Michigan Day Trips

1. Grand Rapids

Day-trippers in search of a bustling and vibrant city break will find everything they seek in Grand Rapids. Families can have all-day fun visiting the huge and educational John Ball Zoo, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, the Air Zoo and the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden.

With a distinct emphasis on arts and culture, adults will find a wide variety of art galleries, performing arts and music venues to enjoy – don’t miss the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Public Museum and the Actor’s Theater. Voted as “Beer City USA”, Grand Rapids is a great destination for beer lovers who can join a craft beer tour of a few of the city’s 80+ breweries.

2. Marquette

Located in the northern-most tip of Michigan, Marquette promises a fun-filled day out for the whole family.

If you are traveling with children you can take them to see Lakenenland (an eclectic and fun junk-sculpture park), the Marquette Maritime Museum and the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum.

Everyone can have beach fun at McCarty’s Cove or Presque Isle Park and if you love lighthouses you will find no less than five to explore.

There are a handful of good museums and art galleries to admire and diverse shopping to suit all tastes. Wind up your visit with a tasting at one of the city craft breweries.

3. Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is located in Washtenaw County in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula which means it is easy to reach from several Midwest cities. Expect to find a bustling university city with a large emphasis on arts and culture.

The UMMA (University of Michigan Museum of Art) is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the country and is a must-see for all visitors. Other city highlights include the Museum of Natural History, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and the fabulous Hands-On Museum for children. The city has a reputation for delighting palates at a good collection of international restaurants and foodies can also visit the Farmer’s Market in Kerrytown and several micro breweries.

4. Bay City

A day trip to popular Bay City will delight the whole family. Located near Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, the city has a wonderful water-side Historic Downtown which everyone will enjoy exploring on foot. Highlights for day trippers include the Delta College Planetarium & Learning Center, tours of the USS Edison and the Antique Toy and Fire House Museum. If you would like to enjoy some outdoor recreation you can visit the Bay City State Recreation Center on Saginaw Bay to hike, cycle, swim, fish and bird-watch. Art lovers could spend an entire day touring the many inviting art galleries and studios.

Bay City, MI 48708

5. Belle Isle State Park

Offering an exciting day out for all ages, Belle Isle State Park is located on an island in the Detroit River. The park covers 987 acres and is home to several attractions which include the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory which is a must-see for all nature lovers. The Conservatory comprises a large greenhouse and a very beautiful botanical garden. Families will love the Belle Isle Aquarium, the Belle Isle Nature Zoo and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. A one-off Belle Isle Passport fee entitles visitors to enjoy all the attractions. You can bring along a picnic to enjoy as you walk or hike in 150 acres of forest. Rental equipment is available if you want to go biking or boating.

Belle Isle State Park, 99 Pleasure Dr, Detroit, MI 48207

6. Charlevoix

Charlevoix is spectacularly located on the edge of both Lake Michigan and the much smaller Lake Charlevoix on the northern-most corner of Michigan. Charlevoix is dream destination for yachting and boating enthusiasts who have endless lake vistas to explore. Don’t worry if you are not into sailing – Charlevoix has something for everyone, from charming historical sites to explore by bicycle to the artsy Charlevoix Cultural Corridor which brims with art, architecture and other cultural attractions. There are many outdoor recreational activities including golf, surfing, scenic boat trips, cycling and walking/hiking. There are several wineries and craft breweries to visit and shoppers will find many unique local retailers.

Charlevoix, MI 49720

7. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located across the border in Ohio, not far from Cleveland. The park offers outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers a wide range of activities to enjoy, including golf, horseback riding, hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking. If you are visiting with children they can join the Junior Ranger program to make the most of their visit. If you are not up to all the energetic park activities you can still enjoy the beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley by taking a scenic train journey on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Cyclists who would like to take on the Ohio and Erie Towpath trail can cycle one-way and rest their legs on a return train journey.

Cuyahoga National Park, 1550 Boston Mills Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264

8. East Lansing

A day trip excursion to East Lansing will place you in the heart of Michigan’s administrative capital. First-time visitors should consider taking a guided tour of the city highlights, or join a walking tour of East Capital Avenue or the historic Cherry Hill Neighborhood to get a good overview of the city. Historian will have a great time touring the many historic sites in the city including the State Capitol and the Ingham County Courthouse. The city offers excellent shopping in several malls and a selection of one-off stores and boutiques and there are many art galleries and studios to admire.

9. Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth is a delightful day-trip destination for the whole family, offering a distinctly European atmosphere which derives from the German immigrants who settled the area in 1845. People come from miles around to buy everything they need for a sparking Christmas at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. To learn more about the town you can visit the Frankenmuth Historical Museum. Some unique Frankenmuth activities include Pretzel-making lessons, zip-lining at Frankenmuth Aerial Park and wonderful horse-drawn carriage rides. Other fun activities include wine and chocolate tasting boat cruises, kayak adventures and walking tours. Children will love the petting zoo at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm.

Frankenmuth, MI 48734

10. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Located in Grand Rapids, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum deserves a place on any Michigan day-trip to-do list. Here you can get a glimpse of the life and times of the 38th president and his wife Betty, during his term in office. The museum boasts several very interesting permanent exhibits (such as the former president’s oval office) as well as regular temporary exhibitions. You can visit the website to see what is on offer before you visit. Visitors to the museum are free to explore at their own pace and the museum can arrange an interpretive guide for visitors with hearing or vision impairments.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5353, Phone: 616-254-0400