Map view
The Henry Ford, Dearborn
- The Henry Ford is a history museum complex located in Dearborn, part of the Metro Detroit area
- The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation showcases a vast collection of artifacts that highlight American history, culture, and innovation, including significant items related to the automotive industry and other technological advancements
- Within the complex is Greenfield Village, an outdoor living history museum that features historic buildings and exhibits demonstrating American life from the 18th century to the present, where visitors can experience demonstrations of crafts and trades, as well as rides in historic vehicles
- Also on the grounds is the Rouge Factory Tour, which is a tour that provides insight into the manufacturing processes of the Ford Motor Company, showcasing the production of vehicles and the history of American manufacturing
Motown Museum, Detroit
- The Motown Museum, located in Detroit, is a landmark dedicated to preserving the legacy of Motown music
- Famously known as Hitsville U.S.A., it is the original recording studio established by Berry Gordy Jr., where many iconic artists such as Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and Diana Ross recorded their music
- The museum is situated in the house that Gordy converted into a recording studio and office in 1959, which played a crucial role in the development of the Motown Sound, becoming a defining genre of American music
- Visitors can tour Studio A, where numerous hits were recorded, and see various artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia related to Motown artists
Detroit Institute of Arts
- The Detroit Institute of Arts is a prominent art museum located in Midtown Detroit, established in 1885
- The museum features a diverse range of artworks, including pieces from ancient civilizations, European masters, and contemporary artists
- The museum houses over 100 galleries showcasing a variety of art forms, from mummies and African masks to modern art and notable works like Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry Murals
Grand Haven State Park
- Grand Haven State Park is a public recreation area located in Grand Haven, along the shores of Lake Michigan
- The park features a half-mile stretch of sandy shoreline along Lake Michigan, where it is situated at the mouth of the Grand River, providing scenic views of both the lake and the river
- Visitors can enjoy various activities such as swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and fishing
- The park also offers views of the Grand Haven pier and lighthouse, and is walking distance of downtown Grand Haven, allowing easy access to local shops and restaurants
#35 in Best Beaches in the USA
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
Best time to visit: June-Aug, Sept-mid Nov
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a cultural attraction located in Grand Rapids
- It includes a range of attractions, such as, the largest tropical conservatory in Michigan, five indoor themed gardens, extensive outdoor gardens, nature trails, and boardwalks, and a comprehensive outdoor sculpture collection, recognized as one of the most significant in the Midwest, and featuring works from contemporary, as well as historical artists
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids
Best time to visit: June-Aug, Sept-mid Nov
- The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is located in Grand Rapids, and serves as both a museum and the burial site of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who served from 1974 to 1977
- The museum showcases a variety of documents, artifacts, photographs, and videos that illustrate Ford's life and presidency
- It includes significant historical events such as the Watergate scandal and Ford's role in navigating the country through a challenging political landscape
Pond Hill Farm, Harbor Springs
- Pond Hill Farm is a destination located in Harbor Springs that offers a variety of attractions and activities
- The farm produces its own wines and beers, providing tastings for visitors
- It features a farm-to-table café that serves homemade pizzas and other meals, alongside a market that sells local produce and goods
- The farm is known for its large pumpkin patch, corn maze, and petting farm
Rock Harbor, Isle Royale National Park
- Rock Harbor is a significant location within Isle Royale National Park, that serves as a primary access point for visitors arriving at Isle Royale, which is located in northern Lake Superior, and encompasses over 400 islands
- The area offers various recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and ranger-led programs
- It is known for its boreal forests and diverse wildlife
Michigan History Center, Lansing
- The Michigan History Center is a state agency dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Michigan
- It encompasses several key components, including the Michigan History Museum, the Archives of Michigan, and various educational programs and services
- The Michigan History Museum is a museum features exhibits that chronicle Michigan's history from the end of the Ice Age to the late 20th century, showcasing artifacts and narratives related to the state's past
Arch Rock, Mackinac Island
- Arch Rock is a geological formation located on Mackinac Island, within Mackinac Island State Park
- It is a natural limestone arch that was formed during the Nipissing post-glacial period
- It is a result of geological processes involving high water levels and wave action that created openings in the limestone
- The site is a key attraction for exploring the natural beauty and historical landmarks of Mackinac Island
#30 in Best Attractions in the USA
Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island
- Fort Mackinac is a historic military outpost located on Mackinac Island, established during the American Revolutionary War in 1780
- It was built by the British Army to replace Fort Michilimackinac, which was deemed vulnerable to American attacks
- The fort played a significant role in various military conflicts, including the War of 1812, where it was the site of the Battle of Mackinac Island
- It is one of the oldest buildings in Michigan and served as a military garrison until the late 19th century
Maybury Hiking Trail Loop, Maybury State Park
Walk difficulty: easy
- The Maybury Hiking Trail Loop is a popular trail located in Maybury State Park
- The trail features a variety of landscapes, including wooded areas, marshlands, and views of Maybury Pond
- It also provides opportunities to observe local wildlife
#16 in Best Easy Hikes in the USA
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a natural area located on the shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula
- The park is renowned for its colorful sandstone cliffs, which rise dramatically from the lake
- Visitors can enjoy various natural features, including waterfalls, dunes, and diverse ecosystems
- Popular activities include boat cruises that showcase the cliffs, guided kayak tours, and hiking
Oval Beach, Saugatuck
- Oval Beach is a renowned beach located in Saugatuck, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities
- Nestled among towering sand dunes and bordered by the Kalamazoo River, Oval Beach offers a setting along the pristine shores of Lake Michigan
- Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing, and area is also popular for picnicking
#72 in Best Beaches in the USA
Saugatuck Dune Rides
- Saugatuck Dune Rides is an attraction located in Saugatuck, offering rides through the scenic sand dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline
- The rides provides a fast-paced experience over the dunes, which can feel similar to a roller coaster
- Riders can enjoy views of the natural landscape, including the sand formations
- The tour includes information about the lost town of Singapore, adding a historical element