Michigan, which means “giant lake,” provides over 3,200 miles of shoreline and breathtaking wilderness. Discover this scenic Midwest state with its inland waterways, towering dunes, historical forests, and huge lakes. Listed here are a few of my favourite spots I’d like to share…
1. Holland State Park Seashore
Situated close to the town of Holland, this protected Holland State Park spans round 140 acres and is full of pristine pure magnificence together with large lakes, lush forested areas, gorgeous dunes and a historic lighthouse.
Though its its the lengthy large, family-friendly sandy Holland State Park Seashore which is my favourite half. Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, it’s a beautiful spot with calm waters and incredible alternatives for swimming, boating, tenting, picnicking, taking part in volleyball or simply merely enjoyable.
When right here, I extremely advocate photographing the long-lasting and really hanging Huge Purple Lighthouse, renting a kayak, jet-ski or paddleboard and exploring the waters, climbing the sand dunes after which watching a elegant sundown!
Location: 2215 Ottawa Seashore Street Holland, MI 49424
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
Visiting close by Holland whereas staying which is a metropolis with a captivating Dutch heritage I liked the the distinctive windmills and the gorgeous gardens full of tulips!
Tenting in a single day on the Seashore Campground which had gorgeous views of the lake.
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2. Mackinac Island and Arch Rock
This car-free resort island situated in Lake Huron covers greater than 4 sq. miles between Michigan’s Higher and Decrease peninsulas.
It has an attention-grabbing previous with a various historical past that dates again hundreds of years however at this time it’s a preferred vacationer resort lined with thick forests, attention-grabbing limestone formations, sandy seashores and nineteenth century historic structure and picturesque harbors full with gently bobbing boats.
Don’t miss the fascinating Fort Mackinac, the charming and historic Grand Resort which is dwelling to the world’s longest porch (and unimaginable coastal views) and exploring the superb climbing trails.
One of many trails, the Arch Rock Path lead me to my favourite pure sight on the island, Arch Rock. The pure limestone arch that reaches 146 toes above the bottom and in my view it’s an absolute should see on the island and really photogenic!
Location: Mackinac Island, MI 49757, northern a part of the state
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season and fall
My favourite highlights…
Seeing fudge being made then sampling the unimaginable fudge within the outlets situated on the island. I extremely advocate the scrumptious Maple Syrup fudge at Murdick’s Fudge Store.
Renting a motorcycle at Ryba’s Bicycle Rental for simply $9 a hour after which exploring the scenic looped bike path which took me spherical the entire island seeing gorgeous lake and limestone rock views alongside the best way!
Eating on tasty gluten-free tacos on the cute Seabiscuit Cafe.
3. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Situated in Grand Rapids, I like visiting this tranquil spot because it’s a phenomenal and really nicely stored family-friendly public backyard with attention-grabbing instructional programmes and unimaginable artwork within the type of fashionable sculptures by famend artists (together with Henry Moore and August Rodin) which mix seamlessly into the panorama!
Masking 158 acres, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park contains a zen-like Japanese backyard full with an ornate teahouse, nature trails, shade gardens, a youngsters’s backyard, a 15,000-square-foot tropical conservatory, heirloom orchards and a farm backyard (which grows greens and herbs), in addition to the varied assortment up to date sculptures and a calendar of cultural occasions.
Deal with: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring and summer season to benefit from the flowers
My private highlights…
Seeing native musicians play on the Ayers Basement Techniques Tuesday Night Music Membership which is a held on a big stage within the grounds through the summer season months.
Photographing my favourite sculpture “The American Horse” which is a large 24-foot-tall bronze horse by acclaimed artist Nina Akamu.
4. Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia is a wild and rugged spot which through the winter provides some distinctive and difficult snowboarding for extra skilled skiers and snowboarders – with critical backcountry terrain, two chairlifts and rustic lodging.
Situated within the Keweenaw Peninsula, within the Higher Peninsula it’s a shocking magnificence spot in each summer season and winter however in winter the out of doors adventurists descend eager to deal with the deeply lined and ungroomed runs and really steep slopes.
Throughout the winter months its a scenic paradise and is definitely one of many snowiest spots within the Midwest. I additionally love visiting through the summer season and exploring the scenic climbing trails, going kayaking and swimming within the close by calm waters of Lac La Belle Lake after which staying in a single day in a cute a yurt!
Deal with: 6532 Homosexual-Lac La Belle Street, Lac La Belle, MI 49950
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: winter for snowboarding or summer season for climbing
My favorite highlights…
Stress-free within the Scandinavian-style out of doors sauna which is situated right here!
Going zipling on the Mount Bohemia Zip Line Tour the place I noticed unimaginable birds-eye-views of Lac La Belle Lake in addition to the thick forests.
5. Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan within the state’s Higher peninsula, this can be a gorgeous protected gem within the type of an unimaginable lakeshore that runs for 42 miles and covers greater than 73,000 acres.
A haven for each nature lovers and out of doors adventurists, the uncrowded space is full of colourful sandstone cliffs, large sand dunes, shallow caves, rock arches, sandy seashores, forests, fairly waterfalls and even an Instagram-worthy lighthouse, Au Sable Mild Station.
In addition to being extremely scenic I like that it has a great deal of actions on provide too together with wonderful climbing trails (which you’ll be able to see the waterfalls on lots of them), kayaking, boating, paddle-boarding and tenting.
Throughout the winter it provides cross-country snowboarding, snowmobiling, and even mountaineering!
Deal with: N8391 Sand Level Street, Munising, MI 49862
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My private highlights…
Going scuba diving within the clear waters of Lake Superior and seeing the wreck of the The Smith Moore an outdated steamer which sank in 1889 – which was a rare sight!
Seeing the attractive 60-foot Chapel Falls which I discovered on the finish of the scenic Chapel Loop Path.
Going for a picnic and a swim on the sandy Sand Level Seashore whereas gazing on the attractive views of Lake Superior.
6. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is likely one of the 5 Nice Lakes within the nation and varieties the complete western boundary of the Decrease Peninsula of Michigan and is bordered by a few different states, together with Wisconsin, and Indiana.
In addition to being large (its 22,400 sq. miles and 923 toes deep), it’s additionally a shocking place with areas of remarkable magnificence and loads of leisure actions which pulls households, nature lovers and out of doors adventurists. There’s tons to do right here together with crusing, climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, tenting and even scuba diving taking a look at ship wrecks.
Lovely sandy seashores adorn its shoreline good for enjoyable, swimming and boating and its dwelling to round twenty small islands and nationwide and state parks which encompass the lake. There’s additionally at least 102 lighthouses!
Deal with: western a part of the state
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to early fall
My favourite highlights…
Climbing and tenting in a single day on the rugged South Manitou Island, I additionally liked the scenic lighthouse it has right here.
Exploring the towering sand dune at Sleeping Bear Dunes Nationwide Lakeshore.
Discovering a few of the lake’s greatest spots when staying in Chicago which is situated on the shores I liked Navy Pier the bustling, iconic, and scenic spot; Oak Avenue Seashore which provides a serene, upscale city oasis and the full of life North Avenue Seashore.
7. Yankee Springs State Park
This under-the-radar magnificence spot is sprawling 5,200-acre park is in a protected state-managed space in Yankee Springs Township in Barry County close to the small cities of Middleville and Hastings.
It’s full of pristine, unspoilt surroundings lined in lakes, forests, and distinctive geological options like Satan’s Soupbowl, a characteristic fashioned by glacial exercise hundreds of years in the past.
I like the country and the way uncrowded it feels and in my view, it’s the right vacation spot for nature lovers on the lookout for someplace slightly extra off-the-beaten observe.
In addition to miles of scenic climbing and mountain biking trails ready to be explored there are nice alternatives for swimming within the lakes, kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, chicken and wildlife recognizing and there are over 220 campsites to select from in addition to two cabins.
Deal with: Yankee Springs State Park, 2104 South Briggs Street, Middleville, MI 49333
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My highlights…
Going boating on the scenic Gun Lake (there are leases obtainable right here).
Staying in a single day on the Deep Lake Rustic Cabins, though the facilities have been very fundamental it got here with unimaginable lake views and made an amazing various to tent tenting.
8. Pere Marquette Park
That is one other attractive and comparatively uncrowded hidden gem. Pere Marquette Park is situated on the northernmost finish of Lake Michigan, which covers a 2.5-mile space owned by the town.
It’s a protected seaside park spanning over 27 acres dwelling to a protracted sandy seaside, volleyball courts, picnic areas, eating places, playgrounds, a delegated swimming space with lifeguards (in season), and a picturesque lighthouse.
The seaside is surf-raked every day through the summer season season and there’s attractive sunsets to be seen within the night.
Interesting to households and couple’s on the lookout for a novel date spot, in addition to extra energetic sorts who love watersports as there’s hundreds on provide right here. You may go kiteboarding, paddle-boarding, crusing, jet-skiing and windsurfing.
Deal with: Pere Marquette Park, 3510 Channel Drive, Muskegon, MI 49441
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
Having a picnic by the South Pier which was a peaceable and scenic spot.
Photographing the historic Muskegon South Pierhead Mild.
9. The Crisp Level Lighthouse
This historic gem is situated on the distant shores of Lake Superior and in my view it’s remoted scenic location actually provides to its magnificence. Its my favourite lighthouse within the state and I believe its critically photogenic!
Situated within the state’s Higher Peninsula, it stands at 58 toes excessive and was first lit up in 1904. It’s superbly preserved and I extremely advocate occurring a guided tour right here the place you possibly can see gorgeous lake views from very excessive up!
Deal with: Level Lighthouse, 1944 County Street 412, Newberry, MI 49868
Map Location
Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
Taking images of the hanging lighthouse for my Instagram gallery.
Having a picnic at a desk close to the lighthouse so we may simply sit, eat and stare upon it!
10. Historic Gaslight District, Petoskey
Petoskey is a captivating and picturesque metropolis situated on the shores of Little Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan within the northern a part of the state full of historic structure and attention-grabbing cultural scene. It additionally makes an amazing base for exploring the lake and all it has to supply.
My favourite a part of the laid again city is the Petoskey Gaslight District which has the repute of being top-of-the-line locations to buy within the state. It’s full of attention-grabbing impartial shops, upscale boutiques, distinctive presents, artwork galleries, charming eateries and cafes and nice eating places.
I completely love the pure fuel lighting which strains the road identical to it did way back, including to the district’s appeal and likewise the views of Little Traverse Bay too.
Deal with: Downtown Petoskey Gaslight District, Petoskey, MI 49770
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: all 12 months spherical
My private highlights…
Looking for quirky kitchenware within the Zany Kitchen store and distinctive souvenirs in Grandpa Shorter’s Items. I particularly liked the domestically made presents that they had.
Eating at Chandler’s – a restaurant which had upscale American delicacies made with domestically sourced elements. Their freshly made California Rolls have been divine!
11. Silver Seashore County Park
It is a much-loved park situated in St. Joseph, alongside the shores of Lake Michigan which households, {couples} and out of doors lovers can’t appear to get sufficient of. In truth it’s one of the crucial common seaside locations within the southwest area of the state.
In addition to being dwelling to a protracted, large sandy seaside there’s quite a lot of actions on provide right here together with swimming in the summertime (there’s a lifeguard on responsibility right here too), in addition to boating, crusing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, volleyball and scenic walks. Alternatively you possibly can simply loosen up on the seaside, which is my favourite factor to do right here!
There’s additionally grills obtainable for barbecue, picnic tables, a pavilon you possibly can rent for particular occasions, and for youngsters a splash pad, the vintage-style Silver Seashore Carousel and the interactive Whirlpool Compass Fountain.
Deal with: Silver Seashore County Park, 101 Broad Avenue, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My favourite highlights…
Taking a romantic sundown stroll alongside the South Pier and seeing gorgeous views of each the lake and the hanging St.Joseph North Pier Lighthouse.
Attempting to find antiques and classic gadgets within the close by city of St.Jospeh which is dwelling to many quaint vintage shops.
12. Presque Isle Park
This tranquil magnificence spot is situated alongside the shored of Lake Superior in Marquette. It’s a shocking peninsula full of over 323 acres of protected pure magnificence and attracts nature lovers and folks in search of out of doors adventures.
Its dwelling to wonderful climbing trails, scenic drives, bicycle trails, untouched forests, sandstone cliffs, rocky outcrops, a number of secluded coves and sandy seashores.
There’s additionally alternatives for wildlife and chicken watching (white-tailed deer, racoons, snow geese and bald eagles dwell right here).
Deal with: Presque Isle Park, Peter White Drive, Marquette, MI 49855
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
Watching the courageous cliff jumpers within the Black Rocks space. The realm has distinctive surroundings with volcanic rocks contrasting with the brilliant blue waters of the lake.
Climbing the simple paved two mile Presque Isle Loop which took me previous cliffs and exquisite sandy seashores.
13. Reduce River Bridge State Roadside Park
Situated alongside Freeway 2 in Mackinac County within the state’s Higher Peninsula close to the small neighborhood of Naubinway. This engaging protected space is dwelling to thick forests, climbing trails and views of Lake Michigan.
The largest attraction right here although is the hanging 641 toes lengthy metal bridge which was constructed in 1974 crosses the Reduce River gorge and the distinction between this and the park’s pure magnificence is admittedly one thing particular! It’s a photographer’s dream!
Location:
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My highlights…
Parking in lots close by after which taking a really scenic stroll alongside the bridge. There’s a pedestrian path alongside the facet and two foremost view factors – the views listed here are critically jaw-dropping and slightly vertigo-inducing on the identical!
14. The College of Michigan
This nice architectural landmark is likely one of the most prestigious public analysis universities within the nation and a preferred vacationer attraction.
Situated in Ann Arbor, the College of Michigan was based in 1817 and covers practically 780 acres on its central campus. It has over 600 vital buildings, greater than 45,000 college students, and practically 7,000 educational personnel. Many well-known individuals, together with former U.S. President Gerald Ford and quite a few billionaires, have attended the college.
It’s a powerful spot with an attention-grabbing mixture of Gothic, Beaux-Arts, and fashionable kinds and so they’re tremendous welcoming to guests too. I took a self-guided tour right here and so they supplied maps so it was simple to discover independently.
I like to recommend not lacking the spectacular buildings of the Regulation Quadrangle, Hill Auditorium, Burton Memorial Tower, Rackham Graduate Faculty. Additionally the Botanical Gardens and Arboretum which has fairly trails, crops and gardens.
Location: Reduce River Bridge State Roadside Park, U.S. Freeway 2, Moran, MI 49760
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to fall
My private highlights…
Exploring Ann Arbor after the college which has a youthful vibe with nice eating places, attention-grabbing bookstores, impartial outlets and quaint cafes.
My favourite a part of the buildings was the The Diag, a buzzy central inexperienced house the place college students collect.
15. Ludington State Park
It is a common out of doors vacation spot situated alongside the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake close to the quaint lakeside city of Ludington.
It’s gorgeous protected surroundings is full of scenic shorelines, lake views, forested areas, sandy seashores, towering sand dunes, attention-grabbing wetlands, winding rivers and marshland.
Journey and nature lovers flock right here particularly through the summer season months and benefit from the out of doors actions on provide which embody swimming within the lakes, climbing on the miles of scenic trails, biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding and tubing down the river.
There are a variety of campgrounds for staying in a single day or alternatively choose one of many motels, motels or hostels in close by Ludington.
Deal with: Ludington State Park, 8800 W. M-116, Ludington, MI 49431
Map Location
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My favourite highlights…
Photographing the hanging black-and-white striped historic Huge Sable Level Lighthouse.
Watching the unimaginable sundown over Lake Michigan which actually was an Instagram-worthy second!
Climbing the simple two mile looped Misplaced Lake Path which took me alongside the sting of Misplaced Lake and Hamlin Lake for gorgeous pure views.
16. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Affectionately generally known as the “Porkies” this is likely one of the largest state park’s within the state and what a spot it’s! It’s surroundings is jaw-dropping with wild and rugged hilly terrain, thick forests, waterfalls and gorgeous vistas. It’s one among my private favourite pure areas within the state only for how distinctive the surroundings is right here.
Established in 1944, out of doors lovers flock right here to discover the scenic climbing trails, go swimming, mountaineering, kayaking, wildlife recognizing, paddle-boarding, tenting and becoming a member of the ranger-led nature packages on provide right here.
Deal with: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, 33303 Headquarters Street, Ontonagon, MI 49953
Map Location
Greatest time to go to: late spring to fall
My private highlights…
Climbing the commentary tower at Summit Peak which had gorgeous views of the encompassing forests and Lake Superior. I reached there simply by way of driving to the Summit Peak Scenic Space Parking Lot after which a brief hike.
Exploring the fascinating ruins of Carp Lake Mine that are situated within the park.
Climbing the long-lasting Escarpment Path which runs over the dramatic Escarpment Ridge and provided unimaginable views.
17. Copper Harbor Trails
This unimaginable space is situated in Copper Harbor, within the northern space of Keweenaw Penisula. It’s recognized for its unimaginable system of trails the place world-class mountain bikers come to tackle the difficult terrain (and a few much less difficult – the paths cater for all talent ranges) and its truly a part of the IMBA (Worldwide Mountain Bicycling Affiliation) Silver Degree Journey Heart.
It’s additionally dwelling to some wonderful climbing trails, and a few of the greatest embody the Brockway Mountain Path, a 9-mile hike with gorgeous views from Brockway Mountain; the Keweenaw Level Path, a 6-mile average hike providing serene forest and Lake Superior vistas; and The Circulation, a 3-mile path which wind by way of the forest with mild climbs.
The surroundings which the path system winds by way of is really gorgeous and consists of dense forests, cliff edges, rock outcrops, the shores of Lake Superior, lake views and gorgeous vistas. So I recommend bringing your digital camera!
Deal with: Copper Harbor Trails Membership, 14210 US Freeway 41, Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Map Location
Greatest time to go to: late spring to fall
My favourite highlights…
Climbing the distant Keweenaw Level Path which was a peaceable path the place I noticed beautiful views of Lake Superior and the picturesque Keweenaw Peninsula shoreline.
Watching the unimaginable world-class mountain bikers right here!
18. Tahquamenon Falls
This magnificence spot is likely one of the state’s common most pure sights! Situated within the Higher Peninsula inside Tahquamenon Falls State Park, there’s truly two falls in complete – the Higher Falls and the Decrease Falls each are critically spectacular and have the repute of being a few of the greatest falls within the nation.
The Higher Falls are 500 toes excessive and circulation with distinctive amber coloured waters and the Decrease Falls are smaller and may be seen 4 miles downstream.
Additionally take your take to discover the remainder of the park as its gorgeous and is full of wonderful climbing trails in addition to nice alternatives for kayaking, canoeing, wildlife and bird-watching.
Deal with: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 41382 W M-123 Paradise, MI 49768
Map Location
Greatest time to go to: spring for the best water circulation
My private highlights…
Renting a ship for a more in-depth views of the unimaginable falls and getting superb movie footage on the identical time.
Tenting in a single day in a country backcountry campground situated within the park.
Climbing the favored River Path which linked each of the unimaginable falls!
19. Isle Royale Nationwide Park
Isle Royale situated in a distant space of Lake Superior spanning 894 sq. miles, is simply accessible by boat or seaplane so it has earned the repute of being the least-visited nationwide park within the nation. Most likely helped by the truth that’s its nearly nearly solely inaccessible through the winter months as a consequence of harsh climate circumstances.
Once you do lastly arrive although it’s untouched rugged paradise, a spot that you will discover nature at its most pure with thick forests, clear lakes and loads of solitude. Attention-grabbing wildlife additionally lives right here and the park is concerned in an ongoing wolf and moose research (there are not any bears although)!
There are 4 historic lighthouses situated on the island in addition to over 165 miles of scenic climbing trails in addition to many alternatives for boating, kayaking, paddle-boarding and even diving. You may keep over on the island however there is just one very rustic lodge, Rock Harbor Lodge, alternatively you possibly can go wilderness tenting right here.
Location: Lake Superior, far northwestern a part of the state.
Map Location
Greatest time to go to: early spring to late fall
My favourite highlights…
Diving within the extremely clear waters of Lake Superior to see the wreck of SS America which was sadly sunk in 1928. The wreck may be dived simply off Washington Harbor on the southeast finish of Isle Royale.
Additional exploring the waters in a much less energetic approach on a glass backside boat (this can be a nice possibility for households and fewer adventurous individuals trying to discover out extra in regards to the ship wrecks right here).
Climbing the extremely scenic Greenstone Ridge Path which took me 4 days however the stunning, pristine surroundings made it price it!