Located in the Great Lakes region, Michigan is a vibrant state filled with top-notch activities and attractions in every city. Travelers who enjoy natural attractions, as well as those who are more interested in things to do in the city, will find that Michigan has it all. Home to bustling neighborhoods like Ann Arbor, and Lansing, there’s a bunch to see and experience. Visitors can check out shipwrecks, colonial forts, and panoramic sunset views by Myrtle Beach, to name a few. Michigan offers a wide variety of accommodation and property options to stay in. Some of which include luxury hotels, villas, cabins, resorts, and boutique apartels for travelers to choose from. See our list of the best places to stay in Michigan for a memorable getaway in the Great Lakes.
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1. Detroit
This Midwestern city is a great spot for travelers who enjoy more urban and contemporary settings. “Motor City” is known for its automobile industry and boasts a ton of cultural spots to check out. Some of these include Detroit Institute of Arts, Arab American National Museum, and GM Renaissance Center. For those who like to explore natural attractions, Belle Isle is a park in River Island worth spending a morning or afternoon. Detroit also boasts amazing architectural marvels and historic monuments. Stay at some of the common accommodation arrangements like five-star hotels, boutique apartments, and Airbnbs in Michigan to name a few options.
For a top-notch vacation in Deroit we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
2. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is another hidden gem in Michigan right on Lake Huron. Its strategic location made it ideal as a military outpost back in the 1700s and to date, it remains to have one of the most popular military attractions in the state–Fort Mackinac. With its diverse terrain, forests, and unique limestone formations, Michigan is an outdoorsy traveler’s dream destination. Popular things to do by the water include fishing, kayaking, parasailing, boating, and going on scenic sunset cruises. This is ideal for families, retired folks looking to celebrate, or anyone who wishes to just get away from the city. Travelers could arrange accommodations in unique venues like boathouses, cabin rentals, apartments, quirky condotels, and boutique hotels to name a few.
For a top-notch vacation in Makinac Island we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
3. Lake Erie
Known for its enormous size and dubbed as one of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie is an idyllic nature getaway. Those who wish to spend a few days in Lake Erie will have a blast seeing Rondeau Provincial Park, Presque Isle State Park, and Cedar Point for those who want to spend some time in nature and also have some amusement. All these attractions are ideal for families traveling with kids and for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. Staying nearby is possible and booking accommodations at hotels, apartels, and Airbnb vacation rentals or cabin homes are likely. Many locals enjoy hosting travelers and visitors in Lake Erie and will offer tips on some hidden gems to check out when in this part of Michigan.
For a top-notch vacation in Lake Erie we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
4. Traverse City
Another great spot when vacationing in Michigan is Traverse City. Known as the biggest city out of 21 counties in Northern Michigan, Traverse City is also an ideal place for some of the most exhilarating and adventurous things to do. Some crowd favorites include dune racing, ziplining, skiing, and urban bicycling. Many lakeside properties are also found in Traverse City which nature lovers would appreciate. There are multiple cabins for rent in Michigan, but those in Traverse City are highly notable for their proximity to attractions like Arcadia Dunes or Almira Township Lakefront Park. Another reason many travelers visit Traverse City a lot is their impressive wineries and interactive wine tours. Not to mention, visitors can end the day with sunset views at Esch Road Beach. Indeed, this is a place you shouldn’t skip.
For a top-notch vacation in Traverse City we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
5. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is a city on the Grand River and is popular for its stunning collection of gardens and parks, a well as its bustling art scene. Those who enjoy museum tours will have quite the time strolling around the city as they’ll find numerous murals, sculptures, galleries, and even street art. Music lovers who are visiting Grand Rapids can check out the live music venues in the city for events and small festivals held annually. End the night in a local brewery, which wouldn’t be hard to find since there’s one in nearly every corner of the city. Check out Brewsader for a great nightcap before heading back to your hotel or rental home. Travelers who are new to Grand Rapids will have several accommodation options to consider such as boutique hotels, apartments, cabin rentals, lodges, and homestays to name a few popular options.
For a top-notch vacation in Grand Rapids we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
6. Ann Arbor
Maximize your time when visiting Michigan and see the prestigious University of Michigan campus, right in Ann Arbor. This part of Michigan is renowned for its research facilities and world-class dining experience. The annual Art Fair Conference also takes place in Ann Arbor, a must to check out for art enthusiasts. A unique thing about Ann Arbor is their coffee culture. Make sure to have a latte or two at Comet Coffee or even join a barista class at Zingerman’s Coffee Company. You could also have that coffee to go while enjoying a stroll at the local parks like Peony Garden or Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Stay close to these alluring attractions and take your pick from the best Airbnbs in Michigan found in the heart of Ann Arbor.
For a top-notch vacation in Ann Arbor we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
7. Holland
Holland City is an ideal place to stay when in Michigan. It’s a family-friendly area with popular attractions such as the Big Red Lighthouse. It’s also home to some of the most iconic state parks, frequented by bird lovers and bird-watchers from different parts of the world. Set up base in a comfy cabin, a stylish boutique hotel, or a homestay to experience the authentic lifestyle of a Holland local. The gorgeous Tulip Time Festival that takes place in the city annually every May. For some indoor activities, check out Holland Museum or De Graaf Nature Center to learn a little more history about Holland. For a little more adventure, head over to Lake Michigan for a day or two for some quality sunset views and sailing.
For a top-notch vacation in Holland we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
8. Munising
Consider Munising when heading to Michigan and experience the best of what the city has to offer. Check out the iconic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, comprising of 100 mi (180 km) of scenic trails which hundreds of nature enthusiasts come to see every year. Popular activities include hiking, biking, boating, and snowmobiling among others. Other must-see attractions include waterfalls, lighthouses, and shipwrecks–many of these sites will give you a glimpse into the vibrant history of Munising. Travelers can book hotels, Airbnbs, cabins, townhouses, and even treehouses in this part of Michigan.
For a top-notch vacation in Munising we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
9. Ludington
Ludington is a harbor town right on Lake Michigan and is home to the famed Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Families traveling to Michigan can stay in this illustrious town with a mix of suburban and beach town charm. There are several beaches in Ludington such as Stearns Park which many sunbathers and beach lovers alike would enjoy. Those who have an affinity for fishing will have a blast at Lake Michigan for a few uninterrupted hours of solitude. Art fairs, farmers’ markets, and horse shows are other attractions to check out when in Ludington. Finish your day with a lovely, fresh seafood dinner at Table 14. Accommodations are flexible here as stylish and comfortable Airbnbs in Michigan abound. Ludington is also scattered with charming cottages and cabins, as well as apartels and hotels for those who wish to stay somewhere more convenient.
For a top-notch vacation in Ludington, we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
10. Lansing
Lansing, the capital of Michigan, is filled with historic monuments, stunning collections of historic artifacts, and art. This part of Michigan is great for first-timers. Many accommodations can be arranged in Lansing. Guests could choose from five-star hotels, boutique apartels, luxury cabins, and tastefully designed loft apartments throughout the city. It’s also a family-friendly destination with attractions such as Michigan History Center, Potter Park Zoo, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum to name a few. Those who wish to see more green can head to Lansing River Trail and Fenner Nature Center for some tranquil time with nature.
For a top-notch vacation in Lansing, we recommend booking these amazing places to stay:
More than meets the eye in Michigan
Michigan would have to be considered some of the most underrated travel destinations in the US. However, its natural wonders and rich history continue to wow its visitors and have them coming back time and again. It has a lot to fill your itinerary–whether an iconic lighthouse photo-op, an interactive zoo experience with your kids, or a variety of white sand beaches to lounge at. There’s definitely more than meets the eye in Michigan. Come and see what it has to offer yourself.
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