Whether you are looking for delicious food, weekend getaways, outstanding scenery, excellent family activities, or gracious historic architecture, Michigan is the one spot that ticks all the boxes for discerning travelers.
The popular vacation spots in Michigan range from Grand Rapids to Mackinac Island, Frankenmuth, and Holland, where you can spend your days from spring to summer. The world’s longest freshwater coastline allows for a great lot of exploration, and you get to indulge in outstanding water sports on the many inland lakes.
Currently, Michigan also has more choices for bettors. So apart from spending your time exploring the place, you can also check out the many sportsbooks and casinos to try your luck at earning some money.
Here are the best vacation spots in Michigan you shouldn’t forget to check up.
1. Traverse City
One of the most loved places in all of Michigan, hundreds and thousands of people visit Traverse City every year. The city is home to the gorgeous Grand Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan, which offers the ideal backdrop for all kinds of vacations. After all, it is Michigan’s pure beauty at its best.
Furthermore, there are also some super fun things to do in Michigan, including the well-known Great Wolf lodge (especially after a fun time swimming). Traverse City is also known as the “cherry capital of the world.” So, rest assured, you will have a wide array of fantastic food and drink options. For instance, the cherry jam from The Cherry Republic is a delicacy you shouldn’t miss.
If you are traveling to Michigan in July, you will get to enjoy the National Cherry Festival when numerous travelers reach here from around the country to celebrate the fruit.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes
No matter how many shorelines exist in the world, none of them would compare to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The fabled Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore of Michigan is the perfect vacation spot for those who are in search of some adventure or the most remarkable feature around.
Standing tall at the height of over a hundred feet, the sand dunes remind visitors of the amazing power of nature. There are plenty of ways to explore this spot. You can hike or bike through the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply find a quiet space in the North and South Manitou Island off the edge of the dunes to enjoy the view.
Glen Arbor, a small cozy town, is located nearby where you can relax after a day of climbing the dunes. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive also highlights some of the most stunning views in Michigan’s lower peninsula.
3. Porcupine Mountains
If there is one specific thing you could do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, then that would be visiting the Porcupine Mountains. A great example of this place is the breathtaking scenery, something you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
The Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park located here also offers excellent views of the pure Great Lakes nature year-round. There are over 60,000 acres of land to explore here, where you can hike the forests, waterfalls, peaks, and rivers of the park.
You can even indulge in activities like biking, fishing, skiing, or paddling here. Regardless of what way to choose to explore this place, the Porcupine Mountains won’t fail to offer an excellent backdrop.
4. Charlevoix
Another truly beautiful place located in Michigan, it makes sense why numerous travelers reach up north to experience the small-town life. Resting between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, the town is surrounded by crystal blue waters, making it feel like the place was taken right out of a fairy-tale. It is no doubt the place will enchant you, and you will easily get lost in all the fantastic recreation opportunities it offers.
You can kayak down the Jordan River to take in all the stunning scenery or enjoy the views at Young State Park. The Fishermans Island State Park is also a popular spot here if you wish to camp.
5. South Haven
Unlike the other places mentioned in this list, South Haven isn’t a beach town on Lake Michigan. A shore drives away from Gran Rapids, South Haven is where you will get to enjoy a unique small-town experience. You can travel to this town any time of the year and still want the iconic South Haven Lighthouse and other scenic landmarks.
To get a taste of typical small-town life, make sure you head downtown to explore the charming West Michigan wineries and restaurants.
