The United States has many incredible places. After all, it’s one of the biggest countries in the whole world, and it has 50 states to explore. But among them all, Michigan stands out. It has incredible places you’ll want to see in person, like the Great Lakes shorelines and the bustling cities of Detroit and Grand Rapids.
If you’re planning a trip soon, here’s the ultimate Michigan travel guide for 2025.
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Best Places to Visit in Michigan
Natural Wonders in Michigan
Mackinac Island
Let’s start our visit with a calming island where you can admire the natural beauty of the state. Mackinac Island is probably one of the most unique places you’ll find in the area, and it does not lack charm. You’ll find this little island in Lake Huron, and it’s mostly covered by the Mackinac Island State Park.
You’d better remember how to ride a bike, since there are no cars on the island, to protect the peacefulness of the experience. So, you can either rent a bike and use it to move around, go on foot, or try the horse-drawn carriages. Don’t leave without stopping by Fort Mackinac, a British fort with live historical reenactments and lake views for beautiful photos, or Arch Rock, the 146-foot limestone arch and former Grand Hotel.
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Keeping up with the natural wonders of Michigan, let’s move now towards the northwestern coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Right in front of Lake Michigan, we find one of the most breathtakingly beautiful areas. This coastal area is famous for its massive dunes and crystal-clear lakes, making it a top destination for photographers and artists alike.
So in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you can hike, photograph, and climb dunes like Empire Bluff or Pyramid Point. In addition, the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail it’s ideal for explorers who are not afraid of the distance, with more than 20 miles of trails that take you past cultural landmarks like the South Manitou Island Lighthouse and historic farms, either on a bike or on foot.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Going up to the Upper Peninsula, you’ll find another natural wonder, the Tahquamenon Falls State Park, renowned for its stunning waterfalls, expansive wilderness, and year-round recreational opportunities. It’s one of those places that are in each Michigan travel guide, and for good reason.
Did you know that here is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi? That’s right, you have the Upper Falls, which is around 200 feet wide and 48 feet high. Another characteristic that you’ll notice right away is the curious color, a distinctive brown hue. It’s a product of the tannins (yes, the same substance that colors your tea) that leach from the surrounding cedar and hemlock swamps.
Detroit RiverWalk
If you want an easy and fun way to enjoy the waterfront in Michigan, it is right in Detroit, with the Detroit RiverWalk. It goes from the Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle, so it’s perfect for you to walk, bike, and enjoy the river and skyline views. Along the way, you’ll find must-see stops like Rivard Plaza, where you can get a rented bike, or wake the inner child and ride the merry-go-round. There’s also Milliken State Park, with its lighthouse and fishing piers. In general, the area is very family-friendly, with splash parks and playgrounds that the little ones are going to adore. Plus, you can easily connect to the Dequindre Cut Greenway, a trail that takes you directly to the Eastern Market for local food.
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Water Sports Paradise
If you like water sports, but prefer to do them in a more natural environment, let’s explore Huron River Water Trail, one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. It runs through the Lower Peninsula, from Lake Proud to its confluence with Lake Erie. As you paddle down the river, you’ll find everything from fun rapids near Delhi and Dexter or quiet stretches perfect for relaxing and floating. There are also many places to launch a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and you can even rent equipment at Ann Arbor’s Argo and Gallup parks.
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Cultural Places to Visit in Michigan
The Henry Ford Museum
As lovely as the natural wonders are, there is so much more to see in Michigan, starting with some incredible man-made innovations. We’re talking about the Henry Ford Museum, of course! It is divided into three main attractions: the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village, and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Here are some interesting exhibitions to look for at the Complex:
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Presidential Vehicles: If you took the time to walk around, you’ll find displayed artifacts, such as the very limousine that John F. Kennedy was using during his assassination.
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Made in America: See with your own eyes how Henry Ford revolutionized the manufacturing process with the moving assembly line with the Model T Factory Display, as well as other industrial innovations from the U.S.
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Your Place in Time: A nostalgic and interactive journey through the life of the regular American, with toys, music, pop culture, and more from each decade of the last century.
Detroit Institute of Arts
After such an invigorating visit through the industrial and historic past, we can’t leave without exploring the cultural and artistic side. The Detroit Institute of Arts awaits you to admire a collection of more than 65,000 works, being one of the premier art museums in the United States.
Highlights to look for in the museum include Diego Rivera’s Detroit industry murals, a series of 27 fresco panels that celebrated Detroit’s industrial power. There is also Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait, and works by Rembrandt, Matisse, and Warhol. But you can’t miss the museum’s American art collection, among the top three in the country, with works by Whistler, Cassatt, and O’Keeffe.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Exploring the best places to visit in Michigan, you may find your new favorite place in the state at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This large space is a perfect blend of nature and art, as there is an incredible tropical conservatory and a beautiful Japanese garden with over 300 sculptures scattered around. Some of them are made by famous artists, like Ai Weiwei and Jaume Plensa, but it’s also a chance to discover new artists.
If you’re lucky, you can coincide with some of their seasonal events, such as butterfly exhibitions, Christmas lights, and outdoor concerts. You know what’s the best part? It’s open year-round, parking is free, and admission gives access to all the trails, indoor gardens, and exhibits. So what are you waiting for?
National Cherry Festival
Unlike other places and events we have mentioned, this one is completely seasonal, and you’ll have to travel to Michigan in the summer to catch it. As the National Cherry Festival will be held in Traverse City from June 28-July 5 this year.
It’s a fun-filled celebration of the area’s famous cherries, with parades, concerts, air shows, and endless activities for the whole family. And the best part? Almost everything is free! So, plan your visit for those days and do as much as you can! This is your perfect time to enjoy the tasty food booths, plus the Cherry Royale Parade that winds through downtown.
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Best Places in Michigan to visit with Family
Michigan’s Adventure
But maybe you’re not visiting Michigan alone, and if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll have to tailor some activities to them. Luckily for you, there are a lot of activities in Michigan that are great for both kids and parents.
For a good dose of thrills and fun, Michigan’s Adventure is the place to be. It’s actually the largest amusement and water park in the whole state, so it’s a must if you like the thrill of riding roller coasters. Don’t miss Shivering Timbers, the huge wooden roller coaster, the winding Thunderhawk, and the classic Corkscrew.
And don’t forget Wildwater Adventure, the outdoor water park with impressive slides and a wave pool perfect for cooling off on a hot day. It’s open from late May through October, so don’t forget to include it in your Michigan travel guide for summer and fall getaways.
The Michigan Science Center
Another great place for kids of all sizes and ages is the Michigan Science Center, and you have to add it to your travel guide if you’re an enthusiast of learning and interactive exhibits. You and your kids will get to learn a lot, with topics ranging from space and physics to health and engineering. You’ll feel like an expert making inventions in the Smithsonian Spark Lab or trying out physics experiments in the Motion Gallery.
There’s also a planetarium and an IMAX theater, so you can see amazing shows that will make you dream of being a scientist. And, if you take your kids in the summer, they can participate in camps and workshops, which is a great way to keep them curious and learning while having fun.
The Detroit Zoo
Another great place that you have to visit in Michigan if you’re traveling with kids is the Detroit Zoo. It’s a fantastic place for a day of fun and learning, as it’s so huge that it easily houses animals of over 200 species. And, the most amazing thing is that it’s in open, natural habitats. This was the first ever zoo in the United States that removed the bars from the enclosures, making it easier for visitors to see the animals and for the animals to feel less stressed. Don’t miss the opportunity to get up close to polar bears in the Arctic Ring of Life, where there’s an underwater tunnel to watch them swim above you.
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Michigan’s Beauty Throughout the Year
Let’s finish our article with a few seasonal highlights, so you see how there are activities and places to visit during the whole year! As in Michigan, every season is a new adventure and brings something different and special.
In Spring, you’ll love the fresh feel of everything, especially during Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, where the city becomes a sea of colorful tulips and fun parades. It’s also the perfect time to join scenic drives like the Tunnel of Trees or explore the state parks to see the first signs of wildlife awakening after winter.
Summer and beach mean the same thing. Places like Traverse City, South Haven, and Ludington have beautiful sandy shores where you can swim, kayak, or relax in the sun. You won’t lack for adventure, as you can island hop to places like the Manitou Islands, and there are tons of water activities on the Great Lakes and inland lakes to keep you busy.
As the Fall comes, the scenery looks like a picture out of a postcard, and the colors are unreal. Driving along M-22 or Sleeping Bear Dunes with shades of reds, oranges, and yellows is like stepping into a painting. Plus, it’s apple picking season, cider mills, and harvest festivals, perfect for enjoying cozy local flavors and crafts.
Winter may seem cold, but it’s also full of fun. It’s time for skiing and snowboarding at northern resorts, such as Boyne Mountain, and snowmobiling the slopes. Ice fishing, Christmas markets, and winter festivals in cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids add to the season´s magic.