Michigan

More, more, more – Michigan is the Midwest state that cranks it up. It sports more beaches than the Atlantic seaboard. More than half the state is covered by forests. And more cherries and berries get shoveled into pies here than anywhere else in the USA. Plus Detroit is the Midwest's most exciting city of all, reinventing itself daily with street art and fresh architecture.

Michigan occupies prime real estate, surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie. Islands – Mackinac, Manitou and Isle Royale – freckle its coast and make top touring destinations. Surf beaches, colored sandstone cliffs and trekkable sand dunes also woo visitors.

The state consists of two parts split by water: the larger Lower Peninsula, shaped like a mitten; and the smaller, lightly populated Upper Peninsula, shaped like a slipper. They are linked by the gasp-worthy Mackinac Bridge, which spans the Straits of Mackinac.

Explore Michigan

Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum contains a fascinating wealth of American culture. It’s comprised of two parts: the indoor Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation,…
Eastern Market
One of the oldest and largest year-round bazaars in the United States, Eastern Market draws Detroiters of all types to its six-block spread of wares…
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA holds one of the world's finest art collections. The centerpiece is Diego Rivera's mural Detroit Industry, which fills an entire room and reflects…
Fisher Building
This 1928 masterpiece from the man who built Detroit, Albert Kahn, has an imposing art deco exterior made from Minnesota granite and Maryland marble, and…
Greenfield Village
Adjacent to the Henry Ford Museum (and part of its complex), outdoor Greenfield Village spreads across 80 acres and features historic buildings shipped in…
Guardian Building
Commissioned as a 'cathedral of finance,' this distinctive, 40-story, redbrick building with green and white accents was the world's tallest masonry…
Manitou Islands
The forest-cloaked Manitou Islands provide an off-the-beaten-path adventure. They’re part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hence the entrance…
Packard Plant
Renowned architect Albert Kahn designed this 3.5-million-sq-ft factory, which opened in 1905, but after years of neglect it became one of Detroit's most…
Campus Martius Park
This public space in the heart of Detroit's downtown is the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon. A fountain dots the middle, surrounded by…

Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum contains a fascinating wealth of American culture. It’s comprised of two parts: the indoor Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation,…
Eastern Market
One of the oldest and largest year-round bazaars in the United States, Eastern Market draws Detroiters of all types to its six-block spread of wares…
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA holds one of the world's finest art collections. The centerpiece is Diego Rivera's mural Detroit Industry, which fills an entire room and reflects…
Fisher Building
This 1928 masterpiece from the man who built Detroit, Albert Kahn, has an imposing art deco exterior made from Minnesota granite and Maryland marble, and…
Greenfield Village
Adjacent to the Henry Ford Museum (and part of its complex), outdoor Greenfield Village spreads across 80 acres and features historic buildings shipped in…
Guardian Building
Commissioned as a 'cathedral of finance,' this distinctive, 40-story, redbrick building with green and white accents was the world's tallest masonry…
Manitou Islands
The forest-cloaked Manitou Islands provide an off-the-beaten-path adventure. They’re part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hence the entrance…
Packard Plant
Renowned architect Albert Kahn designed this 3.5-million-sq-ft factory, which opened in 1905, but after years of neglect it became one of Detroit's most…
Campus Martius Park
This public space in the heart of Detroit's downtown is the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon. A fountain dots the middle, surrounded by…

Latest Stories from Michigan

Road Trips 8 must-do road trips in Michigan
Apr 28, 2023 • 7 min read
Tour charming small towns, marvel at the view as your car hugs the lakeshore, and explore dense forests on our favorite Michigan road trips.
Hiking The top 9 scenic hikes in Michigan
Apr 28, 2023 • 7 min read
From multi-day wilderness adventures to easily accessible family fun, here is our pick of the best hikes in Michigan.
National Parks The 5 best national parks in Michigan
Jan 4, 2023 • 5 min read
Michigan’s national parks aren’t household names – which is why these pristine natural treasures are yours to explore, without the crowds.
Hiking “Wiking”: Combine wine and hiking at these top 7 US wineries
Oct 2, 2020 • 5 min read
Some of the United States' best wineries are also great places for a hike. Here are a few wineries that pair gorgeous walks with after-hike wine tastings.
Sports The best ski areas you've never heard of
Oct 1, 2020 • 7 min read
Here are five ski areas that you probably haven't heard of but are worth considering for your next adventure.
Festivals & Events Get the keys to the Gates of Hell with this Halloween listing on Airbnb
Sep 30, 2020 • 2 min read
Hell is a small town in Michigan where you can enjoy Halloween festivities in the spooky Mayor's Lair with overnight stays in October.
Wildlife & Nature Top socially distant outdoor activities around the US
Jul 23, 2020 • 5 min read
For mask-wearing city-dwellers desperate for a change of scenery, there are options within driving distance to blow off some steam – without rubbing elbows…
Hotels Rent these amazing homes in Pantone’s color of the year
Dec 9, 2019 • 3 min read
Vacation rental site Vrbo has a selection of vacation homes that are painted in Classic Blue, which was announced as the 2020 color of the year.
Wildlife & Nature Stargazing, sunken forests, and ‘Shipwreck Alley’: Alpena, Michigan is a haven for nature lovers
Oct 29, 2019 • 5 min read
From crackling frozen beaches in winter to iris-strewn wooded trails in summer, Alpena County, Michigan welcome nature lovers year-round.
Sports College town showdown: Ann Arbor vs. Columbus
Sep 13, 2019 • 3 min read
Columbus vs. Ann Arbor, two cities intrinsically linked thanks to the historic rivalry between Ohio State vs. Michigan. But off the field, which college town…
Food The USA's best craft breweries
Jun 25, 2019 • 7 min read
It wasn't long ago that the American beer market was dominated by a handful of factory-produced brews that bore only a passing resemblance to what those…
Food Escape the urban hustle in Michigan's Harbor Country
Sep 26, 2018 • 6 min read
U-pick fruit farms and super-stylish homegoods stores, vertiginous dunes and high-gravity beers: this is Harbor Country, a strand of eight charming towns…
Story Wander through this lavender labyrinth in the most unlikely place
Jul 21, 2018 • 1 min read
Imagining a walk through fields of fragrant lavender usually conjures up dreams of a trip to Provence. But there’s a magical floral experience in perhaps…
Wildlife & Nature Dive into Great Lakes history in Northern Michigan
May 15, 2018 • 6 min read
A first visit to one of the Great Lakes redefines ideas of what a lake can be. The deep, cold waters stretch out as far as the eye can see toward a flat…

Planning Toolkit

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Check out these fun-filled activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer.
Tips & Travel trends to help you pick the perfect time to visit this destination.
Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination.
Put these must-see destinations on your next travel wish list.
Deals and tips on ways to save without sacrificing the fun on your next trip.
Check out these fun-filled activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Browse the various transportation options to make your trip that much easier when you arrive.
Ways to maximize the fun without spending a dime on your next great adventure.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Michigan.

See
Henry Ford Museum
The Henry Ford Museum contains a fascinating wealth of American culture. It’s comprised of two parts: the indoor Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation,…
See
Eastern Market
One of the oldest and largest year-round bazaars in the United States, Eastern Market draws Detroiters of all types to its six-block spread of wares…
See
Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA holds one of the world's finest art collections. The centerpiece is Diego Rivera's mural Detroit Industry, which fills an entire room and reflects…
See
Fisher Building
This 1928 masterpiece from the man who built Detroit, Albert Kahn, has an imposing art deco exterior made from Minnesota granite and Maryland marble, and…
See
Greenfield Village
Adjacent to the Henry Ford Museum (and part of its complex), outdoor Greenfield Village spreads across 80 acres and features historic buildings shipped in…
See
Guardian Building
Commissioned as a 'cathedral of finance,' this distinctive, 40-story, redbrick building with green and white accents was the world's tallest masonry…
See
Manitou Islands
The forest-cloaked Manitou Islands provide an off-the-beaten-path adventure. They’re part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hence the entrance…
See
Packard Plant
Renowned architect Albert Kahn designed this 3.5-million-sq-ft factory, which opened in 1905, but after years of neglect it became one of Detroit's most…
See
Campus Martius Park
This public space in the heart of Detroit's downtown is the perfect spot to while away a sunny afternoon. A fountain dots the middle, surrounded by…

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Michigan with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.