The Great Lakes State remains one of the leading traveling destinations for Americans and foreigners. The land of a thousand lakes might be small, but it offers a country’s worth of unique traveling spots and hidden gems. Because Michigan has all four seasons, you can find something new by visiting the same places in Michigan at different times of the year. From Ann Arbor to Grosse Point, discover the best places to visit in Michigan.
When Is the MostTime to Visit Michigan?
It depends on what you want your vacation to be. If you prefer winter sports or want to check out the small Michigan towns, it’s hard to be winter time. However, if you want to experience vibrant fairs and cultural events, spring and summer are the ideal times to visit Michigan.
Mackinac Island
Forget about bringing the cars because Mackinac Island encourages a more natural experience on foot. To help put you back in time, Mackinac Island offers horse carriage rides for a truly romantic experience if you are visiting with a partner.
Besides the horses, Mackinac Island features plenty of hiking trails as well as the well-preserved Fort Mackinac, a throwback to the American Revolutionary War.
Bay City
Bay City is the crown jewel of Saginaw Bay. As one of the oldest Michigan towns, Bay City maintains and celebrates many of its rich cultural buildings and memorials for tourists. Begin by strolling through Downtown to admire the incredibly preserved and restored historical buildings. Take a moment to admire the architecture that dates back to a much simpler time in the 19th century.
Experience the serene beauty of the Saginaw River up close by strolling down the iconic Riverwalk. Along Bay City’s Riverwalk are scenic parks that are picture-perfect and ready-made for picnics with the family. Visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum to see the USS Edison up close.
Ann Arbor
Prepare for the ultimate college town experience at Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan. There’s no place you want to be for the best in college football or basketball than at Ann Arbor to cheer on the Wolverines. Beyond elite college sports, the University of Michigan offers art galleries to celebrate international art from Asia, Italy, and other European countries.
Experience the local flavors of Ann Arbor by visiting the Kerrytown District. Here, you can check out local cafes and shops and catch independent and art films. If you like fishing, spending time at the Huron River is a must when visiting Ann Arbor. You can also rent a boat and go canoeing.
In downtown Ann Arbor, you will encounter a farmers market. The Ann Arbor farmers market is where you can buy local cheeses, soaps, and breads from the locals.
Detroit
No trip to Michigan would be complete without first visiting Detroit. A true cultural melting pot, Detroit has a long, rich history in culture, from Greekstown to Motown. Detroit is a true sports city, offering the Detroit Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings, and Lions for sports enthusiasts. Take the bridge over, and in a twenty-minute ride, you are in Windsor, Canada.
For nightlife, downtown Detroit is where the action is. The Detroit Music Hall hosts live jazz and blues performances. For those looking to socialize, there is no shortage of bars and local casinos around the Greekstown area to meet all your socializing and fine dining needs.