There are so many things to do in Michigan, it is one of my favorite Midwest states.
With four of the five Great Lakes surrounding it there is miles of beautiful shoreline, sandy beaches, historic lighthouses and some seriously impressive scenery.
Head inland and you’ll find vibrant cities, quirky small towns, waterfalls, forests and plenty of unexpected places to explore.
Made up of the Upper and Lower peninsulas they both offer something a little different form the other.
Head to the Lower for beach towns and cities and the Upper for something a bit more wild and remote.
Best Things to Do in Michigan at a Glance
| Place / Experience | Best For | Best Time to Visit | Allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids | Art, food & craft beer | Year-round | 2 days |
| Mackinaw City | Beaches & Great Lakes views | Summer–Autumn | 1–2 days |
| Mackinac Island | Car-free island escape | Spring–Autumn | 1–2 days |
| Ann Arbor | Food, culture & college-town atmosphere | Year-round | 1–2 days |
| Holland | Tulips & Dutch heritage | Spring | 1–2 days |
| South Haven | Lake Michigan beaches | Summer | 1–2 days |
| Detroit | History, music & culture | Year-round | 2–3 days |
| Marquette | Lake Superior & outdoor adventure | Year-round | 2–3 days |
| Frankenmuth | Bavarian heritage & Christmas | Year-round | 1–2 days |
| Kitch-iti-kipi | Unique natural wonder | Spring–Autumn | 1–2 hours |
| Sleeping Bear Dunes | Dunes, hiking & scenery | Spring–Autumn | Full day |
| St. Ignace | Waterfront & Upper Peninsula gateway | Summer–Autumn | Half–Full day |
| Ludington | Beaches & lighthouses | Summer | 1–2 days |
| St. Joseph | Beaches & small-town charm | Summer–Autumn | 1–2 days |
| Lansing | History & museums | Year-round | 1–2 days |
| Pictured Rocks | Cliffs & Lake Superior | Summer–Autumn | 1–2 days |
| Frederik Meijer Gardens | Gardens, art & sculpture | Year-round | 3–4 hours |
| Michigan Fall Colours | Scenic drives & photography | Autumn | 2–5 days |
| The Henry Ford | American history & innovation | Year-round | Full day |
| Great Lakes Circle Tour | Road trips & lake scenery | Spring–Autumn | Several days |
| Upper Peninsula | Wilderness & adventure | Summer–Autumn | 4+ days |
| Motown Museum | Music history | Year-round | 1–2 hours |
| Michigan Waterfalls | Hiking & nature | Spring–Autumn | 1–3 days |
| Michigan Lighthouse Road Trip | Maritime history & scenery | Spring–Autumn | 2–5 days |
| New Buffalo | Beaches, wine & Harbor Country | Spring–Autumn | 1–2 days |
25 Best Things to Do in Michigan for Your Bucket List
Explore Grand Rapids
As Michigan’s second largest city, there are so many things to do in Grand Rapids . There are museums, like the Gerald R. Ford Museum, dedicated to the United States’ 38th President.
You will also find wonderful art galleries, restaurants, and plenty of unique boutiques and shops. The city is also well known for its craft beer scene, with plenty of local breweries to discover.
Grand Rapids is a wonderful way to see some of Michigan’s best attractions in a weekend getaway.
Why I love it: Grand Rapids packs a surprising amount into an easy-going city, with art, history, great food and one of Michigan’s best craft beer scenes.
Enjoy the Beaches in Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City is probably best known for its 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.
Why I love it: There aren’t many places where you can experience two Great Lakes in one visit, and that’s what makes Mackinaw City feel so special.
Experience Car-Free Mackinac Island
One of the best places for a romantic getaway in the Midwest is Mackinac Island. There are so many things to do on 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 visitors’ favorite things to do in Michigan, and it’s easy to see why.
Don’t miss: Hire a bike and cycle around the island. With no cars to contend with, it’s one of the best ways to experience Mackinac Island at your own pace.
Explore Lively Ann Arbor
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 also has a fantastic mix of distilleries, breweries and eclectic restaurants, making it a great stop 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.
Why I love it: Ann Arbor has that brilliant college-town energy where there’s always somewhere interesting to eat, browse or explore.
See the Tulips and Dutch Heritage in Holland
‘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 Dutch heritage of its early settlers. That includes the architecture of the super unique ‘Big Red’ Lighthouse.
The town is also known for its Tulip Time 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.
Don’t miss: If you’re visiting in spring, time your trip for the tulips. Seeing the town filled with colour is one of those quintessential Michigan experiences.
Enjoy a Beach Break in South Haven
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.
Why I love it: South Haven has that classic Lake Michigan beach-town feel, where you can spend the day by the water and then wander into town for dinner.
Discover Detroit’s History and Culture
If you want to explore a major city, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Detroit.
Detroit’s automotive history is celebrated throughout the MotorCities National Heritage Area, which includes historic sites, museums and landmarks across the region.
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 Detroit.
Why I love it: Detroit has so many layers to discover, from its automotive and music history to its architecture, food and creative culture
Explore the Outdoors in 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 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.
Why I love it: Marquette shows off the wilder side of Michigan, with Lake Superior, forests and outdoor adventures right on the doorstep.
Experience 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.
Don’t miss: Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is wonderfully over-the-top and worth seeing even if you’re visiting in the middle of summer.
See the Crystal-Clear Waters of Kitch-iti-kipi
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.
It’s a really beautiful thing to do in Michigan that is certainly one-of-a-kind.
Why I love it: The water is so incredibly clear that you can see right down into the spring, which makes Kitch-iti-kipi feel almost otherworldly.
Explore 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 Glen Lake 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.
Don’t miss: Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for some of the most spectacular views over the dunes and Lake Michigan, especially if you don’t fancy tackling the steeper climbs.
Spend Some Time in 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.
Why I love it: It’s easy to rush through St. Ignace on the way to Mackinac Island, but I think it’s worth slowing down and giving this little waterfront town some time of its own.
See the Lighthouses in Ludington
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!
Why I love it: Ludington gives you two classic Michigan experiences in one place, beautiful Lake Michigan beaches and historic lighthouses.
Enjoy Lake Michigan in St. Joseph
St. Joseph is one of the best small towns in Michigan and it has some beautiful beaches as well.
It is in southwest 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.
Why I love it: St. Joseph has everything I want from a Lake Michigan town, a beautiful waterfront, sandy beaches and an easy-going downtown to explore afterwards.
Discover Michigan’s Capital in 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.
Don’t miss: Take a tour of the Michigan State Capitol. The building is impressive in its own right and gives you a much better sense of the state’s history.
See the Colourful Cliffs at Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s most spectacular protected landscapes.
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.
Don’t miss: See Pictured Rocks from the water if you can. Looking back at the colourful sandstone cliffs from Lake Superior gives you a completely different perspective.
Explore Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is 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.
Why I love it: I love places that mix art with the outdoors, and here you can wander from beautiful gardens to huge sculptures without it ever feeling like a traditional gallery.
See Michigan’s Spectacular Fall Colours
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 one town as a base and explore from there. Some of my favourite places for fall colour in Michigan are the Porcupine Mountains, Tahquamenon Falls, the Keweenaw Peninsula, Marquette, Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Tunnel of Trees scenic drive.
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.
Why I love it: Autumn completely transforms Michigan, and I love that you don’t need a particular attraction or itinerary to enjoy it. Sometimes simply driving through the changing landscape is the best part.
Step Into American History at The Henry Ford
‘The Henry Ford’ is an awesome experience for those who are interested in the life and history of Henry Ford, who transformed automobile manufacturing with the moving assembly line.
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.
Don’t miss: Greenfield Village is fascinating to wander around, with historic buildings, working demonstrations and the chance to ride in a Model T.
Take a Great Lakes Circle Tour
If you love a good road trip, the Great Lakes Circle Tours are a brilliant way to explore this part of the country. Each route follows the shoreline of one of the Great Lakes, taking you through waterfront towns, past beaches, lighthouses and some beautiful scenery along the way.
For a Michigan trip, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a great choice. The complete route also travels through Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, but you can easily concentrate on the Michigan section, following the lakeshore through places such as Holland before continuing north towards Mackinaw City.
Why I love it: This is the kind of road trip where the journey becomes part of the experience, with beaches, lighthouses and little lakeside towns giving you plenty of reasons to keep stopping.
Explore Michigan’s Wild 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. The area is also dotted with fascinating towns such as Marquette, Munising and Calumet.
The area is also full of national and state parks with varying landscapes and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity. Some of the best places to explore include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Keweenaw National Historical Park.
Whatever you are interested in, you’ll find it in the Upper Peninsula.
Why I love it: The Upper Peninsula feels like a completely different side of Michigan, wilder, quieter and full of places that make you want to pull over and explore.
Discover Detroit’s Motown History
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.
And you can also take a personalized walking tour of this fantastic Midwest city!
Why I love it: There’s something special about standing in the place where so much iconic music was actually created, especially when you realise how many legendary artists passed through these doors.
Chase Michigan’s Best Waterfalls
Michigan has some spectacular waterfalls, particularly in the Upper Peninsula, and seeking out a few of them is one of my favourite ways to explore the state.
Some of the best to put on your list include the enormous Tahquamenon Falls, beautiful Bond Falls, Munising Falls and Laughing Whitefish Falls. Many can be reached on relatively short trails, while others require a little more effort, so there’s something whether you fancy an easy stop or a proper hike.
If you have a few days, you could even turn waterfall hunting into a road trip, combining several falls with some of the small towns, forests and Lake Superior scenery of the Upper Peninsula.
Why I love it: There’s something about having a waterfall waiting at the end that makes even a short walk feel like an adventure, and Michigan has enough of them that you could happily spend days chasing them.
Take a Michigan Lighthouse 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.
Together, they give you a fascinating glimpse into Michigan’s maritime history and the different landscapes along its Great Lakes shoreline.
Why I love it: The lighthouses are the excuse for the road trip, but it’s the little beach towns, stretches of Great Lakes shoreline and unexpected stops between them that make the journey memorable.
Escape to New Buffalo and Harbor Country
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.
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.
Why I love it: New Buffalo has that lovely holiday feeling where you can spend the morning beside Lake Michigan, wander around town in the afternoon and finish the day with good food and a local glass of wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Michigan?
Some of the best things to do in Michigan include visiting Mackinac Island, exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, seeing the colourful cliffs at Pictured Rocks, visiting Detroit and discovering the waterfalls and wild landscapes of the Upper Peninsula.
What is Michigan best known for?
Michigan is best known for the Great Lakes, miles of freshwater shoreline, beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses and its automotive and Motown heritage. It’s also home to some spectacular natural landscapes, particularly in the Upper Peninsula.
What is the most beautiful place in Michigan?
It’s difficult to choose just one, but Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Upper Peninsula are among Michigan’s most beautiful places. For something completely different, the incredibly clear water at Kitch-iti-kipi is well worth seeing too.
What should I not miss on my first trip to Michigan?
For a first visit, I’d put Mackinac Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes and at least one Lake Michigan beach town high on your list. If you have enough time to travel further north, add the Upper Peninsula and Pictured Rocks.
When is the best time to visit Michigan?
Summer is brilliant for beaches, islands and exploring the Great Lakes, while autumn is my favourite time for road trips and spectacular fall colour. Spring brings the tulips in Holland, and winter opens up a completely different side of Michigan for skiing and snowy outdoor adventures.
How many days do you need in Michigan?
For one area, three or four days can work well. To combine the Lower and Upper Peninsulas without rushing, I’d allow at least a week, and longer if you’re planning a proper Michigan road trip.
Things To Do In Michigan: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.
Don’t forget Apple AirTags to track your luggage. (Whether you fly or drive.)
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.
It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you as well.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful at pools or spas you happen to visit along the way.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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