Travel Destinations in Michigan for Different Types of Travellers

Michigan is undoubtedly the best destination one can visit to experience different things. Its most visited tourist destinations contain a plethora of interests that fulfil the desires of every traveller. These interests differ on the basis of natural landscapes, rich history, museums, charming small towns, and urban centres. You will also come across some of the most beautiful romantic getaways in Michigan.

Moreover, you can experience the Great Lakes’ beauty, which offers freshwater dunes and coastal habitats far from the ocean. Apart from this, there are unique spots for food lovers, art and culture admirers, outdoor enthusiasts, and many more. That is why we have listed some of the popular travel destinations in Michigan for different types of travellers so that you can visit them on your trip to Michigan.

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Sand Quester

For people who are in search of sandy spots, you can visit the awe-inspiring destination called the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It is a National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The Sleeping Bear Dunes got this name from a Chippewa legend that tells the narrative of a mother bear and her two cubs. They were trying to escape from the forest fire and attempted to cross the lake, but only the mother bear made it to the shore. The two islands were created by the Great Spirit Manitou to mark the spot where the cubs were lost and a massive dune on the coast where the mother bear was waiting for them.

Here you can have a family-friendly Dune climb and run, bike, or walk the 27-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. You can also paddle down the Crystal River or Platte River to the dune’s Lake Michigan shore. Remember to take an ample amount of water and a pair of good shoes as the hills become hot in extreme weather conditions.

Sleeping bear dunes, Glen Arbor township

Small town fascinator

If you want to experience the history of automotives, miles of fresh-water shoreline, and enjoy the road trips, then the Great Lakes state will fulfil your every wish. You will find many options for a tour, but wandering through the charming small towns and that too along the north-western coast of the state will indeed become an unforgettable trip experience.

You can start your journey in the Traverse City and then visit the Short’s Brewing Company’s production facility in Elk Rapids for tasting their creatively named beers like ‘Huma Lupa Licious’ and ‘Space Rock’. Next, you can head to Charlevoix, which is situated between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Visit ‘That French Place’ for tasting the buckwheat crepes and local-made ice cream. You can also visit Petoskey to search for the unique stones that contain fossilized coral.

Charlevoix Michigan

Art admirer

If you want to explore the arts in Michigan, then visit the Detroit Institute of Arts as it contains over 65000 works of art. There are 100+ galleries in this building but the most loved by locals is Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals. Moreover, you can explore the thoughtful and beautiful murals at Eastern Market, inside The Z Parking Garage, and along the Dequindre Cut Greenway. Ceramic arts admirers can visit the Pewabic pottery studio, which is a National historic landmark founded in 1903. This place is dedicated to enriching the human history through clay.

Outdoor lover

You can test your camping skills and experience the Upper Peninsula’s beauty in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. It is Michigan’s largest state park containing plenty of secluded lakes, large acres of towering forests, and miles of rivers. Whenever you visit this region, make sure you maintain its environment by following cleanliness ethics.

You will come across many waterfalls during your hikes. Find one of them and head to the coast to get a captivating view of Lake Superior. Here you will also experience the perfect views of autumn colours in the big trees. Make sure you book a backcountry camping permit before visiting and report in-person when you reach there.

Porcupine mountains wilderness state park

Paddler

If you love paddling, then you can visit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It contains lush forests, clear waters, and stunning landscapes, which are the perfect locations for a paddler. You can also go for kayaking along the shores of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as it is a popular adventure. Another spot for kayaking is to the west of the lakeshore to Grand Island of Hiawatha National Forest.

Music lover

You can be a part of the Wheatland Music Festival that takes place every September. It is hosted on a 160-acre land in Remus, Michigan. The first organizers of this festival were members of a food co-op who played such shows to fund the endeavour. The festival started offering camping by 1975 and shaped itself into what it is today, a weekend dedicated to the preservation of traditional arts and music. People visit this festival even with their families where the musicians are from Michigan as well as from national groups.

It is just an hour outside the Grand Rapids, which is also a natural inclusion to your Michigan trip. This city is the largest in western Michigan as it is a home for over 100 live venues. You can also find other festivals that suit your music taste.

Wheatland Music Festival

Car buff

If you are enthusiastic about cars, then you can visit Detroit. You can plan to visit this city in late August as you will get to see the Woodward Dream Cruise, where participants drive around 40,000 custom and classic cars through Woodward Avenue. In 1995, this event was started as a fundraiser for a soccer field but has now turned into an iconic Detroit event. You must visit the location as early as possible because the locals set up their seats in advance along the 16-mile route.

You can continue your expedition by turning west from the Dream Cruise to visit The Henry Ford. It is a vast museum complex home to the Ford Rouge Plant Tour and The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.