Things to do in Michigan

Michigan is one of the most popular states in the USA. The meaning of “Michigan” is ample water. You will be surprised to know that Michigan is a resource of the longest freshwater shoreline of the United States of America. There are many things to do in Michigan, such as dining, shopping, exploring new spots, and witnessing the extraordinary museums. Michigan is the perfect place for nature-savvy people.

Moreover, this state has the largest automobile hub in the USA. Along with the technologically advanced surrounding, Michigan is a culturally attached place. Be ready to know more about fun and adventure in Michigan. If you are interested to know how much does it cost to build a house in Michigan, we have shared a separate article on built house Michigan price. You’d love to explore it.

What is the funniest thing to do in Michigan?

Michigan has tons of attractions and places to explore. Once you enter the state, you will realize how diverse the site is. Michigan has two peninsulas, upper and lower, that enhance the beauty of the place. There are many funniest things to do, such as Fort Mackinac, where you witness the glory of the fort.

Also, the destinations like Tecumseh, Belle Isle Park, Frankenmuth, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park sweeten the magnificence of Michigan. More than the funniest, various things attract more than a million people every year. Activities like skating, skiing, boating, swimming, snowmobiling, and more, you can partake in every season.

What is the prettiest place in Michigan?

The state is an ideal location for greenie or nature enthusiast people. The places like Grand Portal Point, Miners Falls,  Arch Rock, Turnip Rock-Port Austin, Lake Michigan sunsets are the prettiest and most scenic places in Michigan.

A lustrous freshwater lake surrounds Michigan; it’s no surprise that Michigan is full of iconic sites. In every season, you will experience the diverse and unique side of the same places. There is no other place than the upper peninsula to witness frozen paradise and mountain hike. In short, there are plenty of sites and things to do on lake Michigan.

Things To Do in Michigan (Seasonal View)

Seasons in Michigan have indeed fallen in love with the state. There are four dearest seasons: winter, summer, fall, and spring. Each season offers an unforgettable, fun adventure and enhances the glory of Michigan. In winter, it records 64 inches of snow per year, and when the sun ascends above the horizon in the summer, it feels like a warm blanket.

Winter

If you want to experience the purest winter, there is no other place like Michigan. Tons of things to do in Michigan in winter, such as ice skating and playing with an ice ball, attract all age groups. Frozen waterfall, Ice Golfing, Fat Tire Biking, and swimming in the indoor resorts are more fun activities.

Autumn

It is the period between summer and winter when Michigan is in its boldest color of the year. Red and yellow falling leaves excite the travelers and the locals to roam in a dark forest and hike the mountainous places. Most people prefer going out on a trip with their family to witness a close view of nature.

Summer

Summer lasts for more than two months and is one of the hottest seasons in Michigan. Some summer fun activities are like Exploring Shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, Camping, one day on the island, and tons of water sports, making this summer season complete. June has recorded the hottest month in Michigan.

Fall

Autumn is interchangeably called a Fall in the USA, and it is the period when the summer season flips to winter. Although Michigan is the ideal place for all seasons, and however, in the fall, the lakeside sites are the best. Activities like boating, swimming, and other water sports are recommended.

1. Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is famous as a landmark of the Michigan State in the USA, located in Lake Huron. The island includes a historical fort, tons of dining and shopping places with several water activities. Mackinac Island is the perfect place to relax from the hectic daily routine.

On the island, you can visit places like Historic Downtown, Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Mackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Butterfly House & Insect World and explore the surrounding area with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.

Moreover, the island offers diverse and authentic cuisine. The chef of the isle delivers tasty food in several restaurants and bars with exotic service. Staying at Mackinac Island is also affordable alone or with family. The location has more than 1,600 rooms and resorts. So, don’t forget to add this place to your bucket list. Prices are affordable as the living cost Michigan is budget friendly.

2. The Detroit Institute of Art

The Detroit Institute of Art is one of the renowned art collections and lists under the top 10 in the USA. It includes more than 100 art galleries spread over 658,000 square feet. Many tourists and art enthusiasts visit the place to admire phenomenal works of art.

This art institute offers spaces for art from African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, Islamic, and Ancient art. Exploring outstanding and overwhelming pieces of art in the Detroit Institute is one of the outdoor activities in Michigan.

The place offers entry six days a week, and it stays closed on Monday. They provide free access to the nearby people; Otherwise, The Detroit Institute of Art charges about $14 for adults and $9 for seniors.

3. Detroit Zoo

The  Detroit Zoo is one of the major family attractions in Michigan, and this place was opened first for the public in 1883. Besides being under the top 10 zoos in the nation, more than 1 million people visit the site every year.

This zoo is home to more than 2,400 animals with 235 species. The animals like gorillas, camels, penguins, bears, and more are conserved well with their habitat. This outdoor activity in Michigan is perfect for all age groups people to explore the wild adventure in the zoo.

You can visit the zoo every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and don’t forget to take admission to the zoo for $18 for adults and discounts for teenagers, kids, and military personnel. Make sure to add the Detroit Zoo to your Michigan tour diary.

4. Fort Mackinac

Fort Mackinac is one of the famous places on Mackinac island out of the several. The Mackinac Fort was built in 1715 during the American revolutionary war, and later the fort served for the US army. However, currently, Fort Mackinac is not used in army and defense activities.

Today, Mackinac fort is one of the central and significant tourist attractions on the island and is renowned as the top museum in the state. The Fort Mackinac encompasses 14 units which is the live evidence of the rich heritage and history. The fort is well conserved, and you can explore in a horse-drawn carriage tour.

The prices are around $13.50 for adults, and the visiting hours may vary as per the months. Make sure to check it on the official website.

5. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The place is full of a natural oasis of flowers and eye-blowing beauty, along with brilliantly crafted sculptures.

This botanical garden is spread over 158 acres, and it includes more than 30 sculptures of renowned artists globally. They consistently offer a variety of things to its admirers, such as butterfly exhibitions from April to May.

The park is one of the most prominent attractions and the best thing to do in Michigan. Also, the eye shone beauty of nature helps you cherish the wonder of the world. The garden opens every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, but from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Charges may range from $4 to $14.50 as per the age group.

6. The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford is popularly known as the Henry Ford Museum, located in Michigan, USA. More than a museum, the place is a tribute to the work of automobile industrialist Henry Ford. The museum includes thousands of rare collections of cars and other automobile-related things.

Every placed object in the museum has tons of stories to tell you about their inventions and journey. This massive museum offers out and indoor exhibitions of historic automobile pieces. Travelers who visit Michigan never forget to explore the Henry Ford Museum. More than a million people travel to Henry Ford every year.

It is one of the best ways to know and explore Americans, their living and culture of the past. The timing for Monday is 9 am to 5 pm, and from Tuesday to Sunday, it is 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. General charges for adults are $24 and $22 for seniors.

7. Holland State Park

Holland State Park is one thing to do in lake Michigan and is spread over 142 acres. It is the most beautiful place to witness in Holland, Michigan. The largest side of the area is occupied with freshwater, which is the perfect place to have fun with water. You will notice the Big Red Lighthouse near the lake that enriches the site’s glimpse.

Holland State Park attracts more than 1.5 to 2 million visitors every year. Visitors often come here for camping as the charges are affordable. You can enjoy water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.

So to enjoy the lakeside view in Michigan, Holland State Park is the ideal place. It opens for the locals and travelers every day from 8 am to 10 pm.

8. Keweenaw Peninsula

Keweenaw Peninsula is part of Michigan’s upper peninsula and the most attractive lakeside location. It is the region for fun and several outdoor activities in Michigan and consists of lakes like Lac La Belle and Lake Fanny Hooe for the boat and other water sports. Moreover, Keweenaw Peninsula is the best activity to do in winter.

When the temperature falls in winter, activities like snowmobiling and ice skating excite a lot of enthusiasts. Besides, the place includes cool ghost towns and museums like Carnegie Museum and Copper Range Historical Museum.

It is the most reasonable place in Michigan to explore with family and friends. If you are visiting in the group, with $1, the adult can enter the region, and the youngsters under 12 can join for free. Come here to witness the magnificent beauty of nature.

9. Mount Bohemia

Mount Bohemia is the place to skate on ice with snowshoes, and it is the best adventurous activity to do in winter in Michigan. Mount Bohemia is near Lake Superior and the best ski resort in Michigan. Slops and slides are something that excites you? Wear your shoes and get ready for the thrilling experience in the winter.

During other seasons like summer, kayaking and hiking sports can support to continue your adventure. If you are making a plan to stay here for a day or two, then cabins, yurts, and a hostel are also available.

In short, Mount Bohemia is the place to experience Michigan and outdoor lakeside views differently and excitingly. Also, it is another place to explore the near Keweenaw Peninsula. Also, these lakeside places are enough to move to Michigan in the search of peace.

10. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore enriches the magnificent of Michigan. The lakeshore is extended over 42 miles with a Lake Superior with browny cliffs. The place is famous for hiking and camping on the shore of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

It offers an unmatchable experience, and picturesque views include wavy rock formations, natural sculptures, and dunes to a great extent. During spring and summer, make your way to canoe or go fishing.

Winter is the best period for exhilarating ice skating, snowmobiling, and other ice sports. The location is the best way to understand how Michigan can be diversely beautiful and unified. So, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is simply an excellent adventure for all age groups and the best things to do in Michigan in winter.

11. University of Michigan Museum of Art

University of Michigan Museum of Art is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The museum of art extended over 94,000 sq ft, and it has been one of the top universities in the country since 1909.

The museum offers more than 21,000 works of art on display around several corners of the world. They mainly appreciate Africa, Asia, Europe, and the best of America. Artists like Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet never fail to win millions of hearts.

The places like the University of Michigan Museum of Art are enough to justify the richness of Michigan in art and culture. If you are an art enthusiast who appreciates art and artists, there is no other place than the Michigan Museum of Art. To know more about universities and best business schools in Michigan, check out our relevant blog.

12. Warren Dunes State Park

Michigan is a state which is surrounded by freshwater lakes and a peninsula, and it is spread over 1,950 acres over the Lake Michigan shore. The place consists of long and most giant natural dunes that make the location highly attractive for the locals and travelers.

Earlier, it was under the private supervision of Edward K. Warren, later in 1930, it took over and was publically open. More than 1 million people enter the place to adventure hiking and long dunes on the shoreline.

The Warren Dunes State Park is home to famous dunes such as the 240-foot Tower Hill dune, Mount Fuller, Mount Edwards, and Pikes Peak. In Warren Dunes State Park, you can enjoy activities like sandboarding, camping, hiking, and more.

13. Michigan Science Center

Michigan science center is one of the prompt technology museums in Detroit, Michigan, and was established in 2011. The primary objective is to inspire people to admire, learn and acknowledge science and technology innovations in a fun and creative environment.

The museum or science center includes Chrysler IMAX Dome Theatre, DTE Energy Sparks Theater, and the Dassault Systèmes Planetarium. Michigan science center vigorously appreciates and displays young innovation in several topics, such as health, space, engineering, math, and other science topics.

The organization is based on non-profit laws that run on donations. There are many such organizations in Michigan. So don’t forget to witness and admire hands-on innovations in the Michigan science center.

14. Boyne Mountain Resort

Want to go on a ski trip? Boyne Mountain Resort is one of the best destinations to consider in Winter. It was founded in 1947, and currently, it is easily accessible from most public places in Michigan. If you are fond of slopes and slides, more than 60 downhills are popularly available for Skiing.

Besides Skiing, the resort offers plenty of activities such as golfing, ziplining, and waterpark. The Boyne Mountain Resort includes many hotels and other entertaining sites, such as Cozy hotel rooms, creekside condos, alpine-style chalets, private villas, and many outdoor dining.

Moreover, the resort has the largest indoor waterpark in the state, almost 19,500-square-foot. If you are looking for a family vacation site, Boyne Mountain Resort, you should definitely consider it.

15. Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle Park is one of the most visited places in Detroit, Michigan. This attractive state park was founded in 1845. To embrace natural beauty, Belle Isle Park is a perfect choice. This gem of Detroit almost covers 1000 acres of the land.

It is near the US and Canada border on the bank of the Detroit River. The park offers an incredible view of Detroit city and the shoreline of more than two lakes. On the island, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum,  Belle Isle Nature Center,  Belle Isle Aquarium, and more attract millions of people. Belle Isle Park is one of the best things to do on lake Michigan.

Moreover, Belle Isle Park offers the best summer sport water activities like boating and swimming. Explore the diverse beauty of Michigan with different perspectives by visiting Belle Isle Park.

Things to do in Michigan FAQs

Conclusion

Michigan is no less than paradise. And one of the most affordable states in the USA by every means. The region surrounded by crystal clear water and fantastic lakeside locations feels like heaven in Michigan.

We have discussed highly recommended spots, such as Mackinac Island, Keweenaw Peninsula, Mount Bohemia, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Belle Isle Park, and several museums.

Michigan is the perfect place to explore in any season, whether it is spring, winter, summer, or fall. You will discover every site in Michigan in a new and diverse way. If you plan to visit the USA, your tour is incomplete without Michigan.