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


Michigan cover image
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: Friday, March 29, 2024, 9:16.

Top things to do (34)

Top destinations in Michigan 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

  1. 5.0 The Henry Ford (4.614 reviews)
    - Schedule a minimum of Two Days
    Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums
    The Henry Ford image
    “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..
  2. 5.0 Saugatuck Dune Rides (3.049 reviews)
    - Fun, unique experience!
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Off-Road & ATV Trails
    Saugatuck Dune Rides image
    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..
  3. 5.0 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (3.021 reviews)
    - A must see/experience attraction in Grand Rapids
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gardens
    Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park image
    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..
  4. 5.0 Detroit Institute of Arts (2.974 reviews)
    - Finest Art Museum in the World
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums
    Detroit Institute of Arts image
    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. 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 image
    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..
  6. 5.0 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (2.173 reviews)
    - Beautiful scenery by land or water; big sandy beaches
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Bodies of Water • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore image
    Park located on the shoreline of Lake Superior encompassing cliffs, dunes, waterfalls and lakes. See more..
  7. 5.0 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (1.912 reviews)
    - Top tier people watching
    Historic Walking Areas • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore image
    This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails. See more..
  8. 5.0 Bavarian Belle Riverboat (1.894 reviews)
    - A Great Dog Friendly activity for the whole family
    Boat Tours
    Bavarian Belle Riverboat image
    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..
  9. 5.0 Mackinac Bridge (1.391 reviews)
    - State of engineering art.
    Bridges
    Mackinac Bridge image
    Linking Michigan's two peninsulas, this mighty bridge has a total length of five miles. See more..
  10. 5.0 Presque Isle Park (994 reviews)
    - Rock jumping
    State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
    Presque Isle Park image
    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..
  11. 5.0 Ludington State Park (975 reviews)
    - Highly Recommend!
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM State Parks • Parks
    Ludington State Park image
    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..
  12. 5.0 Miners Castle Rock (880 reviews)
    - Easy! Breezy! Beautiful!
    Geologic Formations
    Miners Castle Rock image
    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..
  13. 5.0 Decode Ann Arbor (815 reviews)
    - Best escape room we have done to date.
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Scavenger Hunts
    Decode Ann Arbor image
    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..
  14. 4.5 Bronner's Christmas Wonderland (3.331 reviews)
    - A must visit!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops
    Bronner's Christmas Wonderland image
    **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..
  15. 4.5 Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry (3.028 reviews)
    - Great Service at an excellent price.
    Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Ferries
    Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry image
    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..
  16. 4.5 Arch Rock (2.789 reviews)
    - Best natural feature on the island
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Geologic Formations
    Arch Rock image
    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..
  17. 4.5 Comerica Park (2.707 reviews)
    - Fabulous Place to See a Game!
    Arenas & Stadiums
    Comerica Park image
    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..
  18. 4.5 Motown Museum (2.109 reviews)
    - A Must See For Any Music Fan
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
    Motown Museum image
    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..
  19. 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
    Fort Mackinac image
    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..
  20. 4.5 Mackinac Island State Park (1.979 reviews)
    - The bikes make this such a unique place.
    Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
    Mackinac Island State Park image
    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..
  21. 4.5 Tahquamenon Falls State Park (1.743 reviews)
    - Best falls in the U.P.
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM State Parks • Waterfalls
    Tahquamenon Falls State Park image
    Located in the upper peninsula area of Michigan with wonderful wildlife and waterfalls. See more..
  22. 4.5 Soo Locks (1.701 reviews)
    - Well worth an hour stop
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    Soo Locks image
    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..
  23. 4.5 Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry (1.679 reviews)
    - Fast, efficient, and got us there and back.
    Friday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ferries
    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry image
    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..
  24. 4.5 Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company (1.543 reviews)
    - Great ferry service to and from the Island
    Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ferries
    Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Company image
    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..
  25. 4.5 Detroit RiverFront (1.468 reviews)
    - A Great Way to Experience Detroit!
    Piers & Boardwalks
    Detroit RiverFront image
    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..
  26. 4.5 Holland State Park Beach (1.386 reviews)
    - Fun Day at the Beach
    Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Beaches
    Holland State Park Beach image
    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..
  27. 4.5 Detroit Zoo (1.346 reviews)
    - We love this zoo!
    Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos
    Detroit Zoo image
    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..
  28. 4.5 S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry (1.129 reviews)
    - Amazing experience on a steam ship!
    Friday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Historic Sites • Ferries
    S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry image
    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..
  29. 4.5 Gerald R. Ford Museum (1.127 reviews)
    - Duly Impressed with President Ford's Life
    Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    Gerald R. Ford Museum image
    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..
  30. 4.5 Oval Beach (1.085 reviews)
    - A couple tips
    Beaches
    Oval Beach image
    Lake Michigan Beach, popular for its clear water and nice sand. See more..
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More Things to do in Michigan 134

  1. Points of Interest & Landmarks
  2. Architectural Buildings
  3. Churches & Cathedrals
  4. Historic Sites
  5. Art Museums
  6. Speciality Museums
  7. History Museums
  8. Fountains
  9. Religious Sites
  10. Bridges
  11. Historic Walking Areas
  12. Gardens
  13. Mountains
  14. Marinas
  15. Piers & Boardwalks
  16. Waterfalls
  17. Wineries & Vineyards
  18. Nature & Wildlife Areas
  19. Cooking Classes
  20. Speciality & Gift Shops
  21. Taxis & Shuttles
  22. Health Clubs
  23. Scuba & Snorkelling
  24. Boat Tours
  25. Sightseeing Tours
  26. Horseback Riding Tours
  27. Lookouts
  28. Monuments & Statues
  29. Neighborhoods
  30. Bodies of Water
  31. Theaters
  32. Geologic Formations
  33. Beaches
  34. National Parks
  35. Ferries
  36. Hiking Trails
  37. Game & Entertainment Centers
  38. Biking Trails
  39. Scenic Walking Areas
  40. Escape Games
  41. Adrenaline & Extreme Tours
  42. Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
  43. Nature & Wildlife Tours
  44. Ranches
  45. Shopping Malls
  46. Water Parks
  47. Amusement & Theme Parks
  48. Observatories & Planetariums
  49. Children's Museums
  50. Public Transportation Systems
  51. Flea & Street Markets
  52. Visitor Centers
  53. Sports Camps & Clinics
  54. Breweries
  55. Lessons & Workshops
  56. Islands
  57. Caverns & Caves
  58. Golf Courses
  59. Movie Theaters
  60. Art Galleries
  61. Antique Shops
  62. Educational sites
  63. Sports Complexes
  64. Government Buildings
  65. Theatre & Performances
  66. Horse Tracks
  67. Aquariums
  68. Cemeteries
  69. Military Museums
  70. Forests
  71. Scenic Drives
  72. Valleys
  73. Deserts
  74. Operas
  75. Science Museums
  76. Ski & Snowboard Areas
  77. Libraries
  78. Playgrounds
  79. Arenas & Stadiums
  80. Farmers Markets
  81. Natural History Museums
  82. Rides & Activities
  83. Kayaking & Canoeing
  84. Bars & Clubs
  85. Fishing Charters & Tours
  86. Stand Up Paddleboarding
  87. Historical & Heritage Tours
  88. Lighthouses
  89. Distilleries
  90. Casinos
  91. Convention Centers
  92. Cultural Events
  93. Beer Tastings & Tours
  94. Food Tours
  95. Factory Tours
  96. Bar, Club & Pub Tours
  97. Shopping Tours
  98. Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
  99. River Rafting & Tubing
  100. Helicopter Tours
  101. Civic Centres
  102. State Parks
  103. Bike Tours
  104. Paint & Pottery Studios
  105. Universities & Schools
  106. Surfing & Windsurfing
  107. Gear Rentals
  108. Symphonies
  109. Cabarets
  110. Skydiving
  111. Wine Bars
  112. Shooting Ranges
  113. Auto Racing Tracks
  114. Department Stores
  115. Off-Road & ATV Trails
  116. Rail Tours
  117. Balloon Rides
  118. Boat Rentals
  119. Duck Tours
  120. Exhibitions
  121. Dinner Theaters
  122. Factory Outlets
  123. Cross-country Ski Areas
  124. Music Festivals
  125. Bowling Alleys
  126. Coffeehouses
  127. Yoga & Pilates
  128. Miniature Golf
  129. Scavenger Hunts
  130. Scenic Railroads
  131. Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours
  132. Gay Bars
  133. Cigar Bars
  134. Comedy Clubs
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