The 10 Best National Parks in Michigan, United States

November 30, 2021 Ying Subia

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Headquarters on Sand Point Rd Between Munising and Grand Marais, Munising, MI 49862 +1 906-387-3700 http://www.nps.gov/piro/index.htm
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,081 reviews

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Park located on the shoreline of Lake Superior encompassing cliffs, dunes, waterfalls and lakes.

Reviewed By 211charissek - Troy, United States

To actually see the pictured rocks you must either rent kayaks to get close up and personal, or take the boat tour.The double tiered boat gives you sensational views of the magnificent turquoise, orange, brown, copper, pink colors within the stones sculpted and worn by the seas of Lake Superior. The backdrop of the turquoise water is reminiscent of the pacific ocean and is a sight to behold.

2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

9922 W Front St, Empire, MI 49630-9417 +1 231-326-5134 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,861 reviews

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails.

Reviewed By JoeandKarin - Levering, United States

We only had a day to spend here....you can easily make this a nice vacation spot...we will be back !! There are plenty of activities for everyone...trail hiking, sandy beach walks, lots of areas to build sand castles or just to sit and take in the beautiful lake shore, swimming, and also plenty of bike trails. The “Scenic Trail” drive is a must!!! There are plenty of “overlook areas” of the Dunes and the lake where you can stop and take pictures. The Dune hike is very adventurous and worth the climb in the sand !! Bring plenty of water and wear a hat !!! Going down the Dune, whether at a run, roll or stroll, makes the effort of the climb well worth it !! We stopped at the visitor center first and found the volunteers there very helpful and informative. Very fun time !

3. Ottawa National Forest

E6248 US Highway 2, Ironwood, MI 49938-9363 +1 906-932-1330 http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/eastern/ottinfo.h
Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 58 reviews

Ottawa National Forest

Reviewed By 319dustyf

Absolutely loved the trails, waterfalls, and parks in the forest. There are several waterfalls that are 1/8 to 3/4 of a miles from the parking lot. Many include lots of stairs and paths full of tree roots. But go. The walk back through the forest is awe inspiring and magical.

4. Huron-Manistee National Forests

1755 S Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI 49601-7079 +1 231-775-2421 http://www.fs.usda.gov/hmnf
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Huron-Manistee National Forests

5. Kuebler Langford Nature Area

Beechwood Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 +1 734-794-6000 [email protected] http://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/Pages/KueblerLangford.aspx
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Kuebler Langford Nature Area

6. Tobico Marsh

Killarney Beach Rd, Bay City, MI 48706 +1 989-667-0717
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Tobico Marsh

7. Keweenaw National Historical Park

25970 Red Jacket Rd, Calumet, MI 49913-2948 +1 906-337-3168 http://www.nps.gov/kewe/index.htm
Excellent
77%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 71 reviews

Keweenaw National Historical Park

Reviewed By Raintree_Thailand - Bangkok, Thailand

The Keweenaw National Historical Park is an incredible array of buildings, ruins, industrial sites, and abandoned mines. The Keweenaw is dripping with history and it's great that the National Park Service is dedicating resources to preserve and restore unique sites. Their Visitor Center in the old Masonic Temple building in Calumet has lots of cool exhibits and is a great introduction to the historical sites on Keweenaw Peninsula.

8. Headlands International Dark Sky Park

15675 Headlands Rd No Camping Allowed, Mackinaw City, MI 49701-8612 +1 231-348-1713 http://www.midarkskypark.org
Excellent
67%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 304 reviews

Headlands International Dark Sky Park

Reviewed By 7traveler777 - Chicago, United States

I had always wanted to go to a dark park and was thrilled when I saw there was one outside of Petoskey. It’s a lovely place to s t a r g a z e, but if you’re looking to see the northern lights I was told by the attendant that no one has ever seen them in this location even though the park is listed as a location to see aurora borealis. The park attendant advised our party that if we wanted to see the northern lights we should go 300 miles north into Canada for perfect viewing.

9. D.H. Day Campground

8010 W Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor, MI 49636-9718 +1 231-334-4634 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dhdaycamp.htm
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

D.H. Day Campground

Reviewed By RobgK12 - Toronto, Canada

Really well run, nice spot, quiet. Perfect spot. We were only planning on one night, extended our stay. Make sure you have $5 bills for the firewood, they have a firewood robot/vending machine. It's good wood, but only takes $5 bills.

10. River Raisin National Battlefield Park

1403 E Elm Ave 36595 W. Jefferson Ave, Brownstown Township, MI 48173, Monroe, MI 48162-2524 +1 734-243-7136 http://www.nps.gov/rira
Excellent
35%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 138 reviews

River Raisin National Battlefield Park

Reviewed By TrailTrekker15 - Tallahassee, United States

We stumbled upon River Raisin National Battlefield Park when we were in the area to see Lake Erie. I knew nothing about the park when we went which added to my curiosity. It turns out this was the site of a major War of 1812 battle. The main museum building was closed, but a gentleman in period garb was stationed in a tent by the road. He gave us a detailed run down of the battle and events. We learned a tremendous amount about the local area during our time there. We walked along a portion of the battlefield path where a number of boards tell the story of the battle. It very hot, but it was an enjoyable stroll. I highly recommend stopping by River Raisin NBP as it was highly informative and a great place to visit!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.