21 Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Looking for the best places to visit in Michigan? Explore this exciting and diverse state with this insider’s guide to the best things to do in Michigan by a local.  Michigan is a favorite vacation destination for nature lovers, photographers, adventurers, extreme sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an unforgettable experience. 

The Great Lake State attracts visitors from around America and Canada. From the north shore of Lake Michigan to the Motown and Motor City heritage of Detroit, there are many reasons to visit Michigan.

Best Places to Visit in Michigan

Michigander Sherry Trautman shares the very best places to visit in Michigan as recommended by a born and raised locally. If you are looking for road trip ideas, add these places in Michigan to your trip. This post has been updated by ThePlanetD for 2023.

1. Detroit

You cannot have a list of the best things to do in Michigan and not include the Motor City of Detroit. Detroit is Michigan’s largest city and has a lot more to offer than just cars and Motown (although those are pretty cool too). Detroit has a cool art scene with the Detroit Institute Of Arts Museum and the Heidelberg Project just to name a few.

If you do visit Detroit you do not want to miss the museums. From the Motown Museum and the Detroit Historical Museum to the Henry Ford Museum, you can learn all about what Detroit was like in its heyday and a visit to Corktown and the East MArket will give a great look into the city’s culture.

If you want to learn more about all the great things to do in Detroit, make sure to check out our in-depth article here.  Read more: 21 Best Things to Do in Detroit Michigan

Where to Stay in Detroit

• The Marriott at the Renaissance Center is located directly on the People Mover making it a good central location. Located in one of the 7 towers of the Renaissance Centre, this is a great location in Detroit.
• Doubletree Suites by Hilton – We enjoyed our stay here in Fort Shelby, a historical district at the train station. The Fox Theatre and Detroit Opera House are nearby, and some of the area’s notable landmarks include Masonic Temple and Ambassador Bridge.

2. Charlevoix

Did you know you can see your own little slice of Hobbiton in Michigan? Charlevoix is not only a great place to make a base in Northern Michigan, but it is also home to the unique mushroom houses designed by renowned architect, Earl Young.

Located four hours north of Detroit, a visit to Charlevoix was one…