Michigan Day Trips for Couples

By VacationIdea Staff | Affiliate Disclosure

Michigan Day Trips

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What makes Michigan a scenic destination?
- Michigan is one of the Midwest's most scenic states, home to gorgeous natural areas like the acclaimed Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
What romantic getaway options does Michigan offer?
- Couples can enjoy excellent romantic getaways to some of the state's loveliest resort areas, including Gilded Age resort community Mackinac Island and attractions in the Bavarian-style village Frankenmuth.
What cultural attractions can visitors find in Michigan?
- Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids offer a plethora of cultural attractions.
What winter sporting opportunities does Michigan provide?
- Areas like Gaylord are home to some of the state's top winter sporting opportunities.
What major festivals are worth visiting in Michigan?
- Major festivals like Holland's Tulip Time Festival and Traverse City's National Cherry Festival also make for great day trip opportunities.

Best Time for Day Trips for Couples in Michigan

May to June – Perfect for romantic walks, blooming gardens, and outdoor picnics.
September to October – Ideal for fall foliage, wine tastings, and scenic drives.
July & August – Warm weather for beach escapes, kayaking, and island adventures.
November – Cozy up with cider mills, autumn vibes, and charming small towns.
December to February – Enjoy winter getaways, ice skating, and intimate cabin retreats.

1.Jackson

Explore scenic parks, visit historic landmarks, and discover a charming Midwestern town.

Jackson

What is Jackson, Michigan?
- Jackson is a lovely south-central Michigan city, located approximately half an hour west of Ann Arbor and south of Lansing.
Why is Jackson historically significant?
- Jackson is known as the birthplace of the modern American Republican Party, which was founded in 1854.
What kind of cultural experiences does Jackson offer?
- Today, Jackson is a vibrant cultural center, renowned for its excellent historical museums and attractions.
What are some historical museums in Jackson?
- Visitors can learn about 19th-century life at the Waterloo Farm Museum or the Dewey School Museum.
- Step back in time to the Victorian era at living history museums like the Mann House and the Coe House Museum.
- The state's military history is on display at the Michigan Military Heritage Museum.
What is Cascade Falls?
- The iconic Cascade Falls, the city's aesthetic centerpiece, showcases lighted cascading waterfall displays throughout the day.
What arts and entertainment options are available in Jackson?
- Arts experiences abound, from performances at the Michigan Theatre to live concerts at CP Federal City Square.

2.Marquette

Walk along Lake Superior’s shoreline, explore hiking trails, and admire stunning fall foliage.

Marquette

What is Marquette?
- Marquette is a delightful port city on Lake Superior, named as one of the United States' top places to retire by CBS MoneyWatch.
Where is Marquette located?
- Marquette is in Marquette County, a charming region known for its stunning natural scenery and outdoor recreation.
What is Marquette best known for?
- Marquette is best known as the home of Northern Michigan University and is a paradise for outdoor recreation lovers.
What parks are in Marquette?
- One of the most famous parks is Presque Isle Park, which was designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and stretches for 323 acres on a peninsula in Lake Superior.
Where can visitors swim in Marquette?
- Two swimming beaches, South Beach Park and McCarty's Cove, are open throughout the summer.
- Both beaches feature children’s playgrounds, lifeguard service, and day-use picnic areas.
What recreational activities does Marquette offer?
- The Marquette Golf Club offers panoramic lake views from each hole and is located less than two miles from the city's downtown district.

3.Ann Arbor, Michigan

Visit the University of Michigan, explore vibrant downtown streets, and enjoy local eateries.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

What is Ann Arbor?
- Ann Arbor is a charming metropolis in western Michigan, best known as the home of the University of Michigan.
What is special about the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor?
- The university houses the nation's largest football stadium, Michigan Stadium, which hosts thousands of fans during college football games.
What sports can visitors watch in Ann Arbor?
- Visitors can attend a variety of college sports games throughout the year, including home games from the university's acclaimed football, basketball, and hockey teams.
What cultural attractions are in Ann Arbor?
- Cultural attractions include performances by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, which hosts a variety of classical and contemporary concerts.
What family-friendly attractions are available?
- Families can visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, which features interactive exhibits housed within a restored firehouse building.
What makes Ann Arbor's downtown district unique?
- The city is known for its many bookshops, selling more books per capita than any other city in America.
What special events does Ann Arbor host?
- Each year, the city hosts fantastic special events such as the Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation.
- Ann Arbor is also home to the nationally acclaimed Ann Arbor Film Festival, which showcases independent and experimental films.

4.Bay City

Walk along the waterfront, explore historic ships, and admire beautiful river views.

Bay City

What is Bay City?
- Bay City is a lovely Michigan city located on the Saginaw River at its confluence with the Saginaw Bay.
Why is Bay City a great weekend getaway?
- Bay City is an ideal weekend getaway for Michigan residents, offering award-winning bed and breakfasts, charming riverfront parks, and delightful shopping and dining opportunities.
What unique museums can visitors explore in Bay City?
- The Bay City Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum features the world's largest collection of fire trucks.
- The Bay County Historical Museum, housed in a former 1910 National Guard Armory, showcases the region's culture and history.
What unique sporting events can visitors experience?
- During the summer months, the Bay City Independents play vintage-style baseball, following traditional 19th-century rules.
What arts and entertainment options are available in Bay City?
- Visitors can enjoy theater and music performances at the Midland Center for the Arts.
Where can visitors play golf in Bay City?
- Golf enthusiasts can hit the links at the Bay Valley Resort.
What outdoor activities are available in Bay City?
- Visitors can enjoy camping and fishing at the Bay City State Recreation Area, which offers prime outdoor recreation opportunities.

5.Bellaire

Discover scenic lakes, visit local breweries, and explore charming small-town attractions.

Bellaire

What is Bellaire?
- Bellaire is a delightful city in Antrim County, known for its picturesque main street district.
What historical landmarks can visitors see in Bellaire?
- The city's downtown district is anchored by the historic 1905 Antrim County Courthouse, a beautiful and well-preserved landmark.
What outdoor activities are available in Bellaire?
- Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing during the summer months.
- In the winter, Shanty Creek offers skiing and snowmobiling trails.
What nature reserves are located in Bellaire?
- Over 44,000 acres of wilderness is preserved at the Grass River Natural Area, one of Michigan’s premiere nature reserves.
What are some popular local breweries and distilleries?
- Short's Brewing Company serves up delicious craft microbrews.
- Mammoth Distilling is known for its excellent Northern Michigan spirits.
What annual events take place in Bellaire?
- Each August, Bellaire hosts the Rubber Ducky Festival, featuring a duck race, artisan vendors, and a parade.

6.Copper Harbor

Hike forested trails, admire breathtaking lake views, and explore a remote outdoor paradise.

Copper Harbor

What is Copper Harbor?
- Copper Harbor is a charming resort town in Keweenaw County, located on the Upper Peninsula along the banks of Lake Superior.
What makes Copper Harbor a great resort destination?
- The Copper Harbor area has been named one of the lake's best resort spots, known for its stunning natural views and scenery in all four seasons.
What public parks and natural attractions are in Copper Harbor?
- Visitors can explore public park areas at Hunter's Island, a popular spot for migratory birds.
What lighthouses can visitors explore in Copper Harbor?
- Guests can ascend the beautiful 1849 Copper Harbor Lighthouse.
- The 1869 Copper Harbor Front Range Light and Rear Range Lights are also notable historic landmarks.
What other historic attractions are in Copper Harbor?
- The Copper Harbor Schoolhouse is one of Michigan's oldest one-room schoolhouses.
- The Copper Harbor Cemetery, dating back to 1853, offers a glimpse into the region’s past.
What scenic drives are available in Copper Harbor?
- The Brockway Mountain Drive features nine miles of breathtaking roadway and is considered Michigan's most beautiful scenic drive.
What historic military sites are near Copper Harbor?
- Nearby, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park protects a United States Army base from 1844, offering visitors a look into military history.

7.Eaton Rapids, a Michigan Day Trip

Visit historic buildings, walk along riverfront trails, and explore quaint local shops.

Eaton Rapids, a Michigan Day Trip

What is Eaton Rapids?
- Eaton Rapids is one of Michigan's liveliest tourist destinations, known for its excellent shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
What dining options are available in Eaton Rapids?
- The city's vibrant downtown district features eclectic shops and restaurants, including local favorites like Mark's Cafe and the English Inn.
What historic sites can visitors explore?
- Visitors can explore the historic Miller Farms property, which houses one of the United States' largest collections of Scouting memorabilia.
What cultural events take place in Eaton Rapids?
- Throughout the summer months, visitors can enjoy free family-friendly In The Park concerts at Island Park.
- The Howe Park Amphitheater hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, including Music and Movies concert events.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
- Water sports opportunities abound, including paddle boating and fishing along the Grand River.
What is Eaton Rapids Air urban camping?
- The city's unique Eaton Rapids Air urban camping experience lets visitors stay in Airstream trailers in the downtown district, celebrating small-town Americana and supporting local businesses.

8.Frankenmuth

See Bavarian-style architecture, walk along charming streets, and explore a festive holiday wonderland.

Frankenmuth

What is Frankenmuth?
- Frankenmuth is a charming German-style village in Saginaw County, Michigan.
- It was originally founded in the mid-19th century by German immigrants and named after a German term loosely translating to "the courage of the Bavarians."
What makes Frankenmuth unique?
- The city retains its historic German character, showcasing unique Bavarian-style architecture and small-town streets lined with horse-drawn carriages.
What cultural attractions can visitors explore?
- Visitors can learn about the city's history at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum.
- They can also visit Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas-themed retail store.
What family-friendly attractions are available?
- The seasonal Zehnder's Splash Village water park is a popular destination for families.
- Frankenmuth Aerial Park offers ziplining and ropes courses for adventure seekers.

9.Frankfort

Relax on sandy beaches, walk along the pier, and admire stunning Lake Michigan sunsets.

Frankfort

What is Frankfort?
- Frankfort is a lovely city in Benzie County, located at the confluence of Lake Michigan, Lake Betsie, and the Betsie River.
What is Frankfort best known for?
- Frankfort is best known as the home of the historic 1858 Point Betsie Lighthouse, one of America’s most-photographed lighthouses.
- It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers regular guided tours.
What other lighthouses can visitors explore?
- The Frankfort Light, constructed in 1912, is also listed on the National Register and is located on the city’s northern harbor breakwaters.
What natural attractions can be found in Frankfort?
- Mineral Springs Park features a delightful mineral spring area offering opportunities for drinking and bathing.
- Frankfort Beach provides children’s playground equipment and sandy stretches perfect for strolling and sunbathing.
What arts and cultural attractions are available in Frankfort?
- A variety of art galleries line the city's charming downtown district, including Focus Gallery.
- The Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts is a notable venue for exhibitions and creative programs.

10.Gaylord

Discover alpine-themed architecture, explore scenic golf courses, and enjoy a peaceful retirement retreat.

Gaylord

What is Gaylord?
- Gaylord is a delightful Alpine-style village in Otsego County, known for its abundant snowfall during the winter months.
What winter activities are available in Gaylord?
- Gaylord is a prime destination for skiing, with several resorts offering both downhill and cross-country skiing.
- Popular cross-country skiing areas include Hartwick Pines State Park and Mason Tract Pathway.
- Snowmobilers can ride along the scenic North Central State Trail, built on a former Michigan Central Railroad route.
What summer activities can visitors enjoy?
- During the summer, visitors can enjoy golfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing at Otsego Lake.
What family-friendly attractions are in Gaylord?
- Families can have fun at the Otsego County Sportsplex, which offers recreational activities for all ages.
- The Gaylord Bowling Center provides a classic family-friendly entertainment option.
What breweries and taprooms can visitors explore?
- Couples and beer enthusiasts can explore the Gaylord Beer Trail, which includes stops at local favorites like Big Buck Brewery and Snowbelt Brewing Company.

Map:

Plan Your Trip

Table of Contents:

1. Jackson
2. Marquette
3. Ann Arbor, Michigan
4. Bay City
5. Bellaire
6. Copper Harbor
7. Eaton Rapids, a Michigan Day Trip
8. Frankenmuth
9. Frankfort
10. Gaylord