Michigan is a treasure trove of lakes, forests, charming towns, and cultural hubs. From the dunes of the west coast to historic islands and city parks, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable 2026 trip.
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, Sleeping Bear Dunes is famous for its giant sand dunes, scenic overlooks, and miles of pristine trails. It’s recognized as one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S.
Dune Climb – A challenging hike, roughly 450 feet high, with incredible views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – 7.4-mile drive with 12 overlooks, picnic areas, and small hiking trails. Entry fee: $20 per vehicle (seasonal).
Glacial Hills & Trails – Hike trails like the Empire Bluff Trail (1.5 miles, moderate difficulty) for panoramic views.
Water Activities – Swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding at Platte Bay or Glen Lake.
Nearby towns include Empire and Traverse City, with options from cozy cabins to luxury lakeside resorts.
Popular: Lake View Resort and The Homestead.
Best Time to Visit: Late May to mid-October for comfortable hiking and beach weather.
Avoid Crowds: Early morning weekdays are best for dune climbing.
Local Flavor: Grab fresh cherries from local farms in Empire — the cherry capital of Michigan.
2. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a historic, car-free island between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and walking paths set the pace for exploring.
Fort Mackinac – Historic 18th-century fort with live reenactments and museum exhibits. Admission: $12 for adults.
Downtown Fudge Shops – Tour and taste shops like Mackinac Island Fudge Co..
Biking & Hiking – Rent a bike to explore 8 miles of scenic shoreline roads and trails.
Horseback Tours & Kayaking – Great options for families and adventure lovers.
Hotels like Grand Hotel (luxury) and Mackinac Island Hostel (budget-friendly).
Best Time to Visit: June–September, especially for ferry access and outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: Book ferries early from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace — popular in summer.
Hidden Gem: Arch Rock Trail offers incredible views without the crowds.
3. Grand Rapids & Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids is Michigan’s second-largest city, famous for its craft breweries, cultural events, and stunning botanical gardens. The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a must-visit.
Frederik Meijer Gardens – 158-acre garden and sculpture park. Tickets: $16–$20 for adults.
Grand Rapids Art Museum – Local art and rotating exhibitions.
Brewery Tours – Sample local craft beer at Founders Brewing Co., one of the best in the state.
Downtown Eats – Farm-to-table restaurants and food festivals year-round.
Downtown hotels like Amway Grand Plaza and boutique inns in East Grand Rapids.
Best Time to Visit: May–September for gardens and outdoor festivals.
Transportation: Walkable downtown; Uber and bike rentals are convenient.
Hidden Gem: Millennium Park for lakefront trails and quiet picnics.
4. Traverse City & Northern Michigan Shoreline
Traverse City offers a combination of lakeside beauty, vineyards, and festival energy. It’s perfect for summer trips and culinary explorations.
National Cherry Festival – Early July, with parades, concerts, and family events.
Sleeping Bear Wine Trail – 20+ wineries nearby with wine tastings.
Water Sports & Beaches – Kayak, swim, or sail on Grand Traverse Bay.
Historic Downtown – Quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries.
Cherry Tree Inn & Suites – Central location.
Bayshore Resort – Waterfront luxury with private beach access.
Best Time to Visit: Late June to August for festivals and warm lake water.
Foodie Tip: Don’t miss local cherries, cider, and fresh lake fish.
Hidden Gem: Old Mission Peninsula — scenic drives, lighthouses, and quiet beaches.
5. Belle Isle Park — Detroit’s Riverfront Gem
Belle Isle Park is a 907-acre island park on the Detroit River. It combines nature, history, and city access, making it perfect for day trips or weekend escapes.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory – Botanical gardens with seasonal plant displays.
Dossin Great Lakes Museum – Maritime history and Great Lakes exhibits.
Outdoor Trails – Walking, biking, and picnic areas.
Boating & Fishing – Rentals available during summer months.
Hotels in downtown Detroit are nearby, including MGM Grand Detroit and boutique downtown inns.
Best Time to Visit: May–October for boating and outdoor activities.
Pro Tip: Combine a Belle Isle visit with Detroit’s Eastern Market or waterfront dining.
Entry Fee: Free, but some attractions may charge small fees ($5–$12).
6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located on Lake Superior’s southern shore, Pictured Rocks is famous for its colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and crystal-clear beaches. A paradise for hikers, photographers, and kayakers.
Hiking Trails – Chapel Loop Trail (3.6 miles) and Mosquito Falls Trail.
Kayak Tours – Paddle along cliffs with guided tours to see rock formations up close.
Boat Cruises – Several companies offer lake cruises to view the cliffs from water.
Waterfalls – Munising Falls and Sable Falls are accessible and photogenic.
Lodges in Munising or Grand Marais, from rustic cabins to lakeside inns.
Best Time to Visit: June–September for kayaking and hiking.
Entry Fee: Free, though some parking areas have small fees ($7–$10).
Hidden Gem: Visit early morning for calmer waters and fewer crowds.
7. Holland, Michigan
Holland is known for Dutch heritage, tulip gardens, and charming lakeside culture. A spring visit is especially beautiful.
Tulip Time Festival – Early May festival with parades, gardens, and traditional Dutch costumes.
Windmill Island Gardens – Home to authentic Dutch windmills and flower gardens.
Holland State Park – Sandy beaches with views of Lake Michigan.
Waterfront hotels like CityFlatsHotel Holland or cozy B&Bs near downtown.
Best Time to Visit: Late April–May for tulip bloom; summer for beaches.
Pro Tip: Bike along the city’s scenic trails for a full Holland experience.
8. Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale is an isolated island in Lake Superior, ideal for true wilderness adventures. It’s remote, rugged, and perfect for backpacking and wildlife spotting.
Hiking & Backpacking – Over 165 miles of trails through forests, lakes, and cliffs.
Kayaking & Boating – Explore the coastline with rented kayaks.
Wildlife Watching – Moose, wolves, and bald eagles can be spotted.
Campgrounds or lodge options on the island. Book months in advance.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to mid-September — ferries run only during these months.
Access: Ferries from Houghton, Copper Harbor, or Hancock.
Pro Tip: Bring all essentials — the island is remote, with limited stores.
9. Frankenmuth – “Michigan’s Little Bavaria”
Frankenmuth is a charming Bavarian-style town famous for its festivals, unique shops, and German-inspired food.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland – The world’s largest Christmas store.
River Place Shops – Shopping along scenic riverside streets.
Bavarian Architecture & Festivals – Oktoberfest and Bavarian-themed events.
Local Cuisine – Try the famous chicken dinners at Zehnder’s.
Bavarian-style hotels like Bavarian Inn Lodge.
Best Time to Visit: December for Christmas magic, or October for Oktoberfest.
Hidden Gem: Horse-drawn carriage rides along the Cass River.
10. Sleeping Bear & Leelanau Peninsula Wineries
Northern Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula is a top destination for wine lovers, with award-winning wineries and scenic lake views.
Wine Tasting Tours – Stop at wineries like Chateau Grand Traverse and Black Star Farms.
Scenic Drives – The peninsula offers stunning views of vineyards, orchards, and Lake Michigan.
Local Food Pairings – Many wineries offer farm-to-table dining experiences.
Bed & breakfasts, vineyard lodges, or cozy inns along the peninsula.
Best Time to Visit: August–October for harvest season.
Pro Tip: Plan a multi-day itinerary to fully explore wineries and lakeside towns.
11. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls is famous for its majestic waterfalls and surrounding forest trails. It’s one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
Upper Falls – 50-foot tall, 200-foot wide waterfall with stunning views.
Lower Falls – Series of smaller falls ideal for photography and picnics.
Hiking Trails – Over 20 miles of trails for all skill levels.
Wildlife Watching – Deer, beavers, and eagles are commonly spotted.
Lodges near Paradise, MI, including Tahquamenon Falls Lodge.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for hiking; winter for frozen falls photography.
Entry Fee: $10 per vehicle during peak season.
Hidden Gem: Sunset views from the observation deck of Upper Falls are breathtaking.
12. Sleeping Bear Dunes – Empire Beach & Glen Lake
While Sleeping Bear Dunes is already mentioned, the Empire Beach and Glen Lake area deserves special attention for family-friendly beaches and calm waters.
Swimming & Sandcastles – Safe, shallow areas perfect for kids.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Calm waters on Glen Lake.
Picnics & Trails – Nearby hiking trails provide scenic spots for meals and photos.
Waterfront cottages and family-friendly inns in Empire, MI.
Best Time to Visit: June–September for swimming and sunbathing.
Local Flavor: Don’t miss locally made ice cream and cherry pies.
13. Holland State Park
Holland State Park is a lakeside paradise with iconic views of Big Red Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. It’s great for beaches, sunsets, and outdoor fun.
Sunset Photography – Big Red Lighthouse is one of Michigan’s most photographed spots.
Swimming & Sand Play – Ideal for families and beachgoers.
Picnics & Hiking – Trails and picnic areas with lake views.
Holland has a mix of hotels and lakeside cottages; CityFlatsHotel is highly rated.
Best Time to Visit: Summer months for beaches; fall for fewer crowds.
Entry Fee: $10–$12 per vehicle for parking.
14. Detroit Riverwalk
The Detroit Riverwalk is a revitalized waterfront area offering a mix of urban culture, dining, and nature. Perfect for city visitors.
Scenic Walks & Biking – Stretching 5.5 miles along the Detroit River.
Outdoor Art & Sculptures – Public art installations along the path.
Restaurants & Cafes – Waterfront dining with city skyline views.
Events & Festivals – Seasonal events, including music and food festivals.
Downtown Detroit hotels: MGM Grand, Westin Book Cadillac, or boutique options.
Best Time to Visit: Spring to fall for outdoor events.
Hidden Gem: Evening strolls offer sunset reflections on the river with fewer crowds.
15. Upper Peninsula – Pictured Rocks & Munising
The Upper Peninsula (UP) offers some of Michigan’s most remote and breathtaking natural scenery, including Lake Superior shoreline, cliffs, and forests. Pictured Rocks is part of this, but the UP has much more to explore.
Waterfalls & Hiking – Munising area is full of scenic trails and waterfalls.
Kayaking & Boat Tours – Pictured Rocks from the water is unforgettable.
Camping & Wildlife – Upper Peninsula has excellent campgrounds and wildlife viewing.
Winter Sports – Snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter months.
Lodges, cabins, and B&Bs in Munising, Marquette, and Houghton.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for hiking and boating; winter for snow adventures.
Pro Tip: Allow 3–5 days to explore the Upper Peninsula fully — it’s vast and scenic.
Final Thoughts
Michigan offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, charming towns, and cultural experiences. From the towering dunes of Sleeping Bear to the historic streets of Mackinac Island, each destination has something unique. Plan according to the season, explore both urban and outdoor attractions, and immerse yourself in local food, art, and festivals — 2026 is the perfect year to discover the Great Lakes State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best time to visit Michigan?
Late spring to early fall (May–October) for warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities.
2. Do I need a car to travel around Michigan?
Yes, especially for Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids are more walkable.
3. Are the beaches in Michigan free?
Most state parks charge a small vehicle entry fee ($10–$20), but many public beaches are free.
4. Can I visit Mackinac Island in winter?
Winter access is limited; the best time to visit is June–September when ferries operate.
5. Where can I find official travel information?
Check the Pure Michigan website for updates on attractions, events, and accommodations.
