Michigan’s allure isn’t just restrained to freshwater lakes, as it is rightly known as the “Great lake State”. Of course, it boasts to own the largest group of freshwater lakes on the planet but is also blessed with huge areas of forest. And, Fret Not! Michigan isn't just for nature lovers albeit with a twist of urban essence sprinkled over. Street art, architecture, brimming nightlife, an island speckled with Victorian cottages and forts, craft beer breweries, outdoor sports, and lighthouses in Michigan are something that will make you awe. Also, Michigan has a lot of fun activities to keep travelers engaged. Nevertheless, these are the 10 Beautiful Places You Should Visit In Michigan.
10 Arch Rock (Mackinac Island)
Mackinac Island is loaded with rock formations, nevertheless, Arch Rock stands apart due to its geological formation and its history. A natural limestone formed about 7500 years ago, during Nipissing post-glacial period, it stands 146 feet above Lake Huron. While the Native Americans deemed this place to possess spiritual power, its limestone formation comprising breccia is quite rare in the Great Lakes region. Offering dramatic views of Lake Huron and Canada, Arch Rock has gravitated 20 million visitors until now. Located on the southeast part of the island, it can be accessed via walk, bike, or horse-drawn carriage.
9 Grand Rapids
A city infusing arts, culture, outdoor activities, breweries as well as restaurants, Grand Rapids is named after the gushing natural wonder. Be it the impressive rapids gushing in the midst of the city, the downtown river walks, exploring historic Heritage Hill, nightclubs, theaters, museums, or fancy restaurants, it’s a small city with ultimate sophistication. Grand Rapids Public Museum & Grand Rapids Art Museum unraveling the grand lineage of art and history, Meyer May House displaying architectural grandeur, Frederick Meijer Gardens, and Sculpture Park with views of botanical garden and sculptures are some ways to spend day time in this city. The Apartment Lounge, Bold Cigar Bar and Lounge, and Ek Wealthy are a few lounges and Axe Throwing, Escape Room, Break Room Therapy, and Fowling Warehouses are a few indoor places where adults can play like kids.
8 Manistique
Known for natural wonders, Manistique is nestled in the Upper Peninsula of Lake Michigan. A place suited for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers more over urban life, Manistique has a quaint appeal to itself. Tour through Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, the Manistique water tower, and the Fayette Town Site or visit Palm Books State Park, particularly for Kitch-Iti-kipi, Michigan's largest natural spring, enjoy the Boardwalks with incredible backdrops, or dare not miss, Manistique Breakwater Lighthouse which is a historical attraction, explore the outdoor Indian Lake State Park having activities such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, swimming and skiing in winter, or spend a night at the Manistique Lakeshore Campground for a rustic camping experience. Upper Crust Café Bakery and Deli and Mackinac Trail Winery provide scenic views fulfilling appetite and refreshing indeed.
7 Isle Royal National Park
Brimming with natural beauty, Isle Royale National Park is one of the popular destinations of Michigan yet not crowded at all. Located on the waters of Lake Superior, this place isn’t easily accessible. Despite offering adventures for hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers, few visitors drop around to see it owing to the reserved spot needed on the five-hour boat ride or having one’s own watercraft. Backpacking through Greenstone Ridge Trail, Harbor to Hills Loop, Minong Ridge Trail, or Day Hiking through Rock Harbor and Windigo are a couple of other things in this park.
6 Yankee Springs State Park
Seeking a rustic vibe in a gorgeous setting? Head towards Yankee Springs State Park, abundant with camping sites. Stretched across 5200 acres, this place has nine lakes, rugged terrains, streams, marshes and moreover, and recreational activities such as biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and seasonal hunting. There are rustic cabins available at Yankee Springs Recreation Area and camping options galore at Gun Lake Modern Campground too.
5 Detroit
Not abundant in nature but with an urban essence, Detroit is prominent for its vehicle production. Located in southeastern Michigan, it is the largest city in the state. Explore Cork town, Detroit’s charming Irish quarter, walk around downtown Detroit, visit Belle Isle Island, an island with beautiful interests points, explore Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield, the largest museum complex in the USA, tour old Motown studios or visit the 14th Coffee Co Roastery for the caffeine kick, Detroit has plenty of things to engage in. MGM Grand Detroit, a luxury resort-style casino, Greek town & MotorCity Casino Hotels, and Bleu Detroit, an upscale nightclub are some of the amazing places for nightlife.
4 Rocks National Lakeshore
One of the spectacular lakeshores on Lake Superior, Rocks National Lakeshore is America’s first National Lakeshore. Consisting of multicolored sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and inland lakes, this is spectacularly known for the oldest rocks deposited between 1 billion and 500 million years ago. With maritime and scenic sights, hiking trails, camping, kayaking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and a lighthouse, this place can be reached via a kayaking tour, hopping aboard a cruise, or hiking all over. Also, there are beaches spread all across the shoreline making it a plus point to visit.
3 Lake Michigan
The only Great Lake within the borders of the USA without sharing them with Canada is Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan's beauty seems exceptional Because its formation began around 1.2 billion years ago. The lake has marshes, tall grass prairies, savannas, forests and sand dunes, and a wide range of wildlife. As the visitors are satisfied basking in the beauty of this lake, they can head towards Warren Dunes State Park and Saugatuck Dunes State Park to witness the dunes, or wineries like Hickory Creek Winery, and treat your taste buds with a sandwich and pastry from Bread and Bear or a lakefront view at Bentwood Tavern.
2 Torch Lake
The scenic view of Torch Lake exudes the vibe of a Caribbean island and is deemed to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world as per National Geographic. This iconic sandbar stretches over two miles and is popular for activities such as boating, kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snorkeling, and more. Also, the Torch Lake Café with waterfront dining and drinks at Deep Blue Bar is an experience to immerse in.
1 Porcupine Mountains State Park
The largest state park in Michigan which sprawls across 60,000 acres and comprises colossal waterfalls, secluded lakes and wild rivers, dense woods, and abundant recreational activities. Located around 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this park also has lake-side cabins, resorts, and hotels. Various attractions such as Mine Adventures, Copper Peak, deemed as the world's largest manmade ski jump, visiting Konteka Black Bear Restaurant, Lounge, and bowling alley, an incredible place to dine, drink and bowl together, Irish Hollow Cemetery, North Country Trail, A National Scenic Trail spreading across 4800 miles, Lake of The Clouds & Lake Superior and so much more. Activities such as canoeing, kayaking, boating, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, golfing, mountain biking, watching waterfalls keep the visitors occupied throughout.