Michigan, meaning “large lake,” is filled with over 3,200 miles of stunning shoreline and wow-inducing wilderness. I spent just over a month exploring this scenic Midwest state in July and I’ve made a list of the places that really stole my heart…
1. Mackinac Island
This car-free island completely charmed me with its sugar-sand and pebble beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, pine-scented forest trails, dramatic limestone Arch Rock, and flower-draped Victorian buildings. After a short drive to Mackinaw City and a breezy 20-minute ferry, I felt like I’d stepped back in time into a wonderfully romantic, old-world escape!
I spent four blissful days at the super-cute Island House Hotel, biking the 8.2-mile Shoreline Trail, exploring the historic Fort Mackinac, taking afternoon tea at the elegant Grand Hotel and hiking to the Insta-worthy Arch Rock (my photo is above).
I also spent it unwinding on the quiet British Landing Beach, and indulging in Murdick’s highly decadent fudge. I have to admit it was pretty busy with day-trippers in downtown during my summer visit, so I’d suggest coming in spring or fall if you prefer fewer crowds.
Location: Northern Michigan, in Lake Huron | Size: small island (around 4 square miles) | Vibe: romantic with Victorian-era charm
My favorite highlights…
- Seeing fudge being made then sampling it at Murdick’s Fudge Shop – the velvety Maple Walnut, the intense Double Chocolate Espresso and sweet-tart Mackinac cherry chocolate were my favorites!
2. Tahquamenon Falls
Framed by gorgeous emerald forest and atmospheric misty river vistas, I loved how Tahquamenon Falls – a stunning pair of amber-colored waterfalls roared with raw power and exuded a wild and dramatic beauty!
It took me about 1 hour 20 minutes from Cut River Bridge along peaceful forested backroads to my cozy base at Tahquamenon Suites Lodging, and I spent a full day exploring. I hiked the gorgeous River Trail between the Upper and Lower Falls, rowed a little rental boat right up close to the Lower Falls, and soaked up the views at the Upper Falls Overlook, where I stood close enough to feel the rumble of the water and the cool spray splashing across my face!
Planning Your Trip Last Minute? ⏰
🛏️Terrace, lake view, bike rentals await: Island House Hotel
Fabulous 8.9511 reviewsFrom $965.87
🛏️Enjoy lake views, pool, and cycling: Island House Hotel
Fabulous 8.9511 reviewsFrom $965.87
🛏️Near Pictured Rocks, enjoy sunsets: Roam Inn
Superb 9.2203 reviewsFrom $402.08
Location: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula within Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Size: Upper Falls ~200 ft wide, 50 ft drop | Vibe: wild with a peaceful, back-to-nature feel
My personal highlights…
- Staying at the Tahquamenon Suites Lodging – I loved how they were only minutes away from the falls, how the huge spots were spotless and the super convenient self check-in using a door code sent by text!
3. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
This 42-mile stretch of Lake Superior completely dazzled me — rainbow-striped sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, natural arches, sandy beaches, tumbling waterfalls, a backdrop of thick forest and a remote and adventurous vibe all made it one of the most spectacular places I came across on my road trip!
After a 2-hour drive west from Crisp Point Lighthouse, I based myself at the charming Roam Inn in Munising for two nights. I kayaked beneath the imposing Painted Cliffs, hiked the picturesque Chapel Loop to Chapel Falls, dived in chilly Lake Superior, toured the photogenic Au Sable Light Station, and then unwound on peaceful Sand Point Beach. Locals told me it was just as magical in winter, when ice climbing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling take over the landscapes.
Location: Northern shoreline of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along Lake Superior | Size: ~42-miles | Vibe: wild, rugged, and dreamily scenic | Wildlife: Black bears, foxes, snowshoe hares, bald eagles, peregrine falcons
My personal highlights…
- Going scuba diving in the clear waters of Lake Superior and seeing the wreck of The Smith Moore – an 1889 steamer lying eerily intact with its railings, winches, and sections of the wooden deck still visible!
4. Traverse City
I spent my week in Traverse City hopping between beaches edged by sparkling turquoise waters, cherry-scented orchards, vine-striped hills, Insta-worthy red-brick shopfronts and waterside patios. It all felt very laid-back, outdoorsy but also quietly upscale—a nostalgic Great Lakes town dotted with cute little cherry stands, cool craft breweries and easy-on-the-eye sailboats!
I spent my time climbing the wind-rippled Sleeping Bear Dune, admiring Lake Michigan from the vertigo-inducing 450-foot overlook, kayaking past sandy coves and cycling the leafy TART Trail.
My more low-key activities included savoring a cool-climate Riesling among Old Mission Peninsula’s savoring a cool-climate Riesling among Old Mission Peninsula’s photogenic vineyards, checking out Front Street’s independent boutiques and sampling everything from tart-cherry cider to chocolate-covered