I always turn to Michigan when I’m craving a refreshing escape that feels close to nature but still gives me that small-town charm.
Maybe that sounds surprising. After all, most people I talk to know about Detroit and Ann Arbor. But what you may not know is that Michigan weekend getaways offer lake views, charming towns, and scenic drives. It’s a state full of quick escapes and hidden gems.
To me, these weekend getaways in Michigan mix lakeside beauty with local personality. I’ve found something magical here in every season.
Highlights:
- When I wanted sunsets, art, and a glass of wine, I headed to Lake Michigan beach towns like Saugatuck and Holland.
- When I dreamed of romance, I stayed on Mackinac Island in a historic inn.
- I tried Traverse City, MI when I was craving wine and scenic trails.
- When I craved city energy, Detroit and Ann Arbor, MI always hit the spot...with music, museums, and food that seriously impressed me.
Best Weekend Getaways in Michigan:
Traverse City
When I visited Traverse City last July, I didn’t expect cherries, beaches, and art festivals to come together so perfectly...but they did. This place easily became my new favorite getaway too, especially in the summer when I'm longing to escape Austin, TX heat.
There was just something about that waterfront energy Traverse City. I couldn’t get enough of the wineries...and the cultural spots truly blew me away. And don’t even get me started on the cherry festival. It felt like tasting summer with every bite. Luckily I brought my son since cherries are his favorite fruit and the season is oh-so-too-short.
Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor was so fun to explore. Actually, it's exactly the type of town I would move to if I wanted to live in the Midwest.
I landed in Detroit and the drive to Ann Arbor took me just 45 minutes.
I checked out some local bookstores and went on to watch a symphony performance in the afternoon. I stayed at Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor which was close to everything, including the University of Michigan campus.
The next morning, I spend an hour at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology which was like nothing else I had seen.
Beaver Island
When I needed to unplug and breathe for a while, I found exactly what I was looking for on Beaver Island in the summer! I learned that I didn't need to get away to same remote island in the tropics to feel rested and replenished by nature.
Beaver Island was like stepping back into a quieter, simpler world.
I spent hours walking the quiet, sandy beaches and hiking the shady trails. I also pulled into the marina and spent a lazy afternoon by the lake. I heard people talking how much they enjoyed golf on the island. I got here by boat.
Romantic Weekend Getaways in Michigan:
Detroit
When I first explored Detroit a decade or more ago, I didn’t just see a city...I felt its pulse. I walked through the streets, I heard echoes of Motown and engines from another era. Belle Isle was my go-to for green space with water views. I was constantly inspired by how this city kept reinventing itself without forgetting where it came from. That energy was contagious. I wandered through art-filled streets, funky neighborhoods, and found food that was bold, comforting, and so satisfying.
Escanaba
When I needed a real escape—something quiet, scenic, and unhurried...I found it in Escanaba. I often crave wide-open water views without the crowds and this Upper Peninsula gem gave me just that last summer. I couldn’t get enough of the shoreline...all 213 miles of it! Plus it’s got small-town warmth and Lake Michigan beauty! I promises myself that I would return soon.
Weekend in Frankenmuth, MI
Bavaria with a Midwest twist...that was Frankenmuth! Actually, the first time I visited Frankenmuth, it felt more like I’d stepped into a fairytale. The town was festive even in the summer. I took a cozy carriage ride that was even better than the romantic one me and my husband took in New York City's Central park. The riverboat cruise was so enjoyable! When I visited Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in July it totally felt like December.
Grand Rapids
I reached Grand Rapids after a 2 hour and 20 minute drive from Detroit (where I landed). I was tired by that passed quickly once I saw how much fun there was to be had here.
I geeked out over Gerald Ford’s story, wandered through sculpture gardens that felt like a dream, and discovered a beer scene that totally lived up to the hype.
Unique Weekend Getaways in Michigan:
Holland
When I thought of spring in Michigan, Holland was the first place that came to mind. If you ever dreamed of blooms, windmills, and lakes without a passport, head to Holland. And tulip season? Absolutely unforgettable.
There was something surreal about millions of tulips. I was drawn in by the historic De Zwaan windmill. I completely recharged at the peaceful lakefront parks. I felt the calm, the color, the joy of it all in one perfect trip.
In Summary...
(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)