Michigan

The U.p. | Northern michigan | west michigan | detroit & day trips

Michigan

A n international adventure awaits right across the border. There are many reasons why Michigan is made for road tripping: for starters, it's home to the Motor City. It also offers majestic lake views and seemingly endless freshwater coastlines—you're never more than 10 kilometres away from water in this state. Then there’s campsites under star-filled, picturesque night skies, dynamic cities full of heart and history, must-try dishes that have become cultural hallmarks of the region, and friendly locals, even by Canadian standards.

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The Upper Peninsula

Northern Michigan

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Lake Superior

Detroit

Slugg's Bluff in Marquette County

North Bar Lake

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Upper Falls, Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

Oval Beach

Detroit International RiverWalk

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Mount Baldy, Keweenaw Overlook

South Manitou Island

Holland

Belle Isle, Detroit

Pictured Rocks East of Munising along Lake Superior's shores is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Its name derives from its colourful sandstone cliffs—a truly picturesque sight. To see these cliffs, Pictured Rocks Cruises offers tickets for a narrated boat tour from May to October, or for a more adventurous approach, opt to join a guided kayak tour. The lakeshore hosts more scenic sights like Miners Castle, a cliff area accessible by car with overlooks for Lake Superior, and Twelvemile Beach, an aptly named part of the shore that is ideal for anyone who likes long walks on the beach. No trip would be complete without tasting the U.P.’s beloved local dish: the pasty. The handheld meat pie—a warm, hearty filling wrapped in flaky pie crust often served with gravy or ketchup—is a great way to fuel up after a day of exploring outdoors. Muldoons Pasties & Gifts in Munising is a local favorite where you’ll find freshly baked beef, chicken, vegetable and dessert varieties. You can also purchase frozen pasties to bring a taste of the U.P. home with you.

Tahquamenon Falls About a 140-kilometre drive east of Munising is Tahquamenon Falls State Park, comprised of two jaw-dropping waterfalls. The Upper Falls is “one the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River,” according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), at about 60 metres wide. You’ll notice the river’s rushing waters are an amber colour. This is caused by “tannins leached from the cedar, spruce and hemlock trees in the swamps drained by the river,” according to the DNR. About 6.5 kilometres downstream is the Lower Falls, made up of a handful of smaller falls. The park has over 56 kilometres of trails with overlooks to see the waterfalls.

Old Mission Peninsula extends from Traverse City into the water, creating an east and west Grand Traverse Bay. The microclimate that the nearby water creates assists in prime grape-growing conditions. With about a dozen wineries, the peninsula has turned into a popular wine trail. Create your own itinerary or purchase tickets for a wine tour, where the planning and transportation is taken care of for you. Mari Vineyards grows their grapes on over 25 hectares to produce an assortment of red and white wines. Order a glass or try a flight of their varietals at the tasting room or enjoy it outside on their lawn with sweeping views of the bay.

The upscale Grand Hotel is a landmark building on the island. The monumental structure was built in 1887. Guests will find that each room is individually decorated, with no two rooms alike. One of its iconic draws is a massive front porch lined with rocking chairs overlooking the water (the hotel claims this is the longest in the world). If you’re not planning on spending the night, guests can purchase admission to explore the hotel grounds and enjoy the front porch. One of island goers' favorite spots is the Pink Pony, a restaurant located inside the Chippewa Hotel. Relax on their patio overlooking the water and try some crowd favourites, like the smoked whitefish dip and tropical-flavoured rum runner cocktail. As you saunter down Main, you’ll notice a sweet, decadent aroma that fills the air: fudge. The treat is practically synonymous with the island, and according to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau, “downtown shops make 10,000 pounds of fudge each day in season.”

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a nearly 12-kilometre driving loop within the park where you’ll find beautiful overlooks of the lakes and dunes. For one of the best views—not just in the area, but perhaps ever—check out Pyramid Point Trail. Starting at the trailhead, a lookout point about a kilometre in will stop you in your tracks when you're met with a vista of impossibly blue water that seems to just go on forever. Hang out and enjoy the captivating view then continue along the trail, but do note: For your safety and to protect from erosion, the National Park Service says not to descend the bluff.

Grand Rapids Located about 241 kilometres south of Traverse City, Grand Rapids is an artful destination in west Michigan. ArtPrize is the city’s marquee event, where every fall artists of all mediums from around the world compete. The competition takes place September 13-28 this year, where you’ll find art on display all throughout the city—in parks, breweries, galleries and more. If you can’t make it to town during ArtPrize, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is open 360 days a year. Horticultural displays featuring an array of plants from around the world—think tropical species, carnivorous plants, a Japanese garden and more—sit on campus alongside more than 200 thought-provoking sculptures.

Saugatuck Situated along 19 kilometres of Lake Michigan coastline is the beach town of Saugatuck. Oval Beach offers an expanded waterfront where, even on a busy summer day, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the fine-sand shore. And while it may be a summertime favourite, you’ll find stunning sunsets no matter what time of year you visit. After a day outdoors in the sun and sand, it’s time for a refreshing drink and good meal. Saugatuck Brewing Co., just south of town in Douglas, will deliver just that. Sip on brews, like their Oval Beach blonde or black cherry lemonade shandy, and fill up with some comfort food, like a Bavarian jumbo pretzel, a beer cheese burger or baked mac and cheese.

Holland As you might expect with the name Holland, this city has a long-celebrated Dutch heritage. Throughout town you’ll find Dutch influences like Deboer Bakkerij, a bakery serving Danish pastries and Dutch currant bread. Open mid-April through October, the Windmill Island Gardens is home to De Zwaan, said to be the United States' only operating authentic Dutch windmill. While the windmill may be the city’s best-known landmark, the annual Tulip Time Festival in early May might just be the highlight of the calendar. Hundreds of thousands of colourful tulips blossom between late April and mid-May. Find sweeping, vivid flower views throughout the downtown and on nearby land like the Veldheer Tulip Farm and the Windmill Island Gardens.

Detroit sights Uniquely situated, you have to drive north of Canada to cross the border into Detroit. The Detroit River separates the city from Windsor, so getting across the border entails either driving through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel or over the Ambassador Bridge. For a view of Detroit’s skyline and its focal point, the landmark GM Renaissance Center, head to Belle Isle. This island park packs in a lot to see. Admire the James Scott Memorial Fountain, explore the Belle Isle Aquarium and check out the Dossin Great Lakes Museum (both open Friday-Sunday). From the Belle Isle bridge, head southwest to connect with the Detroit International RiverWalk. Spanning about five kilometres along the water, this pathway is ideal for a leisurely stroll or bike ride while taking in the sights (and on a sunny day, there’s nothing better).

Cafe d'Mongo's Speakeasy in downtown Detroit is a cozy, eclectically decorated watering hole where all are welcome (and no speakeasy codes are required). Quirky decor, a variety of lounge seating, good drinks and frequent live music set the tone for a weekend evening full of character. Outside of downtown, neighborhoods like Corktown and the Cass Corridor are great spots to grab a bite. The former is home to Slows Bar BQ, a dining destination established nearly 20 years ago. The star of the show here is their BBQ meat paired with five signature sauces ranging from sweet to spicy. Start your morning at the Avalon International Breads bakery in the Cass Corridor. Order freshly baked bread by the loaf or try it in a breakfast item like a fried egg, bacon and avocado sandwich on farm bread or the bacon, egg and cheddar sandwich on a challah roll. Paired with one of their morning coffees or teas, you’ll be ready to hit the town. Just across the street from the bakery is City Bird, a delightful Detroit-themed gift shop perfect for picking out a memento to bring home from your trip.

Your guide to a

road trip

The state’s motto translates to "if you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." To visit the Upper Peninsula (or the U.P., as it’s more commonly called), drive across Sault Ste. Marie’s International Bridge. If you want to explore the Lower Peninsula (also known as the "Mitten,” thanks to its hand-shaped geography), arrive via Detroit through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel, over the Ambassador Bridge or on a flight into Detroit Metropolitan Airport. You can also head into town via Michigan’s thumb on the Blue Water Bridge in Point Edward. Read on for more tips and essential spots to visit on your Michigan road trip.

Copper Harbor

Before you hit the road, there are a few things to do to get ready: Familiarize yourself with the Michigan Left (an indirect left turn, common to Michiganders but confusing to visitors). Learn some of the lingo: soft drinks are called pop (like in parts of Canada), Yoopers live in the U.P. and the Thumb is a place. Prepare the perfect Motown road trip playlist. Remember that the speed limits are in miles per hour.

Lost Lake sinkhole, near Gaylord

Sault (Soo) Ste. Marie Referred to by locals as “the Soo,” Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, is not to be confused with the Ontario town of the same name. The two sit on opposite sides of St. Marys River and are connected by the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. The Soo Locks is one of the main attractions in the area, where large vessels can safely traverse a 6.4-metre drop in elevation as they navigate between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours offer 90-minute, narrated cruises that showcase the locks and bring you up close to the massive freighters. For another vantage point, head up the Tower of History. The tower is open from May to October and offers a view of the shipping channel from 64 metres above. About a 10-minute walk away from the tower is the Soo Brewing Company and 1668 Winery. As the name suggests, both wine- and beer-seekers will be pleased with a plentiful menu featuring locally made beverages.

Kalamazoo Less than an hour drive south of Grand Rapids, the city of Kalamazoo is as much fun to visit as it is to pronounce. One of its claims to fame is being home to Bell’s beer, beloved by Michiganders and available throughout the United States. Bell's Eccentric Cafe is in downtown Kalamazoo, and the brewery is east of town in Comstock. At the cafe you’ll find a rotating tap list, including their flagship brews like the Two Hearted IPA, No, Yeah (a crisp golden ale and play on Midwestern vernacular) and, if you time it right, Oberon—a seasonal beer so celebrated that its release date every March is treated as an unofficial holiday in the state.

Bell's Eccentric Cafe, Kalamazoo

Frankenmuth Michigan’s little slice of Bavaria sits about an hour and a half drive northeast of East Lansing, just outside of Saginaw (you’ll know you’ve arrived once you cross under the “Willkommen” arch at the start of town). German-inspired architecture, a year-round Christmas shop and famous chicken dinners await in this magical vacation spot. To experience the full German ambience, head to Main Street to find colourful buildings, classic Bavarian-style window shutters paired with seasonal flower boxes and a glockenspiel attached to the Bavarian Inn that houses a 35-bell carillon. A photo opp awaits at the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, where outside you’ll be greeted by their adorable Klaus the Cheese Haus Maus and inside you’ll be met with hundreds of cheese varieties, including an in-house chocolate cheese. The Cass River runs through town and intersects with Main Street. Frankenmuth FunShips Tasting & Tours offers river tours on electric boats. The options include a 30- or 60-minute guided tour or a wine and chocolate river tour.

College towns While traveling throughout the state, you will find two very divided fan bases: the University of Michigan Wolverine fanatics and the Michigan State University Spartans supporters. Ann Arbor is home to the Wolverines, located about 77 kilometres west of Detroit. You’ll know you’ve arrived once you encounter a sea of maize and blue, the school’s colours. The artful culture and historic campus make for a charming, walkable college town. Stroll past Gothic-style buildings in the Law Quad; set your eyes on the iconic football stadium where the Wolverines play, affectionately called “the Big House”; and pick up lunch at Zingerman's Delicatessen, an Ann Arbor institution with a stacked deli sandwich menu.

University of Michigan (left); Zingerman's Delicatessen (right) in Ann Arbor

Marquette The largest city in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette is located along the shores of Lake Superior. For a view of the lake, step inside the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse for a tour. You’ll find that lighthouses are beloved landmarks throughout Michigan’s lakefront, often preserved and sometimes open to visitors. The lighthouse tours are managed by the Marquette Maritime Museum, located a short walk away with exhibits on Great Lakes shipwrecks and nautical artifacts, including a collection of lighthouse lenses. Carve out some time to enjoy Marquette’s charming downtown lined with boutiques, gift shops, dining and more. Start your morning at 231 West Patisserie, known for delightful breakfast pastries like scones, blueberry muffins with a streusel topping and a variety of croissants—including a unique butter croissant with a donut glaze. The Delft Bistro is a new-American restaurant with a cinematic theme, greeting restaurantgoers with a large marquee sign out front and using phrases like “Opening Acts” and “The Main Act” on their menu to list appetizers and entrees.

Traverse City One of Michigan’s most popular vacation destinations, Traverse City is an ideal summer getaway. The city is positioned along the Grand Traverse Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan, where you can find waterfront walking paths and beaches. There’s a classic downtown area filled with eateries and shops. This is also a great launching point for nearby day trips to spots like the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Leelanau State Park (located on the Mitten State’s figurative little finger). Thought of by many as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” thanks to its cherry production, it’s home to the annual National Cherry Festival, a celebration that takes place June 29 - July 6 this year.

Mackinac Island Situated in Lake Huron between the two peninsulas is an enchanting place that will feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Mackinac Island is a vacation destination famed for being car-free. To arrive, you’ll catch a ferry from either St. Ignace (in the U.P.) or Mackinaw City (in the L.P.). As you step off the boat and head toward Main Street, it’s hard not to feel a sense of excitement. Horse-drawn carriages trot by, bikers leisurely cycle through and visitors walk around with a sense of ease—there’s nowhere to be, because you’re already there. You can get around the island by foot or opt to rent a bike. Sites around the island include Fort Mackinac, where you can learn about the history of this fort from the Revolutionary War; Arch Rock, an arch-shaped geological formation on the east side of the island; and Sugar Loaf, a rock that rises nearly 23 metres above ground. Just be aware, the island’s tourism season is mainly May to October, so if you’re arriving outside of that time, some spots may be closed.

Horse-drawn carriages are a common sight on car-free Mackinac Island

The annual National Cherry Festival will run June 29 - July 6, 2024, in Traverse City

Sleeping Bear Dunes About 48 kilometres west of Traverse City is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which covers a stretch of the Lake Michigan coastline plus North and South Manitou islands. If you’re up for a challenge, the Dune Climb is a strenuous and unique activity. Upon arrival, you’ll be met with what feels like a totally vertical wall of sand. Each step up you’ll feel the sand moving underneath your feet and wonder, how are you, in fact, ascending the hill at all? But after enough of those steps, a rewarding view of Glen Lake awaits at the top. You can either continue hiking toward Lake Michigan (be sure to prepare with these safety tips) or head back down the dune.

Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook

Harvests for fruits like apples, peaches and the aforementioned cherries are celebrated throughout the state. In fall, u-pick apple orchards and cider mills are some of the most sought-after weekend to-dos. Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery in Grand Rapids is open year-round, offering freshly baked donuts at the bakery and refreshing apple cider from their on-site cider mill. The tasting room is open to those 21 and older and hosts a menu of house-made wines and hard ciders.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids

Northeast of downtown, the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners lures car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It opened in 1966 displaying 35 cars and has since grown its collection to nearly 400 automobiles on show. Exhibits include collections of muscle cars, motorcycles and automotive mascots. The museum also offers a vintage rides experience on select days May through September and during special events where you can ride with the museum’s trained docents in vintage cars (examples include a 1930 Ford Model A Woody, a 1963 Cadillac Convertible and a 1966 Lincoln Continental Coach Door Convertible). Naturally, the museum also features a packed lineup of car shows throughout the year.

Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners

Learn more about Detroit’s greatest hits with a trip to the Motown Museum. In a charming white and blue house with a “Hitsville U.S.A.” sign on the outside, the museum is in Motown Records’ original headquarters and recording studio. Inside you can see Berry Gordy’s former flat, where he and his family lived, as well as Studio A, where Motown artists recorded some of their legendary songs. It wouldn’t be a trip to the Motor City without dedicating some time to learn about the region’s automotive history. The Ford Piquette Museum is in a restored factory built in 1904 by the Ford Motor Company, and it's where they developed the Model T. See various versions of the Model T, plus take a look at Henry Ford’s office at the plant. You don’t have to be an art buff to admire the impressive collections at the Detroit Institute of Arts (or as locals call it, the DIA). The grand building is home to over 65,000 works of art, including Vincent van Gogh’s “Self-Portrait,” Claude Monet’s “Rounded Flower Bed” and Diego Rivera's "Detroit Industry Murals."

Motown Museum in Detroit

Detroit dining Forget what you knew about pizza shape and make room for some Detroit-style square slices made with a light, airy dough and lined with a crispy, chewy, cheese-lined crust (pro-tip: go for the corner slice). Buddy’s Pizza is considered the original, first serving this delectable dish in 1946 at its Six Mile and Conant Street location. Find a slice at Buddy’s downtown on Broadway or at other restaurants around town, like Niki’s Pizza in Greektown.

The Coney dog is a cultural icon in Detroit. Throughout the metro-Detroit area, you’ll find many versions of restaurants with the word “Coney” in them, but when you’re downtown, there’s two that matter: American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island. Both serve up this famed delicacy: a beef frankfurter on a steamed bun served with a (beanless) meat chili, mustard and diced raw onions. There’s a hometown rivalry between the two, and we couldn’t possibly tell you which one to choose. Luckily for you, they’re located next door to each other, so it would be easy to try both. Wherever you go, we recommend ordering a Vernors to go with it. This ginger ale pop is a hometown hero of sorts. Known for its very gingery flavor, Michiganders regard it as both a tasty beverage and a (completely unproven) form of medicine when you’re feeling under the weather.

About 100 kilometres northwest of Ann Arbor is East Lansing, where the other half of the in-state rivalry resides. You may be welcomed with someone shouting, “Go Green!” To which you'll be expected to respond, “Go White!” Michigan State’s sprawling 5,200-acre campus is a thing of beauty, with green spaces everywhere you look, the Red Cedar River flowing through and ivy-covered collegiate buildings standing tall. If you only had one day to visit, an ideal itinerary might include stopping by the Beaumont Tower where the campus bells ring out, walking over to the bronze Spartan Statue (within sight of Spartan Stadium) and carving out time for a scoop of ice cream from the MSU Dairy Store. End the day off campus on Grand River Avenue, the main road that runs along the north end of campus that is packed with restaurants, bars and shops. You can’t go wrong with dinner at Crunchy’s, an East Lansing mainstay known for good burgers, craft beer and weekend karaoke.

Michigan State University in East Lansing

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth

It’s not a trip to Frankenmuth if you don’t stop for a famed chicken dinner. Zehnder's of Frankenmuth and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant are the go-to spots, both with roots dating back to the late 1800s. Their delicious, golden-fried chicken is served family style with sides like mashed potatoes and gravy, German egg noodles, and homemade bread. Perhaps the most magical stop in town is Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, where holiday enthusiasts can unabashedly celebrate the holiday any time of year. Bronner's claims to be the world’s largest Christmas store, with 2.2 acres of shopping open 361 days a year. A walk by their dazzling floor-to-ceiling display of holiday lights, colourful ornaments, festive decorations and more is sure to put anyone in the holiday spirit (even in July).

Marquette

Sault Ste. Marie

Traverse City

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Grand Rapids

Holland

Buddy's Pizza in Detroit

Cafe d'Mongo's Speakeasy in Detroit

Frankenmuth

Detroit Coney Dog

The U.p. | Northern michigan | west michigan | detroit & day trips

Saugatuck Situated along 19 kilometres of Lake Michigan coastline is the beach town of Saugatuck. Oval Beach offers an expanded waterfront where, even on a busy summer day, you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the fine-sand shore. And while it may be a summertime favorite, you’ll find stunning sunsets no matter what time of year you visit. After a day outdoors in the sun and sand, it’s time for a refreshing drink and good meal. Saugatuck Brewing Co., just south of town in Douglas, will deliver just that. Sip on brews, like their Oval Beach blonde or black cherry lemonade shandy, and fill up with some comfort food, like a Bavarian jumbo pretzel, a beer cheese burger or baked mac and cheese.