5 Star Places To Visit in Michigan, United States (50)
5.0The Henry Ford(4.614 reviews) - Schedule a minimum of Two Days Sunday: 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..
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..
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..
5.0Detroit Institute of Arts(2.974 reviews) - Finest Art Museum in the World Sunday: 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..
5.0Greenfield 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..
5.0Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore(2.173 reviews) - Beautiful scenery by land or water; big sandy beaches Sunday: 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..
This national park includes a 35-mile stretch of beach on Lake Michigan for swimming plus 13 hiking trails.See more..
5.0Bavarian 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..
5.0Mackinac 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..
5.0Presque 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..
5.0Ludington State Park(975 reviews) - Highly Recommend! Sunday: 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..
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..
5.0Decode Ann Arbor(815 reviews) - Best escape room we have done to date. Sunday: 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..
What started off with hesitation to pay the $25 fee for a private vehicle turned into a wonderful morning for our family of five with kids ages 4 to 8. It is a pleasant drive on well-maintained roads. There are several beautiful viewpoints. At one location we were able to hike around a portion of the dunes on trails. The highlight, by far, was the Lake Michigan Overlook (#9 and #10 on the provided map and marked at the entrance). After a short walk, the view was absolutely stunning, the dunes were a blast to play on, it was fun to watch people test their bravery on the steep drop towards the lake, and there were lots of great photo opportunities.See more..
Come and enjoy our beautiful wooded trails.We offer one and two person rentals. We have two catch and release ponds.We also have horseshoes, corn toss, grill, picnic tables,and a fire pit which can be utilized before, after, or during rentals free of charge.See more..
If you visit the area, you must take this tour. $20 a person for a roughly 40 minute trip through the beautiful Silver Lake Dunes. Driver was nice and personable and the trip was awesome.See more..
5.0Gilmore Car Museum(665 reviews) - Huge museum in the middle of nowhere Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums
The ever expanding Gilmore Car Museum, hailed as one of the Top Five car museums in the nation, features over nearly extraordinary cars and motorcycles from all eras. The Automotive Heritage Center (about 150 vehicles) is Open daily year-round. The outdoor park-like campus of historic buildings (including 1930s gas station, working 1940s diner and several exhibit sturctures)are open April - Novemember.Museum exhibits range from cars of the 1890s to the classic Duesenberg, the elusive 1948 Tucker, to the muscle cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Located just off M-43 at Hickory Road near Hickory Corners (20 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo, MI)See more..
Checked out this natural wonder. It's colors like that of the Caribbean in the UP of Michigan! It's a short walk from parking, and picnic area. The trail leads to a glass bottom barge that runs on a cable where you turn a wheel yourself to move out across the water. You can view large lake trout and see sunken logs and bubbling sand where the spring flows. There is also a viewing deck. Back up by parking is a gift shop where you can also get drinks and ice cream. Free entrance if you have a yearly Michigan Recreational sticker. $36 for non residents for all state parks is a bargain!See more..
5.0Silver Beach Carousel(584 reviews) - They're doing the best they can... Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Amusement & Theme Parks
MAKE A MEMORY ALL YEAR ROUND! The horses, the tigers, the hippocampus, the panda, the clown fish - in all, 48 unique carousel figures and two chariots - are whirling with excitement to see you. Come pick your favorite and ride beneath 1000 twinkling lights as the band organ's music happily soars and dips with the gears. Each figure is beautifully hand-carved and hand-painted by the artisans at The Carousel Works. Around the top of the carousel you can learn about our local history - told as no one else in the world has told it on a carousel - using historic photographs. As you gaze at those 18 rounding boards, you'll become part of our story, too.You'll find all the magic and wonder of the Silver Beach Carousel below the bluff in St. Joseph, just yards from Lake Michigan's Silver Beach, named one of the top 10 family beaches by Parents magazine.See more..
5.0Lakenenland Sculpture Park(572 reviews) - So Unique, and free! Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Art Galleries • Parks
My husband and I were driving home from a week up in the UP and saw this along our way home so we thought we’d stop and check it out. It’s completely free! Though you can donate to the artist if you wish :) But there is a trail with a huge assortment of different metal pieces of art, everything from giant daisies to huge iron mine carts. During the summer you can drive your car down the trail but it is easily walkable. There was also a bog walk, a pavilion to sit under, a stage for bands to play, just really a unique place. I definitely recommend checking it out and supporting a local artist if you’re in the area, really cool stuff! See more..
This no-frills hike to the top of Sugarloaf was a trip to spectacular views of Lake Superior. From the parking lot, you may take the improved or unimproved route. Great views also abound as you summit the peak. Rock outcroppings encompass the area as you venture upward. At the peak, you are awarded breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Lace up your shoes, and head out. See more..
5.0Horrocks Farm Market(562 reviews) - Such a Unique and Fun Place Sunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
Five star fun place. It is a garden center, a market, a bier garden and a restaurant all in one. They make some great pizza and usually have a couple of food trucks on site. You actually eat among the garden center plants..covered for protection from the weather. There are several beer and wine selections in the bier garden from which to choose. The pizza looked great by the way! In addition to an extensive garden center there is a fantastic market with everything from beer and wine to cheeses to fruits and vegetables and more. I could spend hours walking around just looking at this place. A very unique a fun experience for adults and kids alike. There is often live music playing as well on the weekends.See more..
5.0The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant(561 reviews) - The most fascinating thing I saw during a week in Detroit. Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
Experience the Original Model T Factory Visiting the Piquette Avenue Ford Plant is a unique experience-it's the oldest auto plant open to the public anywhere in the world. Almost unchanged since Henry Ford's day, the plant is a three-story New England-style mill building. Each floor is divided into sections by the original metal fire doors, complete with the shadows of Henry Ford's "Positively NO Smoking" stencils. The old plank floors are worn from the 12,000 Model Ts built on them, so wear appropriate shoes for your visit. The plant is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a designated National Historic Landmark and a Michigan State Historic Site. Walk the worn wood floors and touch the brick walls where Henry Ford and his team of automotive pioneers developed the car that led to an automotive and social revolution. See Henry Ford's office as it was in 1908 when he was on the cusp of fame. And learn why it still matters today. See a selection of rare Detroit-built cars from the first decade of the 20th century and learn their fates.See more..
We have canoed here many times over the past 25 years. The equipment and service has always been excellent. I highly recommend Penrod's if you are thinking about an AuSable canoe or kayak adventure. I will be back with my adult children and grandchildren. See more..
5.0Meyer May House(459 reviews) - A Grand Rapids Do-Not-Miss Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
Built for a prominent merchant in 1908, this prairie-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is located in the elegant Heritage Hill district, where over 60 architectural styles are represented.See more..
5.0Bond Falls(412 reviews) - one of our favorites! Waterfalls
Worth the drive to see Bond Falls. Very easy to walk and see. There are some paths you can hike that are slightly more difficult, but well worth the walk. You can pay to park, or there is also free parking on the road (at the top of the falls). See more..
5.0Jack Pine Lumberjack Show(400 reviews) - Fun with Talent Sunday: 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theatre & Performances
Experience World Champion Lumberjacks in a fast paced action packed lumberjack competition, located near Mackinaw Island, we are a Mackinaw City MUST SEE! Shows at Jack Pine Lumberjack Shows are approximately an hour long, delivered in a competition format, in which the audience is divided up into two rival logging camps, each camp cheering for their lumberjack. It demonstrates the turn of the century skills of the lumberjack including chopping, sawing, axe throwing, cross-cut sawing, speed climbing and logrolling. In addition to the competition, there is also a chain saw carving demonstration. The show educates the audience in the rich history of Michigan's logging past. It is fast paced, up-beat and keeps the audience involved. A fun show for the entire family, children under the age of 5 are free!See more..
5.0Sailing South Haven(383 reviews) - The perfect ending to a great vacation Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Boat Tours
Captain Andy treated us to a fabulous 2 hour sail up and down Lake Michigan. It was a beautiful day and we felt safe and very taken care of the entire trip. I highly recommend it if you are in the area and want to experience Lake Michigan from a sailor's view.See more..
5.0Stearns Park(369 reviews) - Oh the sunsets! Beaches • Parks
There is a stream of folks heading to the park each evening for the west- facing park’s view of the setting sun...beautifully maintained and handicapped accessible. Plenty of parking and benches. The access to Ludington pierhead light is from this park.See more..
It was an amazing experience for me and my 2 kiddos ages 8 and 12. The staff do an amazing job making sure you feel comfortable before you go out on courses alone. They have multiple levels for each difficulty level, however I wish they had more blue and black levels (only 2 each). The only con honestly is the price! Definitely would go more if it was more reasonably priced. Watch out for 25% coupons on Thursdays!See more..
This is a state park along the coast of Lake Michigan located near Mears, Michigan. It includes shoreline along Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, along with many sand dunes.See more..
MSU's huge country-like campus offers a lovely setting for running, biking or just hanging out, and also has places to visit, like the Beal Botanical Gardens, Sanford Natural Area, the 70,000-capacity Spartan football stadium, an art center, planetarium and, of course, the MSU Dairy Store for ice cream.See more..
5.0Tahquamenon Falls(319 reviews) - See both Upper & Lower Falls Bodies of Water
Easy well paved walkways and boardwalks at both locations. Drivable between them. Well marked by signs. Upper Falls Easy wide path with a number of look out points. 94 steps down with handrails to viewing platform for better view. It’s 1/4 mile each way. You can see falls from look out points as well. There’s also a store & area to buy food & eat. There was a man playing the guitar in the center sitting area. Lower falls 1/2 mile to main look out point .. with a second look out for next smaller fall up about 200 feet & then you can continue into the bridge. Bridge is 1/4 past look out platform (so 3/4 from start). Well paved paths. There are a few looks out areas along the way. Both are accessible to anyone. They are starting to build a gift shop and bathroom that will be nice once done.See more..
5.0Palms Book State Park(311 reviews) - The Sea of Fall Colors State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations
This park is famous because of the Big Spring. It's not the only attraction of this place. Especially during the fall, when colors are changing. you have great opportunity to see so many beautiful spots with crazy-beauty colors. You can take many trails through the woods and you will be surrounded by the nature. You have to pay the fee, but it's very "symbolic number". I recommend this park. RomanPSee more..
5.0Empire Bluff Trail(310 reviews) - Love this part of Sleeping Bear Hiking Trails
Extending two miles in length, this picturesque point-to-point hiking trail is rated moderate in skill level.See more..
5.0Dow Diamond(301 reviews) - Great Atmosphere! Arenas & Stadiums
Centrally located in downtown Midland, beautiful Dow Diamond is easily accessible from Business US 10. The state-of-the-art facility is home to the Great Lakes Loons, Class A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Loons played their inaugural game at Dow Diamond on April 13, 2007. Over 324,000 fans flocked to Dow Diamond that first season, and over 2 million total since. Dow Diamond has established itself as one of the premier minor league stadiums in the country, earning several awards in the process.See more..
5.0Decode Ypsilanti(294 reviews) - Amazing Experience! Sunday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games
Uncover the secrets of the Aurora Society in Downtown Ypsilanti! Our escape rooms at Decode Ypsilanti, just a few miles from our original games at Decode Ann Arbor, follow the adventures of the magical Aurora Society. Can you prove your ability and earn your spot among their ranks?See more..
5.0Lake of the Clouds(291 reviews) - A fall beauty not to be missed! Bodies of Water
What a beautiful way to spend a fall afternoon! Even though we were not at the leaf peak yet there were some trees in the valley that had started to turn scarlet and yellow, it was stunning. The price per vehicle to get into the Lake of the Clouds lot is $9.00 and well worth it for all the natural beauty. The overlook is breathtaking and there are a lot of different views of the lake. The trail is a loop that is pretty short and handicapped accessible and an easy walk for all ages and abilities. Be sure to bring a camera, the view is something you will want memories of for sure.See more..
This is such a beautiful trail ! There are so many places to ride to and to stop along the way as well. The views of the little traverse bay are breathtaking ! We rode from downtown petoskey to downtown harbor springs . We brought our dog in a little bike trailer and he was even able to get out and enjoy the dog beach in harbor springs ! You can make an entire day of it stopping at shops and breweries along the way . Plenty of options that have socially distanced outdoor patios . This is a wonderful activity to do given the current pandemic as well !See more..
5.0Bell's Comstock Brewery(281 reviews) - Brewery tour and dinner Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries
The Comstock Brewery is home to our 200-barrel system and 50-barrel system, where beers like Oberon and Two Hearted are produced. The "Brew Gallery" was designed with visitors in mind and is just a short 12-minute drive from Bell's original brewery and Eccentric Cafe located in downtown Kalamazoo. Each tour does include 2 oz. samples. Visit our website for updates on specialty tour options and to reserve your spot on one of our tours.See more..
5.0Forge a Memory(276 reviews) - Forged in Fun Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Rides & Activities
Step into this blacksmith shop and forge your own knife! Chad Osborne, two-time Forged in Fire competitor will guide you through the process. There are 3 sizes of knives to choose and the price ranges from $25-100 depending on the knife you forge. All knives come with a sheath. This activity is perfect for visitors that would like to Forge a Memory while visiting Mackinac Island.See more..
5.0Law Quadrangle(272 reviews) - One of the most beautiful places you'll ever see Educational sites
It makes you want to go to Law School here at U of M...the Law Quadrangle is just such a beautiful historic complex, everything about it just exudes magnificent workmanship and old time beauty. The grounds are shady on a hot summer day and you just look at the details on all the buildings and you are in awe. So lovely. The Student Union is across the street so go get a lunch or coffee and come sit in the quad and take in the beauty. You won't be disappointed. See more..
5.0EpIQ Escapes(260 reviews) - A memorable experience with a group of friends or co-workers! Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games • Game & Entertainment Centers
Enter a locked room with 2-10 people with only 60 minutes to escape. Together you must find clues, solve puzzles and decode riddles to successfully escape before time runs out!See more..
5.0BATL Axe Throwing(246 reviews) - What a blast!!!!! Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Game & Entertainment Centers
At BATL Axe Throwing, we believe that sport should be inclusive, fun for everyone in the family, and above all, be a safe entertainment bullseye. With safety and teaching being the highest priority at BATL, our coaches help everyone over twelve years old remember the feeling of their first bullseye. Whether you're bringing your young family out for some in-town entertainment or putting on a stag, bachelorette, birthday, team-building, or fundraising event, we'll make sure it's memorable and safe. No matter what BATL location you visit across North America, you can expect delicious food and drinks, axe throwing lanes, expert coaching, and a fun tournament. Easy online booking in less than 3 minutes and group discounts are always available on our website.See more..
This was definitely one of my family's favorite stops on our trip to Michigan! The priest who greeted us (I wish I could remember his name!) was so sweet and informative. After a short presentation and history of the land and crucifix we went on our way. Each sculpture and shrine is beautiful, but the crucifix! My oh my it is breathtaking! We enjoyed walking the trail of the stations of the cross. It is so quiet and peaceful there, I wish I lived closer and could spend more time there whenever I wish. I also wish we could have visited during a mass. I'm sure it is lovely. The gift shop is nice and reasonably priced. There is no admission fee, although they do appreciate a donation, also donations for "lighting" prayer candles. We spent about an hour there in total. My photos do no justice to the size and magnitude of the crucifix, but they do show just how beautiful it is. See more..
The City of Ludington has created one of the best, relaxing, interesting water-front green spaces I have seen. In addition to well-maintained sidewalks and multiple benches, there is a sculpture trail that perfectly reflects the character of the area. Have a seat and watch the boats and if you have kids, there is a large playground. There is also a building housing clean public rest rooms. As you stroll the area, you can't help wonder how much it might cost to live in one of those condos.See more..
5.0Stony Lake Stables(233 reviews) - Great experience for any age Spent 1-2 hours Equestrian Trails • Horseback Riding Tours
We offer family-friendly public horseback riding for ages 3 and up. We have rides that are 1 hour or 1.5 hour and we are open May - October each year. We also offer therapeutic riding for persons with disabilities which runs year-round. We were formerly called Rainbow Ranch and have been owned and operated by the same family since 1949. Stony Lake Stables is bringing a bit of the old west right here to West Michigan...See more..
5.0Sunrise Pedal Trolley(223 reviews) - Team Building Ride Bar, Club & Pub Tours • Bike Tours • Beer Tastings & Tours
We did a team building event on board the Pedal Trolley. It was perfect. We stopped at a couple of places to do team building activities, pedaled with and without the motor. The driver was very professional and masks were required. I highly recommend this for fun or businessSee more..
5.0Adventure Mining Company(210 reviews) - Excellent experience with the Captain's Tour Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mines
The Adventure Mining Company offers a variety of tours of the Historic Adventure Copper Mine. Choose from easy 45 minute underground walks to 3 hour excursions that feature rappelling down and 80 foot underground shaft. No fancy electric lights or walkways underground here, real mining the way it really was. Participants of our guided tours receive hardhats and headlamps and any other gear needed for use on the tours. Light jacket and good walking shoes recommended. The best and most authentic and exciting underground tours available anywhere! Open late May through mid-October.See more..