Found 14 blog entries tagged as northern michigan.

Families, weekend explorers, and anyone curious about Michigan’s creative side do not need a ticket to see world-class art. Across big cities and small lakeshore towns, public pieces anchor plazas, brighten alleys, and turn waterfront paths into open-air galleries. From Calder’s towering “La Grande Vitesse” in downtown Grand Rapids to the playful Walk of Art on Elk Rapids’ bayfront trails, these works say as much about their communities as they do about the artists.

This guide is written for how locals actually explore. It sticks to verified, official sources, names each piece precisely, and gives quick pointers on how to see more with a simple loop, stroller in tow, and camera ready.

Southeast Michigan
West Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Northern Michigan
Upper…

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Michigan’s sunflower season is short, bright, and absolutely worth planning around. From Lake Superior sunsets behind golden blooms in the Upper Peninsula to kid-friendly mazes and u-pick bouquets downstate, the state’s farms deliver a burst of color right when summer is hitting its stride. Bloom windows vary by region and weather, fields often open or close with a few days’ notice, and photo policies can change by the weekend. The goal here is simple: help families and savvy locals pick the right field, show up prepared, and leave with great photos and even better memories.

Below you’ll find a quick-compare snapshot, then a region-by-region breakdown of Michigan’s best sunflower farms and festivals. Every listing includes practical details, insider…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Ready for an Upper Peninsula adventure? Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is a lighthouse lover’s dream, dotted with historic beacons that once guided Great Lakes ships and now make for unforgettable road trip stops. From rugged Lake Superior shorelines to quiet bays, these ten lighthouses offer a blend of history, scenery, and family-friendly exploration – truly some of the best things to do in northern Michigan for those seeking “Upper Peninsula travel” experiences. Our Metro Detroit-based travel expert invites you to pack up the car, head north, and let these shining landmarks light up your journey. Each stop comes with local lore, stunning views, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of lighthouse keepers from over a century ago. Buckle up for a scenic…

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MACKINAC ISLAND, MI — If you’ve ever stood on a bluff at Fort Holmes, fudge in hand, watching the sun sink into Lake Huron, then this won’t come as a surprise. For the third consecutive year, Mackinac Island has been crowned the No. 1 Best Summer Travel Destination by the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. And for those of us living in Metro Detroit? We already knew it was a national treasure—now it’s just official.

With its car-free streets, Victorian charm, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and rich history, Mackinac isn’t just a destination—it’s a ritual, a legacy, a rite of passage for Michiganders. Especially for families across Metro Detroit, the island is the backdrop to countless summer memories, and its recent three-peat honor is the perfect…

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