Michigan is the only state in the country that shares borders with four out of five of the Great Lakes, garnering it the nickname the "Great Lake State." Its rolling dunes, dense forest, beautiful waters, and expansive wilderness make it a prime year-round destination for nature lovers. Michigan's abundant national and state parks highlight the scenic features that make it a top choice for a calming getaway, and these are some of the best of them.
10 Isle Royale National Park
Those seeking an island escape often turn to Hawaii, but Isle Royale National Park is the perfect choice for those who'd like to stay in the continental United States and enjoy a more rough and tumble experience. The cluster of islands in Lake Superior boasts an expansive wilderness free of cars and rich with beauty.
Moose and wolves roam a landscape saturated with dense forest and crystal clear lakes, and over 150 miles of wilderness trails welcome backpackers to find their place in the natural wonderland. The island's waters are also an ideal destination for shipwreck divers, with nearly a dozen sunken ships waiting to be explored.
9 Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park
Aside from its upbeat name, the sights at Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park will paint smiles across its visitors' faces. Native Americans who once called the park home named it after rock formation at the mouth of the river they thought resembled a laughing whitefish.
A leisurely mile-long walk through dense beech-maple woods carries hikers to a staircase that descends to the bottom of Laughing Whitefish Falls. The water cascades over a picturesque gorge surrounded by towering trees. An additional trail around six miles long is part of the larger North Country Trail, which traverses 4,600 miles over eight states.
8 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Residents from all over Michigan head to the picturesque Upper Peninsula for some quality rest and relaxation. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a top destination for those seeking calming waterfront views set against multicolored sandstone cliffs.
There are adventures to be had every day of the year. During the spring, the ground thaws and gives way to new growth in the woods. Summertime comes with kayaking and wild camping. The cool fall air paints the leaves with every imaginable autumn shade one can dream of. Winter brings opportunities for ice-climbing frozen waterfalls, snowmobiling, and snow-shoeing through the woods.
7 Warren Dunes State Park
Situated along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan is Michigan's most popular state park. At Warren Dunes, rolling sand formations tower over 200 feet tall. Not only do people love the park, but birds do, too. Several species stop at Warren Dunes as part of their migratory route, making this an ideal destination for birders.
The stunning shorelines are perfect for a beach day with the family. Six miles of hiking trails showcase the diverse ecosystems in the park, including interdunal wetlands and sandy woods.
6 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is yet another top destination to witness the glory of Lake Michigan's coasts. The Dune Climb Trail is a thigh burner that challenges hikers to conquer steep sandhills in return for breathtaking views of the lake and colorful wildflowers. Other trails showcase the lush beech-maple forest, magnificent sandstone bluffs, and crystal-clear inland lakes.
5 Palms Book State Park
There's something extraordinary about water so clear it could be glass, and that's part of what makes the U.P.'s Palms Book State Park so appealing to visitors. Kitch-iti-kipi, or "Big Spring," is a breathtaking freshwater spring tucked inside a magical old-growth forest. Glass-bottomed observation rafts allow visitors to observe what's going on beneath the crystal clear surface.
Old trees lie at the bottom of the spring, collecting lime from the fissures that continuously pump water from the pond into the larger Indian Lake. The constant motion of the limestone bedrock creates an ever-changing landscape of swirling sand.
4 Belle Isle State Park
Belle Isle State Park is a natural gem located in Michigan's most populated city, Detroit. The island park located in the Detroit River is a perfect attraction for travelers seeking a well-rounded experience of the state's cultural hub. Belle Isle features an array of recreational activities that perfectly blend nature and history.
A giant clock decorated in colorful flowers welcomes guests upon entry. There are 200 acres of protected woodland forest ready to be explored on nature trails, a swimming beach, tennis courts, golf courses, and more. The park is also home to the historic Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, which features a greenhouse overflowing with hundreds of species of flora.
3 Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a prime example of what happens when humans let nature take the reigns for landscaping. It is the second-largest state park in Michigan and contains nearly 50,000 acres of wild beauty. The park is best known for its two waterfalls, the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls. Tannins from the park's swamp trees give the water a unique amber hue that perfectly complements the foliage during the fall.
The sight of a 200-foot wide waterfall cascading over 50 feet down into a bubbling pool certainly shouldn't be missed, but neither should the park's other unique features. Tahquamenon Falls State Park has it all with abundant hiking trails through dense forest, sights of bald eagles soaring through open skies, and opportunities to get on the water.
2 Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park takes first prize for being the largest state park in Michigan. Lovingly referred to as "The Porkies," the region boasts some of the last untouched wilderness in the Midwest. It's a popular destination for backcountry camping along the Lake Superior shoreline.
Rivers and streams flow throughout the park, which is filled with a seemingly endless expanse of ancient forest. Miles of trails traverse rocky terrain and give way to vistas overlooking vibrant lakes. The park is home to numerous waterfalls and an impressive number of animal species, giving guests even more to admire during their trips.
1 Hartwick Pines State Park
Of all the parks in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Hartwick Pines is the largest and, arguably, the most beautiful of them all. Rolling hills formed by ancient glaciers overlook a breathtaking valley along the AuSable River.
The park is best known for its namesake pine trees covering nearly 50 acres of land. In the past, the forest played a significant role in Michigan's logging industry, which the park pays homage to in the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum. Hiking trails allow guests of all skill levels to stand amidst pine groves and listen to the branches of ancient trees creak like old bones in the breeze.