12 Day Trips to Take in Michigan
From cruises on the Great Lakes to hikes through natural forests, Michigan is a Midwestern state with plenty of outlets for travelers. Most popular travel destinations are close to hiking trails through forests and parks, and the towns lining the lakes provide kayaking and fishing boat rentals.
When seeing a new Michigan city, you will always have something else to do later. Whether you want to go out for an active recreational excursion or spend a day in relaxation mode, if you are taking a day trip to Michigan, below is a master list of highlights.
Why Take a Michigan Day Trip?
The Great Lakes State has a lot to offer vacationers, from scenic hideaways to the historic centerpieces of its towns. Check out these reasons for taking a day trip to Michigan below:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear is on the western freshwater coastline of Lake Michigan. This park rests on about 35 miles, with impressive sand dunes and clear waters. Here you can go hiking through the wooded trails, take scenic pictures near the lake, participate in the local fishing culture or just go on a relaxing afternoon walk among the sand dunes.
Mackinac Island
You can reach the mysterious Mackinac Island by taking a ferry ride from the Mackinac Bridge. First, you will need to get to the upper peninsula of the state from the lower peninsula. You will leave your vehicle behind when you travel to the island, but you can rent a bike or board a horse-drawn carriage while exploring.
While you are there, check out Fort Mackinac, a relic from the American Revolution, and try some of the local fudge.
Pictured Rocks National Park
The Pictured Rocks on Michigan’s upper peninsula border Lake Superior. The sandstone cliffs and sand dunes make for a breathtaking sight. You will also find waterfalls and beaches on your travels along the trails here. Lake Superior is the largest body of freshwater in North America, making it the best possible place to start if you have never had a chance to gaze out on a freshwater lake before.
The Sports Scene
Michigan is a great place to go for sports fans of all kinds. One of the sports capitals is Detroit, home of the Lions and several other major sports teams, like the Pistons basketball players, Tigers baseball players and Red Wings hockey players. Hockey is big in Detroit, and so are ice skating rinks.
The University of Michigan is also a great place to visit for sports fans. The university football program is among the best in the sport’s history, and they also have excellent basketball and hockey programs.
The Culinary Experience
Michigan’s food culture is a lot of fun, with many surprising local favorites to delight the traveling foodie. From Mackinac Island’s colorful array of fudges to Detroit’s signature pizza, you will find another of the state’s popular twists on food in every major city and some of the smaller areas too. More quirky dishes of the Midwest to try in Michigan include the Coney Island hotdog, Traverse City’s tart cherries, Frankenmuth chicken and Cornish pasties.
Top 12 Day Trips in Michigan
Where can you go in Michigan for your best chance at taking part in recreation, sports or delicious food? Below are the top 12 best day trips to Michigan for spending a lazy weekend recovering from a busy week or spending your special day off. Consider an extended vacation to explore all of Michigan’s best places.
1. Ann Arbor, Michigan
The city of Ann Arbor is where you will find the University of Michigan, the proud home of the Wolverines and a highly rated public institution internationally. This university city is sought after by visitors for the amazing local food and culture. The nightlife here is the most active in the region. Ann Arbor also has several family-friendly museums and gardens, like the Hands-On Museum, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and the Nichols Arboretum.
If you are a football fan, the University of Michigan’s football stadium is among the best for college athletes in the nation. If you have a kid who enjoys sports or will be considering college soon, take this opportunity to inspire them with a visit to the university.
2. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City sits on the Leelanau Peninsula, which features lighthouses, wineries and art galleries. There are endless places to explore here. St. Joseph Street has science centers and toy shops for the kids, and you will have plenty of boutiques to shop at.
On the wine lists, you will find Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc and so many more. Past Grand Traverse Bay is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum. You can go hiking through Leelanau State Park’s trails to find a secluded beach in Cathead Bay. Climb the tower to view Lake Michigan from above. In the summer, go on shipwreck exhibitions, or head to Suttons Bay to visit The Happy Woman gift shop.
3. Marquette, Michigan
Marquette is a good starting point for the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, which takes you on a hike past Lake Superior and the harbor. You can also climb Sugarloaf Mountain for a view of the Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior on a high summit.
This city’s rich iron mining history has shaped a lively culture. If you are up for a drink, there are the Upper Peninsula microbreweries and the Delft Bistro, which used to be a theater house. The staff project movies onto the walls while you dine. Before you leave the area, stop at The Flying Moose general store, where you will find local organic produce, kombucha, homemade cupcakes and mugs crafted by a local potter.
Kids will enjoy The Children’s Museum, where they can learn about the fascinating mining history through models and activities. You can also take them to Wattson and Wattson Jewelers, where the collection includes many themed pieces that relate to Marquette’s culture.
4. Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is named for its position along the Grand River. It is known mostly for its involvement in the craft furniture industry. The city’s design itself is both artistic and unusual. If you are looking for a place to absorb some local culture, check out the Grand Rapids Public Museum. The museum houses a large, colorful carousel that was recently restored. Extend your stay and visit nearby Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, where you can attend a mock White House Dinner and observe a staged day at the Oval Office.
If you want to learn more about local art, head over to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, a botanic garden on expansive acreage. The sculpture park features a conservatory of tropical plants, so you will get to view Michigan’s natural beauty and art created by locals there. If you get hungry on your tour, stop at the Taste of the Gardens Cafe, which uses fresh, local produce. If you board the Grand Lady Riverboat for a short cruise and tour, you will get to dine while visiting landmarks along the coast.
5. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Sault Ste. Marie is the state’s oldest European settlement and contains several museums and historical displays. You can purchase a ticket to the Museum Ship Valley Camp, which used to be a freighter and still floats in the St. Mary’s River. It now houses movie displays and has a broken lifeboat from The Edmund Fitzgerald.
6. Frankenmuth, Michigan
On your explorations of the Great Lakes Bay region, stop near Lake Huron Bay to enjoy some of the less-visited travel locations. There are several cities here worth checking out. Frankenmuth makes a great stop on the water. Take a river tour, or go on a cruise with fine wine and chocolate tastings. You will also find horseback riding and carriage rides through the city.
Also in Frankenmuth, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland claims its title as the “world’s largest Christmas store.” Bronner’s is open all year and stocks all of the Christmas decor you will ever need. If you head to Midland, you can visit the Dow Gardens or the authentic Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House.
7. Bay City, Michigan
If you are in Bay City on Lake Huron during the summer, go on a narrated history tour when you cruise the Islander or visit the USS Edison. You can also go to the Antique Toy and Fire House Museum to learn about local history or walk in the city’s historic downtown on the coast, which makes a great walk for sightseeing.
For outdoor recreation, take a trip down the Saginaw River or visit the Bay City State Recreation Center for hiking, cycling, swimming, fishing and bird-watching. There are also many art galleries and studios, and you can get a view of the stars at the Delta College Planetarium and Learning Center.
8. Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix’s festivals and local concerts make this more than a worthwhile venture. Head down to Bridge Street or the marina park on Round Lake to see the action. You can also browse the many shops and boutiques, where you will find local fruits and preserves, themed clothes and yet more Michigan fudge.
Delve into the art culture at the North Seas Gallery, which features work by Dutch artists. Just outside of town, there is also the Bier Art Gallery for local artists. Visit the Harsha House Museum to learn more about the famous American author Ernest Hemingway, which stores some interesting documents. The author is known in the region for his short story “Up in Michigan.” For more of Hemingway, make a trip from Lake Charlevoix to Horton Bay, where the Horton Bay General Store stocks Hemingway memorabilia.
9. East Lansing, Michigan
East Lansing is the location of Michigan State University, where you can visit the Michigan State University Museum. The museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian and houses some dinosaur skeletons. If you want to see live animals, go to the MSU Bug House. You can also take astronomy lessons at MSU or go to Abrams Planetarium for a star viewing.
You can even take a lesson in agriculture. The university has a Dairy Complex, Food Processing Plant and Dairy Store where you can pick a treat from a collection of ice cream flavors. While you are learning about dairy, tour the creamery or buy some cheese made from the farm. You can also check out the campus barns and the cattle nursery. The Harrison Roadhouse or Beggar’s Banquet are both good places to stop for food and beer after you have completed your self-guided tour of campus.
10. Holland, Michigan
Holland rests right on the shores of Lake Michigan and is connected by fishing culture and a longtime Dutch heritage. The Tulip Time Festival in May is one example of the town’s Dutch traditions and inspirations, but even the architecture in the downtown area is distinctly European. To see more Dutch-American culture, tour the De Zwaan Windmill or the red Holland Harbor Lighthouse. Several local eateries and restaurants feature Dutch cuisines that are hard to find in other areas of the Midwest.
For some light recreation, visit the craft breweries and take a walk around the grounds. You can also go swimming, fishing and hiking in Holland, making it a good stop for active recreation if you have the time to spend.
11. Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo is a southern Michigan town and one of the best day trips in Michigan if you are looking for somewhere with an active music scene and a deep appreciation for the arts. Visit to explore the Kalamazoo Institute of Art or see some of the many galleries. For musical theatre enthusiasts, check out The Ballet Arts Ensemble and the Center State Theater. The Kalamazoo Beer Tour is also a popular attraction.
If you have kids, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Air Zoo Museum are good places to bring young ones who will enjoy looking at the flight simulators and vintage aircraft. You will also have plenty of opportunities for hiking the trails or riding your bike.
12. Midland, Michigan
Midland of the Tri-Cities region can be explored in a day but has more than enough to do for a full weekend. One popular attraction is the Whiting Forest canopy walk, where you can hike to the Dow Gardens. You can also go kayaking in Midland, where an interesting landmark is the Tridge, a bridge with three legs instead of four. You can also bike or skate on the trails.
If you are in Michigan for the art scene, visit the Midland Center for the Arts. Here you will find two museums, a theater and even a few studios. You can also tour the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio.
Stay in Michigan With Kampgrounds of America
Want to extend your day trip to have enough time to see everything of interest? Consider staying with KOA and choose an affordable camping option for your family while participating in any of these fun day trips to Michigan. Our Deluxe Cabins and RV Sites make excellent accommodations for enjoying all of Michigan’s recreational activities.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
