Things To Do In Michigan

Michigan is a wonderful place to visit. Drive along the highways and take in the scenic beauty of Michigan's countryside. Go hiking in the wilderness and discover new trails. Michigan has miles of sandy beaches, beautiful forests, and hundreds of lakes and rivers that fishermen of all skill levels like to fish in. And each year, millions flock to the state's shores for summer vacations, which provides an excellent opportunity to get outdoors and experience the great things as well as eat lots of fun food while doing so! With stunning natural landscapes and lakes, amazing architecture, and great festivals, the state has a lot to offer. So to help you plan your Michigan trip, we've put together this list of things to do in Michigan!

What are the things one can do and places one can visit in Michigan:

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island provides a glimpse into the past and a simpler era, long before the advent of automobiles and public transportation. Visitors can spend the day exploring the island's historic district on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, going on hikes, or exploring Fort Mackinac after taking the boat there.

The Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957, linking Mackinaw City on the lower peninsula with St. Ignace on the upper peninsula. It was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, and it ended the traffic jams caused by automobiles waiting for the boat. Artifacts from the building of the Mighty Mac can be seen in abundance at the Mackinac Bridge Museum.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes, but it is the only one that borders the United States. This gives Michigan the second-longest shoreline of any of the 50 states, behind only Alaska. The Michigan Maritime Museum in nearby South Haven provides an in-depth examination of the lake's historical and cultural significance, while in Traverse City, several boat trips, such as those aboard the historic Tall Ship Manitou, are available for those interested in taking in the sights.

There are many islands to explore in the lake, but the Beaver Island Archipelago and the Manitou Islands stand out as particular favorites. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore includes the headlands of the Manitou Islands, which are famous for their huge dunes.

One of the most frequented state parks, Pierce Stocking is home to a scenic drive that stretches for five miles inland and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the park's surroundings. The Warren Dunes and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Warren and Muskegon, respectively, also have excellent lakefront dunes.

Address: 9922—Front–Street—Empire, Michigan

Detroit Institute of Arts

The Detroit Institute of Arts houses one of the world's largest collections of art, dating from prehistoric times to the present day. More than 65,000 artworks from artists all around the world are on display in more than 100 different galleries.

The museum's Islamic art collection spans from classical antiquity to medieval Europe, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas, and includes pottery, stone, and bronze pieces. Picassos, Rembrandts, Matisses, and Van Goghs are highly sought-after European artists.

Tourists visiting the area can take in the stunning architecture of the Detroit Public Library before making the short trip down Woodward Avenue to the Detroit Historical Museum, which chronicles the city's rise to prominence as an economic powerhouse and the cradle of the groundbreaking Motown sound.

Address: 5200–Woodward–-Avenue—Detroit, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Seashore

The copper, iron, and manganese oxide that give the rocks along the south side of Lake Superior their distinctive colors also give the park its name, Pictured Rocks National Seashore. Here, you'll find a beachfront that's equal parts rocky and sandy. There are forests and lakes and rivers in the interior.

Tourists typically participate in outdoor pursuits including hiking, camping, and boating while visiting this area. You can do snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing here in the winter. Grand Island National Recreation Area, another nearby island, is also a top destination for nature lovers.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/piro

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids

You can experience the harmony of art and nature in several distinct settings at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Traditional plant life, a “Butterfly Maze” for kids, a tranquil Japanese Garden with twin waterfalls, and more can all be found in the outside gardens.

A reproduction of Lena Meijer's original farmhouse from the 1880s, complete with its original garden. In March and April, visitors to the Lena Meijer Conservatory can witness the incredible metamorphosis of Monarch butterflies from caterpillars to beautiful winged creatures. There are sculptures everywhere, both inside and out.

Official site: http://www.meijergardens.org

The Henry Ford, Dearborn

These three venues, commonly known as “The Henry Ford,” cover not only the career of the legendary car manufacturer but the full gamut of American ingenuity. Travelers can experience what life was like in the 19th century by visiting Greenfield Village, a living museum of that era.

Visit working farms, eat at a restaurant that serves 1830s-style food, ride on a steam locomotive, or take a spin in a Model T. From the Wright brothers' desire to fly to Rosa Parks' insistence that change happens in the lifetime, the stories of innovators like these are told at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

Visitors to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour can get an up-close look at the cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking ideas that go into creating cutting-edge vehicles.

Address: 20900—Oakwood-Blvd—Dearborn, Michigan
Official site: http://www.thehenryford.org

Isle Royale National Park

You can see the Canadian mainland from Isle Royale, which is located in the northwest corner of Lake Superior. This island of glacial origin is home to a wide range of fauna, including wolves, foxes, moose, otters, ospreys, herring gulls, falcons, and more. It is 432 square miles and is surrounded by lakes, streams, and deep forests. Those seeking a genuine wilderness adventure will get what they're looking for in this largely untouched region.

Trails on foot and boat tours on the water are the finest ways to view the park. Only boats and seaplanes can get you to the island. Common departure points include Houghton and Copper Harbor in Michigan and Grand Portage in Minnesota.

Official site: http://www.nps.gov/isro

Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo houses a wide range of creatures from around the world in its various habitats. From aardvarks to zebras, and many fan-favorite species in between, such as giraffes, lions, lemurs, and various primates, are just some of the forest and grassland inhabitants of Africa.

The zoo's famous polar bears live in an arctic habitat, and the Australian Outback is home to sixteen kangaroos and two wallabies. Bears, wolverines, and bald eagles are just a few of the fascinating North American species that call their natural settings home.

In addition to its normal animal exhibits, the zoo also features a bird sanctuary, an amphibian pavilion, and a gallery of fine art. Since 1931, guests have been able to ride the tiny Tauber Family Railroad around the park.

The Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek features a vintage train ride and a “wilderness tram” across its African Savannah habitat, while Grand Rapids' John Ball Zoo is a popular tourist destination for its extensive array of unique animal encounters.

Address: 8450—W-10—Mile-Road, Royal-Oak, Michigan
Official site: http://www.detroitzoo.org

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, where the University of Michigan is located, is a city that sits on 2,800 acres. The Law Quadrangle, the Power Center for the Performing Arts, and the Natural History Museum are just a few of the fascinating ancient Gothic structures on campus. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, which has extensive holdings relating to the civilizations of the Mediterranean, the University of Michigan Museum of Art, and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History are just a few of the highlights of the campus.

Aside from the institution, there is a plethora of exciting and informative attractions and activities in Ann Arbor. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens is one such place, despite being located in an off-campus location. The Nichols Arboretum is a green space adjacent to the main campus.

Official site: http://www.umich.edu

Belle Isle Park, Detroit

Belle Isle, located in the Detroit River, is home to a large park that is home to various attractions. The Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the United States, is a popular destination for families.

The aquarium, which has been open since 1904, is located in a historic structure with a gorgeous green opaline vaulted ceiling and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including crowd favorites such as pufferfish, clownfish, turtles, seahorses, and even poison frogs.

Along with Lilu Pond and the formal gardens, the 13-acre Anna Scrips Whitcomb Conservatory is a must-see. The Show House, Palm House, Cactus House, Tropical House, and subterranean Fernery are all part of this historic conservatory, which is also one of the oldest in the country.

Visit the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, which features both permanent and rotating displays honoring the Great Lakes' cultural and economic significance, to learn more about the maritime history of the region.

The Belle Isle Golf Range, the Belle Isle Boat House, and the Giant Slide are just a few of the many attractions on Belle Isle. The Detroit Yacht Club is based out of Belle Isle as well.

Address: Bridge-Entrance between the Jefferson-Ave & East-Grand-Boulevard

As you can see, Michigan is a diverse state. There are plenty of fun things to do here, no matter what your interests are. We hope that this list helps you find some new activities to enjoy during your visit to Michigan. Whether you are staying for a few days or a week, you can have a memorable time exploring the natural beauty that the state has to offer. We've given you a list of the 10 best things to do in Michigan, but I'm fairly certain that those aren't all. So there you have it. This should be plenty to get you started. We hope you enjoy & relish your time in Michigan.