Best Places to Visit in Michigan: A Year-Round Travel Guide

As featured in The Detroit Writing Room’s “Detroit Voices 2025” Magazine

There’s a certain magic that comes with traveling to Michigan — a place where every season offers something new to discover. As a native Michigander and avid traveler, no matter where my adventures take me, I always love coming back home to this incredible state.

Summer in Michigan means endless adventures — from boating on one of the state’s 11,000+ freshwater lakes to exploring National Lakeshore Parks or making unforgettable memories on Mackinac Island. In the fall, Michigan is pure magic with cider mill visits, apple picking, and scenic drives through forests bursting with vibrant color. Winter transforms northern Michigan into a snowy wonderland perfect for skiing, snowmobiling, and cozy nights by the fire. And when spring arrives, the crisp air of winter gives way to colorful blooms, and the promise of warmer days ahead.

For food lovers, Michigan’s culinary scene is just as inviting. Savor Detroit-style pizza, famous Coney Island Hot Dogs, and farm-to-table dining featuring the freshest local produce and fish. Pair your travels with stops at one of Michigan’s 150+ wineries, 400+ breweries, or immerse yourself in the state’s thriving live music scene.

So, welcome to “The Mitten” — as we affectionately call it — because where else can you hold up your hand and point to where you’re from? Michigan is a seasonal journey, each chapter filled with its own treasures, adventures, and discoveries. Let’s take a closer look at what makes every season unforgettable.

☀️ Summer in Michigan: Shorelines, Sunshine, & Small Towns

Lake Michigan

When you think of summer in Michigan, you picture long days, blue skies, sparkling water, and the promise of your next adventure. With over 3,000 miles of freshwater shoreline and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan boasts the longest freshwater coastline in the world, transforming into a warm-weather playground every summer.

Start with the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, held each July near the Fourth of July holiday. This 10-day celebration has something for everyone — thrilling air shows, live music, parades, family-friendly rides, and fireworks over Grand Traverse Bay. While your there, take a scenic drive along the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail or the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Be sure to indulge in a slice of fresh cherry pie from Grand Traverse Pie Company — a local favorite.

For small-town charm, head to Grand Haven on Michigan’s west coast. Known for its historic pier and lighthouse, lively boardwalk, quaint cafés, and stunning sunsets over Lake Michigan, it’s the perfect summer escape. Nicknamed “Coast Guard City”, Grand Haven also hosts an annual festival honoring the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, complete with air shows, parades, and fireworks.

Love a good road trip? Take the scenic M-22 highway along the Leelanau Peninsula, one of Michigan’s most iconic drives. Stop at charming Lake Michigan beach towns, sample wine at local vineyards, and explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where sandy bluffs meet crystal-clear water.

For outdoor adventure, head to the Upper Peninsula. Paddle beneath sandstone cliffs at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, hike the rugged trails of Isle Royale National Park, or chase waterfalls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. And don’t miss dipping your toes in the crisp, clear waters of Lake Superior.

Summer in Michigan is also festival season! Beyond the Cherry Festival, you’ll find colorful hot air balloon festivals in Howell, Battle Creek, Midland, Grand Rapids, and Petoskey.

Love art? The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, one of the nation’s largest outdoor art festivals, is a must-see. And to close out summer, don’t miss Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak, Detroit’s lively Hoedown Festival, and the Peach Festival in Romeo.

Travel Tip: Summer is Michigan’s busiest season, so book accommodations early — especially around Mackinac Island, popular Lake Michigan beaches, and northern Michigan resorts. For fewer crowds, plan weekday visits and explore hidden-gem inland lakes away from the big beaches.

Whether you’re road-tripping Up North, watching hot air balloons drift across the sky, kayaking beneath sandstone cliffs, or catching a sunset over Lake Michigan, summer in Michigan is where adventure meets relaxation. 

🍂 Fall in Michigan: Color, Comfort & Crisp Air

Skybridge at Boyne Mountain

Fall in Michigan is nothing short of breathtaking. The state transforms into a canvas of fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep auburn colors. With millions of acres of forests, winding roads, and charming small towns, Michigan offers one of the best fall travel experiences in the Midwest.

Start with the Tunnel of Trees along M-119 near Harbor Springs. This winding route hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, with brilliant foliage arching overhead. Before you leave the Harbor Springs area though, stop at Tom’s Mom’s Cookies — a local favorite — and Pond Hill Farm for fresh cider, homemade doughnuts, and a stroll through their pumpkin patch. Continue north to Petoskey and Charlevoix, where boutique shops, art galleries, and waterfront dining make the perfect autumn getaway.

Travel Tip: Peak fall colors typically arrive late September through mid-October in northern Michigan, while southern regions shine from mid to late October. For the best fall color drives, explore M-22 along the Leelanau Peninsula, US-131 near Cadillac, and M-28 through the Upper Peninsula. Book accommodations early — weekends fill up quickly during peak season.

For festival lovers, Michigan offers plenty of options. The Frankfort Fall Festival on Lake Michigan features parades, live music, and artisan markets. Celebrate the harvest at the Bayfield Apple Festival, where you can pick apples, sip cider, and enjoy fresh-baked pies. And no Michigan fall is complete without a trip to a cider mill. Favorites include Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills, Franklin Cider Mill in Bloomfield Hills, and Blake’s Cider Mill in Armada — where you’ll also find a petting zoo, pony rides, and family-friendly fun. For a quieter experience, visit Dexter Cider Mill, the oldest continuously operating cider mill in Michigan.

Finally, immerse yourself in a little Bavarian magic in Frankenmuth. Known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria”, Oktoberfest comes alive with lively music, hearty cuisine, and plenty of beer — making it a must-visit destination for fall travelers.

From scenic drives and harvest festivals to cider sipping and small-town strolls, fall in Michigan invites travelers to slow down, soak in the colors, and savor the season’s simple pleasures.

❄️ Winter in Michigan: A Snowy Wonderland Awaits

Winter Ski Resort

Winter in Michigan feels like stepping into a snow globe. For snow lovers, northern Michigan is the ultimate playground. Head to Boyne Mountain Resort or The Highlands in Harbor Springs for some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the Midwest. Families can enjoy tubing, cross-country skiing, and indoor waterparks, making these destinations perfect for winter getaways. At Crystal Mountain Resort near Traverse City, spend your days, your evenings in the spa, and cap it off with a horse-drawn sleigh ride under the stars.

Holiday magic shines bright during Michigan winters. Visit Frankenmuth, where snow-dusted streets glow with lights, holiday shops overflow with décor, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland celebrates the season on a grand scale. In Detroit, lace up your skates at Campus Martius Park and enjoy hot chocolate from local vendors. And in Grand Rapids, the World of Winter Festival transforms the city into an outdoor art gallery with large-scale installations, interactive light displays, and family-friendly fun.

Travel Tip: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers, waterproof boots, and warm outerwear. Book ski resorts, cozy cabins, and holiday lodging early, as many northern Michigan destinations fill up fast on winter weekends.

From frozen waterfalls and snowy trails to sparkling holiday festivals and cozy lodge escapes, winter in Michigan invites you to bundle up, slow down, and embrace the magic of the season.

🌷 Springtime in Michigan: Awakening the Mitten

Spring Tulips

As winter fades, Michigan bursts to life in a season of rebirth and renewal. Wildflowers and orchards begin to bloom, and small towns come alive with festivals, farmers markets, and celebrations of warmer days ahead. Spring in Michigan is more than a season — it’s an invitation to explore.

Start with the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, where 4.5 million tulips bloom across the city each May. Windmill Island Gardens becomes a rainbow of color, and visitors enjoy artisan markets, Dutch dancers, parades, and live music. In 2025, the festival welcomed over 950,000 visitors, making it one of Michigan’s most beloved spring events.

For nature lovers, Ann Arbor’s Nichols Arboretum is a spring paradise. The Peony Garden, home to 250+ varieties, reaches peak bloom in late May and early June. Wander winding trails, picnic by the Huron River, and soak in a sensory-rich spring experience.

Take a scenic drive along M-37 through rolling hills lined with orchards and budding vineyards. Stop at Brys Estate Vineyard or Chateau Chantal on the Old Mission Peninsula for wine tastings paired with panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay.

For small-town charm, visit South Haven, Grand Haven, and Saugatuck, three vibrant Lake Michigan shoreline communities. Stroll charming downtowns, browse local boutiques, and enjoy waterfront dining as you breathe in the lake breeze.

Spring also marks the perfect time to explore one of Michigan’s most beloved attractions: The Henry Ford in Dearborn — a one-of-a-kind destination made up of several must-see experiences. At the Henry Ford Museum, explore iconic artifacts like the Rosa Parks bus, JFK’s presidential limousine, and groundbreaking inventions that shaped American history. Step outside into Greenfield Village, where costumed interpreters, Model T rides, historic homes, and artisan demonstrations bring the past to life in a fully immersive outdoor experience. For a behind-the-scenes look at modern industry, book the Ford Rouge Factory Tour and watch the legendary F-150 being assembled on the line. Wrap up your visit with a film at the Giant Screen Experience — a state-of-the-art IMAX theatre that’s great for all ages.

Music lover? Then don’t miss the chance to visit Detroit’s legendary Motown Museum, where you can tour the very home and original recording studio where Motown Records was born. Walk through “Hitsville U.S.A.” and stand where icons like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and the Temptations once recorded some of the most iconic music in American history.

Spring is also the perfect time to explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where waterfalls surge from snowmelt, or marvel at the Tahquamenon Falls near Paradise, MI. Stop by the historic Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie to watch massive freighters pass through one of the busiest waterways in the world.

Whether you’re tiptoeing through tulips, sipping wine overlooking budding vines, or wandering small-town streets, springtime in Michigan is an experience you’ll never forget.

Conclusion

Michigan is more than just a destination — it’s an experience that transforms with every season. From spring tulip festivals and beach getaways to fall color tours and snowy winter escapes, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re road-tripping Up North, exploring charming small towns, chasing waterfalls, or relaxing on Lake Michigan beaches, traveling Michigan year-round offers endless opportunities for adventure and connection.

Don’t forget to explore Michigan’s cultural capital — Detroit — which offers some of the best museums in the Midwest. Spend a day at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), home to Diego Rivera’s iconic Detroit Industry Murals and over 65,000 works of art. Take the family to the Michigan Science Center for hands-on exhibits and a planetarium experience or dive into our state’s story at the Detroit Historical Museum. Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or traveling with kids, Detroit’s Museum scene offers enriching experiences for everyone.

Whether you’re a local rediscovering your home state or planning your first visit, Michigan invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and create memories that last a lifetime. Wherever the season takes you, The Mitten State is ready to welcome you with open arms and unforgettable experiences.