Great Lake State
Midwest pastoral views and metropolitan living
Cherry fields, lakeside towns, and cider mills
Get To Know Michigan
Call it the Great Lake State or the heart of the Midwest, Michigan is a marriage of pastoral and metropolitan living like nowhere else. Whether you’re taking in the bigger cities of Grand Rapids, visiting a small, lakeside town, or simply viewing the famous cherry fields as you drive past, it seems like things are always happening and life is always growing in the Wolverine State. There’s something simply American about Michigan, as it has always been, and continues to be, the pure embodiment of life in the U.S.
Historical Sights
Look no further than Michigan for American historical sites. The state is full of farms, local food shops, and cider mills that will take you back to the days when everything was homemade. The Henry Ford Estate in Dearborn is highly educational as well as a fascinating part of American history, and the Michigan History Center in Lansing provides you with the tale of the state itself, from its founding until now. Also, you can learn quite a lot about the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe at the Ziibwing Center in Mount Pleasant.
There's no shortage of things to do in Michigan.
Culture in Michigan
Michigan has a rich cultural history and is famously known as the home of Motown, punk rock, and techno music, putting music at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
If you’re looking for good food options, it’s almost a crime not to at least try Detriot’s deep dish pizza. Additionally, the state is known for its cherries, fudge, and artisanal beer.
Museums are everywhere in Michigan. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the University of Michigan Museum in Ann Arbor all provide a cultural backdrop for this exciting state. The Longway Planetarium in Flint offers replicas of the night sky as well as laser shows set to music.
If you’re a movie buff, you’ll love visiting the filming locations of some incredible movies, such as “Somewhere in Time,” “Die Hard 2,” and “Gran Torino,” which were all shot (in full or in part) in the Wolverine State.
Must See List
- Snow Snake
- Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park & Wild Water Adventure
- Crossroads Village And Huckleberry Railroad
- TreeHouse
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Michigan
- Howell’s MainStreet Winery
- Good Harbor Vineyards
- Hawthorne Vineyards
- Castle Farms
- Waterford Oaks Waterpark
- Surfari Joe’s Indoor Wilderness Water Park & Hotel
- Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
- Grand Haven State Park
Top Cities To Visit in Michigan
Detroit
From Lake St. Claire down the Detroit River, The Motor City looms large as a legendary hub for American car culture. Detroit is also the home of Motown Records and still boasts a thriving music scene from clubs to outdoor festivals. Foodies need to check out the serious brunch options and intense infusion of Mediterranean cuisine. Major league sports franchises dot the city. Classic movie theaters are pristinely preserved. And there’s no end to world-class museums, street art and more. There’s also great free stuff to do like Belle Island and its stunning parkland or seeing the beautiful architecture of the Detroit Public Library.
East Lansing
Square in the center of Michigan lies East Lansing, home of Michigan State University. This lively college town offers diversions from craft breweries to huge sporting events. There is also a number of wonderful parks. Follow the Lansing River Trail either by hiking the water’s edge or as paddling downstream in a kayak. Museum hounds will find lovely collections in town, at MSU and even has a planetarium to check out. Botanical gardens and a zoo afford opportunities for outdoor urban discovery. Plenty of historical sites allow visitors to trace the past from 18th century life to a Vietnam War Memorial and the birthplace of Malcolm X.
Kalamazoo
Almost exactly halfway between Chicago and Detroit is Kalamazoo, Michigan. “The Zoo,” as the locals lovingly call it, holds a treasure trove of outdoor activities. With over 20 parks with hiking and biking trails – many even dog friendly – it’s a great place for fresh air and long strolls. Rich in museums and art galleries, there’s plenty of gawking to do indoors as well. Farmers’ markets and cider orchards will connect you to the surrounding agrarian culture. And if you like beer, there’s any number of local craft breweries serving up their best on tap. Music venues, ballet, traditional theater – you won’t run out of fun here.
Grand Rapids
Just west of Lake Michigan, divided in two by the Grand River, the city of Grand Rapids holds many diversions. Michigan’s second largest city is a great museum hub with art, science and history all well-represented. Loads of outdoor spaces beckon from a serene sculpture garden to the Blandford Nature Center and its amazing trails. Beer fans can visit 20 breweries in the city’s famous “ale trail.” There’s a great Frank Lloyd Wright house to check out, and the Fulton Street Farmers Market is bursting with local produce. If you’re into golf, play a few rounds at one of the area’s beautiful courses.
Attractions
Michigan has attractions for everyone from thrill-seekers to indoor types. If you’re visiting with your kids, make sure to check out the Holland State Park in Holland, Lake Lansing Park-South in Haslett, or Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park & Wild Water Adventure in Muskegon. Mackinac Island alone is crawling with excitement, including the famous Fort Mackinac, that’s fun for every age, as is the Detroit Zoo. If you’re looking for a more grownup trip, head over to Detroit’s Greektown Casino for a game or two, the GM Renaissance Center for some serious shopping, or to W.J. Beal Botanical Garden in East Lansing for a romantic stroll through the flowers.
Where to Stay and When to Go
Temperatures in Michigan can range from 80 degrees or higher in the middle of summer to below freezing in January and February. It’s a good bet to plan your trip around the fall or spring months to experience the most temperate weather, but there’s always something to do in Michigan, whether you’re having fun in the sun or buried under a foot of snow! The choice is yours, just make sure you dress accordingly.
Depending on where you want to stay and how much you’d like to rough it, some of Michigan’s most exciting accommodations include the kid-friendly Soaring Eagle Waterpark and Hotel in Mount Pleasant, the B&B Laurium Manor Inn in Laurium, or the campground at Fort Custer Recreation Area near Battle Creek.
Book Your Trip to Michigan Today
Michiganders pride themselves on living in a state that offers exciting thrills that are fun for the whole family as well as calm moments where you can take in the splendor of nature. So, what are you waiting for? Book your bus ticket to Michigan now and see everything The Great Lake State has to offer. If your party is large enough, a charter bus may even be in order.