The Lower Peninsula provides all the advantages of cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. So you won’t want to leave the city experiences off your Michigan Bucket List.
Michigan is famous for its rich automotive history, making it essential to have a vehicle for exploring the state. One of the best ways to experience this is by taking a scenic drive. I’ve organized this ultimate bucket list adventure by region to help you make the most of your next road trip. You’ll find so much to do in Michigan that this bucket list only scratches the surface of the incredible experiences awaiting you during your visit.
Table of Contents
Get your Feet Wet in Each of the Four Great Lakes Surrounding Michigan
Michigan is the Great Lake State because four of the five Great Lakes surround the state—Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie. Michigan has the most freshwater coastline in the United States and is second only to Alaska in total miles of coastline. Add it to your bucket list to dip your toes in all four of Michigan’s Great Lakes.
Sample a Pasty
Many immigrants settled in Michigan to work in the copper mines of the Upper Peninsula. Cornish miners who immigrated to the United States from England brought pasties with them.
A pasty is a hand-held meat pie filled with beef, potatoes, onions, carrots, and rutabaga, all wrapped in a homemade crust and typically served with gravy or ketchup. Today, you can find a variety of types, including chicken, vegetable, and dessert pasties. One of the best places to try pasties is Amy J’s Pasty and Bake Shop in Hancock, where you should sample these in the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Another great spot closer to the Mackinac Bridge is Lehto’s Pasties in St. Ignace. While these pasties are tasty, they don’t have the traditional handle on the crust’s edge.
Go Birdwatching at Seney Wildlife Refuge
A forty-minute drive from Naubinway is Seney National Wildlife Refuge—a twelve-mile trip north of US 2—that offers the perfect way to reconnect with nature for a day. While camping isn’t permitted on these nearly 96,000 acres, you’ll discover many other ways to appreciate the environment through the diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife. Begin with the Marshland Wildlife Drive, where birders can spot trumpeter swans, common loons, bald eagles, osprey, and sandhill cranes.
The Pine Ridge Nature Trail is an excellent choice for walking while birdwatching. Birdwatchers should visit their website for a checklist of the many birds you might encounter.
Other ways to enjoy the refuge’s outdoor activities include cross-country ski trails through Northern Hardwoods, snowshoeing, and miles of unpaved roads for hiking and biking in the backcountry. Guided tours and exhibits offer educational experiences about the resident wildlife and their habitats.
Take a Raft Ride over Kitch-iti-kipi or the “Big Spring”
Michigan’s largest spring, Kitchi-Iti-Kipi, is one of those beautiful spots you’ll be sorry if you miss. This treasure is tucked away in Palms Book State Park, about eleven miles past Manistique off US 2. The clear pool is two hundred feet across and forty feet deep with a stunning emerald-green bottom. Over ten thousand gallons of crystal-clear water gushes from the spring every minute, and the water temperature is forty-five degrees year-round.
A self-propelled group raft allows a closer look at the trout at the bottom of the springs. The water is so clear that you might think you’re viewing the fish in a swimming pool.
Take a Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, located between Grand Marais and Munising, lies along the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is the first of four national shorelines managed by the National Park Service, where you’ll discover vibrant, multi-colored limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Groundwater seeps through cracks in the rocks, trickling down to create stunningly colored striations known as “pictures.” Various minerals contribute to the vivid hues of Pictured Rocks: iron generates red and orange shades, copper creates blue and green tones, manganese results in browns and blacks, and limonite produces white.
Due to my difficulty walking, I found the boat tour the best way to experience Pictured Rocks National Shoreline. It accommodates all activity levels. Cruises depart from the Munising, Michigan City Dock and offer two guided tour options: the more extended tour includes Spray Falls, lasts two hours and 15 minutes, and covers a roundtrip distance of 32 miles. You’ll see nature’s vibrant landmarks along the shoreline, including Lover’s Leap, Indian Head, Miners Castle, and Chapel Rock.
Piper’s Pro Planning: You can fly into Marquette (MQT), Escanaba (ESC), or Sault Saint Marie (CIU), with Marquette being the closest. Remember, there is also a Sault Ste. Marie in Ontario, Canada, so don’t confuse the two when booking your flight. Once you reach Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, you will need a car.
Hike Lake of the Clouds
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is not only Michigan’s largest state park but is also regarded by many as the most beautiful. Located in Ontonagon County at the western tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, early explorers thought the forested crests resembled porcupine quills, which led to the area being named the Porcupine Mountains.
The park offers numerous year-round outdoor activities. One of the park’s most popular activities is hiking, with over 90 miles of trails. You can also enjoy panoramic views from various overlooks, such as Lake of the Clouds and Summit Peak. One of my favorite times to visit is autumn, when you can experience a stunning fall color tour above the treetops.
Explore Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royal National Park is one of Michigan’s five national parks. If you’re planning a trip to Isle Royale National Park, the ideal time to do so is during your visit to the Keweenaw Peninsula. Because of the ferry schedule, planning for more than a day trip is wise. The average stay at the park is around four days, but you could get by with an overnight visit. Most people camp on the island, but you can rent a cabin or stay at Rock Harbor Lodge.
Once you arrive, check in at the visitor center for a complete schedule of ranger talks. The park rangers offer in-depth historical and cultural insights during their talks, which occur daily in July and August. With over 160 miles of hiking trails, there’s plenty to explore. Discovering the lighthouses, fishing, paddle sports, and scuba diving will enhance an active outdoor adventure.
Piper’s Pro Planning: While the trip to Isle Royale takes about six hours from Houghton, it only takes three and a half hours from Copper Harbor. If you take a plane, you’ll arrive in under an hour. If you opt for a day trip, you’ll only have about two hours on the island if you go by ferry.
Stay at the Grand Hotel, Michigan Bucket List Accommodations
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a four-star resort and National Historic Landmark on a cliff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. It was once a summer retreat for visitors taking lake steamers from Detroit, Chicago, and Montreal, and the railways also brought travelers from across the country.
The hotel, furnished with antiques and chandeliers, is truly grand. All 390 guest rooms are unique, wallpapered in various designs, and carpeted in multiple styles. The hotel’s red geranium logo is ubiquitous. It’s even woven into the carpeting in the parlor. The staff’s stellar service comes with a no-tipping policy.
A meal plan is usually included with your stay. The Grand Hotel has a dress code that requires dressing for dinner. Still, if that isn’t your thing, the modified American meal plan affords opportunities for dining in a more casual environment.
Enjoy relaxing in the white rocking chairs on the world’s longest front porch (660 feet) and gazing at the Straits of Mackinac with a spectacular bridge view. The fresh air and the view release the stress from life on the mainland. I felt I could spend all day rocking and enjoying the view of the magnificent bridge from the front porch.
Visit Fort Mackinac
If you decide to leave your rocking chair, you might want to discover Fort Mackinac to experience some of their authentic firearm demos. With reenactments and demonstrations, history comes alive in Fort Mackinac. The fort is a military compound with significant history from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. It contains fourteen restored buildings, including the oldest building in Michigan. Each building comes furnished with period settings and exhibits that highlight the building’s purpose. Other fun activities include horseback riding and exploring the island in a horse-drawn carriage.
Observe the Archaeological Dig at Colonial Michilimackinac
Colonial Michilimackinac, located in downtown Mackinaw City, is the site of one of North America’s most extended continuous archaeological digs. You can see archaeology in action daily.
Drive through the Tunnel Trees
Michigan 119 winds along Lake Michigan’s shoreline with hairpin twists and turns. This Scenic Heritage Route is among the nation’s narrowest highways with no centerline or shoulders. The hardwood trees grow at the road’s edge, their leafy canopies reaching the byway to create a tunnel-like experience.
We drove in our car, but it’s also recognized as one of the country’s top motorcycle routes. Biking is another way to travel through the Tunnel of Trees, where you’ll hear the waves as you ride. We noticed that the gentle peaks and valleys made it challenging for some bikers to keep pace with their groups.
While the driving distance is only 20.5 miles and takes about an hour, you’ll want to take some time to explore the stops along the way. Highway markers along the route provide information about the tunnel’s history.
Crooked Vine
Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard
Sip a Glass of Wine from the Petoskey Wine Region
The Petoskey Wine Region sits in the Tip of the Mitt American Viticultural Area (AVA), an area throughout Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Presque Isle counties in the northern Lower Peninsula.
The area encompasses 16 wineries situated in the greater Petoskey region.
Established in 2016, the Tip of the Mitt AVA is Michigan’s Wine Country’s newest federally recognized AVA. The AVA features a milder climate compared to the region to the south, with more growing days and a more extended frost-free season. The soil is lighter and sandier, allowing it to heat up more quickly in the spring. These conditions lead to higher-quality grapes, which need a longer growing season to ripen. To find a winery perfect to relax and enjoy a glass of wine, read Exploring Wineries in Petoskey, Michigan’s Wine Region.
Look for Petoskey Stones at Petoskey State Park
The Petoskey stone, Michigan’s state stone, is fossilized coral. Magnus Park and Petoskey State Park are places where the stones are plentiful.
With 1,000 feet of rocky shoreline, Magnus Park is the best place to find Michigan’s sought-after state stone. Petoskey State Park’s beach is sandier, but the stones are still easy to find.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Wet dry stones with a spray water bottle. You’ll be better able to spot these treasures when they are wet.
Read More:
7 Best Restaurants in Petoskey, Michigan, in 2024
Spend the Day on South Manitou Island
North and South Manitou Islands are part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, about 25 miles from Traverse City and approximately 15 miles from Glen Arbor. Northern Michigan’s South Manitou Island sits about 16 miles from the coast of Leland, Michigan, in Leelanau County.
You won’t find hotels, restaurants, or cars on this island. You’ll find hiking, camping, and nature. The Manitou Island Transit offers two different tractor-pulled wagon tours. The wagons have padded seats but are reminiscent of a hayride. The first tour includes the farm and schoolhouse; the other covers the cedars and shipwreck. We stopped along the way to get out and explore a bit. The guide provided historical information as we toured.
Pick Lavender at the Secret Garden at Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Following the curve in the path, down a hill, and around a bend sits a 12-acre parcel of land on Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery. The spot is too low to grow grapes. Even cherry trees didn’t do well in this area of the vineyard—a tucked-away place that people didn’t realize was there.
Lavender and grapes grow well together in Provence, so the Secret Garden started with 1,000 lavender plants and opened to the public in 2016. Today, the Secret Garden grows nine varieties of English lavender and a U-Cut flower garden. In addition, they grow sage, peppermint, and lemon balm in the herb garden.
The Wine Wagon Tour & Tasting is a two-hour experience that takes you via electric shuttle to five locations throughout the 155-acre estate winery. This excursion includes a stop at the Secret Garden.
Photo Credit: Traverse City Tourism
Photo Credit: Traverse City Tourism
Attend the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City
Traverse City, known as the Cherry Capital of the World, hosts the National Cherry Festival every year at the beginning of July. The festival celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage, cultural richness, and stunning natural beauty.
The cherry-picking season in Michigan starts in June and continues until mid-August, offering visitors plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh cherries. The area produces nearly half of the tart cherries in the United States and 83 percent of the state’s sweet cherries.
Read More:
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Star Gaze at Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Headlands International Dark Sky Park, a short drive from Mackinaw City, boasts a different group of dazzling stars on display each season. So even if you’ve been there, you’ll get a new show each time you visit. You might also get lucky and catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Visit the State Capitol
While Michigan’s Victorian-era capitol building is a government building, it could be mistaken for an art museum. With nine acres of hand-painted ceilings, columns, walls, and woodwork, artistic talents are at work in the structure. Take a close look at the marble columns and walnut woodwork. You likely won’t notice it’s painted pine and cast iron. The door hinges and doorknobs display the Michigan coat of arms, while the chandeliers include Michigan’s elk and shield.
When they selected architect Elijah E. Myers’s design in a national competition, it was the only one to meet the $1.2 million budget yet was fireproof and majestic enough to be Michigan’s state capitol. Hour-long guided tours leave from the Information Desk, or you can request the booklet and take a self-guided tour.
Read More:
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Ride a Roller Coaster at Michigan’s Adventure
An hour’s drive from Holland, you’ll find Michigan’s Adventure in Muskegon—it’s a great place to get some roller coaster thrills. This 250-acre amusement park is the largest in Michigan and has fifty-two rides—more than any other park in the state. In addition to roller coasters, Michigan’s Adventure offers many family rides for all ages. The water park portion, WildWater Adventure, is a great way to cool down on a hot day.
Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts
USA TODAY’s 2024 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named the Detroit Institute of Arts the best art museum in America for the second consecutive year. The collection of art showcases over 65,000 pieces in their permanent collection. Two of my favorite works of art here are the Van Gogh self-portrait and the Diego Rivera Detroit industry murals.
I found it helpful to take the one-hour guided tour that provides an overview of the museum. Then, I could focus on the areas I was most interested in.
Piper’s Pro Planning: If you use street parking, download the Park Detroit app to add time to your meter remotely.
Learn about History at the Henry Ford Museum
Located in Dearborn, part of metro Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum is filled with history. However, not all automobiles here are Ford’s; the museum’s car collection represents vehicles worldwide. Some must-see exhibits include President John F. Kennedy’s limousine where he was assassinated, the bus that Rosa Parks rode in, and the rocking chair that Abraham Lincoln was sitting in when he was killed.
Spend the Day at Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village is a two-hundred-acre site formed from a collection of about one hundred historic buildings that Henry Ford relocated from across the United States and reconstructed in Dearborn. At Greenfield Village, you can explore Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park Laboratory and the Wright Brothers’ Cycle Shop. You can also ride in a Model T, a Model AA bus, and various horse-drawn carriages, take the Weiser Railroad, and enjoy the Herschell-Spillman Carousel.
Visit Belle Isle Aquarium
The 982-acre island Belle Isle Park sits in the middle of the Detroit River and is one of Michigan’s state parks. I love how it combines urban attractions like aquariums and museums with outdoor activities, such as kayaking and paddle sports.
Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the nation. Its original, green-arched ceiling makes you feel like you’re under the sea.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Plan to explore the aquarium for about an hour.
Sing My Girl at the Motown Museum
Berry Gordy founded Motown Records in 1959. Housed in the original headquarters of Motown Records, the Motown Museum features the original Studio A, where countless Motown hits were recorded. One of the fun things to see was the worn floor in the control room, where producers tapped their feet to the upbeat music—wearing out the flooring. Artists like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder launched their careers in Hitsville, USA.
I particularly enjoyed the tour that included the recording studio, where we sang a chorus of My Girl while dancing to the music. While you can’t take video and audio recordings, take as many photos as you’d like.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Purchase tickets online before your visit.
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Explore Frederik Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park
This garden in the American Midwest has been recognized as one of the world’s top destinations for its botanical and sculptural experiences. It has received two significant honors: USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice named it the Top Sculpture Park in the United States, and The Art Newspaper, a global art publication, ranked it as the 89th most-visited museum in the world.
The outdoor sculpture park’s permanent collection features hundreds of sculptures by some of the most esteemed names in art, including Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, and Ai Weiwei. The indoor galleries host rotating exhibitions showcasing works by Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Donor, and George Segal.
Piper’s Pro Planning: The Lena Meijer Children’s Garden is part of this more extensive garden; even young children will enjoy it.
Visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Gerald R. Ford, Jr. became the 38th President of the United States. Although he was never elected as vice president, Congress appointed him after Spiro Agnew’s resignation. He was confirmed on December 6, 1973. As a result, he became the only President of the United States who was never elected, following Richard Nixon’s resignation on August 9, 1974. On January 20, 1977, Ford left office after losing the general election to Jimmy Carter.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum features a collection of historical artifacts that tell the story of Gerald R. Ford’s life.
Piper’s Pro Planning: The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is in Grand Rapids, while the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library is in Ann Arbor.
Throw Back a Cold One in Beer City, USA (Grand Rapids)
Michigan ranks fifth in the nation for craft beer. Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city, has such an intense craft beer scene that it has earned the nickname Beer City, USA. More than 50 Grand Rapids breweries call the Beer City Ale Trail home.
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So, add some of these places to your Ultimate Michigan Travel Bucket List.
Pin this to your favorite Bucket List Board!
While Piper is a lifelong Michigander, she’s had adventures worldwide. Bomb-sniffing dogs chased her in the middle of the night in Bogota (working late), gate agents refused her boarding to Paraguay (wrong visa), and US Marshals announced her seat number on a plane while looking for a murder suspect (she’d traded seats). It’s always an adventure! She even finds exciting activities in her home state of Michigan, where she lives in Lansing with her husband, Ross Dingman, her daughter, Alexis, and two granddaughters.
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