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Are you looking for fun things to do in Michigan?

Then this list is perfect for you!

Michigan is one of my favorite Midwest states to visit because there is just so much to do and see there.

Whether you want beautiful parks, sandy beaches, or fun cities, Michigan has it all.

Michigan is especially unique because it is surrounded by three Great Lakes.

That means it’s the perfect state if you are looking for outdoor adventures, water sports, or lighthouses.

But you’ll quickly see that’s not all Michigan has to offer.

So, lets take a look at 25 things to do in Michigan to plan your ultimate bucket list.

A small white light and black light house with red shingles on the roof. It is on the sandy shores of a lake but there is also snow and ice hanging off the dock near the lighthouse. There are dunes with dried grass and trees with no leaves.

25 things to do in Michigan: The Ultimate Bucket List

Grand Rapids Is Full Of Things To Do In Michigan

As Michigan’s second largest city, it’s no surprise that Grand Rapids is full of fun things to do in Michigan.

There are museums, like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, dedicated to the United States’ 38th President.

Or there are wonderful art galleries, restaurants, and plenty of unique boutiques and shops.

The city is also starting to be known as a great place to tour local breweries.

Every year a new one seems to pop up, which makes it really fun to return every year in hopes of trying a new one.

Grand Rapids is a wonderful way to see some of Michigan’s best attractions in a weekend getaway.

A view of the skyline of Grand Rapids at twilight. All the buildings are lit up, you can see snow on the ground, and the lake looks frozen. The sky is blue, pink, and purple. It is one of the best things to do in Michigan.

Mackinaw City

Mackinaw City is probably best known for it’s beaches.

It has seven in total and they are all perfect if you are wondering what to do in Michigan on a warm summer day.

The two main beaches in the city are on Lake Michigan, but there are also a few smaller ones on Lake Huron.

It’s a unique part of the state where you can enjoy two different Great Lakes.

There are several trails that connect many of the beaches, which are really fun to explore any time of the year.

If you are looking for some of the best beaches in Michigan, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Mackinaw City.

The Mackinac Bridge that connects Mackinaw City to the rest of Michigan. It is a large white and blue bridge similar in style to the Golden Gate Bridge. The sky is blue with clouds, the water is very blue, and there is a tree just in the corner of the picture.

Mackinac Island For Romantic Things To Do In Michigan

One of the best places for a romantic getaway in the Midwest is Mackinac Island.

The only way to get to Mackinac Island is by boat and you’ll find no cars on the island itself.

You can only get around by bike, horseback, on the island trolley, or of course, walking.

The island is also full of popular Michigan tourist attractions.

There are plenty of museums, art galleries, boutique shops, and unique restaurants.

Mackinac Island is one of visitor’s favorite things to do in Michigan, and it’s easy to see why.

A view of the harbor on Mackinac Island. There are lots of sail boats and large buildings near the harbor. You can see a church steeple behind some trees. It is one of the best things to do in Michigan.

Ann Arbor For Unique Shopping And College Vibes

Ann Arbor is a vibrant city in the Midwest, partially because it is a thriving college town.

It is the home of the University of Michigan and because of the constant influence of younger generations, it has a very fresh and young atmosphere.

You’ll find lots of unique shops that you might not find any many other cities in Michigan.

Ann Arbor is also starting to see an influx of distilleries, breweries, and eclectic restaurants popping up.

This means is great for foodies looking for attractions in Michigan.

The University also has a lot of museums either scattered around the city or as part of the campus.

There are also two large parks you can walk in and a botanical garden.

An aerial view of one of the campus buildings in Ann Arbor. It is a gothic style building in the shape of a square. There is a large courtyard in the middle of the buildings. You can see more buildings and trees near the larger complex.

Holland For More Than The Tulips

‘Big Red’ is one of the coolest lighthouses in Michigan and it is in the quaint town of Holland.

The town of Holland is full of traditional architecture that is derived from the first European settler’s home country – Holland.

That includes the architecture of the super unique ‘Big Red’ Lighthouse.

The town is also known for it’s Tulip Festival in the Spring.

The farms nearby are full of rows and rows of colorful tulips and even classic Dutch windmills.

If you are looking for a unique and fun trip, this is one Michigan city you don’t want to miss.

Rows of colorful tulips in a large field in Holland Michigan. There is a classic Dutch style windmill and near it there are white tents. There are trees in the distance behind the field. It is a very sunny day.

South Haven Is Perfect For A Beach Vacation

South Haven is known as one of the best Western Michigan Beach Towns, and for good reason.

There are several beaches you can relax on and enjoy on a beautiful warm day.

If you want to get a little more exercise, consider heading to the Casco Township Nature Preserve.

You’ll find plenty of hiking trails along the beach, but keep in mind they are very sandy, which can prove to be a bit difficult.

The town of South Haven also has plenty of great opportunities for dining, shopping, and even a few museums to explore.

A sandy beach in South Haven Michigan. There are people swimming in the water and walking along the beach in the distance. The water is very blue and so is the sky.

Head To Detroit For Some City Exploration

If you want to explore a major city, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Detroit.

It may also surprise you to know that Detroit is home to one of the best National Parks in Michigan.

Much of the city has been deemed a National Historic Area thanks to its extensive automotive industry history.

The MotorCities National Heritage Area is packed with sites relating to Detroit’s automotive past.

That includes over 100 historic landmarks, buildings, and museums, many of which are free to explore.

There are also tons of the typical city things to do in Detroit as well.

You can stroll the streets and find cool and unique shops, up-and-coming restaurants with innovative chefs, and so much more.

There are an endless amount of things to do in Michigan when you visit Detroit.

An aerial view of Detroit. The sun is starting to set so the sky is blue and yellow. A few of the buildings are starting to light up and you can see cars in the streets. Its one of the best things to do in Detroit.

Marquette

Marquette is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula and it is full of outdoor attractions in Michigan.

In the warmer months, you can head to Presque Isle State Park and enjoy swimming, boating, and kayaking as well as hiking.

The city is on the shores of Lake Superior, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities all year.

In the Winter, Marquette Mountain is a ski lover’s dream with beautiful slopes and wonderful amenities.

Marquette in the Fall is especially beautiful as it is one of the first places in Michigan where the Fall foliage starts to show up.

The city of Marquette is an outdoor lover’s paradise, no matter what time of year you arrive.

One of the old harbor buildings in Marquette. It is large and rusted and you can look straight down it and see the lake behind it. There are docks next to the building and the sun is starting to set, turning the sky blue and pale pink.

Visit Michigan’s ‘Little Bavaria’ In Frankenmuth

The small Michigan town of Frankenmuth is known as ‘Little Bavaria’.

That’s because it is full of nods to the first German settlers in the area.

The town itself is very charming with quaint buildings, German inspired shops and restaurants, and more.

No matter where you look you’ll find a postcard worthy view.

Frankenmuth is also home to one of the best hidden gems in the Midwest, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

It is a massive shop full of unique Christmas items that you can shop in all year long.

So even if it’s July, you can experience a little bit of Christmas.

It is one of the most unique attractions in Michigan and one of the best small towns in Michigan.

A covered bridge outside of the town of Frankenmuth. It is a classic wooden style bridge with a classic Dutch sign on it. There are trees surrounding the bridge and the sky is sunny with fluffy white clouds.

Admire Kitchi-Iti-Kipi Spring

If you are looking for one of the most unique things to do in Michigan, then head to the Kitchi-Iti-Kipi Spring.

The Kitchi-Iti-Kipi Spring is located in the Upper Peninsula and is the largest freshwater natural spring in the state.

The name for the spring comes from the Native Americans who once called the area home, and it translates to ‘Big Cold Spring’.

You can find the spring in the Palms Book State Park and it is very easy to get to.

Follow a 50 foot paved walkway through the woods to the viewing platform of the spring.

The viewing platform moves on it’s own across the spring in the down season, and during the busy season there is a Park Ranger there to take you accross.

They’ll also give you a little history about the spring as well.

It’s a really beautiful thing to do in Michigan that is certainly one-of-a-kind.

An aerial view of the Kitchi-iti-kipi spring in the winter. There is snow on the ground and evergreen trees surrounding the spring. The spring's waters are blue and crystal clear with a large white dock on it. One of the best things to do in Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

One of the coolest National Parks in the Midwest is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Climbing the top of the massive sand dunes is absolutely worth all the effort.

When you get to the top you’ll be able to admire a stunning Lake Glenn landscape.

There are also several hiking trails you can take at the park for more gorgeous views.

If climbing the dunes sounds like too much effort, don’t worry.

The Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive is a beautiful way to easily see some of the best views at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

The dunes looking over the lake at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. The sun is setting so the sky is pink, blue, and yellow. You can see waves crashing on the lake and grass growing on the dunes.

St. Ignace

The cute town of St. Ignace is in the Upper Peninsula.

It’s also where you’ll find the ferry to get to Mackinac Island.

But don’t miss out on seeing St. Ignace before you get on the ferry.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Michigan, you’ll find that in St. Ignace.

During the warmer months the city has live music, movies, and more on the shores of the bay.

There are also tons of shops, restaurants, and it even has it’s own lighthouse.

Make sure you stop in St. Ignace when you are in the UP or before you head to Mackinac Island.

A small white lighthouse with red accents on the end of a small dock in the lake. The lake is calm and blue and the dock looks run down. The sky is very blue with a few clouds.

Ludington Is One Of The Only Towns With Two Lighthouses

If you want to see as many lighthouses as you can in one trip, then Ludington is the best city for your next trip.

Ludington has two lighthouses, which is pretty unusual, even for Michigan.

As a harbor town on Lake Michigan, the lighthouses once served a very important purpose to the small town.

You can tour both lighthouses, and they each have a slightly different history and experience.

The town also has some beautiful sandy beaches.

Its a perfect way to see some of the most popular things to do in Michigan – beaches and lighthouses!

A white and black lighthouse that has a brick like pattern on it looking over the shores of the lake. Next to it is a large white house with a red roof. There are patches of grass on the sandy shore.

St. Joseph Is One Of The Best Small Towns In Michigan

St. Joseph is one of the best small towns in Michigan and it has some beautiful beaches as well.

It is in South West Michigan and the area is sometimes called “The Riviera of the Midwest”.

With Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River meeting together in St. Joseph, there are plenty of beaches to enjoy.

Whether you like river shores or lake shores, you’ll find a great beach to relax on or explore.

Nearby you’ll also find great vineyards, hiking and biking trails, and of course a classic beach town.

There are shops, restaurants, and more to explore in downtown St. Joseph.

Because there are so many things to do in St Joseph, it’s one of the best places to visit in Michigan all year round.

A view of the St. Joseph Lighthouse from the shore of the lake. There is snow on the shore and tall dried grass. You can see waves crashing in the lake.

Lansing

Michigan’s capital city is Lansing, and you shouldn’t be surprised to find there are so many fun things to do there.

As the capital city, a lot of the Michigan attractions in the area have to deal with the state’s history.

You can tour the Capitol Building, admire a Historic National Landmark, and there are also a ton of museums.

The city also has a thriving art scene where you can find cool art galleries and artists studios.

Lansing of course has some wonderful restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and shops to explore as well.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Michigan in one city, then Lansing is perfect for your next weekend getaway.

A sculpture of a man lit up outside of the lit up state capitol building in Lansing Michigan. The building is a greek revival style and has a large green lawn, a walk way, and flower beds with yellow flowers around it and the sculpture.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a very different National Park in Michigan.

The area was once a large hub in Michigan’s maritime history.

At one point the area was logged, mined, and there were enough ship wrecks that it eventually got it’s own lighthouse.

When visiting the National Lakeshore you can enjoy typical park activities like hiking, biking, and water sports in the warmer months.

You can also tour the Au Sable Lighthouse and walk to the top to get some amazing views of the rocky shore.

The rocky shore on the pictured lakes national lakeshore. The rocks are very colorful and there are trees growing on them. The water and the sky are very blue and calm.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park are located in Grand Rapids.

There are multiple gardens on the property both outside and inside a massive conservatory.

Inside the conservatory you can admire tropical plants all year long, even in cold Michigan winters.

Throughout the grounds you’ll also come across several beautiful sculptures.

There is also a sculpture gallery inside where you can admire some incredibly unique sculptures.

It is one of the best things to do in Michigan and is always a favorite Michigan attraction for visitors to Grand Rapids.

A view of one of the gardens at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. There is a small pond with a bridge across it, a gazebo, and of course lots of greenery. The bridge and trees are reflected in the pond. One of the best things to do in Michigan.

Admire Fall Foliage

Michigan is one of the best states in the Midwest to see some beautiful Fall foliage.

There are several amazing places where you can admire the Fall foliage.

You can choose a one town to stay in and explore.

Or depending on how much time you have, consider taking a road trip through some of the best places in Michigan to see Fall foliage.

No matter how you decided to plan your trip, you’ll love seeing Michigan come to life with beautiful Fall colors.

A road surrounded by trees on either side. The leaves on the trees are red, orange, and yellow. There are dead leaves on the ground and some patches of green grass.

Experience ‘The Henry Ford’

‘The Henry Ford’ is an awesome experience for those who are interested in the life and history of Henry Ford, the inventor of the automobile.

The grounds of The Henry Ford include four Michigan attractions.

There is the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation where you can learn more about some of the most remarkable American inventions.

In the Greenfield Village there is a selection of buildings and activities that center around American inventions.

You can walk in the lab where Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, take a ride in a Model T, and so much more.

In the Ford Rogue Factory you’ll get an in-depth look at the steps from conception to creation of the Ford F-150 truck.

There is also the ‘Giant Screen Experience’ that frequently shows stories of innovative Americans.

The Henry Ford is a one-of-a-kind Michigan attraction that you must see.

An old stone building at the Henry Ford museum complex. There are dead shrubs around it, the trees near it have no leaves, and there is a small patch of grass in front of it. It is an overcast day.

The Great Lakes Circle Tour Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Michigan

The Great Lakes Circle Tour encompasses all of the Great Lakes, but there are also smaller ones for each Great Lake.

If you want to focus primarily on sites in Michigan, I suggest doing the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Stops along the way include Green Bay, Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, and Holland.

You’ll stop along the shore of Lake Michigan at several points and get to see some of the most popular attractions in Michigan.

The area you’ll see most is the area known as America’s Freshwater Riviera, and it’s a beautiful part of Michigan to explore.

An overlook of Lake Michigan. The water is calm and very blue. All around the overlook are trees with green leaves and there is a boardwalk where you can see the lake from different angles. The lake goes on for miles in the distance.

The Upper Peninsula

One of my favorite places in Michigan is the Upper Peninsula.

The Upper Peninsula is full of fun things to do in Michigan.

You can learn more about shipwrecks in the area at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum or tour lighthouses.

It also has great cities and towns like Mackinac Island and Calumet

The area is also full of National and State Park with varying landscapes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity.

Whatever you are interested in, you’ll find it in the Upper Peninsula.

A rocky beach on Lake Superior in the winter. The beach and rocks are completely covered in snow and ice and the trees nearby have no leaves. The sun is setting so the sky is yellow, orange, and pink.

Motown Museum

The Motown Museum is in Detroit and is the birthplace of Motown Records.

Motown music had a massive cultural impact and quickly became one of the most popular music genres at the time.

At the Motown Museum you will learn about the roots of Motown music, hear amusing anecdotes about Motown artists, and more.

It is a very unique Michigan attraction and a must see for music lovers.

If you are thinking of exploring Detroit, visiting Legoland Discovery Center in Detroit would be a great place to visit with the family!

And you can also take a personalized walking tour of this fantastic Midwest city!

The exterior of the Motown Museum. It is a small house with blue trimmings and a door. There is an illuminated sign in the yard with blue lettering that says 'Motown Museum' and a sign on the building says 'Hitsville USA'. One of the best things to do in Michigan.
EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Hike To A Waterfall

Michigan is full of some beautiful waterfalls.

If you want to see some of the best waterfalls in Michigan, you’ll probably need to go on a hike.

Most of the best waterfalls in the state are fairly easy to get to, but they all require at least a short hike.

Depending on your skill level, you can see plenty of waterfalls in just a few short days.

It is a perfect way for outdoor lovers to explore Michigan.

A large waterfall in Michigan going down a rocky cliffside. The waterfall is surrounded by trees. The trees have yellow, green, red, orange, and yellow leaves. There are dead leaves on the ground and on the rocks in the waterfall and river.

Take A Lighthouses Of Michigan Road Trip

One of the best road trips in Michigan to take is a Lighthouses of Michigan Road Trip.

Stops on this road trip include the Big Red Lighthouse in Holland, the Point Betsie Lighthouse, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.

All of these lighthouses are some of the most popular ones to see and tour in Michigan.

Many of them offer stunning views of the area, including Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Each lighthouse is very unique and has an interesting history.

After taking this road trip, you’ll feel like you’ve seen a little bit of each kind of Michigan lighthouse.

The Big Red lighthouse in Holland Michigan. It is a large Dutch style lighthouse that is painted bright red. In front of it is a sailboat with white sails.

New Buffalo Is Full Of Fun Things To Do In Michigan

New Buffalo is in a popular Michigan vacation district known as ‘Harbor Country’.

The town has some excellent restaurants, distilleries, and shops.

There is also a casino that is very popular with visitors and is one of the few in the area.

No matter what time of year you visit New Buffalo, you’ll want to check out it’s beaches and marshland.

You can take a sailing excursion on Lake Michigan, go on a winery tour, or explore one of the many art galleries.

New Buffalo is a charming Michigan town that is full of fun and unique Michigan attractions.

A grassy field with a sandy trail that leads to the lake. It is in New Buffalo Michigan and you can see the calm lake in the distance. There are trees in the distance on the edge of the grassy field. The sky is very cloudy.

Michigan is full of fun things to do and see.

From charming small towns, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes, there is always something new to explore.

Have you ever been to any of this attractions in Michigan?

If you have or are planning a trip to see one of them, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

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