things to do in michigan
Michigan is a beautiful state with a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit all interests. Here are some things to do in Michigan:
Outdoor Activities:
- Visit the Great Lakes: Michigan is home to four of the five Great Lakes, including Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Superior. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and other water sports.
- Explore the Upper Peninsula: The Upper Peninsula is a nature lover’s paradise, with its dense forests, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.
- Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes: Located on Lake Michigan, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are a stunning natural wonder with towering sand dunes and crystal-clear lakes.
- Go hiking or biking: Michigan has numerous state parks and trails, including the North Country Trail and the Paulding Light Trail.
- Visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This national park features stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails along the shores of Lake Superior.
Cities and Culture:
- Visit Detroit: Detroit is a vibrant city with a rich history, cultural attractions, and a thriving music scene.
- Explore Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor is a charming college town with a lively arts scene, great restaurants, and a vibrant music scene.
- Visit the Henry Ford Museum: Located in Dearborn, the Henry Ford Museum is a world-class museum showcasing American history and innovation.
- Attend a festival: Michigan hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, the Detroit Jazz Festival, and the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
- Visit the Motown Museum: Located in Detroit, the Motown Museum is a must-visit for music lovers, featuring the legendary recording studio where many famous artists got their start.
Food and Drink:
- Try a pasty: A traditional Michigan dish, pasties are a savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
- Visit a brewery: Michigan is home to numerous craft breweries, including Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids and Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo.
- Try some cherry pie: Michigan is famous for its cherries, and cherry pie is a classic dessert that’s a must-try.
- Visit a farm market: Michigan is known for its fresh produce, and visiting a farm market is a great way to sample local fruits and vegetables.
- Try some whitefish: Michigan is famous for its whitefish, which is often served fried or grilled.
Other Attractions:
- Visit the Soo Locks: Located in Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Locks are a set of locks that allow ships to pass between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes.
- Take a scenic drive: Michigan has numerous scenic drives, including the M-22 Scenic Drive along Lake Michigan and the Pictured Rocks Scenic Drive along Lake Superior.
- Visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Located in Grand Rapids, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is a must-visit for history buffs.
- Explore the Mackinac Island: This charming island is located between the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas and is known for its Victorian-era architecture and lack of cars.
- Visit the Michigan State Capitol: Located in Lansing, the Michigan State Capitol is a stunning building with a beautiful dome and impressive architecture.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Michigan. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural attractions, or food and drink, Michigan has something for everyone.