Best Places to Visit in Michigan
Michigan is full of natural wonders and the coolest getaways! After several road trips across the state and a month as a local, I’ve discovered breathtaking shorelines, historic treasures, and hidden gems far from the usual tourist stops. I'm sharing my absolute favorites with you here.
1. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, 4 hours and 30 minutes from Detroit, feels like stepping into another century. There are no cars here, just horse-drawn carriages clip along the streets, and bicycles outnumber people. You'll find it nestled in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
From the Victorian homes draped in flowers to the historic fort overlooking the harbor, every corner seems carefully kept.
We stayed at Bicycle Street Inn and Suites for its prime location right on Main Street. My best meal was at The Yankee Rebel Tavern, a cozy spot serving hearty Midwest fare. The whitefish chowder ($14) was a highlight, while my son couldn’t get enough of the mac & cheese ($12). Sitting under historic beams, it felt like the island’s past and present met in one warm, satisfying meal.
What to do on Mackinac Island in a weekend:
- Stroll down Main Street, lined with fudge shops, boutiques, and cafés
- Tour Fort Mackinac for sweeping views and living history demonstrations
- Rent bikes and ride the 8.2-mile shoreline loop around the island
- Pause at Arch Rock, a dramatic limestone formation rising 146 feet above Lake Huron
- Enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic Grand Hotel, with its record-setting front porch
- I watched the sunset from British Landing which was beautiful.
2. Holland, Michigan
Holland, which we reached in three hours from Detroit, immediately struck me as a place where heritage and lakefront beauty come together. Famous for its Dutch roots, the city feels both proudly historic and warmly modern, tulip-lined streets, charming windmills, and a vibrant downtown that hums with energy year-round.
Holland carries its traditions proudly, from wooden shoe carving to the annual Tulip Time Festival, yet it also feels fresh and welcoming, with breweries, art galleries, and a growing food scene.
We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Holland Downtown for its walkable location and comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere. My favorite meal was dinner at New Holland Brewing, where the wood-fired pizza ($16) paired perfectly with a flight of local craft beers. My son loved the soft pretzel with beer cheese ($10), and the lively vibe made it a memorable evening.
What to do in Holland in a weekend:
- Wander through Windmill Island Gardens, home to the historic De Zwaan windmill
- Stroll downtown’s 8th Street for shopping, cafés, and galleries
- Visit during Tulip Time Festival (early May) to see millions of tulips in bloom
- Relax on the sandy shore of Holland State Park Beach and see Big Red Lighthouse
- Explore Nelis’ Dutch Village, a family-friendly park celebrating Dutch traditions
- Bike or walk along the Holland Harbor Boardwalk with sweeping lake views
3. Traverse City
Traverse City feels like the perfect blend of small-town charm, lakefront beauty, and a touch of sophistication. Perched on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, it’s a place where vineyards meet sandy beaches, and farm-to-table dining pairs naturally with stunning northern Michigan scenery.
What struck me most was the variety packed into such a walkable, welcoming place. One moment you’re exploring boutique shops downtown, the next you’re sipping wine overlooking rolling hills, or watching the sun set over Lake Michigan.
We reached Traverse City in 4 hours from Detroit and stayed at Hotel Indigo Traverse City, right in the Warehouse District, which gave us easy access to downtown and the bay. My favorite meal was at The Little Fleet, a lively food truck park. I had the fish tacos ($14), while my son loved the wood-fired margherita pizza ($13). The casual outdoor vibe made it a perfect summer evening stop.
What to do in Traverse City in a weekend:
- Walk through Downtown Front Street, lined with boutiques, cafés, and bookstores
- Drive the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail for stunning views and tastings
- Take a day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for epic dune climbs and lake vistas
- Stroll along the Boardman River Trail right in town
- Enjoy local flavors at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a historic campus turned market and dining hub
- In summer, don’t miss the National Cherry Festival (early July)
4. Lansing
On my first visit, Lansing (an hour and 20 minutes from Detroit) surprised me with its mix of state history, cultural spots, and relaxed riverfront charm. As Michigan’s capital, it carries the weight of government and heritage, but it balances that with a youthful energy thanks to nearby Michigan State University .
What stood out most was the variety within reach. You can tour the soaring dome of the Capitol building in the morning, then wander art galleries or river trails by afternoon.
We stayed at Graduate East Lansing, just across from the university, which made it easy to explore both Lansing and East Lansing. My favorite meal was at Meat BBQ, a local favorite featured on TV. The brisket sandwich ($14) was smoky and tender, while my son devoured the mac & cheese ($10). The casual, lively vibe made it one of those meals you remember long after the trip.
What to do in Lansing in a weekend:
- Tour the Michigan State Capitol, with its stunning dome and guided history tours
- Visit the Michigan History Center for exhibits spanning state heritage
- Walk along the Lansing River Trail, connecting downtown to parks and museums
- Explore Old Town Lansing, full of boutiques, galleries, and cafés
- Take the family to Potter Park Zoo, a community favorite with more than 500 animals
- Catch a game or tour campus at Michigan State University in nearby East Lansing
5. Tecumseh
Tecumseh struck me as one of those small towns where charm and creativity shine through at every turn. Nestled in southeast Michigan, it blends historic brick streets with a surprisingly vibrant arts and dining scene, making it feel both timeless and refreshingly modern.
What stood out most was how walkable and welcoming it felt. Downtown is filled with galleries, antique shops, and cafés, yet you’re never far from trails, lakes, and rolling farmland.
After a one-hour drive from Detroit, we stayed at Tecumseh Inn Motel, a simple and affordable spot close to downtown. My favorite meal was at The Dog House, a laid-back eatery known for its gourmet hot dogs and craft beers. I tried the bacon-wrapped jalapeño dog ($11), while my son loved the chili cheese dog ($10). Sitting outside on the patio, it felt like a slice of small-town life at its best.
What to do in Tecumseh in a weekend:
- Wander through Downtown Tecumseh, with its mix of boutiques, cafés, and galleries
- Visit the Art Trail Tecumseh, an outdoor sculpture walk around town
- Explore Indian Crossing Trails, perfect for hiking along the River Raisin
- Tour and taste at Pentamere Winery, right in the heart of downtown
- Relax with a beer at Blissfield Brewing Company, just a short drive away
- Check out Evans Street Station for farm-to-table dining in a historic firehouse
6. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit felt like a city of resilience and reinvention — where history, culture, and creativity meet in bold ways. Known as the Motor City, it carries its industrial legacy with pride, but what stood out to me most was the energy of its neighborhoods, where art, food, and music pulse with new life.
We started the day with brunch at Dime Store—duck confit hash with a runny egg and herbed hollandaise, savory and sharp, the café warm with the scent of coffee and citrus. Later, we wandered through the Wasserman Projects Art Gallery, where light spilled across large-scale installations and the silence of the space made you lean in.
Dinner at Prime and Proper was a study in style—white tablecloths, sharp service, and a perfectly cooked filet that arrived with roasted garlic and sea salt. Afterward, we stopped by Grey Ghost for dessert—salted caramel panna cotta, creamy and cool, the room humming with low music and soft conversations.
What to do in Detroit in a weekend:
- Tour the Motown Museum (“Hitsville U.S.A.”) where legends like Stevie Wonder and The Supremes recorded
- Walk through the Detroit Institute of Arts, home to Diego Rivera’s famous murals
- Browse the sprawling Eastern Market, filled with fresh produce, murals, and local vendors
- Stroll along the Detroit Riverwalk, with skyline views and parks along the water
- Catch a game or concert at Little Caesars Arena or Comerica Park
- Explore the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in nearby Dearborn
7. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Sault Ste. Marie felt like a gateway to both history and natural wonder. Perched on the U.S.-Canada border along the St. Marys River, it’s the oldest city in Michigan and home to the world-famous Soo Locks — where massive freighters pass through a system that’s as fascinating today as it was a century ago.
What struck me most was the sense of scale and story. Watching a thousand-foot ship glide through the locks is humbling, but so is wandering the town’s quiet streets lined with heritage buildings. Add in the raw beauty of Lake Superior just minutes away, and you get a destination that balances engineering marvels with serene northern wilderness.
We drove 5 hours from Detroit and stayed at The Ojibway Hotel, right across from the Soo Locks viewing platform. My favorite meal was at Lockview Restaurant, a classic diner-style spot serving up Great Lakes whitefish. The broiled whitefish platter ($18) was fresh and filling, while my son loved the perch basket ($15). Eating with a view of passing freighters made it feel uniquely “Soo.”
What to do in Sault Ste. Marie in a weekend:
- Watch ships pass through the Soo Locks from the observation deck
- Visit the River of History Museum to learn about the area’s Indigenous and maritime heritage
- Take a Soo Locks Boat Tour for an up-close view of the engineering in action
- Explore Tahquamenon Falls State Park, just an hour’s drive west
- Walk the Water Street Historic Block, with its preserved 19th-century buildings
- Hop across the International Bridge to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario for a cross-border perspective
8. St. Joseph, Michigan
St. Joseph immediately felt like a Lake Michigan treasure, a classic beach town with Midwestern warmth. Nicknamed the “Riviera of the Midwest,” it’s a place where sandy shores, lighthouses, and a walkable downtown all come together to create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
What stood out most was how family-friendly and picturesque it is. You can spend the morning strolling boutique shops and cafés downtown, then walk a few blocks to splash in the lake or watch sailboats drift by. St. Joseph balances small-town charm with natural beauty, and the sunsets over Lake Michigan are unforgettable.
We drove from Detroit for 3 hours and stayed at The Boulevard Inn & Bistro, perched above downtown with sweeping lake views. My favorite meal was at Silver Beach Pizza, set inside a restored train depot by the Amtrak tracks. The margherita pizza ($16) was a hit, and my son loved the pepperoni deep-dish slice ($12). Watching trains pass while sharing a meal made it one of those uniquely “St. Joe” moments.
What to do in St. Joseph in a weekend:
- Relax on the sandy shores of Silver Beach, just steps from downtown
- Walk out to the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse for postcard-worthy views
- Explore Silver Beach Carousel, a charming throwback for all ages
- Browse shops and galleries along State Street downtown
- Visit the Krasl Art Center for local and national exhibits
- Take in lake views from the Howard Performing Arts Center if visiting during a concert
9. Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor struck me as a city where intellect and creativity flow together, creating an atmosphere that feels both energetic and inviting. Anchored by the University of Michigan, it’s a place where bookstores, art galleries, cafés, and leafy neighborhoods all blend seamlessly with a lively downtown scene.
What stood out most was the city’s mix of culture and coziness. One moment you’re exploring a world-class museum, the next you’re sipping coffee in a quiet corner shop or wandering along the Huron River. Ann Arbor feels like a big small town — cosmopolitan enough to surprise you, but still approachable and warm.
We drove 45 minutes from Detroit and stayed at Graduate Ann Arbor, a boutique hotel filled with collegiate charm, right in the heart of downtown. My favorite meal was at Zingerman’s Deli, an Ann Arbor institution. The Reuben ($18.50) was every bit as good as its reputation promised, while my son loved the grilled cheese ($12). Sharing a meal there felt like being part of the city’s story.
What to do in Ann Arbor in a weekend:
- Stroll through the University of Michigan campus, with its historic architecture and leafy quads
- Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Art for global and contemporary collections
- Browse the shelves at Literati Bookstore, a cozy downtown favorite
- Take a walk or kayak along the Huron River at Gallup Park
- Catch a performance at the Michigan Theater, a beautifully restored 1920s venue
- Enjoy seasonal events like the Ann Arbor Art Fair (July) or football Saturdays at “The Big House”
10. Houghton, Michigan
Houghton felt like a true northern escape — a place where history, lake views, and outdoor adventure all meet at the edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Set along the Portage Canal and framed by rolling hills, it’s the gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula and carries the heritage of the copper mining era while embracing its role as a college town.
What stood out most was the balance of energy and quiet. With Michigan Tech University at its heart, Houghton has a youthful vibe, but it’s also deeply tied to its natural surroundings — from hiking trails and waterfalls to snowy winters that transform the area into a wonderland. The downtown’s mix of historic buildings and modern shops made it feel both authentic and welcoming.
We stayed at Pier B Resort Hotel, right on the water with great views of the lift bridge. My favorite meal was at The Library Restaurant & Brew Pub, a Houghton staple. I had the whitefish tacos ($16), while my son enjoyed the burger and fries ($13). The view of the canal from our table made it one of those meals that felt both relaxing and distinctly local.
What to do in Houghton in a weekend:
- Walk across the iconic Portage Lake Lift Bridge linking Houghton and Hancock
- Explore the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum for a glimpse into the region’s copper mining past
- Stroll through Downtown Houghton, with its historic brick storefronts and local shops
- Hike or bike the Maasto Hiihto Trails and enjoy panoramic views
- Take a scenic drive up the Keweenaw Peninsula toward Copper Harbor
- Visit Quincy Mine for a guided underground tour
Conclusion
By the time I’d made my way through Michigan, I wasn’t just crossing places off a map—I was collecting moments. A quiet sunrise. A perfect bite. A conversation I hadn’t planned on. It reminded me that the best travel doesn’t always come with a big reveal. Sometimes it’s found in the way a place meets you exactly where you are.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
