There is nothing as thrilling as a weekend getaway in Michigan. From the sheer excitement of exploring the dunes near Lake Michigan to the Victorian charm found on Mackinac Island, Michigan offers visitors a unique experience.
Michigan encompasses abundant natural regions, big cities, and incredible lakes. There is much to discover here, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can marvel at magnificent towns like Holland and Frankenmuth. Michigan also has all the aquatic adventures and itineraries you can think of. From the charming city of Petoskey to the alluring Ann Arbor, here are the best weekend getaways in Michigan.

1. Traverse City

Traverse City is great, especially for scenic road trips. That is because the city appeals to every season, whether summer or winter. You could spend the weekend exploring the city’s back roads and rest at a sidewalk café. Buy a picnic lunch, tour the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and marvel at the cascading dunes.

You could also wander at the Lake Michigan shoreline and discover the various wildlife species on the shores. Spare some time to explore the Leelanau Peninsula and the Mission Peninsula. You could also visit Mission Point Lighthouse. Old mission peninsula extends to the Grand Traverse Bay and offers visitors Michigan’s vibrantly colored trees during autumn.

2. Grand Rapids

You could also satisfy your artsy side by planning a trip to this side of Michigan. In Grand Rapids, you will explore explosive music, public art, and mouth-watering food. You can explore over 100 live music options here with a lively music scene. Experience creative culinary dishes at some local restaurants.

You could check in at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and marvel at the wood and iron sculptures. The hotel sets you up for an art scene infused with excellent services. Tour the various art museums in the city, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

3. Petoskey

If you are looking for the perfect weekend getaway, then visit Petoskey. Petoskey is found in the northwest part of Lower Michigan and offers the ideal conditions for snow bunnies who want some fun in winter. Marvel at Little Traverse Bay and enjoy the ski areas around here.

These ski areas offer over 160 downhill ski runs, snowboarding courses, and cross-country ski trails. If you love adrenaline-filled recreation, try skydiving and ziplining. You could also try birding at the Sunset Coast Birding Trail and explore the 17 golf courses and other scenic hiking trails.
If you fancy hunting, visit the unique Lake Michigan beach. You could also enjoy some resorts here after a long afternoon, such as the Inn at Bay Harbor in Boyne.

4. Jackson

History buffs will have an enticing weekend at the South-Central Michigan town. It is where the Republican Party was born and started at the Second Streets and Franklin corner. Here you can enjoy the various monuments and parks that play a significant role in the country’s history.

Explore the Civil War tour, including Evergreen Cemetery, Washington Park, Michigan Military Heritage Museum, and Ella Sharp Museum. Plan to visit Cell Block 7 and enjoy the museum experience, where you will learn about Michigan’s prison history. Finish your itinerary at the Cascades, where you will experience Cascade Falls. It is a fabulous artificial waterfall where you can enjoy fireworks and music during summer.

5. Mackinac Island

If you want a romantic getaway in Michigan, visit Mackinac Island for a slower pace and nostalgia. This island’s only mode of transport is by bike, foot, and horse-drawn carriage. Along the waterfront, you can find various hotels and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious breakfasts.

You could also take a bike and ride along paved paths on the island. Stop by the Adirondack chair and feel the cool breeze from Lake Huron as you listen to birds. Visit Fort Mackinac for some history lessons. Other historical places you can visit include Stuart House City Museum, The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, and Mackinac Island State Park.

6. Ann Arbor

It is among the largest cities in Western Michigan. Ann Arbor is also home to the University of Michigan campus, which pays homage to the largest football stadium in the country. Most of the school’s college sports teams are famous and national. That means touring this city offers you a chance to see the best regional basketball, football, and ice hockey games.

You could also discover the various family-friendly museums downtown or on the college’s campus. Such may include the Kelsey Museum of Archeology, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and Ann Arbor Museum of Natural History.
Ann Arbor is widely known countrywide as liberal social activism and cultural hub. It is also home to various performing arts groups, such as the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Civic Ballet, and Ann Arbor Civic Theater.

7. Detroit

Detroit is among the most populous cities in Michigan and offers the best weekend getaways in Michigan. It is also the largest city along the border between the United States and Canada. It has a metropolitan population of over 4.3 million residents.

Tout, the Detroit River port city, is a renowned center for innovation and arts. It is also famous for the Big Three automobile manufacturing companies, including Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. Detroit is also renowned for the R&B music scene and the astounding recording studio Motown Records.
Other top attractions include the 982-acre Belle Isle Park, the unique Comerica Park, and Henry Ford Museum. The marvelous Comerica Park is the Detroit Tigers baseball team’s home with several tiger statutes. Tourists with a Canadian passport can pass through the city as a gateway to Ontario cities like Hamilton and Toronto.

8. Escanaba

Escanaba offers the best weekend getaways in Michigan as it is a lakefront city. The town is located along the Upper Peninsula and is home to 12,000 residents. Escanaba pays homage to a distinct dining district and downtown shopping with magnificent chocolatiers, candy shops, and boutique stores.

You will also come across several restaurants and enjoy the unique Yooper cuisine. Escanaba also orchestrates over 213 miles of shoreline via the Delta County region. It is the largest county shoreline in the continental United States. You could also enjoy recreational opportunities at the Hiawatha National Forest, such as biking, hiking, fishing, and swimming.
The Escanaba region is the major Midwestern winery and brewery hub, with various tour options to sample wines. You could explore multiple museums here, such as the Delta County Historical Society, U.P Military Museum, and Webster Marble Inventing the Outdoors Museum.

9. Gaylord

Guests looking for an epic outdoor weekend getaway could make their way to Gaylord. Ensure you visit the northern part of the state for excellent outdoor activities.

Gaylord is famous for its diverse outdoor adventures, whatever the season is. Spend the weekend exploring the 90 inland lakes or five rivers for stunning water sports and activities.
Some activities to try include swimming, fishing, and kayaking on the lakes or the rivers. You could also infuse your aquatic itinerary with hiking activities via Gaylord’s numerous forests and parks. You could also spend quality time at the Treetops Resort, which encompasses five world-class golf courses.
If you love exploring parks, there are numerous parks you can check out in Gaylord. These lush areas may include Doumas Park, Lions Restoration Park, Aspen Park, and Gaylord’s City Elk Park. You can catch beautiful sunsets at the Gaylord downtown.

10. Bay City

Bay City offers some of the best weekend getaways. If you love playing with water, this is the place to go during the weekend. From recreation to dining experiences, almost everything here has some aquatic element. Marvel at the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron and enjoy memorable moments with family and friends.

The waterfront city has several activities and things to do. You can hop on the Bay City Boat Lines and enjoy a splendid excursion. Visitors can also book a stargazer cruise or enjoy a tasty dinner on a sunset cruise in Bay City. You could also plan your itinerary to include BaySail’s Appledore Tall Ships and marvel at the unforgettable sailing experience.
On land, you can explore the Sunrise Pedal Trolley and make new friends on the way. Bay City also encompasses exquisite and magnificent restaurants. You can enjoy mouth-watering and fresh seafood at any of the waterfront restaurants.

11. Frankenmuth

Tourists looking for the perfect getaways in Michigan can visit Frankenmuth, as it is among the top historical destinations in Michigan. Located in Saginaw County, this gorgeous city was founded in 1846. German immigrants built it, and, to date, it still retains the historic German character.

Frankenmuth downtown is famous for its stunning Bavarian-style architecture. You will also come across horse-drawn carriages, riverboat tours, and numerous German-architecture structures. Cultural attractions around Frankenmuth include Michigan’s Military and Space Heroes Museum, Frankenmuth Historical Museum, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.
Christmas Wonderland is the largest store for Christmas accessories worldwide. Other attractions in the city include Frankenmuth Aerial Park ziplining and Zehnder’s Splash Village waterpark and resort.

12. Port Huron

This quaint town sits along the St. Clair River, among the best romantic getaways in Michigan. It is the place to go if you are looking for a nautical history town around Michigan. Stroll down the historic downtown district and enjoy the numerous restaurants and small shops in the renovated old buildings.

For the best sunsets in Port Huron, walk along the boardwalk. You could also catch a freighter during the day and marvel at this region’s serenity. Visit the museums around Port Huron on a lazy afternoon to learn the area’s history. That could be Port Huron Museum, Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, or Huron Lightship.
Visitors can also enjoy chartered trips along the rivers and lakes in Port Huron. Stay at a waterfront-view room like the Huron House Bed and Breakfast once in Port Huron.

13. Beaver Island

It is Lake Michigan’s largest island found just 32 miles from the Charlevoix coast. Beaver Island is popularly known for being the American religious separatist monarchy. The Strangite Mormon Church led the separatist monarchy in 1856.

Since the 70s, the island has been a unique destination for tourists from all over. It is only accessible via ferry service or private airplane. The island is also called America’s Emerald Isle due to the high population of Irish-American people.
Beaver island pays homage to a biological research outpost run by Central Michigan University. Visitors and students can experience workshops and tours around this facility. You can also enjoy various recreational activities such as the marina, a golf course, nature trails, and pristine beaches.

14. Mohawk

Mohawk offers tourists the best weekend getaways in Michigan. Here you experience the history and outdoor adventures combined. The area has numerous mining roots from the late 19th century.

You could explore some locally grown products such as crisp apples and cherries since Mohawk is rich in terms of agriculture. Explore the Upper Peninsula in desirable areas such as the Central Mine Museum and the Delaware Copper Mines. Among the activities you can enjoy here include biking, hiking, and kayaking.
15. Great Lakes Bay Region
Great lakes bay region is an attractive alternative for a weekend getaway. This region covers six cities: Saginaw, Birch Run, Midland, Bay City, Chesaning, and Frankenmuth. You can hop into the different cities and check out the magnificent attractions.
Bay City is famous for its aquatic playground, especially at the Bay City State Park. You can also enjoy sunset cruises here. Tour Birch Run and enjoy retail therapy from one of the largest malls in the Midwest. Ensure you also explore Saginaw for a perfect blend of nature and culture. Visit the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and Japanese gardens.

Final Thoughts

For the best weekend getaways in Michigan, visit any of these areas and enjoy memorable moments. From lush greeneries in gorgeous gardens to pristine beaches and historical monuments, there is much to learn and uncover in Michigan.

FAQs

What is the most romantic place in Michigan?

Michigan is never short of romantic getaways. You can explore Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, hike dunes in Ludington, tour a lighthouse in Northport or explore the vineyards in Traverse City.

Is Lake Michigan a good vacation spot?

Lake Michigan is the ideal place to explore during the weekend. From the Grand Traverse to the Indiana Dunes to Petoskey, the shores around Lake Michigan offer the perfect sandy playground. Beach towns and beaches in Lake Michigan have the best attractions in Michigan.

Which Great Lake is the prettiest?

Lake Huron is among the Great Lakes and the second largest. It is believed to be the prettiest, thanks to the unmatched shoreline sunrises, pristine turquoise waters, and gorgeous beaches.