18 Surprisingly Beautiful Places in Michigan to See Before Everyone Else Does

When you think of Michigan, you might picture the Great Lakes or the bustling streets of Detroit. But did you know this state is also home to vertical sand dunes that slip into the water, rolling hills of lavender fields, and even an island filled with wild horses?

Having road-tripped through in the winter, I fat-biked on ski slopes and saw the mesmerizing sight of frozen waterfalls. This northern state is full of hidden gems that often fly under the radar, and here are 18 of the most beautiful places in Michigan that you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is where towering cliffs swirled with colorful mineral stains meet the deep blue of Lake Superior.

You can hike the scenic trails or paddle along the coastline in a kayak, seeing the view change with every turn. The arch of the Miners Castle is a favorite photo stop.  In the winter, the park’s waterfalls freeze into beautiful ice formations.

2. Kitch-iti-kipi, Manistique

Also known as the Big Spring, Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. You can see right through the crystal-clear waters into the underwater landscape and the springs bubbling up from below.

Board a self-operated observation raft to glide across the shimmering surface. The gentle current carries you effortlessly across the twisted branches of the submerged trees and fish darting about.

Legend has it that the spring holds mystical powers, and you might just feel it standing beside its shores.

3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire

You might associate sand dunes with the Sahara or Death Valley, but the mid-western state of Michigan has something equally impressive.

Over 1 million people visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore annually to see its 35-mile stretch of coastline with steep sand bluffs reaching up to 450 feet high. Expect to see panoramic views of Lake Michigan, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to North and South Manitou Islands.

I’m pre-warning you that if you do go down Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, make sure you have the stamina to come back up. A viral TikTok video showed a sign stating that the price of rescue would be $3000 for people who couldn’t make it back up. Assuming that climbing uphill in the sand is easy can be a common and potentially costly mistake.

4. Grand Haven

Grand Haven is a lakeside town with an iconic red lighthouse. Its nearby pier has one of the best sunset views anywhere. Walk along the boardwalk to window shop in shops and galleries lining the streets. Ice cream shops and local eateries also line the streets.

During summer, the beach is bustling with families, while in winter, it is a serene, quiet beauty. 

5. Isle Royale National Park

Tucked away in the remote northwest corner of Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park is one of the least national parks in the country. With no cars and limited cell service, you can’t even get here without a ferry or seaplane.

It’s just going to be you probably alone in the expanse of rugged wilderness with a unique ecosystem that includes wolves and moose.

You can hike, kayak, or take a guided boat tour. Hiking trails wind through dense forests and along rugged coastlines. The sky lights up at night with stars to see the Milky Way perfectly.

6. Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Mears

Stretching between Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, the Silver Lake Sand Dunes is an adventure playground where the sand meets the sky. The vast dunes invite you to climb its undulating landscape or hit the road with 4×4 vehicles to traverse the dunes.

The surrounding Silver Lake is perfect for swimming, paddle boating, or just cooling off after a day in the sun. You can even catch a stunning sunset over the dunes that’s worth every grain of sand in your shoes.

7. Ice Caves of the Great Lakes

In the dead of winter, I road-tripped to the shorelines of Lake Superior with the grand hopes of seeing giant blue isicles protecting the outer recesses of frozen-over caves. Unfortunately, we didn’t know the conditions needed to be just right.

If you have a good dose of luck, timing, and a serious tolerance for cold, walls of translucent ice and frozen waterfalls line the areas around the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin, and Munising, Michigan.

The caves only appear when the weather’s been cold enough for long enough, which isn’t usually until late January to February. Even if the waters are frozen enough, you’ll likely have to shuffle across a frozen lake to get there.

7. Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of Michigan’s most impressive waterfalls, the Tahquamenon Falls.

The Upper Falls, with its exceptional width and powerful flow, creates a thunderous roar as it drops 50 feet down into a wide river. It’s one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Hiking trails lead to various viewpoints to see its amber-colored waters.

Further down the creek, the Lower Falls is a much smaller series of cascades but it is also worth checking out.

8. Ludington State Park, Ludington

Ludington State Park is a outdoor playground between the shores of Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. With miles of sandy beaches and dense woodlands, the park’s extensive trail system caters to hikers, bikers, and skiers in the winter. 

Big Sable Point Lighthouse is a favorite destination, with views of the lake once you hike to the top. The calm waters of Hamlin Lake are popular for canoeing and kayaking.

9. Holland, Michigan

Holland, Michigan, is not just named after its European counterpart but actually retains its Dutch heritage through its architecture and festivities.

Known for its annual Tulip Time Festival, the town bursts into color with millions of blooms. The Windmill Island Gardens are a must-see, featuring a traditional Dutch windmill and beautiful floral displays.

Holland’s downtown area boasts delightful eateries and galleries. Holland State Park, with its sandy coast and iconic lighthouse, is a favorite for beachgoers. In the fall, down pints of beer as the town hosts a lively Oktoberfest.

10. Frankenmuth

Another European escape on this side of the Atlantic, Frankenmuth is Michigan’s little slice of Bavaria. The town has the tell-tale features of Bavarian architecture, and Octoberfest is always a hit.

Visitors can also enjoy traditional German cuisine and locally brewed beer. Around town, fill up on German knodel, leberkase, and other traditional hearty dishes and delicious pastries.

Home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth spreads festive cheer year-round. 

11. Fayette Historic State Park, Garden

Featuring the well-preserved remains of a 19th-century iron-smelting town, the Fayette Historic State Park is a window into Michigan’s industrial past. Once a bustling town, it’s now a revived ghost town preserved for visitors to explore. 

The park’s historic buildings tell stories of a bygone era, with structures and interpretive exhibits into life at the time. Walk through the old buildings and streets surrounded by the coastlines and dense forests.

Summer brings living history programs, where you can learn about the town from costumed interpreters. 

12. Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer

Warren Dunes State Park is a favorite escape for those seeking sun and sand along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. The park’s towering dunes give you amazing views of Lake Michigan, perfect for a day of hiking or sandboarding. 

13. Detroit Riverwalk, Detroit

The Detroit Riverwalk is a revitalized waterfront area with a view of the city skyline.

With a strong commitment to urban renewal, a scenic path was built along the Detroit River, where visitors can walk, bike, or just enjoy the scenery. Public art installations add a splash of color, and parks, plazas, and restaurants are dotted along the way.

In the summer, catch concerts and festivals, or take a guided boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.

14. Belle Isle Park, Detroit

Escape from the city to Belle Isle Park, a sprawling island park in the Detroit River. The Belle Isle Aquarium is one of the oldest in the country. You can also explore the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, a botanical paradise with exotic plants. 

The island’s large expanse of green space is perfect for outdoor activities like biking, running, and relaxing under the trees. On a sunny day, you can relax by the beach or rent a paddle boat for some fun on the water. 

15. Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor is tucked away in a remote corner of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The harbor’s pristine waters and rocky shores are a paradise for hikers and bikers. Hiking trails in the area lead to vistas of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. Kayaking on Lake Superior is also a popular activity.

Copper Harbor is also renowned for its dark skies. The nearby Keweenaw Peninsula has historic sites and scenic drives.

16. Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a timeless retreat where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles replace the rumbling of cars. The island is famous for its historic sites, including Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel.

Stop to sample different flavors of Mackinac Island fudge before around the island’s perimeter. Otherwise, you can opt for a horse-drawn carriage tour along the beautiful shoreline.

17. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon

Affectionately called the “Porkies,” Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a sprawling wilderness area full of old-growth forests and pristine lakes. The dramatic views from the summit of the park’s namesake mountain range are simply spectacular.

Like the impressive Manabezho Falls, the park’s waterfalls are natural wonders worth exploring.  In the fall, the park is ablaze with vibrant colors.

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