Essential Michigan Travel Guide for Tourists

Famous for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures, historic charm, and vibrant cities, Michigan, commonly known as the Great Lakes State, is a destination worth visiting. Whether you are looking to explore scenic landscapes on a road trip, experience a rich cultural adventure in Detroit, or unwind in peace along the shores of Lake Michigan, this state offers something for every traveler. As the state with more than 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline – the longest freshwater coastline of the United States – Michigan is most literally defined by water and nourished through her collectors, customs and scenery.

In this Michigan travel guide, we will embark on a comprehensive journey through its regions, attractions, and hidden gems. From iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path adventures, you’ll learn why Michigan is a must-visit destination for all kinds of travelers.

Getting to Michigan

Michigan is with upper Midwest of the United States and divided into two peninsulas: the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula (also known as “the mitten” due to its shape), separated by the Straits of Mackinac.

By Air: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport DTW is the largest and busiest airport in Michigan, with cities throughout the world within reach. There are also regional airports in Grand Rapids (GRR), Lansing (LAN) and Traverse City (TVC).
By Car: Michigan is Road Trip Heaven. Interstate highways such as I-75, I-94, and I-96 all link the state to nearby areas.
By Water: Ferries run across bodies of water and to islands including the ferry to Mackinac Island.

When to Visit Michigan

Michigan is a four-season state, and all of its seasons create their unique experience.

Spring (April-May): A time of year when temperatures are mild, wildflowers are blooming, and there are fewer crowds on the trail, making this an ideal time for hiking and exploring cities.
Summer (June-August): Warm weather and long days are perfect for enjoying the beaches, lake activities, and festivals in the summer. This is peak tourist season.
Fall (September-October): Michigan is well known for its fall foliage. Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula offer amazing picturesque drives of noticeably sharp colors. Apple orchards also make their mark along with cider mills during this season.
Winter (November-March): Winter converts Michigan into a marvel for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula are a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The Regions of the State of Michigan

Southeast Michigan and the City of Detroit

Detroit, Michigan’s largest city is a center of history, music, art and innovation. Once called the “Motor City,” Detroit has reborn itself as a cultural capital.

Detroit Institute of Arts: Home to one of the most impressive art collections in the country including Diego Rivera’s renowned Detroit Industry Murals.
Motown Museum: The birthplace of the legendary Motown sound featuring artists such as Stevie Wonder and The Supremes.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: Also set in Dearborn, this museum is important for history lovers, with streaming exhibits on innovation, transportation and American history.
Downtown Detroit: Walk the Detroit Riverwalk, have fun with live music in Greektown and experience the amazing restaurant scene.

Close by, the University of Michigan’s home base, Ann Arbor, offers an artsy, cultural, and youthful vibe.

The Upper Peninsula (U.P.)

The Upper Peninsula is a rugged, beautiful, untamed piece of Michigan. Reality Check – Often notorious for its untamed character and outdoor adventure pursuits, it’s the polar opposite from urban life.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Notorious for its multi-colored sandstone cliffs, waterfalls and pristine beaches at Lake Superior.
Mackinac Bridge: World’s longest suspension bridge, joining Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, the waterfall has been called “Root Beer Falls” because of its coppery color.
Isle Royale National Park: A remote island in Lake Superior, ideal for hiking and wildlife encounters in the backcountry.
Copper Harbor: Located on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, this small town is a heaven for mountain biking, hiking and stargazing.

West Michigan

The Lake Michigan shore in western Michigan is known for its sandy beaches, quaint towns and Dutch heritage.

Grand Rapids: Grand Rapids is well known for its craft beer scene and the annual ArtPrize festival, as well as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Holland: A town originally from Holland, notorious for the Tulip Time Festival in the spring and windmills.
Saugatuck and Douglas: Quaint lake side resorts with galleries, dune rides, and you can’t beat the Oval Beach.
Ludington State Park: Offers beaches, trails and access to historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

Northern Michigan and Mackinac Island

Northern Michigan and Mackinac Island: Showcases a broad diversity of wildlife that travels through the region each year in search of food. Northern Michigan and Mackinac Island: Boasts diverse, broad variety of wildlife that makes their way through the region during different seasons in search of food.

Southern Michigan is a vibrant area of stunning scenery, luxurious resorts and historical attractions.

Mackinac Island: Perhaps Michigan’s most recognizable destination, this island without cars offers visitors a trip through history using horse-powered carriages, Victorian architecture, and its renowned fudge. The Grand Hotel with its long history plays a central role.
Traverse City: Called Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City has wineries, white sand beaches, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in its backyard.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Towering dunes overlook Lake Michigan and feature incredible views and demanding hikes.
Petoskey: Known for its distinctive Petoskey stones, this town is a great place for shopping, dining and relaxing by the lake.

The Area of Central and Eastern Michigan

Guajira is a land of quiet towns, undulating farmland and a slower pace of life, but also of hidden gems.

Frankenmuth: Frankenmuth is called Michigan’s Little Bavaria because it is best known for its German architecture, its Bavarian festivals, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the world.
Midland: A town which blends nature and architecture, Midland is home to the Dow Gardens and the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio.
Bay City: A picturesque city on the bay, providing a variety of historic buildings, a picturesque riverfront, and access to Saginaw Bay for boating and fishing.

Outdoor Adventures in Michigan

Outdoor Adventures in Michigan – A primer on outdoor adventure – camping, hiking, kayaking, and water and snow sports.

Michigan is the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

Hiking and Camping: With hundreds of state parks, national forests and recreation areas, the state has trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Water Sports: Various water sports are in demand here like kayaking, canoeing, and paddle spreading.
Fishing: Michigan boasts world-class fresh water fishing from salmon in Lake Michigan to trout in inland rivers.
Winter Activities: Boyne Mountain and Crystal Mountain are popular ski resorts in the northern part of Michigan, which attract skiers and snowboarders during the winter months. Upper Peninsula also has numerous snowmobiling trails.
Scenic Drives: The M-22 highway along Lake Michigan and US-2 in the Upper Peninsula are some of the most beautiful drives in the Midwest.

Food and Drink

The state’s biggest industry is food and drink.

Falling under the delightful category of American cuisine, Michigan offers an eclectic and enthralling blend of flavors, rooted in the rich tapestry of its vibrant agriculture and multicultural influences.

Detroit-Style Pizza: Square, thick, and crispy around the edges, this style of pizza is unique to the state of Michigan.
Coney Dogs: Native to Detroit — chili onions and mustard on a bun.
Cherries: World famous for cherries, National Cherry Festival is held every summer in the Traverse City.
Craft Beer: Michigan is one of the top beer states in the U.S., and Grand Rapids has been called “Beer City USA.”
Wineries: Northern Michigan’s Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula are two of the country’s top producers of fine wines, especially Rieslings.

Festivals and Events

Michigan’s festivals celebrate its culture, heritage and seasons throughout the year.

Tulip Time Festival (Holland): An explosion of Dutch culture filled with millions of tulips.
National Cherry Festival (Traverse City): Parades, concerts, food and entertainment opportunities related to cherry excellence.
ArtPrize Grand Rapids: A citywide art competition in Grand Rapids featuring artists from across the world.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: A colourful and aromatic summer event.
Winter Festivals: Ice carving, dog-drawn sled (snowmobile) races, and winter fairs held in various towns around the state.

Travel Tips for Michigan

Prepare for all seasons: Weather near the Great Lakes can be unpredictable and that is why engaging in activities like squirreling around in 20-degree and snow-camping in 200-degree would benefit you as you can be prepared. Layers are your best friend.
Bug spray during your summer activities: Mosquitoes and black flies can cause a nuisance during forest excursion times.
Book well in advance for peak season: Summer and fall are busy, especially in Traverse City, Mackinac Island and the UP.
Go on a road trip: Michigan is best experienced by automobile. Rides are scenic and distances between areas are long.
Take care of nature: Whether you’re hiking dunes or visiting wildlife landscapes, take care of nature by following Leave No Trace principles.

Conclusion

Michigan is a state of contrasts – Metropolis and forest, historic and modern, adventurous and relaxing. From the busting arterial streets of Detroit to the tranquil shores of Lake Superior, it holds something that appeals to every type of traveller.

Whether you’re planning a family getaway, an adventure for yourself or a romantic trip, Michigan boasts memorable experiences crafted by its landscapes, culture and spirit of exploration. The Great Lakes State stands open to greet you with its beauty, embrace you within its communities, and leave you with the impressions you’ll hold for a lifetime.

Save pin for later