Found 19 blog entries tagged as Michigan Travel.

If you have to pick between Michigan’s two national lakeshores, you are not choosing between good and better. You are choosing between two great but very different experiences. Sleeping Bear Dunes delivers warm-water beach days, easy overlooks, and small-town charm you can wander on foot. Pictured Rocks answers with painted cliffs, waterfall hikes, and a true inland-sea vibe on Lake Superior. As a Metro Detroit local who road-trips north all year, here is the most useful head-to-head you will find, with the specifics that actually help you plan.

The quick answer

  • Best for families and first timers: Sleeping Bear Dunes

  • Best for epic scenery and adventure: Pictured Rocks

  • Closest to Metro Detroit: Sleeping Bear Dunes

  • Warmest swim: Sleeping…

453 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Mackinac Island is often described as a place where time stands still, a charming Victorian haven of horse-drawn carriages, clip-clopping along car-free streets lined with historic buildings. It’s lovingly renowned for being the same year after year, famous for its old-fashioned fudge shops and timeless waterfront views. But that doesn’t mean nothing ever changes. In fact, this beloved Michigan destination has been quietly adding plenty of new attractions and upgrades in the last couple of years.

In 2024 and 2025, Mackinac Island is blending the old with the new in delightful ways. Imagine savoring a giant fresh-baked cookie (yes, cookie!), playing arcade games by the harbor, or sipping craft cocktails on a dock stretching into Lake Huron, all on an…

741 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Michigan’s tourism industry isn’t just about summer vacations and weekend getaways; it’s a powerhouse economic engine for the state. A new report reveals that in 2024 Michigan attracted record numbers of visitors and dollars, translating fun and leisure into serious economic growth. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the streets of Detroit, tourism is boosting businesses, creating jobs, and even helping fund community services through tax revenue. This article breaks down the latest findings in a conversational, insider tone, the kind of perspective you’d get from a lifelong Michigander who’s watched this growth firsthand. Let’s dive into how Pure Michigan adventures are paying off for our local economy and what it means for families and communities…

1584 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Metro Detroit knows how to make the most of warm weather, and nothing says summer quite like a friendly round of mini golf. Whether you’re chasing the perfect date night, a family outing, or just a few laughs with friends, the region is full of courses ranging from retro classics to glow-in-the-dark showstoppers. As a lifelong Michigander and local real estate expert, I’ve explored these spots firsthand, and I know which ones are worth your time. Here’s your complete 2025 guide to 40 mini golf venues across Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor, broken down by style so you can find your next favorite course.

Looking to pair mini golf with local flair? Check out Exploring Metro Detroit: Top Things to Do in August for seasonal festivals and block parties worth…

469 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Ask ten Michiganders where "Up North" begins, and you’ll get twelve different answers. Some point to a highway exit. Others name a favorite lake town. A few insist it doesn’t start until you cross the Mackinac Bridge.

But that's what makes the idea of "Up North" so special: it's both a destination and a feeling.

It’s the first time you see more pine trees than power lines. It’s the moment traffic clears and the air smells like wood smoke and water. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, pulling up to a lakeside cabin, or just passing a handmade pasty sign on the side of the road, the experience is universal: you’ve left the grind behind and entered the best version of Michigan.

Still, there are some clear turning points. If you’ve ever driven north…

229 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Michigan may be the land of the Motor City, but the world’s top biking spot isn’t Amsterdam or Copenhagen, it’s right here in the Great Lakes State. In a global ranking of nearly 3,000 cities, tiny Mackinac Island, Michigan earned the highest score of all, becoming the #1 place on Earth to ride a bike. In fact, Mackinac Island made history by scoring a perfect 100 in the PeopleForBikes 2025 “Best Places to Bike” ratings, the first time any city has ever achieved a perfect score. This car-free island’s victory isn’t just a win for Mackinac; it’s a point of pride for all Michiganders, surprising many who might assume the best biking would be found in Europe or big U.S. cities.

So what makes Mackinac Island such a cyclist’s paradise? Imagine an idyllic…

544 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

There’s nothing quite like discovering a hidden gem in your own backyard, especially when that backyard spans the two peninsulas of Michigan. One such gem is Kitch-iti-Kipi, a spring so enchanting that the Ojibwa people nicknamed it the “Mirror of Heaven.” Tucked away in the lush forests of the Upper Peninsula (U.P.), Kitch-iti-Kipi is a place many Metro Detroiters have heard whispers about but few have experienced firsthand. Imagine crystal-clear emerald water where giant trout glide over ancient sunken logs, and you can peer 40 feet down as if looking through glass. For lifelong Michiganders and curious families alike, this natural wonder is a must-see that truly lives up to the hype.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Kitch-iti-Kipi so magical,…

1098 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

There is nothing quite like a Michigan summer night. The breeze off the lake. The hum of cicadas. The scent of grilled burgers lingering in the air. And then, just when the sky turns that deep shade of navy, the fireworks begin.

Whether you're a die-hard Fourth of July fan, a parent planning the perfect family night, or someone who simply wants to catch the biggest and best fireworks shows in Michigan this summer, this is the guide you didn't know you needed but will absolutely be glad you have.

From Lake Michigan beach towns to Metro Detroit parks and Upper Peninsula gems, here are 25 Michigan fireworks displays that deserve a spot on your summer calendar.

From local festivals to fireworks nights, there’s so much happening—like the many summer…

10913 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

From springtime lambs to hayrides in the fall, there’s no shortage of interactive animal adventures for families living in Metro Detroit—or those moving to Metro Detroit and seeking the region’s most charming family-friendly experiences. These hands-on farms blend outdoor fun, gentle animals, and educational encounters, giving kids the opportunity to connect with nature and agriculture right in their own backyard. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or looking for seasonal staples like pony rides and petting zoos, these destinations deliver immersive farm visits that delight all ages.

Here are 16 must-visit farms across Metro Detroit and nearby areas where children can feed goats, bottle calves, ride ponies, and make unforgettable memories.

…

326 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

There’s a reason Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beloved summertime pilgrimage for Metro Detroiters. This 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline – with golden sand dunes soaring 400+ feet above shimmering blue waters – was even crowned “the Most Beautiful Place in America” in 2011. Blending breathtaking natural beauty with small-town Up North charm, Sleeping Bear Dunes offers the ultimate Michigan beaches escape and a playground for family travel in Michigan. Whether you’re a newcomer planning your first Lake Michigan summer vacation or a local who’s been “Up North” countless times, this guide will show you what to see, do, and know – all with a friendly local twist. From can’t-miss sights like the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic…

1784 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post