Top Things to do in Michigan
Top Hotels in Michigan
Countries
What to do and see in Michigan, United States: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. The Henry Ford
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,501 reviews
“One of the world’s coolest museums” — The New York Times The Henry Ford is Michigan’s premier multivenue cultural destination with three must-see attractions: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. At The Henry Ford, you'll experience the history of America — its inventions, people, culture and can-do spirit — and hundreds of interactive ways to explore it, enjoy it and be inspired by it. Park at The Henry Ford’s Welcome Center to visit and buy tickets for all three venues for three hours or three days of experiences. Or purchase a membership for a full year of FREE unlimited visits to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, plus discounts, special events and more. We are conveniently located in Dearborn, Michigan, which is just outside of Detroit.
Reviewed By tamul - Waymart, United States
Fantastic, se one visit but this time with our 5 year old grandson. He had a blast....worked a assembly line for children,help build a model T,Star Trek ,planes,cars,trains,engines the list goes on and that’s just the museum. Trip to the ford plant, two fantastic movies and then watch f150 being built. Greenfield Village ride in a Model T, 1931 bus, horse pulled taxi...visit a farm, Wright brothers home, Thomas Edison’s inventions, early 1900’s baseball game the list just keep going
2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,081 reviews
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.
3. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,947 reviews
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. Detroit Institute of Arts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,928 reviews
Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the Institute showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works. Don't miss the General Motors Center for African American Art, a part of the DIA which showcases 400 pieces, in various media, by African American artists.
Reviewed By MidwestKathM - Detroit, United States
We love the DIA! As longtime members, we visit several times a year. And attend the Friday Night Live often as well as talks, senior activities, and films every month. Lots of terrific art to see in their permanent collection...including the Diego Rivera murals, Caravaggio, Italian Renaissance, John Singer Sargent, Whistler, Van Gogh, John Singleton Copley, Kehinde Wiley, Abstract Expressionists, African-American works, Asian antiquities, and Egyptian mummies. And then there are the excellent temporary exhibitions and the special exhibitions. During these COVID times, we wanted to show our support after the museum reopened. The DIA is perhaps the safest art museum we've visited in the last 4 months. Advance timed tickets, masks required, temperature check, contactless entry, social distancing, galleries grouped with one entrance, one exit, hand sanitizer.
5. Upper Peninsula
6. Saugatuck Dune Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,816 reviews
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!
7. 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!
8. University of Michigan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 613 reviews
The University's beautiful campus includes many fine museums and facilities for its enrollment of 36,000.
Reviewed By BillN540 - Ann Arbor, United States
From the beauty of the views in the quad to the hushed calm of the law school to the chaos of south (athletic) campus during a sporting event and you have everything you could want in a college town. Highlights to visit on campus include: - The natural history museum - The grad library reading room - The law library reading room - The "Big House" - Listen to the carillon outside of Rackham school or grad studies - catch a performance at Hill Auditorium or the Power Center for performing arts. - A stroll through the Arboretum (The Arb). So much to do. GO BLUE!
9. Gerald R. Ford Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,091 reviews
Explore the life and times of Gerald R. Ford, Michigan's only President. Here documents, artifacts, photographs, and videos combine to tell the dramatic story of the Ford Presidency in the mid-1970s. Museum galleries depict Gerald Ford's rise from a humble youth to Eagle Scout, star football player, World War II naval officer, and U.S. congressman, and the unique way by which he became Vice President and President. Meet the issues of the day - the energy crisis, the Nixon pardon, Vietnamese refugees, and learn about the Bicentennial. Your visit will include a stop in the life-sized Oval Office and Cabinet Room. See for yourself how President Ford shaped our world.
Reviewed By travelingtips - North Carolina, United States
When in Grand Rapids for a conference, I met up with family who live in Michigan and we went to the Gerald Ford Museum. The museum is laid out very nicely - a walk through his early years, leading up to his presidency and death - with photos, videos and many artifacts. I especially enjoyed the special photography collection, seeing what his Oval Office in the White House looked like and the beautiful outdoor space (including President and Mrs Fords hillside graves). I learned a lot about Gerald Ford and his life. My only regret is that my husband (the history buff) wasn't with me to see it all. I hope to be able to come back again with him.
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.
