Michigan, which means “giant lake,” provides over 3,200 miles of shoreline and breathtaking wilderness. Discover this scenic Midwest state with its inland waterways, towering dunes, historical forests, and huge lakes. Listed here are a few of my favourite spots I’d like to share…
1. Holland State Park Seashore
Situated close to the town of Holland, this protected Holland State Park spans round 140 acres and is stuffed with pristine pure magnificence together with large lakes, lush forested areas, beautiful dunes and a historic lighthouse.
Though its its the lengthy large, family-friendly sandy Holland State Park Seashore which is my favourite half. Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan, it’s a stunning spot with calm waters and implausible alternatives for swimming, boating, tenting, picnicking, taking part in volleyball or simply merely stress-free.
When right here, I extremely suggest photographing the long-lasting and really hanging Huge Purple Lighthouse, renting a kayak, jet-ski or paddleboard and exploring the waters, climbing the sand dunes after which watching a elegant sundown!
My favourite highlights…
- Visiting close by Holland whereas staying which is a metropolis with an enchanting Dutch heritage I liked the the distinctive windmills and the beautiful gardens stuffed with tulips!
- Tenting in a single day on the Seashore Campground which had beautiful views of the lake.
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2. Mackinac Island and Arch Rock
This car-free resort island situated in Lake Huron covers greater than 4 sq. miles between Michigan’s Higher and Decrease peninsulas.
It has an attention-grabbing previous with a diversified historical past that dates again hundreds of years however right this moment it’s a well-liked vacationer resort lined with thick forests, attention-grabbing limestone formations, sandy seashores and nineteenth century historic structure and picturesque harbors full with gently bobbing boats.
Don’t miss the fascinating Fort Mackinac, the charming and historic Grand Hotel which is dwelling to the world’s longest porch (and unimaginable coastal views) and exploring the superb climbing trails.
One of many trails, the Arch Rock Path lead me to my favourite pure sight on the island, Arch Rock. The pure limestone arch that reaches 146 toes above the bottom and in my view it’s an absolute should see on the island and really photogenic!
My favourite highlights…
- Seeing fudge being made then sampling the unimaginable fudge within the retailers situated on the island. I extremely suggest the scrumptious Maple Syrup fudge at Murdick’s Fudge Store.
- Renting a motorbike at Ryba’s Bicycle Rental for simply $9 a hour after which exploring the scenic looped bike path which took me spherical the entire island seeing beautiful lake and limestone rock views alongside the best way!
- Eating on tasty gluten-free tacos on the cute Seabiscuit Cafe.
3. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Situated in Grand Rapids, I like visiting this tranquil spot because it’s a wonderful and really effectively stored family-friendly public backyard with attention-grabbing instructional programmes and unimaginable artwork within the type of fashionable sculptures by famend artists (together with Henry Moore and August Rodin) which mix seamlessly into the panorama!
Masking 158 acres, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park incorporates a zen-like Japanese backyard full with an ornate teahouse, nature trails, shade gardens, a kids’s backyard, a 15,000-square-foot tropical conservatory, heirloom orchards and a farm backyard (which grows greens and herbs), in addition to the varied assortment up to date sculptures and a calendar of cultural occasions.
My private highlights…
- Seeing native musicians play on the Ayers Basement Programs Tuesday Night Music Membership which is a held on a big stage within the grounds through the summer time months.
- Photographing my favourite sculpture “The American Horse” which is a large 24-foot-tall bronze horse by acclaimed artist Nina Akamu.
4. Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia is a wild and rugged spot which through the winter provides some distinctive and difficult snowboarding for extra skilled skiers and snowboarders – with severe backcountry terrain, two chairlifts and rustic lodging.
Situated within the Keweenaw Peninsula, within the Higher Peninsula it’s a surprising magnificence spot in each summer time and winter however in winter the outside adventurists descend eager to sort out the deeply lined and ungroomed runs and really steep slopes.
Throughout the winter months its a scenic paradise and is definitely one of many snowiest spots within the Midwest. I additionally love visiting through the summer time and exploring the scenic climbing trails, going kayaking and swimming within the close by calm waters of Lac La Belle Lake after which staying in a single day in a cute a yurt!
My favorite highlights…
- Stress-free within the Scandinavian-style outside sauna which is situated right here!
- Going zipling on the Mount Bohemia Zip Line Tour the place I noticed unimaginable birds-eye-views of Lac La Belle Lake in addition to the thick forests.
5. Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
Situated on the shore of Lake Michigan within the state’s Higher peninsula, this can be a beautiful protected gem within the type of an unimaginable lakeshore that runs for 42 miles and covers greater than 73,000 acres. A haven for each nature lovers and outside adventurists, the uncrowded space is stuffed with colourful sandstone cliffs, big sand dunes, shallow caves, rock arches, sandy seashores, forests, fairly waterfalls and even an Instagram-worthy lighthouse, Au Sable Gentle Station.
In addition to being extremely scenic I like that it has a great deal of actions on supply too together with wonderful climbing trails (which you’ll see the waterfalls on a lot of them), kayaking, boating, paddleboarding and tenting.
Throughout the winter it provides cross-country snowboarding, snowmobiling, and even mountain climbing!
My private highlights…
- Going scuba diving within the clear waters of Lake Superior and seeing the wreck of the The Smith Moore an previous steamer which sank in 1889 – which was a unprecedented sight!
- Seeing the attractive 60-foot Chapel Falls which I discovered on the finish of the scenic Chapel Loop Path.
- Going for a picnic and a swim on the sandy Sand Level Seashore whereas gazing on the attractive views of Lake Superior.
6. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is likely one of the 5 Nice Lakes in the US and the second-largest by quantity. The lake will not be solely an imposing website; a couple of different states, together with Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana, additionally share it.
There are seashores and numerous small islands, to not point out ferries, parks, and even lighthouses.
Should you love the water, I personally suppose Lake Michigan is the place to be! You can too sometimes view ice volcanoes, which aren’t that unusual on the finish of the winter season.
7. Yankee Springs State Park
A haven for outside lovers, this sprawling 5,200-acre park is in a protected state-managed space in Yankee Springs Township in Barry County.
It’s a well-liked place to trip, and I like that it has a stunning rustic really feel. There are 120 tenting websites and two cabins situated right here. Come right here to go climbing amongst beautiful landscapes, mountain biking, cross-country snowboarding, swimming, and rather more.
8. Pere Marquette Park
The seashore on this space is surf-raked day by day. This clear, white, sandy seashore attracts tens of hundreds of tourists yearly, and I’m additionally an enormous fan!
The park provides many actions, together with volleyball, a playground space, picnic tables, snack bars, and eating places.
Whether or not you wish to swim, work in your tan, or take part in a superb sport of seashore volleyball, you’ll be capable to do it at Pere Marquette Park. It’s situated on the northernmost finish of Lake Michigan, which covers a 2.5-mile space owned by the town.
9. The Crisp Level Lighthouse
Additionally it is 58 toes excessive and has suffered harm from erosion and numerous storms. To guard it as a lot as doable, the Crisp Level lighthouse now has 1,000 cubic yards of stone in entrance of it.
At the moment, the lighthouse is in wonderful situation and is the positioning of quite a few occasions that vacationers and locals take pleasure in.
10. Historic Gaslight District Petoskey
Situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan, the Petoskey Gaslight District has been one of many state’s greatest procuring areas for greater than 100 years. Included within the space are boutiques, galleries, and many procuring. Should you love procuring or consuming, that is the place to be.
Pure gasoline lighting traces the road identical to it did way back, including to the district’s attraction. You may even take pleasure in a wonderful view of Little Traverse Bay whilst you’re there.
There are additionally distilleries, bed-and-breakfast services, casinos, waterparks, and lots of alternatives for bird-watching and nature lovers.
11. Silver Seashore County Park
Like different varieties of parks, Silver Seashore provides one thing for everybody. This consists of swimming in the summertime and cross-country snowboarding within the winter, in addition to picnic alternatives, sunbathe, kayak, paddleboard, play volleyball, and stroll by one in all a number of walkways.
There are grills for individuals who want to barbecue, and each consuming fountains and concession stands are for individuals who want a snack or one thing cool to drink.
There’s additionally an on-site pavilion you possibly can hire for weddings, retirement events, birthday events, and quite a few different particular occasions.
12. Presque Isle Park
Consisting of greater than 300 acres, this park is situated in Marquette and provides lovely scenic drives, untouched forests, sandstone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and some secluded coves and pebble seashores.
Should you love nature, that is the place for you as a result of you possibly can take pleasure in crops and animals that embody greater than 100 species of native crops, raccoons, Canada geese, and white-tailed deer.
You even have entry to quite a few foot trails in the event you’d prefer to be out within the open to benefit from the surroundings, making this a flexible park.
13. Lower River Bridge State Roadside Park
Situated alongside Freeway 2 in Mackinac County, this park is discovered close to the Lower River. It has an imposing bridge is 641 toes lengthy and was made out of 888 quick tons of structural metal. The bridge is certainly a marvel, however a close-by set of wood stairs was constructed after the bridge was constructed.
Whereas folks don’t often use the staircase, it’s nonetheless attention-grabbing due to its age and structure. This can be a good spot to cease and go to whereas on the highway and an excellent higher location in the event you want a spot to loosen up for some time.
14. The College of Michigan
Based in 1817, the College of Michigan is situated in Ann Arbor and now covers roughly 780 acres. It has almost 600 vital buildings, greater than 45,000 college students, and virtually 7,000 educational personnel.
Many well-known folks, together with former U.S. President Gerald Ford and 26 dwelling billionaires, attended the college.
The soccer staff is called the Wolverines and is a member of the Huge 10 Convention. This can be a lovely college, and its buildings embody many traditionally and architecturally distinctive services.
15. Ludington State Park
Situated on 5,300 acres of land, this park is crossed by a stretch of the Huge Sable River and is dwelling to the Huge Sable Level Lighthouse, which is 112 toes excessive and dates again to the 1870s.
You may swim on Lake Michigan or Hamlin Lake, go tubing on Huge Sable River, and revel in their climbing trails, cross-country snowboarding, biking, and even canoeing.
There are lighthouse excursions and eateries to take pleasure in, so it’s straightforward to see why so many individuals spend the day on the park at any time when they should escape all of it.
16. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Established in 1944, this park supplies campgrounds, locations to swim and go boating, climbing and backpacking trails, and even rustic cabins for in a single day stays.
One of many park’s most vital areas is the Lake of the Clouds Overlook, which has among the most beautiful surroundings you’ve ever seen.
Within the nineteenth century, the world was well-known for mining copper, and your entire park now covers greater than 59,000 acres. It’s situated in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties and has an elevation of almost 1,500 toes.
17. Copper Harbor Trails
Should you love mountain biking, that is the place you wish to be. It’s additionally one of many few 5-star trails within the Midwest, and everybody who has ridden the paths has testified that they deserve each star. Sure, they’re a bit rugged, however they aren’t only for extra skilled riders.
Anybody can benefit from the Copper Harbor Trails, primarily as a result of they’re distant, out-of-the-way, scenic, and enjoyable. Good for outside lovers and everybody else as effectively!
18. Tahquamenon Falls
Not all lovely waterfalls may be discovered with an Web search, and the Yellow Canine River Falls is an ideal instance. To get there, take County Highway 510 West from Huge Bay in Marquette County, then park by the small bridge you see.
Subsequent, hike a few half-mile to see these attractive falls.
Not too removed from the Yellow Canine River Falls are the Huge Pup Creek Falls, which you will discover just by going just a little farther on CR 510. Each waterfalls are nothing wanting superb.
19. Isle Royale Nationwide Park
Isle Royale was as soon as voted the least-visited nationwide park, however that’s a disgrace as a result of it has a lot to supply.
Though it’s distant and virtually inaccessible through the winter, the park provides cottages to hire to go boating and, better of all, a number of animals to see, together with wolves and moose.
You may go tenting there, hike or backpack by one in all their many trails, and even go to a couple of lighthouses. The park is astounding as a result of its waters are good for all actions, and the shoreline and forests are not any much less extraordinary.
20. Log Slide Overlook at Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore
This overlook is seven miles west of Grand Marais and has a 300-foot-high dune. Its beautiful views embody Lake Superior and the Grand Sable Banks and Dunes.
A path extends west from the overlook to the Au Sable Gentle Station, and in the event you comply with that path alongside Lake Superior, it turns into virtually stage with the water.
When you see the water, you may get off the path and revel in swimming or working in your tan on the seashore space!
