Explore Michigan

Best Time to Visit:

• Summer (June–August): Peak travel season, ideal for beaches, lakes, and outdoor adventures.

• Fall (September–October): Beautiful fall foliage, especially in the Upper Peninsula and along Lake Michigan.

• Winter (December–February): Great for snow sports—skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.

• Spring (April–May): Quieter, with wildflowers and festivals like Holland’s Tulip Time.

How to Get There:

• By Air:

  • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): Michigan’s largest and main international airport.

  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) – Serves western Michigan (Grand Rapids).

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) – For northern destinations like Traverse City.

• By Train:

  • Amtrak runs through Detroit, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids with connections to Chicago.

• By Car:

  • Michigan is road trip–friendly with scenic drives like M-22 (Lake Michigan coast) and US-2 (Upper Peninsula).

• By Ferry:

  • Seasonal ferries to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.

Top Attractions:

• Mackinac Island: Car-free island with Victorian charm, biking, fudge shops, and the historic Grand Hotel.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Stunning dunes and lake views on Lake Michigan.

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Upper Peninsula): Colorful cliffs, caves, and waterfalls along Lake Superior.

• Detroit: Revitalized downtown, Motown Museum, Detroit Institute of Arts, and Henry Ford Museum in nearby Dearborn.

• Traverse City: Wine country, cherry capital, and gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes.

• Ann Arbor: Home of the University of Michigan and a vibrant food and arts scene.

• Grand Rapids: ArtPrize, breweries, Frederik Meijer Gardens.

• Tahquamenon Falls: Beautiful, wide waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula.

Activities to Do:

• Hiking & Biking: Trails in state parks, national lakeshores, and rail-trails like the Katy Trail.

• Beach Hopping: Soft-sand beaches along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

• Boating & Fishing: Thousands of inland lakes and access to the Great Lakes.

• Skiing & Snowboarding: Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, and Mount Bohemia in the U.P.

• Kayaking & Canoeing: Especially at Pictured Rocks, Au Sable River, and Isle Royale.

• Lighthouse Touring: Over 100 lighthouses—many you can climb or tour.

• Wine Tasting: Especially along the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas near Traverse City.

Accommodation:

• Luxury:

  • Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island) – Historic and iconic.

  • Amway Grand Plaza (Grand Rapids) – Downtown luxury.

• Mid-range:

  • Hotel Indigo (Traverse City) – Waterfront with boutique charm.

  • CityFlatsHotel (Holland, Grand Rapids) – Eco-friendly and stylish.

• Budget:

  • Motels and chain hotels across Michigan.

  • Affordable B&Bs in college towns and smaller cities.

• Unique:

  • Cabins and lake cottages

  • Glamping and yurts in state parks

  • Historic inns in places like Petoskey and Charlevoix

Food and Restaurants:

• Must-Try Foods:

  • Pasties (U.P. meat pies)

  • Detroit-style pizza (square, deep dish with cheese to the edge)

  • Coney dogs (chili dogs with onions and mustard)

  • Smoked whitefish and Lake perch

  • Traverse City cherries

  • Fudge (especially on Mackinac Island)

• Notable Restaurants:

  • Selden Standard (Detroit) – Modern American, seasonal plates.

  • The Cook's House (Traverse City) – Locally sourced fine dining.

  • Zingerman’s Deli (Ann Arbor) – Legendary sandwiches and artisan foods.

  • Ludington Bay Brewing Co. and other breweries — Michigan has 400+.

Local Culture:

• Great Lakes Identity: Water is central — from boating culture to lake-effect snow.

• Automotive Heritage: Detroit is the Motor City; visit the Henry Ford Museum and GM Renaissance Center.

• Proud Yoopers & Trolls: People in the Upper Peninsula (Yoopers) have a distinct identity; "Trolls" live below the Mackinac Bridge.

• Sports: Strong allegiance to the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings, and Big Ten college teams like U of M and Michigan State.

• Arts & Music: From Motown in Detroit to art festivals in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids.

• Outdoorsy Lifestyle: Camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking are major parts of life across the state.

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