brockway Mountain. Enjoy scenic drives, mountain biking, kayaking, and snow activities like snowmobiling and skiing.
Drummond Island
Two-thirds state-owned, this island offers diverse recreation from hunting and fishing to swimming, hiking, and stargazing.
Paradise
Located on Lake Superior’s shores, Paradise is a bird-watcher’s haven during migration seasons. Visit the impressive Tahquamenon Falls, beaches, hiking trails, canoeing spots, and snowmobiling routes.
Northern Michigan – Lower Peninsula
Northern Michigan offers fishing, shopping, beaches, and canoeing.
Traverse City
Located on the west side of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Traverse City is known for world-class wineries, water sports, golf, shopping, and the Cherry Festival in July.
Gaylord
Otsego County’s Gaylord boasts lakes, rivers, wilderness, and great golf. With significant snowfall, it’s a winter wonderland for skiing and other winter sports.
Manistee and Ludington
Attractions include the North Country National Scenic Trail, scenic Manistee National Forest, and premier fishing between the Big and Little Sable Points.
Western Michigan – Lower Peninsula
West Michigan has a variety of attractions from museums and historic places to adventure and cultural experiences.
Grand Haven
Stroll along the two-and-a-half-mile boardwalk to the spectacular beaches. Enjoy restaurants, marinas, fishing boats, boutiques, and more.
South Haven
Renowned for swimming on five miles of white-sand beaches and various year-round festivals.
Saugatuck
A trendy resort community known for fine art galleries, shops, restaurants, and outdoor entertainment.
Southeast Michigan
Southeast Michigan, encompassing metropolitan Detroit, offers numerous attractions.
Detroit
Downtown Detroit features nightclubs, restaurants, museums, sporting events, theaters, and casinos.
Ann Arbor
Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers restaurants, shops, museums, hiking, and interactive exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
Lexington and The Thumb
Known for sunrises, landscapes, sandy shores, and fishing, this area is close to Metro-Detroit and offers plenty of water activities.
Michigan has so much to offer its visitors. This guide only touches on a few of the many wonderful cities throughout this grand state. From outdoor recreation to fine restaurants, shops, and museums, there is something for everyone.
Ignite your wanderlust with our exclusive Travel eBook Bundle—your gateway to discovering the world’s most breathtaking destinations and hidden treasures!
