Fun Things To Do in Michigan

Are you looking for cool things to do in Michigan? Michigan is a vibrant and diverse state tucked away in the Great Lakes. Though it has suffered difficult economic times, it remains a popular destination for tourists- and for good reason. Michigan has something for everyone from naturalists and sports fans to art enthusiasts and city-slickers. From the bustling metropolis of Detroit to the thinly-populated forestlands of the north, Michigan has a wide variety of attractions that are not only exciting but affordable as well. We hope this Fun Things To Do in Michigan post inspires you. 

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Cool Things To Do in Michigan

Detroit

Detroit is by far Michigan’s largest city, with a population of 800,000. Detroit is a center of culture, industry, and sports. The city has four major professional sports teams with stadiums in and around the city; the Tigers (baseball), the Lions (football), the Red-Wings (hockey), and the Pistons (basketball). More information can be found on the teams’ respective websites.

Detroit also has a vibrant theatre scene. The city’s theatre district is the second largest in the United States. The most recognizable of Detroit’s Theatres is the Fox Theatre, an Art Deco “movie palace” built in 1928. The Masonic Temple Theater is another popular venue for Broadway shows and concerts. Opera lovers can attend first-class shows at the Detroit Opera House.

Detroit is home to many festivals and special events. The Detroit Auto Show is the largest event of its kind and is held every January in the Renaissance Center. The Detroit Electronic Music Festival attracts techno-lovers from far and wide.

Lakes in Michigan

Southern Michigan

There are a great many tourist attractions outside of the Detroit area in the Lower Peninsula as well. Over 3 million tourists come to the replica Bavarian town of Frankenmuth annually. Visitors come to see many of the restaurants and art galleries of “Harbor Country” in Michigan’s extreme southwest. The capital, Lansing, draws a large number of people to its historic buildings and museums.

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Northern Michigan

Many of the nation’s natural treasures are located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. Thousands of visitors are captivated every year by the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire. Tourists may also visit Michigan’s only national park Isle Royale. A ferry to this island in Lake Superior leaves from the town of Copper Harbor. Visitors to the Upper Peninsula may also like to see Tahquamenon Falls in Paradise, the Porcupine Mountains in Ontonagon, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

One of Michigan’s most popular tourist destinations is Mackinac Island, which sits between the landmasses of the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The former fur trading post is famous for its fudge and its ban on motor vehicles. Mackinac’s Grand Hotel is known for having the world’s longest front porch.

Visiting Beer City in Grand Rapids Michigan

Outdoor Activities in Michigan

Michigan’s natural resources make it a paradise for people who love the outdoors. In summer, the state’s extensive shoreline and 11,000 inland lakes make it perfect for beachgoers. The state is also home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the United States. Michigan’s trail systems make the state a hot destination for hiking and biking. Michigan continues to attract visitors for outdoor activities in the wintertime. Heavy snowfall and long winter months make the state popular for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice-fishing, and cross-country skiing. Michigan is home to several high-quality ski resorts.

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Traveling to Michigan

Michigan’s wide array of destinations makes it a wonderful place to have an affordable getaway. The diversity of the state’s attractions means there is something to do for just about everyone. A trip to Michigan can be especially enticing for those living in large metropolitan areas near the state (many Chicagoans take vacations here) but whether one is traveling from far away or from a nearby city, a trip to the Great Lakes state is sure not to disappoint.

We hope this post about cool and fun things to do in Michigan inspires you. Happy travels!

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