Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Michigan

If you appreciate berries, beaches, and forests, then Michigan is the ideal destination for you.

The state is home to numerous beaches, over half of Michigan is enveloped by forests, and Michigan produces an incredible variety of berries and cherries that contribute to a notable number of pies.

The principal city, Detroit, is an industrial icon in the United States, characterized by its gritty yet authentic atmosphere.

Michigan is bordered by magnificent lakes including Superior and Michigan, along with serene and picturesque lake islands that are perfect for experiencing nature in its most breathtaking form.

The harmonious blend of nature and industry in Michigan results in an eclectic array of activities that captivate every visitor.

Presenting our selection of the top activities in Michigan:

1. Mackinac Island

Visiting this island, accessible by ferry, feels akin to embarking on a journey back in time.

The island offers a nostalgic experience devoid of cars, buses, and motor vehicles.

Horse-drawn carriages and hiking serve as the primary modes of transport for discovering the quaint shops and exploring Fort Mackinac.

2. Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale encompasses an expanse of 430 square miles and was formed during the Ice Age through glacial activity, resulting in a breathtaking natural landscape of lakes, streams, and forests.

Located in the northwest section of Lake Superior, the National Park is home to an array of wildlife, including falcons and wolves, along with hiking trails and boat excursions.

The island can be reached via seaplane or boat.

3. Michigan History Center

Located in Lansing, this museum is part of the Historical Museum System and chronicles the history of Michigan from its prehistoric settlers up to the 20th century.

Exhibitions illustrate the reasons and methods behind the initial settlement of Michigan and highlight the state’s industrial history.

In addition to permanent exhibits, temporary galleries and high-quality exhibits are regularly available.

4. Pictured Rocks National Seashore

This intriguing shoreline along the south side of Lake Superior derives its name from geological formations of copper and iron rocks.

Outdoor adventurers frequent the area to trek through diverse landscapes of cliffs, forests, and dunes.

Camping opportunities are available, as are winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.

The National Recreational Area of Grand Island, located nearby, also offers numerous outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

5. Michigan State Capitol

The Michigan State Capitol has been in existence since 1879 and was modeled after the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Like many U.S. Capitol buildings, it continues to serve governmental functions today while also welcoming visitors for guided tours that illuminate the building’s history, architecture, and current operations.

6. The Fisher Building

Detroit houses one of Michigan’s architectural treasures, the Fisher Building.

This structure, designed by architect Albert Kahn in 1928, was initially intended to include a second tower; however, the Great Depression halted those plans.

A local newspaper commented at the time that the proposed tower would be to Detroit what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.

The building’s first floor features a variety of shops, cafés, and even a theater.

The ornate ceiling in the lobby merits a visit.

7. University of Michigan

Occupying an impressive 2,800 acres in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan showcases a multitude of beautiful Gothic-style buildings.

In addition to the historic architecture, the campus is home to excellent museums, such as the Kelsey Archaeology Museum, the Museum of Art, and the Museum of Natural History, all featuring extensive and remarkable collections.

Not far from the campus lies the extraordinary Matthaei Botanic Gardens, which are also worth a visit.

8. Mackinac Bridge

Connecting the Lower Peninsula at Mackinaw City to the Upper Peninsula at St. Ignace, the Mackinac Bridge (commonly referred to as the Mighty Mac) boasts one of the longest spans of any suspension bridge globally.

Before its completion in 1957, traffic congestion from vehicles waiting to cross via ferry posed significant challenges.

The bridge features its own museum, housing various exhibits and information regarding its construction.

9. Colonial Michilimackinac

This settlement, located in Mackinaw City, was once a significant center for the French fur-trading industry in the 18th century and later functioned as a military outpost before its destruction by fire.

Today, visitors can explore thirteen reconstructed buildings and witness re-enactments from the American Revolution as well as the period of British occupation.

10. The Outdoor Discovery Centre

The Outdoor Discovery Centre project, situated in Holland, has undertaken the significant endeavor of restoring 130 acres of farmland back to natural landscapes.

This initiative has achieved great success, resulting in an area comprised of six distinct ecosystems.

In addition to offering ample opportunities for learning about various environments, the area provides excellent hiking trails and wildlife observation.

11. Windmill Island

This 36-acre park in Holland is an excellent location to admire Dutch architecture and a diverse array of flora.

Visiting in spring and summer presents a particularly stunning view of the gardens in full bloom.

Notable structures include DeZwaan, a Dutch windmill that originated in the mid-18th century.

This windmill, standing over 100 feet tall, was transported from the Netherlands and continues to produce ground flour today.

12. Soo Locks Boat Tours

Soo, also known as Sault Ste Marie, is a twin city straddling the border between America and Canada.

The St. Marys River facilitates the transport of over 100 million tons of goods annually and features two significant locks, one situated on the Canadian side and the other on the U.S. side.

The narrated boat tours provide insightful details on the history and operations of the locks, alongside notable sights including the rapids and Algoma Steel Plant.

13. Detroit Institute of Arts

Established in 1927, this institute represents a significant cultural asset for the city of Detroit.

Inaugurated during the post-World War I auto industry boom, the institute features the Beaux Arts building housing over 100 galleries.

A concise visit should include viewing works by Degas and Cezanne, which would approximately take two hours.

Another highlight is Diego Rivera’s mural titled “Detroit Industry.”

14. Michigan Central Station

This station in Detroit symbolizes both the rise and subsequent decline of the city. Built in the early 20th century, it was envisioned as a gateway to the Midwest.

Presently, it stands abandoned, with most windows shattered and walls adorned with graffiti.

This iconic structure has featured in several Hollywood films, such as Transformers, yet its future remains in jeopardy, as government actions to demolish it were initiated in 2009.

15. Belle Isle

Belle Isle is an island located in the Detroit River between the United States and Canada.

Purchased by Detroit in the early 19th century, the island once housed a zoo and an aquarium; however, due to city budget constraints, the aquarium has since closed.

Belle Isle provides an excellent setting to admire the elegant vessels at the Yacht Club or to enjoy panoramic views of Windsor and Detroit.

The island is accessible via the MacArthur Bridge.

16. Ford Rouge Factory Tour

The legacy of the Ford Motor Company, along with the automotive industry as a whole, remains a fundamental aspect of Detroit’s identity.

Henry Ford established the factory on the Rouge River, and tours showcase assembly lines for classic vehicles, including the iconic 1965 Ford Mustang.

In addition, informative films provide insights into the history of the building and its workers, as well as the American labor movement, including the renowned Battle of the Overpass.

17. Detroit’s Eastern Market

Detroit’s Eastern Market serves as a vibrant venue showcasing a diverse range of fresh produce harvested by Michigan’s dedicated farmers.

Many locals rely on the market for all their grocery needs, offering an opportunity to experience the community and support sustainable practices.

One of the highly popular vendors is the Russell Street Deli, known for its bustling breakfast service during weekends.

18. Motown Historical Museum

Michigan, particularly Detroit, has produced some of the most iconic music artists over the years, including Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and Diana Ross.

The Motown Museum, situated near downtown Detroit, allows visitors to explore the original Motown recording studio and view various artifacts relevant to Motown music.

19. Palmer Woods

This historic neighborhood in Detroit is home to roughly 300 Tudor Revival and neo-Georgian style residences, crafted by entrepreneurs who benefitted from the auto industry’s prosperity during the early 20th century.

The area remains inhabited, with the notable Dorothy Turkel House, a spacious 4,000 square foot residence currently undergoing renovation by two Detroit-based businessmen.

20. Greektown

Greektown in Detroit derives its name from the significant influx of Greek immigrants that settled in the area during the 20th century.

This lively neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Michigan, offering an extensive selection of casinos, including the well-known Greektown Casino, bars, and restaurants.

21. American Coney Island

A prominent establishment for trying one of Michigan’s quintessential snacks is the family-owned American Coney Island restaurant.

The “Coney” is akin to a hot dog, yet is legendary among Detroit’s residents and is a must-try for visitors to Michigan.

Interestingly, the name of this dish is not associated with Coney Island in New York; the resemblance in hot dog popularity is merely coincidental.

22. Henry Ford Museum

Located in Dearborn, the Henry Ford Museum is an expansive complex that spans both indoor and outdoor settings.

This museum, designated as a National Historic Landmark, emphasizes a vast array of objects and artifacts reflecting American culture and history.

Notably, it houses a significant collection of vintage automobiles, including notable items such as the bus on which Rosa Parks famously refused to relinquish her seat and the chair occupied by Lincoln during his assassination.

23. Detroit Zoo

Situated approximately two miles from Detroit’s city limits, the Detroit Zoo is home to a vast diversity of animal species and features the world’s largest Arctic exhibit, known as “The Arctic Ring of Life.”

This unique experience allows visitors to observe polar bears swimming overhead and to gain insights into Inuit culture.

24. Michigan’s Adventure

Michigan’s Adventure stands out as the foremost amusement park within the state, featuring a diverse selection of rides suitable for various age groups and thrill levels.

The park also encompasses a water park, Wild Water Adventure.

Conveniently located just north of Muskegon, it is easily accessible.

25. Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

This museum is situated within the Whitefish Point Light Station in Chippewa County, which is home to the Great Lakes’ oldest active lighthouse.

Founded in 1976 by a group of divers, the museum provides valuable information and exhibits detailing the challenges faced while navigating the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes.