Updated on August 17, 2024
Who doesn’t love to enjoy some fresh, breezy days in the beaches of Michigan during summer! The beautiful Michigan in the heart of the mid western United States is a place where every traveler will find something unique for them. The list of the best places to visit in Michigan during summer doesn’t really have an ending! State Michigan in the USA is a place of beaches, forests, dunes, lighthouses, lakes, flora and fauna, waterfalls, museums, art galleries, festivals, markets and what not. Whether its summer vacation spots in Michigan with family or romantic places to visit in Michigan for couples, this state has at least something for everyone.
Planning a summer vacation to Michigan? Here’s How You Should Prepare?
Planning a summer vacation always sounds exciting. And why not! Some relaxed leisure time with your favorite drink at the beach when the sun is shining at its best, is always enjoyable. But it is also important to note that when planning a summer trip, you need to keep an eye on the other essentials too that can protect you from the scorching heat. In the state of Michigan, USA when the average temperature sets to be around 72F- 80F during summer, a vacation there will also need some prior preparation. Here’s what-
1. The bonding of sunscreen lotion and beaches!
It is obvious that if you are planning to visit Michigan, you will definitely plan to visit the beaches there. Summer beaches come with the bright sun. So it is required that you protect your skin from sun tanning. Carry a good quality sunscreen lotion and apply before few minutes of going out.
2. Carry dresses casual and formal both
Cities in Michigan will offer you locations that demand both formal and casual look, so it is better that you prepare for it prior. Carry funky, casual dresses that will suit a fun filled holiday but along with that don’t forget to keep few formal dresses as well. Quick tip- you can add some colorful beats bracelets or neck pieces with your favorite blue jeans and white shirt!
3. Stay hydrated- yes, in your holidays too!
There are a lot of exciting things to do in Michigan during summer, but that will only be possible if you keep yourself fit. Staying hydrated especially in the summer days is very important. Drink a lot of water and eat summer fruits. You can carry a water bottle every time you step out from your home.
4. Don’t forget to take your medicines
One of the most important things before heading towards a vacation- don’t forget to pack your medicines. It might not be possible to get all the medicines at all places you go. So get a good stock of all your medicines with you. Notably if you are travelling in summers you can even take special ointment, body talc, sprays etc. to protect yourself from the burning summer.
5. Keep an eye on your kid’s essentials
If you are travelling with kids, along with other essentials for your baby, it’s better to keep some baby food in your bag. Indigestion, diarrhea etc catches easily in summer if the food habit changes instantly. As it is obvious in vacations that your food cycle will change, as parents it is your duty to ensure that it doesn’t affect your kid’s health.
Places to Visit in Michigan During Summer (Indiana USA)
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Grand Heaven
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Detroit- the ‘Motor City’!
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Mackinac Island
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Travers city
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Upper Peninsula of Michigan
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Ann Arbor
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Saugatuck
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Holland
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Great Lakes Bay
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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Sault Ste Marie
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
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Torch Lake
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Frankenmuth
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Port Austin, Michigan
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Mackinaw city- where laws of physics go wrong!
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Charlevoix
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Grand Rapids
Grand heaven, located at the eastern shore of Lake Michigan is majorly known for its soft sandy beaches, 1839 Grand Heaven lighthouse and the musical fountain. Along the harbor number of shops and restaurants are lined to the Grand Heaven State Park beach which is a beautiful beach area with clear water and soft sand and close to the downtown Grand Heaven. Grand Heaven’s musical fountain is a seasonal one and plays in the night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The sound, light, water synchronization of the musical fountain is a must watch when in Michigan. All these make Grand Heaven one of the popular holiday destinations in Michigan.
Visiting Michigan without visiting Detroit- it’s a sin! Detroit is the largest city in the US state of Michigan. This place has the nickname as ‘Motor City’ and is considered as the birthplace of modern automobile. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Greenfield Village and the Edition Institute, known as The Henry Ford located in Dearborn, Michigan is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the entire USA. This 12 acre area has unique collection of antique machineries, automobiles, aircrafts, pop culture items and many more. The museum also features a digital projection theatre which shows informative documentaries.
Mackinac Island is the best summer vacation spot in Michigan especially for the peace loving people. Why? Because, following the local ordinance, there is no motor driven vehicle in the island (except few emergency service vehicles), that means no car honking, no traffic jams, no pollution, only peaceful environment which you can enjoy by walking, riding a bicycle or roaming in a horse driven carriage around the island. Mackinac Island is known for its many fudge shops. The famous Mackinac Island fudge, which is a traditional sugar candy, made of sugar, butter and milk is also a major tourist attraction.
How about holidays amidst beautiful cherry blossom! Isn’t it amazing! Traverse city’s famous cherry festival takes you to another dimension of beauty, joy, fun and excitement. Every year in the summers this cherry festival attracts thousands of tourist and local crowd. So if you are wondering about the things to do in Michigan in summer to make your trip more exciting, cherry festival in Traverse city should not be missed by any means. Sleeping bear dunes national lakeshore is also a tourist attraction in Traverse town. This 64 mile area of beaches, islands and dunes are perfect for walking, hiking and boat riding while enjoying the calm beautiful surroundings.
Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an area majorly covered with forest bordering 3 of the Great Lakes. It is a beautiful green area with clear water lakes, varieties of flora and fauna, white sand beach and the magical starry sky at the night. The birds observatories where eagles, hawks and many other birds gather and is one of the nation’s largest bird gathering, is a must visit place for the wildlife lovers. The place is fun for the adventurous too. It has nation’s tallest manmade sky jump, Iron Mountain’s Pine Mountain Ski Jump.
Are you an art lover? Do you want to explore vivid culture and heritage? Do you want to experience the urban scenario and the natural areas both in one place? If yes, then Ann Arbor in Michigan is just the right choice for you. Ann Arbor is a city located in the Midwestern state of Michigan. This city is especially known for its rich cultural offerings. This city has some renowned galleries, museums and some well known organizations for theatre, art and music. University of Michigan in this city is known for its research programs. Moreover this city organizes many events and fests whole year, even in summers. So if you are a person who loves events, gatherings and happening things, then for you, Ann Arbor will be the best place to visit in Michigan during summer.
Looking for the best beach location in Michigan for summer getaway? Saugatuck can definitely come at the top. Being one of the best beach locations in the country, this town also falls in the list of romantic places to visit in Michigan. How? Well, which couple will not love some sunny beach days in a beautiful town full of greens, friendly environment, cozy wineries and some romantic breezy evenings! Day long relaxation at the pretty beaches, hangouts at the scenic waterways, peaceful walk at the grassy dunes or exploring creativity at the art galleries of Centre Street, Saugatuck has everything for you.
Holland is like the centre place for Dutch culture. During holiday season the entire place celebrates traditional Dutch heritage with great joy and thrill. In the Christmas time the city hosts an open air Christmas market called Kerstmarket. In the spring the city blooms with millions of tulips. Locals and tourist from many different places come to witness the tulip blooms and enjoy the festivals organized there. The festivals of music, dance, traditional Dutch cultural activities bring life to the entire place and make the whole environment joyful.
Great Lakes Bay in central Michigan is an ideal summer vacation spot in Michigan for families and for couples as well. It is an area with quite and calm environment and beautiful natural scenery around. From farmers market to antique stores, unique outdoor establishments to some most creative art galleries, this Great Lakes Bay area is a hub of varieties. This place has gardens, parks, trails for hiking and to have a peaceful walk. The longest canopy walk in the United States situated in Whiting Forest in Midland of the Great Lakes Bay area is one of the must-see places in Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is situated in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. It is an area of long sand beaches, lakes, lush forest, dunes and with a scenic view of pure nature. The dune plateau is a huge area where most travelers like to visit. They sun bath in the beaches, play with the kids and swims in the lake’s clear water. The black bear, which is the only species of bear found in Michigan, is an exciting part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. From a safe distance the visitors are allowed to see the native wildlife at the forest. Hence this place is also an attraction for the wildlife lovers.
Sault Ste Marie is a charming city in the state of Michigan that traces its history in the 17th century. This city is situated at the Canadian border and is the second most populated city in the Upper Peninsula. This place has about 150 km of ski trails, amazing destinations for hiking, biking, camping and more. Lots of world class joints for food and beverages have filled the place where you can experience some amazing cuisine and dishes. The Point Iroquois Lighthouse is an iconic monument in the city of Sault Ste Marie.
No vacation is complete without some great pictures. Isn’t it! Here is a recommendation among the best summer vacation spots in Michigan where you can not only enjoy to the fullest but also click some amazing pictures and make your friends jealous! Yes, Pictured Rock National Lakeshore is that place. With sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, lake, forest, sand dunes and many more, this place is an ultimate travel destination for the nature lovers. This is an ideal place for camping, hiking, boating, tracking, picnicking and more.
Torch Lake resembles the Caribbean Sea. With clear blue green water this lake is not only one of the cleanest lakes in the world but also has been formally declared as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world by National Geographic. Torch Lake is especially known for its 4th July summer celebration. Many come to witness this grand party on the beach and enjoy the utmost. Outdoor water activities like swimming, boating, snorkeling etc are popular here. Many too come to enjoy beach picnic and to have some playful time with kids. Torch Lake is indeed one of the best beach locations in Michigan for summers.
How about a comfy carriage ride in the evening around a beautiful Bavarian country? Exciting! Frankenmuth, the city in Michigan with its traces of the German root is an iconic place of the Bavarian culture, architectures and some lovely people. Spending the day exploring the historic museums of the city, evening at the popular wineries and ending the night with a perfect home style chicken dinner- Frankenmuth is just the perfect vacation spot for the adults.
Port Austin is a seaside small town and an ideal travel destination in Michigan during summer. People wanting a break from the busy schedule and reconnection with nature, this place is just the right place. Port Austin lighthouse is a popular place in the city for travelers. The naturally stacked rock formation known as the Turnip Rock in the Lake Huron is one of the most beautiful places in the town. Port Austin is also well known for its farmers’ market, which is one of the biggest farmers’ market in Michigan.
Yes, this place has the courage to break the globally accepted laws of physics! Just five miles away the Mackinaw bridge, there is a place where gravity goes out of control. Due to the weird force of gravity in that particular area you can see houses aligned inappropriately. Along with this there are plenty of other attractions in the place. Mackinaw city is a happy place for the shopping addicts. It holds some of the unique boutiques and market place that can completely feed your hunger for shopping! For the foodies too, this place offers some of the best eateries and tastiest dishes in the country.
Imagine a night under the sky, gazing the stars amidst the calm nature with your loved one! Fascinating, isn’t it! Well then, plan a trip to Charlevoix! With the dark skies in the northern Michigan, Charlevoix is one of the best places to gaze the stars and to live a dreamy night in one of the most romantic places in Michigan for couples. Not only the starry night sky, with antique boutiques, farmers’ market, art galleries, beaches and more this place is a good choice for summer holidays too.
Grand Rapid in the southern Michigan is a fun place to visit. Especially if you are a food and music lover you must visit Grand Rapids, because this place is especially known for its trendy music and food scenario. This place was one known as America’s furniture capital for its achievements in fine residential furniture. Now this place is well known as a centre for manufacturing fine office furniture. The Grand Rapids Public Museum, the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and the John Ball Zoo are the other famous tourist destinations in Grand Rapids.
Summer is beautiful in it’s own way and if the summer vacation is planned to a place like Michigan it becomes even more enjoyable. Whether with family or friends, Michigan offers plenty of options to make your vacation an amazing one. No matters if you love hills, plains or sea- this beautiful US state can get you everything. So, why the doubts? Just pack your bag and grab a ticket to Michigan. We will be waiting for your beautiful photos in the best summer vacation spots in Michigan this summer!