Michigan is the only state to touch 4 of the 5 Great Lakes

From the sandy beaches of the Great Lakes to the vibrant foliage of the 19.3 million acres of forest, Michigan has plenty of nature to uncover. With world-class skiing in the winter and fly-fishing in the summer, Michigan has a lot to offer travelers. Experience small towns with big hospitality like Frankenmuth, Marquette, and Petoskey, as well as major metropolitan cities like Detroit—full of diverse cuisines and inspiring museums. Take a road trip to neighboring Ontario, Canada, or, go on a weekend getaway to Mackinac Island.

College towns like East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, and Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, are full of art, culture and entertainment. Families can experience the charm of a Dutch village in the town of Holland or the adventure of one of Michigan’s indoor water parks.

With natural and urban attractions alike, The Great Lake State will keep travelers of all backgrounds inspired and entertained.

Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Detroit

The largest city in the midwestern state, “Motor City” is known as the car capital of the world due to its significant role in the auto industry. 

The Henry Ford Museum: This indoor and outdoor museum complex features the presidential limousine of John F. Kennedy, Abraham’s Lincoln’s chair from Ford’s Theatre and the Rosa Parks bus. 

Motown Museum: Also known as “Hitsville U.S.A.,” this downtown museum was Motown Records’ first headquarters.

Belle Isle: The 982-acre island park in the Detroit River features an aquarium, a golf course, and a half-mile swimming beach.

Cities in Michigan

Grand Rapids: The second largest city in Michigan, Grand Rapids is known for its breweries and the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Kalamazoo: Full of parks and trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, Kalamazoo is also a winter sports haven with local ski resorts known for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Lansing: The state’s capital features historic hotels, museums, and over 50 unique festivals year round.

Ann Arbor: This free-spirited college town is known for its football pride, arts events, and a diverse culinary scene.

Michigan State and National Parks

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks is known for its dramatic multi-colored cliffs. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along North and South Manitou Islands and Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, this park is famous for its huge sand dunes and swimming beaches.  

Isle Royale National Park: A remote island cluster in Lake Superior near the Canadian border, this wilderness area of forests, lakes and waterways features the19th century Rock Harbor Lighthouse and dive sites that lead to shipwrecks.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park: This state park features two different waterfalls on the Tahquamenon River. The Upper Falls has a drop of nearly 50 feet and is more than 200 feet wide. 

Keweenaw National Historical Park: This historic park celebrates the history of the Keweenaw Peninsula and its cultural heritage of copper mining.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Great Lakes

The Five Great Lakes together make up the largest body of freshwater in the world.  

Superior: The largest of the Great Lakes, Superior’s shoreline spans Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

Huron: Take a trip to the car-free resort town of Mackinac Island, known for its world-famous Mackinac Island Fudge and historic Fort Mackinac.

Michigan: Enjoy the sandy beaches of Saugatuck Dunes State Park or Oval Beach on the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan.

Ontario: The only Great Lake that does not touch the state of Michigan, take a day trip to the Ontario town of Hamilton for a quick dip in Lake Ontario.

Erie: The shallowest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie has an average depth of 62 feet and is the warmest of the lakes during the summer.