Get ready for an awesome Michigan adventure! I've rounded up some of the best hidden gems in Michigan that are perfect for exploring this year. From natural wonders to historic spots, there's a lot to explore. Experience the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes, dive into the charm of Meadow Brook Hall, and discover the magic of Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Tulip festivals, Fishtown vibes, and architectural wonders like Curwood Castle await your adventure. Let Michigan surprise you with its unique gems!
1. W. J. Beal Botanical Garden - East Lansing
The W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, situated on Michigan State University's East Lansing campus, is the oldest continuously maintained university botanical garden in the U.S.
Open year-round to the public without charge, the five-acre garden was established in 1872 by Prof. William James Beal as an outdoor teaching and research lab. With 1,800 plant taxa categorized by economic, systematic, landscape, and ecological groups, the garden has grown since its early days and showcases its dedication to botanical science and research.
2. Meadow Brook Hall - Rochester
Are you looking for cool places to visit in Michigan? Ever checked out Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hills? This massive Tudor-style mansion, built by Matilda Dodge Wilson and her husband Alfred between 1926 and 1929, is a real gem. With 88,000 square feet and 110 rooms, it's the fourth-largest historic mansion museum in the U.S. – they even call it one of America's Castles.
Originally part of Matilda's first husband's holiday retreat, it's now part of Oakland University, thanks to the Wilsons' generous donation in 1957. Designed by William Kapp, this place is not just about the size; it's got magnificent features like stonework and a swanky plaster dining room ceiling by Corrado Parducci. Plus, it's been a National Historic Landmark since 2012. If you're into history and fancy architecture, it's worth a visit!
3. Tulip Time Festival - Holland
Every year, Holland, Michigan, turns into a tulip wonderland, with millions of those colorful flowers popping up everywhere, attracting visitors globally. This tradition, celebrated for over 80 years, turns the town into a lively fest with parades, a carnival, concerts, and more.
Similar tulip festivals in U.S. cities with Dutch roots honor their heritage, but Holland's stands out as one of the largest. The festival began in 1927 when the town adopted the tulip as its official flower. The city council then funded the import of 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Netherlands, planting them across Holland's parks.
4. Delta College Planetarium - Bay City
The Delta College Planetarium in downtown Bay City is a must-visit for those interested in fascinating architecture. It is considered one of the most unique places to visit in Michigan, offering immersive experiences on space exploration, astronomy, and more.
The Dome360 Theatre offers diverse programs ranging from music to nature, providing a sensory treat for visitors. Plus, the planetarium allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view from the rooftop observation deck.
5. Historic Fishtown - Leland
Leland's Historic Fishtown is a charming town just a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park and Traverse City. The wooden shanties along the narrow canal evoke a simpler time and offer visitors a glimpse of the area's maritime history.
Once dominated by fishing, the town has evolved into a seasonal tourist spot with stores and restaurants selling local delights. The preserved museum showcases indigenous Odawa artists' creations and artifacts from its earliest days.
6. Silver Lake Sand Dunes - Mears
Have you heard of the Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Mears, Michigan? It's a hidden gem situated between two lakes that looks more like a desert than the state of Michigan. The dunes cover over 2,000 acres and are popular for kayaking, fishing, sandboarding, and off-road racing.
The sand is made of quartz deposited by glaciers from Canada, which is why it's so soft and comfortable to walk on. You'll find some vegetation like coniferous trees and wild grapevines, but the rest of the landscape is all sand and dunes. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby eateries after a day of exploring - keep in mind that the park is seasonal, and some areas and activities are only open during certain months.
7. Owosso Curwood Castle - Owosso
Do you know about Curwood Castle in Owosso, Michigan? It was built by the famous author James Oliver Curwood in 1923 as his writing haven. Nowadays, it's become a museum and a fantastic non-touristy thing to do in Michigan that you won't want to miss.
With its romantic design, featuring spires, a slate-covered gable roof, and yellow stucco adorned with personally chosen fieldstones, it's a perfect spot for a fun out. And, if you happen to be there in June, you can join in on the annual Curwood Festival that celebrates Curwood's legacy.
8. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Maple City
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan is a breathtaking area that spans 35 miles along the northwest coast. It features unique terrain, including iconic dunes tied to "The Legend of Sleeping Bear." The federally protected lakeshore showcases "perched dunes" shaped by glaciers, distinct from typical shoreline dunes.
The Dune Climb is a popular 3.5-mile hike to Lake Michigan, offering an exhilarating challenge. Voted "The Most Beautiful Place in America" in 2011, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including awake black bears and occasional cougars.
9. Guardian Building - Detroit
The Guardian Building, an iconic Art Deco skyscraper in downtown Detroit, was originally the Union Trust Building. Designed by architect Wirt C. Rowland, it features distinctive spires, Native American motifs, and innovative Monel metalwork. The building's three-story lobby, adorned with Pewabic and Rookwood tile, showcases its rich history.
Over the years, it served various purposes, including housing the U.S. Army Command Center during World War II. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989, it is currently owned by Wayne County, is open to the public, and stands as a testament to Detroit's architectural and historical significance.
10. Bassett Island - Michigan
Did you know there's an island off the beaten path in Michigan called Bassett Island? It's located about 10 miles north of Traverse City and is connected to Power Island. The island has a unique shape that's called a tombolo. It's named after Richard "Dick" Bassett, a Civil War veteran who lived there from 1877 to 1900. Bassett transformed the island into a fishing camp and farm during his time there.
In 1902, he sold the island to Charles H. Thorne of the Chicago Yacht Club with the vision of turning it into a resort. However, the resort plans didn't work out, and the island changed hands. In 1917, Henry Ford acquired it and used it as a campsite. Today, the island can only be accessed by water, and it's a favorite destination for boaters. Grand Traverse County maintains the island's primitive campsites, and it's worth a visit if you've got a boat handy!
11. The Dequindre Cut Greenway - Detroit
Once a railway, the Dequindre Cut Greenway now transforms a disused corridor into a vibrant two-mile pedestrian path in downtown Detroit. The 20-foot-wide paved greenway, below street level, connects the Eastern Market district to the waterfront, celebrating urban artwork with colorful murals and graffiti.
The pathway, repurposed in 2009, breathes new life into Detroit's industrial history, offering a picturesque space for walks and bike rides, making it one of the best-kept secrets in Michigan.
So, there you have it, folks! Michigan is home to some pretty amazing hidden gems that are just begging to be explored. From quaint small towns to breathtaking natural wonders, there's no shortage of things to discover. And these 11 gems are just the beginning!
So, if you're a Michigander or just passing through, make sure to add these spots to your must-see list. Who knows what other cool things you might stumble upon along the way!
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/hidden-gems-2024/
And if you're considering spending a night or two while exploring these secret getaways in Michigan, don't forget to explore these inviting rental options!
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