Little Known Travel Destinations in Michigan

by | Jul 17, 2018 | RV Travel Destinations

If you’re looking for the perfect place to travel this summer, try taking a trip up north! Michigan is a great destination for RVers and holds tons of hidden treasures. The weather is beautiful and the sights are unparalleled. Pack up your RV and prepare yourself for the summer of a lifetime with this state on your travel list.

Nature Lovers

From waterfronts to woods, Michigan offers an abundance of natural sights that are just waiting to be explored! Whether you love hiking, kayaking, or just enjoying the view, this state provides you with the opportunity to do what you love most.

Pictured Rocks in Munising, Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is  the ideal place for nature lovers. Situated on the shoreline of Lake Superior, this park allows visitors to experience beaches in a new way. You can go camping in the forest or by the shore at any of the park’s designated grounds. If your adventurous enough, you explore the park and hike on your own, but they also offer guides for those who are not familiar with the area. With activities for the kids, everyone in the family will have something to do. Don’t forget to visit both the rocky drop offs and sandy shores to experience the wide variety of scenic views this park holds.

Dequindre Cut in Detroit, Michigan

If you plan on staying in the city of Detroit and still want some outdoors time, we suggest riding the Dequindre Cut on a bike. Ride along riverside through the city in an area full of paved paths surrounded by natural beauty. But this activity doesn’t go without a big city twist. Along the sides of the path, you can see graffiti on the cement walls and paths. In fact, the trail ends in Detroit’s Eastern Market which is an area known to have great street art. Bike for leisure or cardio here and enjoy the unique mixture of art and nature.

Sleeping Bear Dunes in Glen Arbor, Michigan

The Sleeping Bear Dunes on the edge of Lake Michigan offer a challenging hike with a beautiful view as a reward at the end. We suggest making this hike on a cloudy or cool day because the sand temperatures here can rise fast. Pack a picnic or stay the night in one of the campgrounds. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the beach at the end of the hike in one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes. The park also holds a variety of activities you can participate in including experiencing local flora and fauna and learning about  the area’s history at various museums.

Turnip Rock Kayak in Port Austin, Michigan

Located just a few meters off shore in Lake Huron, Turnip Rock is an interesting geological rock formation that individuals can visit. Enjoy the view from the shore or kayak out to the scene. Follow the Port Austin kayak trails on your own or rent a kayak and go in a group. Either way this 7 mile round trip excursion will be a fun activity for all who choose to engage. When you reach the rock, the water is shallow enough to step out of your kayak and snap some photos! Be sure to wear stable shoes, as Port Austin Kayak explains the rocks are slippery.

Copper Harbor, Michigan

If you are looking for the perfect place to escape the business of life, Copper Harbor in Michigan is the perfect place for you to get away. With endless options of activities to participate in, this area gives visitors the chance to enjoy everything from biking to relaxing. Their world-class bike trails cover over 35 miles of the area. You can also take a hike, go skiing or fishing or engage in your more adventurous side and enjoy a day out on an ATV or snowmobile. If you are interesting in the history of the area, you can take tours or visit one of the museums nearby. Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Northern Lights are even visible during the season. No matter what you are interested in, you are sure to find something that suits you here!

Picturesque Places

Michigan is home to some of the most picture perfect places, so grab your camera to bring along on these adventures. At each of these destinations, you can find multiple photo opportunities ranging from scenic pictures to the perfect pose.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island is a beauty hidden in the waterway between the upper and lower peninsula of Michigan. While this island is inaccessible by road, there is a ferry that travels from both the upper and lower peninsulas. On your trip over, snap some shots with the lake or the commonly photographed Mackinac Bridge in the background. Once on the island, enjoy a multitude of picture perfect destinations. Stroll the quaint streets and take some pictures with the brightly accented architecture or explore the fields on horseback. Either way, your trip will be nothing short of picture perfect with this spot on your travel list.

Traverse City, Michigan

If you’re looking for a destination that offers both lakeside life and fun photo spots, make Traverse City your next stop. Situated next to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, there is plenty of ways to get active in this city as well. We suggest visiting during the world-famous cherry festival which takes place this year from June 30th to July 7th. Snap a picture with the world’s largest cherry pie pan or one of the country singers that will be performing at the festival. For information on event details, visit the Traverse City National Cherry Festival website.

M22 Scenic Drive

This drive is the perfect activity for RVers who are looking to have an epic photo journal of their trip. This 116 mile road that runs along the upper west coast of the lower peninsula is known as M22. Along the way, stop and snap endless amounts of pictures at the variety of destinations along the road. A couple of our favorites include Fishtown and Vans Beach where you can experience life on the water – literally! We also love the Arcadia Overlook, more commonly known as Inspiration Point. Here, you can get incomparable views of both land and sea. Make sure your camera is charged before this drive because we can guarantee you will be using it the entire trip.

Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan

As one of the largest waterfalls on the east side of the Mississippi, Tahquamenon Falls is a must visit on your Michigan travel list. This 200 ft. wide and 50 ft. tall waterfall is accessible by a beautiful hike through trails. See the falls from multiple vantage points throughout the state park or participate in one of the many activities they have available Get a nature shot here or pose with the perfect backdrop.

Grand Haven, Michigan

Grand Haven is one of the most picture perfect spots in all of Michigan. Here there are countless destinations to snap the perfect shot. Visit the mile and a half long boardwalk and take the trek down to the lighthouse or watch the show at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain. From sunrise to sunset, you will never have a dull moment thanks to the endless opportunities this city holds. We suggest some photoshoots at the beach and in the parks of the city!

Historical Havens

I’m sure Michigan isn’t one of the states that come to mind when you think of the history of the United States, but it has played a vital role in our country’s development. From culture to cars, Michigan has historical areas that have shared life in our country today.

Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan

For those of you who enjoy a day excursion full of culture and art, the Detroit Institute of Art is the place you should visit! This is one of the top 6 art exhibitions in the US. Check out what are is on display before you go on the website and enjoy the variety of events they hold. We love this destination because of the diversity of the collection. Whether you’re looking for something family friendly or specific to you, the institute will has something for everyone.

Hitsville Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan

If you are interested in the history of music, this is a cant’t miss spot to visit. The Hitsville Motown Museum records the history of music in the area. Experience music in a new light as you walk through Studio A where some of the greatest artists have recorded their hit tracks. Take a trip through time in this quaint museum that you will love.

Frankenmuth, Michigan

When passing through Michigan, be sure to take a stop in this history-filled town. Frakenmuth is known for the old Michigan culture and architecture that is hidden within it’s streets. With classic Bavarian hospitality, everyone will feel welcome here! W suggest taking in the sights and buildings to get an insight of what life was like for some original Michiganders.

Greenfield Village in Detroit, Michigan

Behind the Henry Ford Museum, step into the streets of history where it was made. Greenfield Village is a small area within Deerborn. Michigan. After exploring the museum, go over to the outdoors section where original buildings where historical events occurred are located. Explore every shop form first in flight to life as an early American. We suggest riding the streets of the village in an old Model T for the full experience.

Holland, Michigan

Who doesn’t love a field full of flowers? In the summer of every year, Holland, Michigan hold a tulip festivals. Take photos in the rolling fields of flowers or tap into the history behind the city. Other than the tulips, this city holds plenty of things for you and everyone and your family to enjoy. Indulge in fine dining or relax for a day on the beach. No matter what you do, your trip here will not be regretted.

Quick Roadside Stops

At these unique places, you can find entertainment without a huge time investment. Here are some places that we think would be there perfect stop for passing through.

Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan

If you are a nature lover, Belle Isle is the place for you be. With the area’s purpose of restoring natural wildlife, the island is flourishing and beautiful at every location. Come here with the entire family to walk around and explore all the wonders the small island holds.

Oswald’s Bear Ranch in , Michigan

If you love wildlife, we know just the quick roadside stop for you! Oswald’s Bear Ranch is the perfect mixture of zoo and freedom. These friendly cubs love to take picture with visitors and redefine how you think about bears. Experience the loving side of these animals as you participate in one of the many activities the facility offers.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in , Michigan

If you are looking for the perfect drive with sights without getting out of the car, we found the place for you. This scenic drive will leave you breathless. Located right outside of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, the overhangs and sight make this long drive worth the wait. Get out and grab a picture or simply take in the scene from the car. Either way, you are guaranteed to love all the scenery.

 

We hope you love these destinations as much as we do. Michigan is full of fun places to stop and explore. We want to know your favorite Michigan spots too! Leave a comment down below so we can add them to our list of must-sees!

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