Things to do & places to visit in Michigan, United States

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.

Michigan #22 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.53 based on 207.5k traveler reviews, of 3.187 attractions. Timezone: America/Detroit, current date and time: Saturday, December 09, 2023, 0:18.

Top things to do (34)

Top destinations in Michigan 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Henry Ford (4.614 reviews)
- Schedule a minimum of Two Days
Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

“One of the world’s coolest museums” — The New York Times The Henry Ford is Michigan’s premier multivenue cultural destination with three must-see attractions: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. At The Henry Ford, you'll experience the history of America — its inventions, people, culture and can-do spirit — and hundreds of interactive ways to explore it, enjoy it and be inspired by it. Park at The Henry Ford’s Welcome Center to visit and buy tickets for all three venues for three hours or three days of experiences. Or purchase a membership for a full year of FREE unlimited visits to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, plus discounts, special events and more. We are conveniently located in Dearborn, Michigan, which is just outside of Detroit. The Henry Ford is a proud participating museum with Museums For All. See more..
5.0 Saugatuck Dune Rides (3.049 reviews)
- Fun, unique experience!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Off-Road & ATV Trails

We had a lot of fun on this ride! Our guide/driver was very knowledgeable and very entertaining! Even though it was a foggy morning, he made the experience memorable and enjoyable! Due to the high demand, booking this experience required some research and patience! They only open ticket sales one week in advance to the day. I highly recommend going on their website right at 10 am one week prior to you wanting to do it and booking it right away. It fills up fast! We went on the 10 am ride and it was a bit chilly, so bring a jacket. Also, make sure your hat and sunglasses are secure. See more..
5.0 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (3.021 reviews)
- A must see/experience attraction in Grand Rapids
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens

View modern sculpture in a stunning garden setting at this combination botanical garden and sculpture park, which features exotic plants, desert and Victorian gardens, wetlands, meadows, and sculptures by famous artists throughout. See more..
5.0 Detroit Institute of Arts (2.974 reviews)
- Finest Art Museum in the World
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Considered to house one of the best art collections in the United States, the museum showcases everything from mummies to modern art and African masks to Monets in its outstanding collection of over 65,000 works. Don't miss the Center for African American Art, a gallery in the DIA that showcases 400 pieces, in various media, by African American artists. See more..
5.0 Greenfield Village (2.558 reviews)
- History at its best!
Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Walking Areas • History Museums

Greenfield Village features over 80 acres and 7 historic districts for you to explore near Detroit, in Dearborn, Michigan. There are many activities for your whole family to enjoy, while learning about and experiencing American history. See working farms, take a ride on a steam locomotive, explore Thomas Edison's lab, tour Henry Ford's birthplace and more! Greenfield Village was envisioned by Henry Ford himself, to show how innovative objects were made and used, and it still features craftsmen that use traditional craft techniques. There are also holiday events at Greenfield Village that are full of family fun, these include Holiday Nights, Salute to America and Halloween at Greenfield Village. Contact us today for more information! See more..
5.0 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (2.173 reviews)
- Beautiful scenery by land or water; big sandy beaches
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Bodies of Water • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Park located on the shoreline of Lake Superior encompassing cliffs, dunes, waterfalls and lakes. See more..
5.0 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (1.912 reviews)
- Top tier people watching
Historic Walking Areas • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails. See more..
5.0 Bavarian Belle Riverboat (1.894 reviews)
- A Great Dog Friendly activity for the whole family
Boat Tours

We took Jasper the Adventure Dog with us for a ride on the Bavarian Belle. This was a wonderful trip. Jasper enjoyed watching the ducks, the river, and the wildlife along the river bank. Evy sold us our tickets. She loved Jasper and went out of her way to help us, even selling us our tickets before she was fully set up. She was great. The Bavarian Belle is a dog friendly operation. We sat outside up front. The crew warned us before they sounded the whistle and we stepped inside for a minute and covered Jasper's ears. Pictures form this trip will end up on one of Jasper's children's books sometime in the near future. It was fun. See more..
5.0 Mackinac Bridge (1.391 reviews)
- State of engineering art.
Bridges

Linking Michigan's two peninsulas, this mighty bridge has a total length of five miles. See more..
5.0 Presque Isle Park (994 reviews)
- Rock jumping
State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Finished out a day of mtn biking with a few jumps into Lake Superior. Easy to do, not too high, and water was about 68 degrees so very pleasant. Parking can be tight and the area is closed to newly entering cars on Weds from 6 pm to 8 pm. See more..
5.0 Ludington State Park (975 reviews)
- Highly Recommend!
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM State Parks • Parks

The state park is the reason we choose Ludington for our vacations. We spent several days at the beach, but we walked about 1/2 mile north of the beach house to get a private, secluded alcove for ourselves. The view of the lake is magnificent. With the lake level rising, the amount of shoreline/beach space is rapidly decreasing. What used to be 50 feet of sand in alcoves is now 10 feet, so we had to walk a ways down to get comfy but it was worth it. On windy days, we walked many of the forest/island and skyline dune trails, including the inland trail to the lighthouse. We were amazed at the beauty and diversity of the nature included in the park. Everything was serene and private. Prices and food at the beach house were very reasonable. Entire facility was kept clean. Very friendly atmosphere. (last visit was July 2020 but we've gone here for many years.) See more..
5.0 Miners Castle Rock (880 reviews)
- Easy! Breezy! Beautiful!
Geologic Formations

Easy drive, Easy parking and short distant, beautiful scenery. At this point, we already have been visiting U.P for 5 days, after the days before worth of walking around I was not ready for a hike and thankfully so I was blessed with easy access to view the miner's castle rock, really enjoyed how peaceful it was, finding parking was fairly easy... I would recommend going early in the day to beat the traffic flow for these types of attractions.! Can't wait to see it again!! See more..
5.0 Decode Ann Arbor (815 reviews)
- Best escape room we have done to date.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Scavenger Hunts

Discover adventures for teams large and small! Our award-winning escape rooms at Decode Ann Arbor take you around the globe and to destinations beyond your wildest imagination. Bring you friends and family and join in the fun! See more..
4.5 Bronner's Christmas Wonderland (3.331 reviews)
- A must visit!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

**January - May 2023 store hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm. Sun 12-5:30pm. June 2022 store hours: Mon thru Thurs 9am-5:30pm. Fri & Sat 9am-7pm. Sun 12-5:30pm. July - Sept 2022 store hours: Mon thru Thurs 9am-7pm. Fri 9am-8pm. Sat 9am-9pm. Sun 12-5:30pm. Oct - Dec 2022 store hours: Mon thru Thurs 9am-7pm. Fri 9am-8pm. Sat 9am-9pm. Sun 12-6:00pm.** Bronner's is a shopper's dream for Christmas lovers of all ages with 1.5 football fields of ornaments, lights, collectibles, trees, nativities etc. Store and Silent Night Chapel open year-round. No admission fee. Christmas Lane lights shine nightly. The world's largest Christmas store is a photographer's delight. Snack area available for light refreshments. Wheelchairs and strollers available. Service animals welcome (sorry, no other pets due to health department regulations). Free Wi-Fi. CLOSED Jan. 1st, Easter, US Thanksgiving & Christmas. Bronner's closes at 4 pm Dec 24 & 31 and 12-3 pm Good Friday. See more..
4.5 Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry (3.028 reviews)
- Great Service at an excellent price.
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Ferries

Shepler's offers 5 different Lighthouse Cruises through the Straits of Mackinac and Great lakes, each narrated by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association. A portion of the proceeds from each cruise go to help with upkeep and restoration of these "Guardians of the Great Lakes". Complete cruise schedule and tickets available at sheplersferry.com. See more..
4.5 Arch Rock (2.789 reviews)
- Best natural feature on the island
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Geologic Formations

Arch Rock is one of the geological highlights of Mackinac Island State Park. It is a natural rock soaring 149 feet above the Straits of Mackinac that appears to be suspended in midair. See more..
4.5 Comerica Park (2.707 reviews)
- Fabulous Place to See a Game!
Arenas & Stadiums

Home of the Detroit Tigers, this is no ordinary ballpark. Combination theme park, ballpark, and baseball museum, it features huge statues of tigers, a Ferris wheel, carousel (with tigers, of course) and a fountain that celebrates each home run with colored lights and music. See more..
4.5 Motown Museum (2.109 reviews)
- A Must See For Any Music Fan
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

This old Detroit home belies the greatness that was born here: the Motown Sound. But one step inside Hitsville, USA, the original house where Berry Gordy lived and recorded the Motown hits, and you'll catch the beat and spirit of this booming music era. Photos, costumes, artwork, music and other memorabilia take you back to simpler times. See more..
4.5 Fort Mackinac (2.107 reviews)
- Interesting history for the Fort!
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 4, 2023 Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites

Iconic. The cannon blasts, the rifles fire, the soldiers march and history comes alive. The oldest building in Michigan and 13 other historical structures boast exhibits explaining everything from military training and battles to medical treatments to family life within the fort. More than just a military outpost, Fort Mackinac served as a home for soldiers and their families and eventually the headquarters for Mackinac National Park, where tourists to the island visited the great fortress on the bluff, much like they do today. This is Mackinac. See more..
4.5 Mackinac Island State Park (1.979 reviews)
- The bikes make this such a unique place.
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks

Michigan's first state park. This is Mackinac Island State Park, a landscape characterized by high limestone bluffs, beautiful vistas of sparkling water, vibrant forests, and mystical geological formations. With automobiles banned since 1898, here exists a quieter way of life away from interstate noise of cities. Over 80 percent of Mackinac Island is within Mackinac Island State Park—free of charge and open year round—where you’ll discover the true natural gems of Mackinac. Whether visiting this island parkland by foot, bike, horseback, or carriage, these many majestic geological wonders and unique historical monuments are visual treasures found only here—on the island sacred to the Ojibwa and Odawa Great Lakes Indian tribes. According to them, this is where life began. You’re invited to discover why. This is Mackinac. See more..
4.5 Tahquamenon Falls State Park (1.743 reviews)
- Best falls in the U.P.
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks • Waterfalls

Located in the upper peninsula area of Michigan with wonderful wildlife and waterfalls. See more..
4.5 Soo Locks (1.701 reviews)
- Well worth an hour stop
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We saw a sign that sent us to this place while we travelled around the great lakes. This controlled access park is free admission and the lock viewing deck is good. The Historic Shipwrecks building is super informative and free to walk through ($1 donation appreciated). The washrooms are clean. Along with a visit to the shops and pubs in the area and a person could spend a whole day here! See more..
4.5 Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry (1.679 reviews)
- Fast, efficient, and got us there and back.
Saturday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ferries

I'd recommend parking in Lot 1 (Mackinaw City) so you avoid the lack of shuttles to get you to other lots upon your return to the city from the island. You might consider going up to St. Ignace to cross as it's closer to the island and may be cheaper (don't quote me on that part). However, we had very little to complain about. See more..
4.5 Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company (1.543 reviews)
- Great ferry service to and from the Island
Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ferries

Mackinac Island Ferry offers the best ferry prices in town! Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Straits of Mackinac, the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island Lighthouse, Mackinac Island & the shoreline of Michigan's great peninsulas aboard a classic ferry. A 30-minute cruise from St. Ignace or a 40-minute cruise from Mackinaw City is just the right amount of time to enjoy panoramic views from covered, wide-open decks. Travel comfortably aboard the only ferries with on-board restrooms, handicapped-friendly indoor seating & the largest USCG certified passenger capacities. All guests receive complimentary day & overnight parking, luggage handling & hotel/campground shuttle service. Additional parking services, directions, departure times, & staying overnight tips are listed on our website. Your next adventure begins on Mackinac Island Ferry, Mackinac Island's most historic ferry line, transporting visitors, explorers & adventurers since 1878. See more..
4.5 Detroit RiverFront (1.468 reviews)
- A Great Way to Experience Detroit!
Piers & Boardwalks

After years of hearing how dirty and dangerous Detroit was, I was a little apprehensive about visiting, but knew that I wanted to experience the Motor City. I was completely surprised at how clean and safe the River Walk area and the downtown in general was. Detroit is a great city that is experiencing a renaissance (GM Renaissance Building pun not included) and I thoroughly enjoyed our time there. The Riverwalk is about 3 miles long and there is a nice, easy access parking lot at the corner of Rivard and Atwater Streets. The views of the Detroit River and Windsor, Canada are incredible. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area. See more..
4.5 Holland State Park Beach (1.386 reviews)
- Fun Day at the Beach
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Beaches

If you're planning to spend a few hours to the whole day at the beach, it's worth every penny of the entrance fee ($10 when we visited). The beach is big, clean and friendly. There was plenty of space to sun, get wet, walk out to the end of the breakwater and change back into dry clothes at the end. If you're just going to check it out, but not stay long, park outside of the entrance and walk in on the trail that follows the channel from the lake. See more..
4.5 Detroit Zoo (1.346 reviews)
- We love this zoo!
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

The Detroit Zoo has 125 acres of naturalistic habitats for more than 2,000 animals from anteaters to zebras and features award-winning attractions such as the National Amphibian Conservation Center, Great Apes of Harambee and Arctic Ring of Life. The Zoo’s newest attraction is the spectacular Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest facility for penguins in the world. See more..
4.5 S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry (1.129 reviews)
- Amazing experience on a steam ship!
Saturday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Historic Sites • Ferries

The S.S. Badger is the largest car ferry to ever sail Lake Michigan and has provided a safe, fun, and reliable shortcut across the inland sea for 67 years. The ferry takes passengers, autos, RVs, tour buses, motorcycles, bicycles, and commercial trucks across Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin from mid-May through mid-October. See more..
4.5 Gerald R. Ford Museum (1.127 reviews)
- Duly Impressed with President Ford's Life
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Explore the life and times of Gerald R. Ford, Michigan's only President. Here documents, artifacts, photographs, and videos combine to tell the dramatic story of the Ford Presidency in the mid-1970s. Museum galleries depict Gerald Ford's rise from a humble youth to Eagle Scout, star football player, World War II naval officer, and U.S. congressman, and the unique way by which he became Vice President and President. Meet the issues of the day - the energy crisis, the Nixon pardon, Vietnamese refugees, and learn about the Bicentennial. Your visit will include a stop in the life-sized Oval Office and Cabinet Room. See for yourself how President Ford shaped our world. See more..
4.5 Oval Beach (1.085 reviews)
- A couple tips
Beaches

Lake Michigan Beach, popular for its clear water and nice sand. See more..