Top Things to do in Michigan
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Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Michigan, United States
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. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 597 reviews
Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.
Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States
Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,861 reviews
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. The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 538 reviews
Experience the Original Model T Factory Visiting the Piquette Avenue Ford Plant is a unique experience-it's the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building. Each floor is divided into sections by the original metal fire doors, complete with the shadows of Henry Ford's "Positively NO Smoking" stencils. The old plank floors are worn from the 12,000 Model Ts built on them, so wear appropriate shoes for your visit. The plant is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site. Walk the worn wood floors and touch the brick walls where Henry Ford and his team of automotive pioneers developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. See Henry Ford's office as it was in 1908 when he was on the cusp of fame. And learn why it still matters today. See a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century and learn their fates.
Reviewed By HughC239 - Toronto, Canada
From the outside its a small, somewhat unassuming museum but the magic lies inside with the superb tour guides who bring the place to life with their impressive knowledge of the stories, vehicles and history of Henry Ford, the Ford motor company, the Piquette plant and the birth of the auto industry. By far our favourite and most memorable tourist attraction during our visit to Detroit. We left with a profound new respect for Henry Ford and all that he accomplished. Kudos to the hardworking and dedicated staff at this little gem.
4. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By JenR917 - Michigan, United States
This gorgeous drive through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is just perfect. There are a number of stops along the way to take in the beautiful views. You can also access at least 1 hiking trail through the drive. We did not do that one as it was raining, but completely enjoyed the trip.
5. Presque Isle Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 942 reviews
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!
6. Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 535 reviews
Reviewed By romanekj - Lansing, United States
Palms Book State Park’s Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest spring. Kitch-iti-kipi is an Ojibwa word said to have many meanings, including The Great Water, The Blue Sky I See, and The Roaring Bubbling Spring. Kitch-iti-kipi is 200’ in diameter, 42′ deep and delivers 16,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute. The water stays at 45 degrees year round. You can ride the observation raft for a beautiful view across the spring. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the floating dock was closed for a long time but, since people kept breaking the locks, it was opened very recently. Looking down the center of the raft, you can see the bubbling spring doing its work. Large trout seemed to be everywhere, but no fishing is allowed. A must see!!! #puremichigan #summer2020 #nofilter
7. Mushroom House Tours of Charlevoix
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Visit all 28 of these magical stone structures a.k.a.Gnome Homes/Hobbit Houses and experience this majestic architecture found nowhere else in the world!! Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will give you fun facts, stories and history not found in any book. Why just drive by and not know a thing about what you are looking at? Our tours will give you memories that will last a lifetime and you will be so glad you did!! There is a reason we are voted the #1 Thing to Do in Charlevoix, Mi!!
Reviewed By RoseBowlTraveler - Cincinnati, United States
Was planning a trip to the area and happened upon a travel article that referenced the Mushroom House Tours. Found there was space Saturday afternoon and booked it online. Enjoyed a lively and fun hour with Edith at the wheel as we rode the extended golf cart through the streets of Charlevoix learning about Earl Young, the Mushroom Houses and Boulder Park neighborhood. Well worth the time and I think much more fun than the self-guided tour. Only suggestion - they may want to consider a "Confirmation" so when you book tickets, you know you are confirmed. Otherwise a great way to learn about interesting architecture and the architect's personality.
8. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
The park's 850 acres include a beach, dunes and cross-country ski trails.
Reviewed By Trisha417
Great place to bring the family and the dogs. Hiking the trails to the dunes wasn’t too tiring. Beautiful view of Lake Michigan on top of the dunes. The dogs had a ball playing in the sand and one put her feet in the water. Enjoyed it so much that we visited twice during our vacation. Can’t wait to go back!
9. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,681 reviews
Located in the upper peninsula area of Michigan with wonderful wildlife and waterfalls.
Reviewed By 812marke - Burlington, United States
I was recently at Tahquamenon Falls on a Tuesday afternoon when passing through the U.P. I was not able to make it to the falls on my last visit to the U.P., so I definitely wanted to get there on this trip. I was not disappointed, and the falls were incredible! The Upper Falls are beautiful and only second to Niagara Falls in terms of water flow east of the Mississippi River. I only had time to see the Upper Falls on this visit, but these clearly seem to be the more popular. They are pretty easily accessible, as the walk is only about 1/4 mile from the parking lot, and you can hear the falls pretty much right away when you begin the trail. There are lots of stairs, however, if you choose to see other vantage points of the falls. I enjoyed spending about 2 hours here, and it was cool to see these falls from a variety of vantage points. It was kind of busy on the day I visited, as the weather was beautiful, but I still enjoyed myself. There was also a nice gift shop to browse on the premises, and there was a small restaurant, but I ate lunch prior to my visit. I enjoyed Tahquamenon Falls, and this is another beautiful landmark in the U.P.!
10. Motown Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,088 reviews
This old Detroit home belies the greatness that was born here: the Motown Sound. But one step inside Hitsville, USA, the original house where Berry Gordy lived and recorded the Motown hits, and you'll catch the beat and spirit of this booming music era. Photos, costumes, artwork, music and other memorabilia take you back to simpler times.
Reviewed By GlobeTrotting738505 - Quakertown, United States
The Motown Museum lives up to most of the other reviews, and then some! If you get the chance, make sure you check out this place. However, make sure you make a reservation well in advance, especially if you have limited time to visit. We were lucky enough to get a time slot for the next day, but most people reserve much earlier. Our tour guide, Carolyn, made an excellent tour even better with her knowledge, enthusiasm and just plain energy!!! Hopefully, you'll be lucky enough to get her as your guide if / when you go.
