Michigan, meaning “large lake,” offers over 3,200 miles of shoreline and breathtaking wilderness. Explore this scenic Midwest state with its inland waterways, towering dunes, ancient forests, and vast lakes. Here are some of my favorite spots I’d love to share…
1. Holland State Park Beach
Located near the city of Holland, this protected Holland State Park spans around 140 acres and is filled with pristine natural beauty including wide lakes, lush forested areas, stunning dunes and a historic lighthouse.
Although its its the long wide, family-friendly sandy Holland State Park Beach which is my favorite part. Located on the shore of Lake Michigan, it’s a gorgeous spot with calm waters and fantastic opportunities for swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, playing volleyball or just simply relaxing.
When here, I highly recommend photographing the iconic and very striking Big Red Lighthouse, renting a kayak, jet-ski or paddleboard and exploring the waters, hiking the sand dunes and then watching a sublime sunset!
My favorite highlights…
- Visiting nearby Holland while staying which is a city with a fascinating Dutch heritage I loved the the unique windmills and the pretty gardens filled with tulips!
- Camping overnight at the Beach Campground which had stunning views of the lake.
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2. Mackinac Island and Arch Rock
This car-free resort island located in Lake Huron covers more than four square miles between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas.
It has an interesting past with a varied history that dates back thousands of years but today it’s a popular tourist resort covered with thick forests, interesting limestone formations, sandy beaches and 19th century historic architecture and picturesque harbors complete with gently bobbing boats.
Don’t miss the fascinating Fort Mackinac, the charming and historic Grand Hotel which is home to the world’s longest porch (and incredible coastal views) and exploring the excellent hiking trails.
One of the trails, the Arch Rock Trail lead me to my favorite natural sight on the island, Arch Rock. The natural limestone arch that reaches 146 feet above the ground and in my opinion it’s an absolute must see on the island and very photogenic!
My favorite highlights…
- Seeing fudge being made then sampling the incredible fudge in the shops located on the island. I highly recommend the delicious Maple Syrup fudge at Murdick’s Fudge Shop.
- Renting a bike at Ryba’s Bicycle Rental for just $9 a hour and then exploring the scenic looped bike trail which took me round the whole island seeing stunning lake and limestone rock views along the way!
- Dining on tasty gluten-free tacos at the cute Seabiscuit Cafe.
3. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Located in Grand Rapids, I love visiting this tranquil spot as it’s a beautiful and very well kept family-friendly public garden with interesting educational programmes and incredible art in the form of modern sculptures by renowned artists (including Henry Moore and August Rodin) which blend seamlessly into the landscape!
Covering 158 acres, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features a zen-like Japanese garden complete with an ornate teahouse, nature trails, shade gardens, a children’s garden, a 15,000-square-foot tropical conservatory, heirloom orchards and a farm garden (which grows vegetables and herbs), as well as the diverse collection contemporary sculptures and a calendar of cultural events.
My personal highlights…
- Seeing local musicians play at the Ayers Basement Systems Tuesday Evening Music Club which is a held on a large stage in the grounds during the summer months.
- Photographing my favorite sculpture “The American Horse” which is a huge 24-foot-tall bronze horse by acclaimed artist Nina Akamu.
4. Mount Bohemia
Mount Bohemia is a wild and rugged spot which during the winter offers some unique and challenging skiing for more experienced skiers and snowboarders – with serious backcountry terrain, two chairlifts and rustic lodging.
Located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, in the Upper Peninsula it’s a stunning beauty spot in both summer and winter but in winter the outdoor adventurists descend keen to tackle the deeply covered and ungroomed runs and very steep slopes.
During the winter months its a scenic paradise and is actually one of the snowiest spots in the Midwest. I also love visiting during the summer and exploring the scenic hiking trails, going kayaking and swimming in the nearby calm waters of Lac La Belle Lake and then staying overnight in a cute a yurt!
My favourite highlights…
- Relaxing in the Scandinavian-style outdoor sauna which is located here!
- Going zipling on the Mount Bohemia Zip Line Tour where I saw incredible birds-eye-views of Lac La Belle Lake as well as the thick forests.
5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the state’s Upper peninsula, this is a stunning protected gem in the form of an incredible lakeshore that runs for 42 miles and covers more than 73,000 acres. A haven for both nature lovers and outdoor adventurists, the uncrowded area is filled with colorful sandstone cliffs, huge sand dunes, shallow caves, rock arches, sandy beaches, forests, pretty waterfalls and even an Instagram-worthy lighthouse, Au Sable Light Station.
As well as being incredibly scenic I love that it has loads of activities on offer too including excellent hiking trails (which you can see the waterfalls on many of them), kayaking, boating, paddleboarding and camping.
During the winter it offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even ice climbing!
My personal highlights…
- Going scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Superior and seeing the wreck of the The Smith Moore an old steamer which sank in 1889 – which was an extraordinary sight!
- Seeing the gorgeous 60-foot Chapel Falls which I found at the end of the scenic Chapel Loop Trail.
- Going for a picnic and a swim on the sandy Sand Point Beach while gazing at the gorgeous views of Lake Superior.
6. Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes in the country and forms the entire western boundary of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and is bordered by a few other states, including Wisconsin, and Indiana.
As well as being huge (its 22,400 square miles and 923 feet deep), it’s also a stunning place with areas of exceptional beauty and plenty of recreational activities which draws families, nature lovers and outdoor adventurists. There’s lots to do here including sailing, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, camping and even scuba diving looking at ship wrecks.
Beautiful sandy beaches adorn its shoreline perfect for relaxing, swimming and boating and its home to around twenty small islands and national and state parks which surround the lake. There’s also no less than 102 lighthouses!
My favorite highlights…
- Hiking and camping overnight on the rugged South Manitou Island, I also loved the scenic lighthouse it has here.
- Exploring the towering sand dune at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
- Discovering some of the lake’s best spots when staying in Chicago which is located on the shores I loved Navy Pier the bustling, iconic, and scenic spot; Oak Street Beach which offers a serene, upscale urban oasis and the lively North Avenue Beach.
7. Yankee Springs State Park
A haven for outdoor lovers, this sprawling 5,200-acre park is in a protected state-managed area in Yankee Springs Township in Barry County.
It’s a popular place to vacation, and I love that it has a gorgeous rustic feel. There are 120 camping sites and two cabins located here. Come here to go hiking amongst stunning landscapes, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, swimming, and much more.
8. Pere Marquette Park
The beach in this area is surf-raked daily. This clean, white, sandy beach attracts tens of thousands of visitors yearly, and I’m also a huge fan!
The park offers many activities, including volleyball, a playground area, picnic tables, snack bars, and restaurants.
Whether you want to swim, work on your tan, or participate in a good game of beach volleyball, you’ll be able to do it at Pere Marquette Park. It is located at the northernmost end of Lake Michigan, which covers a 2.5-mile area owned by the city.
9. The Crisp Point Lighthouse
It is also 58 feet high and has suffered damage from erosion and various storms. To protect it as much as possible, the Crisp Point lighthouse now has 1,000 cubic yards of stone in front of it.
Today, the lighthouse is in excellent condition and is the site of numerous events that tourists and locals enjoy.
10. Historic Gaslight District Petoskey
Located on the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan, the Petoskey Gaslight District has been one of the state’s best shopping areas for more than 100 years. Included in the area are boutiques, galleries, and lots of shopping. If you love shopping or eating, this is the place to be.
Natural gas lighting lines the street just like it did long ago, adding to the district’s charm. You can even enjoy a beautiful view of Little Traverse Bay while you’re there.
There are also distilleries, bed-and-breakfast facilities, casinos, waterparks, and many opportunities for bird-watching and nature enthusiasts.
11. Silver Beach County Park
Like other types of parks, Silver Beach offers something for everyone. This includes swimming in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter, as well as picnic opportunities, sunbathe, kayak, paddleboard, play volleyball, and walk through one of several walkways.
There are grills for people who wish to barbecue, and both drinking fountains and concession stands are for those who need a snack or something cool to drink.
There is also an on-site pavilion you can rent for weddings, retirement parties, birthday parties, and numerous other special events.
12. Presque Isle Park
Consisting of more than 300 acres, this park is located in Marquette and offers beautiful scenic drives, untouched forests, sandstone cliffs, rocky outcrops, and a few secluded coves and pebble beaches.
If you love nature, this is the place for you because you can enjoy plants and animals that include more than 100 species of native plants, raccoons, Canada geese, and white-tailed deer.
You also have access to numerous foot trails if you’d like to be out in the open to enjoy the scenery, making this a versatile park.
13. Cut River Bridge State Roadside Park
Located along Highway 2 in Mackinac County, this park is found near the Cut River. It has a majestic bridge is 641 feet long and was made out of 888 short tons of structural steel. The bridge is indeed a wonder, but a nearby set of wooden stairs was built after the bridge was built.
While people do not usually use the staircase, it is still interesting because of its age and architecture. This is a great place to stop and visit while on the road and an even better location if you need a place to relax for a while.
14. The University of Michigan
Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan is located in Ann Arbor and now covers roughly 780 acres. It has nearly 600 significant buildings, more than 45,000 students, and almost 7,000 academic personnel.
Many famous people, including former U.S. President Gerald Ford and 26 living billionaires, attended the university.
The football team is known as the Wolverines and is a member of the Big 10 Conference. This is a beautiful university, and its buildings include many historically and architecturally unique facilities.
15. Ludington State Park
Located on 5,300 acres of land, this park is crossed by a stretch of the Big Sable River and is home to the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, which is 112 feet high and dates back to the 1870s.
You can swim on Lake Michigan or Hamlin Lake, go tubing on Big Sable River, and enjoy their hiking trails, cross-country skiing, biking, or even canoeing.
There are lighthouse tours and eateries to enjoy, so it’s easy to see why so many people spend the day at the park whenever they need to escape it all.
16. Porcupine Mountains State Park
Established in 1944, this park provides campgrounds, places to swim and go boating, hiking and backpacking trails, and even rustic cabins for overnight stays.
One of the park’s most significant areas is the Lake of the Clouds Overlook, which has some of the most stunning scenery you’ve ever seen.
In the 19th century, the area was famous for mining copper, and the entire park now covers more than 59,000 acres. It is located in Ontonagon and Gogebic counties and has an elevation of nearly 1,500 feet.
17. Copper Harbor Trails
If you love mountain biking, this is where you want to be. It’s also one of the few 5-star trails in the Midwest, and everyone who has ridden the trails has testified that they deserve every star. Yes, they are a bit rugged, but they aren’t just for more experienced riders.
Anyone can enjoy the Copper Harbor Trails, mainly because they are remote, out-of-the-way, scenic, and fun. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and everyone else as well!
18. Tahquamenon Falls
Not all beautiful waterfalls can be found with an Internet search, and the Yellow Dog River Falls is a perfect example. To get there, take County Road 510 West from Big Bay in Marquette County, then park by the small bridge you see.
Next, hike about a half-mile to see these gorgeous falls.
Not too far from the Yellow Dog River Falls are the Big Pup Creek Falls, which you can find simply by going a little farther on CR 510. Both waterfalls are nothing short of amazing.
19. Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale was once voted the least-visited national park, but that’s a shame because it has much to offer.
Although it’s remote and almost inaccessible during the winter, the park offers cottages to rent to go boating and, best of all, lots of animals to see, including wolves and moose.
You can go camping there, hike or backpack through one of their many trails, and even visit a few lighthouses. The park is astounding because its waters are perfect for all activities, and the coastline and forests are no less extraordinary.
20. Log Slide Overlook at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
This overlook is seven miles west of Grand Marais and has a 300-foot-high dune. Its stunning views include Lake Superior and the Grand Sable Banks and Dunes.
A trail extends west from the overlook to the Au Sable Light Station, and if you follow that trail along Lake Superior, it becomes almost level with the water.
Once you see the water, you can get off the trail and enjoy swimming or working on your tan at the beach area!
