The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Michigan, United States

August 24, 2021 Merry Kessler

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. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525-5804 +1 616-957-1580 http://www.meijergardens.org
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,947 reviews

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

View modern sculpture in a stunning garden setting at this combination botanical garden and sculpture park, which features exotic plants, desert and Victorian gardens, wetlands, meadows, and sculptures by famous artists throughout.

Reviewed By Relax778849

Our son’s family lives in Grand Rapids, so we often visit Meier Gardens. It’s enjoyable whether we visit during Christmas to see decorated trees from other countries, summer to walk the garden paths and visit the children’s garden where the grandkids can run and climb, or during the butterfly exhibit in the spring. The special exhibits are interesting as well.

4. Keweenaw Peninsula

near Houghton, MI 49931
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 26 reviews

Keweenaw Peninsula

Surrounded by Lake Superior this northern Michigan area was the first site of the United States' copper boom.

5. Upper Peninsula

MI
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Upper Peninsula

6. Ludington State Park

8800 W. M-116, Ludington, MI 49431 +1 231-843-2423 http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 954 reviews

Ludington State Park

Reviewed By ByeMO

Camping was pretty open this weekend. Park facilities very clean, staff very helpful. Cute camp store, big sable lighthouse a must see!! Well marked trails around the water, dunes and woods for nice variety.

7. Saugatuck Dune Rides

6495 Blue Star Hwy, Saugatuck, MI 49453-9464 +1 269-857-2253 http://www.saugatuckduneride.com
Excellent
90%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,816 reviews

Saugatuck Dune Rides

Reviewed By Trvlswith4kids

One of the highlights of our Michigan trip!! Loves learning about the ecology of the dunes, enjoying the fun ride, and laughing at all the corny tour guide jokes!

8. Presque Isle Park

Peter White Dr., Marquette, MI http://www.mqtcty.org/parks-presque-isle.php
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 942 reviews

Presque Isle Park

Reviewed By 936timl - Edwardsburg, United States

The whole family did it - 17 & 15 yr old boys and a 10 yr old daughter - even Mom & Dad! Really cool and safe jump from about 20 feet into the crystal clear (and refreshingly chilly) Lake Superior waters near Marquette, MI!

9. Little Traverse Wheelway

Petoskey, MI http://www.traillink.com/trail/little-traverse-wheelway.aspx
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 282 reviews

Little Traverse Wheelway

Reviewed By JillbPA

We parked in Sunset Park in Petoskey and headed to Harbor Springs. In order to avoid the airport and the noise of busy roads, turn down Beach Road and follow this quiet road all the way to the delightful town of Harbor Springs. You will pass lovely homes and waterfront views. There are many eateries to choose from in Harbor Springs before you head back to your starting point.

10. Lake Michigan

http://www.michigan.org
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Lake Michigan

The shores of this Great Lake are home to summer resorts and sweeping views.

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