Located in the Midwest, Michigan has so much to offer. The state is split in two and connected by the Mackinac Bridge. Michigan is also surrounded by lakes, touching four of the five Great Lakes. The Upper Peninsula is more sparsely populated, but you’ll find the dramatic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. In Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, you’ll find Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, charming small towns like Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Grand Haven, and its capital city of Detroit.
So let’s give you some inspiration and start planning your trip.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located in the very north, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a gem along Lake Superior. The cliffs tower over the lake below and as you explore the area, you’ll find beautiful beaches (though this is Lake Superior so expect the water to be cold), colorful cliffs, and so much more.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Located on the western shores of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is famous for its steep sand dunes. While the steepest dunes are a challenge to climb, there are plenty of other, less strenuous hikes to choose from. And if you just want to relax on the beach, there’s options for that too.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a small island located in Lake Huron. It’s easily accessible by ferry from both Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. While the island is famous for its fudge, it’s also famous for being a car free island. Motorized vehicles are banned on the island, so it’s a great place to get out and ride a bike (which is also a great way to work off all that fudge!).
Itineraries
Are you thinking about going to Michigan, but are unsure how exactly to plan your itinerary? Try one of my itineraries that loop together my favorite parts of the region?
When to Visit Michigan
When people think of Michigan weather, they likely think of snow and cold. That’s not an unreasonable assumption as winters here can be cold, snowy, and brutal. Though the severity of winter will vary across the state with the Upper Peninsula and the northern parts of the Lower Peninsula getting the most severe winter weather. In general, if you’re looking for winter activities like cross country skiing and snowshoeing, winter will be a great time to visit.
Summers are the opposite. It’s the warmest weather, but with that heat also comes humidity. For those looking to get out on the lakes, summer is by far the best time. It’s also when you’ll find all of the festivals and big events.
During the fall months, the humidity goes away and the temperatures start dropping. While I haven’t spent a lot of time in Michigan in the fall, I’ve spent my whole life in nearby Wisconsin. Fall is a fantastic time to visit the midwest. Temperatures are pleasant and the changing leaves make everything that much more beautiful.
Spring is also an option, but the weather is very hit and miss. You might get lucky and have warm and dry weather, or you might get snow in the first week of May. There really is no way to predict what the weather will do.
Nearby
Michigan is in the heart of the Midwest United States. Nearby you’ll find my home state of Wisconsin. But the midwest also has more to offer. Stop by Chicago in Illinois, the dunes of Indiana, and the theme parks and Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio.