There are so many must-see spots in Michigan that it can be difficult to narrow them down to the best of the best. Never fear: we’ve done some of that tough work for you and compiled a list of nine trips that everyone in the Great Lakes State should take at least once. Happy travels, fellow Michiganders!
1. Belle Isle Aquarium
A day trip to this gorgeous aquarium, which just happens to be the oldest in America, will completely charm you. Wander through the halls and marvel at all sorts of colorful fish, then spend the rest of your day perusing the beauty of Detroit’s Belle Isle. Click
" target="_blank">here
for more information about the aquarium.
2. Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
This amazing Upper Peninsula town, which we previously featured
" target="_blank">here, is a perfect starting point for an adventure at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hop aboard a tour boat or hike along the shore of Lake Superior — either way, you’ll be blown away.
3. Crystal Mountain Resort
This incredibly relaxing getaway in Benzie County might just become your new favorite Michigan vacation destination. Stop in for a weekend of skiing, a few spa treatments, and some quality time with loved ones. Sound appealing? Click
" target="_blank">here
to see more photos of this gorgeous resort!
4. Michigan’s Covered Bridge Trail
This tour of Michigan’s loveliest covered bridges will take you all across the state, from Ada to Frankenmuth to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive near Sleeping Bear Dunes. Bring your camera along for this one — these bridges are truly a sight to behold. For a detailed tour route, check out our map
" target="_blank">here.
5. Sault Ste. Marie
Did you know that "the Soo" is Michigan’s oldest town? A visit to this awesome community makes for an experience full of natural beauty and history. Be sure to check out the famous Soo Locks, where ships regularly make the passage between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. For more history and attractions to explore in Sault Ste. Marie, check out our focused article
" target="_blank">here.
6. The Pere Marquette Railroad
This Amtrak-operated train is a classic mode of transportation here in the Great Lakes State. Today, a ride on the Pere Marquette will take you all the way from Grand Rapids to Chicago and back — with a few fun stops in between. Find out more about the route of this amazing journey
" target="_blank">here.
7. Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground
A trip to this gorgeous campground will stay with you forever. Where else can you sleep just steps from a stunning waterfall and even take a quick dip on a hot summer afternoon? Fun fact: Ocqueoc is the only major waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. To learn more, click
" target="_blank">here.
8. The Sunrise Coast Road Trip
You’ve seen plenty of Lake Michigan sunsets, but don’t forget that the east coast of our state is home to some truly breathtaking sunrises! A trip along this route will take you all the way from Standish to Mackinaw City, with a plethora of amazing sights to view along the way. This trip, which is outlined in detail
" target="_blank">here, will show you Michigan’s beauty in an entirely new way.
9. Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel
This beautiful and historic hotel on Mackinac Island is like something out of a storybook, and you’ll want to see for yourself. While there are often rumors that it’s haunted (read more about some of those spooky stories
" target="_blank">here), there’s no denying that the Grand Hotel is one of our state’s most beautiful places.
Of course, this list could never truly include each and every amazing trip option here in the Great Lakes State. So, you tell us: what’s one must-see spot in Michigan that should have been included above?
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