A few years ago, I wrote one of my most popular posts to date, The Ultimate Michigan Bucket List, listing the Top 28 things to see in the Great Lakes State. Since then, I have visited all except for two, and I began to wonder what other iconic Michigan destinations are out there. Here is what I came up with:
Fayette State Park
Located on the Garden Peninsula, on the northern coast of Lake Michigan, Fayette Historic State Park houses the remains of an iron smelting company town. From 1867-1891 nearly 500 people called Fayette home. Nowadays, visitors can tour the historic buildings and compare life of the laborers vs. the superintendent. The park is home to a modern campground within walking distance of the historic town.
2. Grand Haven Musical Fountain
From Memorial Day to Labor Day at dusk, guests can enjoy a 20 minute long music and light show with a different theme each night. Built in 1962, the fountain is the largest of its kind in the world. While the show can be seen from nearby, the best seats views are from the waterfront stadium.
Michigan Cherries
3. Go Apple or cherry picking
11 million apples are grown in Michigan each year and many farms around the state are open for U-pick from August to October. Be sure to pick up a donut and some cider as well. Northern Michigan grows more tart cherries than anywhere else, and Traverse City holds the National Cherry Festival every summer.
4. Eben Ice Caves
Located in the Hiawatha Forest between Marquette and Munising, magical caves of ice form each winter and become one of the most popular tourist destinations in U.P. The shimmering ice formations inside the caves create a breathtaking sight that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. The best time to experience this frosty phenomenon is between January and March.
Detroit Red Wings at Little Cesar’s Arena
5. Attend a Pro Sports Game in Detroit
Attending a professional sports game in Detroit is an exhilarating experience filled with passion and excitement from the local sports fans. The city is known for its rich sports history and loyal fan base, creating a vibrant atmosphere at games. Whether it’s watching the Lions at Ford Field, the Tigers at Comerica Park, or the Pistons or Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, a sports game in Detroit is sure to leave a lasting impression on any sports enthusiast. Be prepared to immerse yourself in the energy and camaraderie of Detroit sports culture while cheering on your favorite team.
6. Matthei Gardens
Visiting the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor is a serene experience that allows you to immerse yourself in nature and explore diverse plant collections. The gardens offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a peaceful setting for relaxation and contemplation. Whether you are strolling through the conservatory, enjoying the outdoor gardens, or attending one of the many educational programs, a trip to Matthaei Botanical Gardens is sure to rejuvenate your spirit.
Boyne SkyBridge
The SkyBridge at Boyne is probably the newest addition to this list. The SkyBridge is the longest timber tower suspension bridge in the world which floats over 100 feet above the valley, offering 360 degree views of the surrounding landscape. The SkyBridge is open all year, but the best views are in peak fall colors.
8. St. Joseph
In St. Joseph visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exploring the scenic Silver Beach, indulging in watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, and taking a leisurely walk or bike ride and cooling down at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. The city’s charming downtown is perfect for shopping, dining at local eateries, and experiencing the vibrant arts and culture scene. Additionally, St. Joseph hosts seasonal events like the Krasl Art Fair, the BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival, and the Magical Ice Fest, entertaining visitors all year round.
On deck of the S.S. Badger
The S.S. Badger is a steam powered car ferry transporting people across Lake Michigan from Ludington to Manitowac, Wisconsin in about four hours. It is the last coal powered passenger ship in operation in the United States and is a floating National Historic Landmark. The Badger’s season typically runs from May to October.
10. Kalamazoo
In Kalamazoo, visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area filled with art galleries, boutiques, and delicious dining options. The city is home to several craft breweries, providing opportunities for beer enthusiasts to taste local brews through brewery tours and tastings. Additionally, Kalamazoo offers cultural attractions such as the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the Air Zoo aerospace museum, and various outdoor activities like hiking and biking along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.
Beaver Island Ferry
Beaver Island is the largest island in Lake Michigan and is the lesser-visited of Michigan’s island destinations. visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking along picturesque trails, exploring historic lighthouses, and watersports such as kayaking and fishing. Beaver Island provides a peaceful and scenic retreat for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The island is a dark sky sanctuary and is accessible by ferry from Charlevoix.
12. Hidden Lake Gardens
Visiting Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton, offers a tranquil and immersive experience in a diverse botanical setting, featuring lush gardens, natural habitats, and serene lakes of the Irish Hills. Guests can explore the 726-foot canopy walk across two suspension bridges 65 feet above the forest floor. The gardens also host educational programs, events, and workshops, providing a wonderful opportunity for learning and appreciation of the natural world.
Legs Inn Historical Marker
Legs Inn in Cross Village is the only restaurant to make this bucket list. Perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Michigan, Legs Inn has been serving Polish food in an iconic timber-hewn building for generations. The restaurant is open from May to October and provides a memorable dining experience for visitors exploring the northern Michigan coast.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park is located at the northern tip of the Keewenaw Peninsula. Fort Wilkins was garrisoned in the 1840s after copper was discovered in the area to prevent violence and protect shipping interests. The fort proved to be unnecessary and was only occupied for less than 20 years. Visitors can tour the historic buildings and get a feel for life in the mid-1800s in a remote northern fort. The park is also home to a modern campground and two lighthouses on Lake Superior.
Midland is home to the Tridge, a unique, three-legged pedestrian bridge. Opened in 1981, the Tridge spans the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in Chippewassee Park. The Tridge is also the starting point of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. The Tridge is lit up for various holidays throughout the year.
16. Gilmore Car Museum
The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, offers a fascinating journey through the history of the automobile, featuring an unparalleled collection of vintage cars, classic motorcycles, and historic exhibits. Guests can explore over 90 acres of meticulously maintained grounds, including restored historic buildings and unique showcases, providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of automotive culture. The museum also hosts special events, car shows, and educational programs, making it a must-visit destination for automotive enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
The Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, Michigan, originally served as the Northern Michigan Asylum, a state hospital for the mentally ill established in the late 1800s. Today, the beautiful historic buildings have been repurposed into a vibrant community hub with shops, restaurants, galleries, and residential spaces. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored buildings, enjoy dining at unique eateries, shop for local goods, and attend events held within the Grand Traverse Commons complex.
18. Ledges in Grand Ledge
Exploring the Ledges of Grand Ledge, Michigan, allows visitors to experience stunning sandstone cliffs towering above the Grand River, offering panoramic views and unique geological formations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking amid the picturesque landscape of the ledges and nearby parks. The area’s rich history, dating back to Native American tribes and early settlers, adds an extra layer of cultural significance to the exploration of this natural wonder.
Michigan Central Station
Reopened in 2024 after being shuttered for over 30 years, Michigan Central Station is an architectural marvel in Detroit’s Corktown Neighborhood. The station originally opened in 1914 as the intercity railway hub for Detroit, but was abandoned in 1988. In 2009, the city passed a resolution to demolish the building but they didn’t have the funds to destroy it. The station continued to deteriorate for decades until the Ford Motor Company purchased it in 2018 and invested $950 million in renovations. The lobby is currently open daily and guided tours are available through Michigan History Tours.
20. Charlevoix Mushroom Houses
The mushroom houses in Charlevoix, Michigan, are a unique and whimsical architectural phenomenon, designed by the renowned architect Earl Young in the mid-20th century. These distinctive homes, characterized by their organic, stone-based designs and enchanting fairy-tale-like appearance, have become iconic landmarks in the Charlevoix area. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to marvel at these charming and one-of-a-kind structures, offering a delightful glimpse into the creativity and imagination of architectural design.
Enjoying Michigan Wine in the Vineyard
21. Try Michigan Wine or Beer
Exploring Michigan’s wine and beer offerings is a must-do on the Michigan bucket list due to the state’s flourishing craft beverage industry, known for its innovative flavors and high-quality products. From the scenic vineyards of Old Mission Peninsula to the bustling breweries in cities like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, sampling Michigan wine and beer allows for a taste of the state’s unique terroir and brewing traditions. Whether enjoying a crisp Riesling by the shores of Lake Michigan or savoring a locally brewed IPA at a cozy pub, experiencing the diverse and delicious beverages of Michigan is a delightful way to immerse oneself in the culture and flavors of the Great Lakes State.
22. Fr. Marquette Memorial
The Father Marquette Memorial, located in Straits State Park in St. Ignace pays tribute to the 17th-century French Jesuit missionary and explorer, Father Jacques Marquette. This memorial features a towering bronze statue of Father Marquette, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac and serving as a symbol of his influential role in early Great Lakes exploration and missionary work. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and learn about the significant historical and cultural impact of Father Marquette’s expeditions and interactions with the native peoples of the region.
Ann Arbor
23. Ann Arbor
In Ann Arbor, visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area filled with unique shops, diverse restaurants, and cultural attractions such as the University of Michigan campus and the iconic State Theater. The city’s rich arts scene offers opportunities to attend live performances at venues like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Kerrytown Concert House, and Michigan Theater. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy the picturesque Huron River, numerous parks, and the beautiful Matthaei Botanical Gardens for leisurely walks, kayaking, and nature appreciation.
24. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Visiting the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, offers a fascinating opportunity to explore one of the most historically significant shipwreck regions in the Great Lakes, with over 200 sunken vessels waiting to be discovered. The sanctuary provides visitors with immersive experiences such as glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling or diving excursions, and interactive exhibits at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, offering insights into the area’s maritime history and underwater archaeology. Whether admiring the diverse marine life or delving into the stories of the shipwrecks, a visit to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary promises a captivating journey into the depths of the Great Lakes.
Dow Gardens Canopy Walk
Visiting Dow Gardens in Midland provides a tranquil and immersive experience amidst meticulously curated landscapes, vibrant floral displays, and serene water features. The highlight of the gardens is the 1,400 foot long Canopy Walk, a unique elevated pathway that offers visitors a bird’s-eye view of the lush forest canopy, creating a one-of-a-kind perspective of the natural surroundings. Additionally, the Canopy Walk allows for a captivating stroll among the treetops, providing a sense of adventure and connection with nature within this beautiful botanical setting. Dow Gardens are open year round, but the canopy walk is especially popular in the fall.
26. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Visiting the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Alpena, Michigan, offers a fascinating opportunity to explore one of the most historically significant shipwreck regions in the Great Lakes, with over 200 sunken vessels waiting to be discovered. The sanctuary provides visitors with immersive experiences such as glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling or diving excursions, and interactive exhibits at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, offering insights into the area’s maritime history and underwater archaeology. Whether admiring the diverse marine life or delving into the stories of the shipwrecks, a visit to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary promises a captivating journey into the depths of the Great Lakes.
27. Hell
Visiting Hell, Michigan, provides a quirky and memorable experience, as the town embraces its unique name with a playful and lighthearted approach. Visitors can take photos with the humorous “Welcome to Hell” sign, explore novelty shops like the Hell Hole Bar, and enjoy special events such as the annual “Dam Tuff challenge” or the “Helluva Good Time” festival. The town also offers picturesque natural surroundings, including nearby parks and the Hell Creek Ranch, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
28. Ford Piquette Ave Plant
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit, Michigan, is a historic gem and one of the birthplaces of the iconic Model T automobile. This well-preserved factory-turned-museum provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the early days of automotive innovation. Stepping inside this landmark offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and industrial heritage that laid the foundation for the modern automotive industry.
Thanks for stopping by! Did I forget an iconic Michigan destination? Let me know in the comments! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
