Summer in Michigan is a season of unlimited outdoor adventure, farm-fresh flavors, and colorful arts experiences. The state's expansive lakes, lush forests, and vibrant cities create an unmatched backdrop for unforgettable trips. To help you plan your Great Lakes State getaway, we've compiled a list of hot tips for things to do in Michigan in summer – the best places and events that showcase its best summertime seasonal beauty and spirit.
Best Summer Vacation Destinations In Michigan
Exploring Michigan's incredible natural environments and lively communities is always time well spent. Beaches, lakes, verdant forests, waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, towering dunes ... where do we begin? It's the best kind of challenge choosing where to go first, especially in summer when the weather is perfect, the days long, and the sun paints the land with light. Think of fresh green foliage, sparkling sands, and waters that look like a jeweler's case full of blue topaz and aquamarine. Here are just a few communities to consider for a summer vacation in Michigan.
1. Munising, MI
Location: Munising, MI
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: While Munising has several nice beaches from which to choose, Sand Point Beach within the Painted Rocks National Lakeshore Park is a top choice.
Take to the water on a guided boat tour and cruise along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore of Lake Superior, an absolute must-see in the Upper Peninsula. Pictured Rocks Cruises excursions depart from the city dock, and the company offers several cruise options, including an off-shore kayak launch adventure that lets you get into a kayak and up close and personal with the turquoise waters, arches, and sea caves along the towering sandstone cliffs. Within the park, you can explore over 100 miles of hiking trails leading to wilderness, beaches, and waterfalls. One of the easiest trails with a nice reward is the half-mile trail to the 50-foot Miners Falls.
2. Torch Lake, MI
Location: Torch Lake, MI
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Torch Lake is 19 miles long, two miles wide, and about 300 feet deep at maximum, making it Michigan's longest and deepest inland lake.
You may mistake yourself for being in the Caribbean at Torch Lake, a top choice for summer water recreation in Michigan. While the lake is massive (the state's second largest inland lake), you'll find the most festive environment on the sandbar located at the south end of the lake. Boats anchor and folks hang out, swim, and socialize in the clear, shallow water. The Fourth of July is especially lively during the weekend-long Torch Lake Sandbar Party.
3. Muskegon, MI
Location: Muskegon, MI
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: The Lakeshore Trail extends about 12 miles east to west, parallel to Shoreline Drive and Lakeshore Drive, all following the southern shoreline of Muskegon Lake.
If you like a summer vacation with lots of options – lakeside vibes, boat rentals, big beaches, wooded state parks, plus sophisticated cultural amenities and dining of a small city – Muskegon is the place. A good way to see multiple points of interest is to rent a bike at Heritage Landing and cruise the Muskegon Lakeshore Trail. The city's historic and thriving downtown has many options for drinks, dining, and entertainment. Head west of downtown to Pere Marquette Park on Lake Michigan, which has one of the state's favorite beaches and is home to the famous beach bar, The Deck. If you happen to be traveling with your pup, you'll want to visit the dog-friendly beach at Kruse Park.
Best Beaches, Lakes & Rivers To Visit In Michigan This Summer
Michigan is called the Great Lake State because its geography is defined by them, with borders touching four of the five: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. Along with Lake Ontario, they account for over 20% of the world's freshwater! Besides having the longest freshwater coastline in the country, you also have your pick of over 11,000 inland lakes for water sports, fishing, and lakeside living. Add more than 300 named rivers, and you won't be hard-pressed to find aquatic adventures here. Here are just a few of the best beaches, lakes, and rivers for summer fun in Michigan.
4. Petoskey State Park, Petoskey, MI
Location: Petoskey, MI
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Pets are allowed in most areas of the park, but not the beach to protect a piping plover habitat.
Over 300 acres of nature, including a one-mile sandy beach, make Petoskey State Park on Little Traverse Bay a prime summer destination. Look for Michigan's state stone on the beach, pretty Petoskey stones characterized by their hexagonal patterns forged over time from prehistoric coral polyps. Look out for the rarest ones, called "Pink Pets" for their color, which comes from coral with iron content. Besides the beach, you can also explore hiking trails on surrounding dunes. A favorite is the half-mile loop to the top of Old Baldy Dune.
5. Chippewa River, Mount Pleasant, MI
Location: Mount Pleasant, MI
Popularity: Popular, especially on weekends
Need To Know: Mount Pleasant is a college town, home to Central Michigan University, one of the state's largest colleges.
A lovely, laid-back summer adventure awaits on the Chippewa River in the Mount Pleasant area. Rent a tube from local outfitters, who provide shuttle services for easy access to the water. You'll float along scenes ranging from woodsy riverbanks to local parks as you enjoy the cool water, warm sun, and wildlife watching. There are several options for how long you want to stay on the water, and the river current is easy, making it a great outing for a wide range of ages and skill levels. Of course, the river is suitable for other watercraft, like stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks.
6. Oval Beach, Saugatuck, MI
Location: Saugatuck, MI
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: During peak summer days, arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and bordered by the Kalamazoo River, Oval Beach has gained recognition as one of the world's best beaches by publications like Condé Nast Traveler and National Geographic Travel. The town of Saugatuck is a popular summer destination and is known for its arts scene, boutique shopping, and lots of restaurant options serving up delicious food.
Parks To Visit In Michigan This Summer
Few things beat a summer day at a park, and there are plenty of Michigan parks to choose from whether you want a pretty spot for a picnic, an all-day adventure climbing dunes, or trekking trails through the woods to scout the perfect camping spot for the weekend. We've picked just a few standouts for their special features and experiences you just won't find anywhere else but Michigan in the summertime.
7. Palms Book State Park, Manistique, MI
Location: Manistique, MI
Popularity: Hidden gem
Need To Know: The spring at Palms Brook State Park is protected, so fishing and swimming aren't allowed.
Expect a dream-like experience when you gaze upon the bold hues of the waters within Palms Book State Park. Located in the Upper Peninsula, the park allows you to board a self-guided observation raft that glides across the glistening, jewel-like Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest freshwater spring. Gaze through the clear waters at fallen trees, fish, and up to 45 feet down while over 10,000 gallons of water per minute gush through the limestone below. The park also has picnic areas, a playground, and hiking trails in the surrounding forest.
8. Bond Falls Scenic Site, Paulding, MI
Location: Paulding, MI
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: The trail to the boardwalk 600-foot boardwalk is paved, and the main viewing deck is wheelchair accessible.
Be sure to have a camera handy for Bond Falls Scenic Site near the town of Paulding. The star of the show is Bond Falls, where the middle branch of the main attraction is the cascading Bond Falls, where the middle branch of the Ontonagon River drops over 50 feet. Trails wind through the surrounding landscape for different vantage points. Just above the dam that controls the flow of the falls is a free, utility-owned campground with 26 spaces open to campers for stays of 14 days or less in the summer. Just find an open spot and visit the park office for a permit.
9. Ocqueoc Falls, Ocqueoc Township, MI
Location: Ocqueoc Township, MI
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: accessibility, Ocqueoc Falls is the largest waterfall in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
Another inclusive and accessible destination that's a must-do in Michigan summers is Ocqueoc Falls within the Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground and Recreation Area.
The main falls trail also connects to more rugged hiking options along the Bicentennial Pathway, where you'll get the full picture of this wooded river valley expanse. It's perfect if you want to work up a little sweat on a hiking adventure and then take a dip by the falls. No strenuous exercise is required, however. This is a popular spot just for the swimming hole!
Best Free Summer Activities
Summer is supposed to be relaxing – especially vacation time – so it stands to reason that budget-friendly picks are especially soothing for making the most of your downtime. While many of our outdoor destinations are free or have minimal entry fees for access to a world of activities, we've chosen a few places that offer especially incredible value and do not cost a dime!
10. Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Germfask Township, MI
Location: Seney, MI
Popularity: Popular
The free, self-guided Marshland Wildlife Drive at Seney National Wildlife Refuge is a lovely escape for reconnecting with nature and wildlife watching that's purely delightful. It's open from May to October and is a must-do for nature lovers and birdwatchers. There are many observation points to stop, take in the views, and see what creatures may be milling about. You'll surely see the many trumpeter swans and cygnets gracefully gliding across pools. Seney's swan story is no swan song but more like that of a phoenix. A reintroduction program started with only 16 two-year-old swans that were hatched and raised at a bird sanctuary in Battle Creek. Despite not having parents to show them, they eventually figured out they needed to migrate south that first winter. All but three of the surviving original 15 found their way back to Seney the following spring.
11. University of Michigan Museum of Art, Ann Arbor, MI
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: The University of Michigan began its art collection in the mid-1800s, making it available to the public in 1856, long before many of the country's most prominent art museums were founded.
What better way to cool off on a warm summer day than to escape inside a world-class art museum for creative inspiration? The University of Michigan Museum of Art is one of the largest art museums in the country and one of its oldest. Today, it has built an extensive permanent collection of over 20,000 works spanning cultures, eras, and media. The museum curates these pieces in rotating exhibits you can see – for free! UMMA is located in the heart of the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus, and you do not have to be a student or faculty to engage with the art. Everyone is welcome.
12. Detroit Riverfront
Location: Detroit, MI
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: The Riverwalk expanded by a half mile in 2023, making its total length 3.5 miles.
Begin an adventure exploring the revitalized Detroit Riverfront at Cullen Plaza, where you can hop on the Cullen Family Carousel for free rides from noon to 7 p.m. during the summertime. You can pack a picnic or visit the plaza's Riverwalk Café & Tiki Bar to buy quick bites and beverages, then enjoy the expansive spaces that include fountains and public art installations. From there, you can see the Detroit River by boat on a Diamond Jack's tour, rent a bike from Wheelhouse Detroit, or simply set out on foot to explore the scenic Detroit Riverwalk.
Best Summer Events And Festivals In Michigan
Michigan is fantastic in all four seasons, perhaps because they present themselves so distinctly, allowing us to appreciate the unique qualities of each more fully. It goes beyond appreciation to celebration to produce events signature to each season. Here are a few of those special occasions around the state that best showcase all the best of summertime in Michigan.
13. Blue Water Festival & Bayview Mackinac Race, Port Huron, MI
Location: Port Huron, MI
Popularity: Very popular
Need To Know: The first Bayview Mackinac Race was held in 1925.
See spirited competition on the water and be part of the lively atmosphere on shore in Port Huron every summer for the Blue Water Festival and Boat Week and the iconic Bayview Mackinac Race in mid-July. Join sailors and spectators alike for a week of festivities leading up to the race. The festival includes live music performances, family-friendly fun, and plenty of good food. On Saturday, witness the start of the world's longest continuously run long-distance freshwater yacht race, which spans from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. While the first race a century ago only had nine entrants, modern times see more than 250 racing yachts from all over the world compete against the elements and one another for the win.
14. National Cherry Festival, Traverse City, MI
Location: Traverse City, MI
Popularity: Very Popular
Need To Know: In a tradition that dates to 1925, the festival crowns a National Cherry Queen to serve as an ambassador for the festival and industry throughout the coming year.
This long-running, eight-day extravaganza will be the cherry on top of your summer vacation. Held the last weekend of June through the first week of July, the National Cherry Festival promises a lineup of fun events and activities your whole family will enjoy. There are cherry-centric treats and activities galore, like pie-eating contests and market vendors with jams, juices, pastries, and of course, fresh fruits. Other vendors sell artisan crafts and cherry-themed merch. The festival also includes rides, games, live music shows, and plenty of fair food. Be sure to save room for a cherry dessert!
15. Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival, Caseville, MI
Location: Caseville, MI
Popularity: Popular
Need To Know: Caseville County Beach has a wide, sandy shoreline and is a favorite for swimming.
The Mitten State's thumb surely gives a big, beachy thumbs-up every August during the 10-day Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival. This celebration is an ode to the Jimmy Buffett hit, "Cheeseburger in Paradise," and a celebration to the laid-back lifestyle the late musician and his following of devoted Parrot Heads espouse. The event began as a three-day summer celebration in 1999 and now covers a span of days bookended by two weekends. Compete at making sandcastles, dance to live music, sip, shop, and relax on island time. The festival's biggest event occurs about midway through – the colorful and whimsical Parade of Tropical Fools that draws as many as 100,000 spectators.
Ready to dive headfirst into all the amazing things to do in Michigan in summer? We sure are! f you're planning a road trip to these places, make it the most enjoyable with our Road Trip Essentials Guide.
Let us know about your favorite spots or experiences during summertime in Michigan. We'd love to hear about your picks!
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