Michigan: Trails, Water and History

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has more than 100 miles of hiking trails. Michigan also stands out for its island waters, maritime history, museums and wine tasting rooms. The examples below show how you can shape your stay around nature, water or culture.

Landscapes and trails

At Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the long hiking trails invite you to set aside time to explore on foot. At Au Sable Light Station, guided climbs and tours are available. Check seasonal details before your trip so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore brings together miles of sandy beaches, 450-foot cliffs above Lake Michigan, lush forests and clear inland waters. The region’s history is also part of its character: it is shaped by maritime, agricultural and recreational influences. Watching the sunset at the Lake Michigan Overlook is a popular activity. The landscape, history and a specific viewpoint each offer their own reason to spend time outdoors.

Mackinac Island State Park covers more than 80 percent of Mackinac Island. Motor vehicles are not allowed in the park, helping preserve the island’s historic character. Michigan’s 103 state parks also offer campgrounds.

Island waters and maritime history

Isle Royale National Park is accessible only by ferry, seaplane or private watercraft. Visitors can paddle on Isle Royale’s inland waters or on the open waters of Lake Superior. Both the distinctive ways of getting there and the choice between these two water settings are relevant to planning your trip. If you plan to arrive by ferry, check the schedule for your travel dates.

Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary was designated the first National Marine Sanctuary in the Great Lakes on October 7, 2000. The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center also offers a glimpse into maritime history. Its exhibits include the deck of a full-size schooner and diving tubes to shipwrecks, and span more than 10,000 square feet. The visitor center is in historic downtown Alpena on the Thunder Bay River. It may occasionally close for special events, so check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Museums and cultural experiences

At the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, visitors can sit in the seat where Rosa Parks made history. The museum also presents the history of America’s pursuit of freedom, from the Revolutionary War through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. If these topics are important to your trip, check how they are presented before your visit. This lets you consider both the broad historical scope and the specific visitor experience.

The Detroit Historical Museum brings Detroit’s vibrant history to life through interactive exhibits, engaging displays and family-friendly experiences. Greenfield Village offers Model T rides, which may vary depending on the season and conditions. The Motown Museum’s mission centers on preserving, promoting and celebrating the authentic Motown Story. Together, these examples show different ways to experience history and culture: from exhibits and engaging displays to a special ride on wheels.

Wine tasting in southwest Michigan

The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is a collaboration among 15 wineries with their own tasting rooms in southwest Michigan. Each winery may operate differently, so if you plan to go wine tasting, check in advance which tasting rooms are suitable for your visit.

First consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay, and plan the rest of your trip accordingly.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Arenac County, Benzie County, Sanilac County, Lake County, Ogemaw County, Osceola County, Alcona County, Barry County, Alpena County, Kalkaska County, Iosco County, Branch, St. Joseph, Wayne, Washtenaw, Calhoun, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Ingham, Kent, Saginaw, Grand Traverse, Otsego, Cheboygan County, Mackinac, Houghton, Berrien, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Isabella, Ottawa, Muskegon, Emmet, Genesee, Bay, Cass County, Charlevoix County, Midland County, Monroe County, Manistee County, Lapeer County, Menominee County, St. Clair County, Van Buren County, Mecosta County, Roscommon County, Gogebic County, Lenawee County, Dickinson County, Mason County, Allegan County, Delta County, Ionia, Iron County, Leelanau County, Gratiot County, Crawford County, Marquette County, Antrim County, Luce County, Alger County, Muskegon, Eaton, Shiawassee County, Chippewa County, Wexford County, Huron County, Presque Isle County, Ontonagon County, Schoolcraft County, Baraga County, Clare County, Oceana County, Clinton County, Roberts County

For the broader travel overview: Usa.