10 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways In Michigan, USA - Updated 2024

weekend getaways in michigan
Deanna
Deanna 
Updated
| 5 min read

Upper Michigan is now ablaze with the colors of autumn. Pictured Rocks on the shores of Lake Superior and Sleeping Bear Dunes near Lake Michigan are ready to welcome droves of tourists. Its diverse landscapes offer a wondrous array of destinations for an incomparable weekend in the Great Lakes State. The vibe of Detroit is hard to resist, and you will find a new gear with Motor City’s infectious energy. Aside from the historical monuments and automotive institutions that are staples of the guided tour circuit, there are small towns in Michigan that are just waiting to be discovered. Level up your vacation itinerary with the top-rated weekend getaways in Michigan, USA.

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 02, 2024.

1. Jackson

Downtown Jackson, MI
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Phillip L. Hofmei... used under CC BY 3.0

Visit Jackson for the weekend and stop by a delightful waterfall in Sparks Park known as The Cascades Fountain. Jackson is an eclectic city with strong foundations in the automotive industry. Its claims as the Original Motor City and the birthplace of the Republican Party are well-founded. Interestingly, it is also the place where Coney Island hotdog was born. In 1914, George Todoroff cooked up the toppings for the quintessential coney in his shop in Jackson, Michigan. These days, Jackson’s blossoming art scene takes center stage, exemplified by four blocks of murals in the downtown area locally known as “Bright Walls.” Jackson is only 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Detroit, a distance of 78 miles (126 kilometers.)

Stayed at this property?

2. Bay City (from USD 139)

Bay City
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michigan Municipa... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

A waterfront city with an equal measure of signature experiences, outdoor adventures, and relaxing hideaways sounds promising! Bay City is mostly known for endless hours of fun on the water. Its location on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay in eastern Michigan makes it a go-to escape for anglers and boating enthusiasts. A scenic sailing experience should be part of your weekend itinerary, or sign up for an eco-tour in Michigan’s own Everglades called Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Take the 115-mile trip (185 kilometers) from Detroit and find yourself in Bay City in under 2 hours!

Stayed at this property?

DoubleTree by Hilton Bay City - Riverfront

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: One Wenonah Park Place
7.87 km (4.9 mi) from Bay City State Park

Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

3. Ann Arbor (from USD 219)

University of Michigan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user User: Jha4ceb at... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ann Arbor is known as a university town and tech hub in Michigan. It’s a 45-minute drive from Detroit at a distance of 36 miles (57 kilometers). You can go there for a relaxing stroll in the botanical gardens, and who knows, you might end up buying a pot or two of exquisite blooms for a newfound hobby. Ann Arbor is an oasis in Lower Michigan that continues to grow in artistic scope and culinary prowess. Many people find their touring plans sidetracked by the town’s culinary richness. You can start with a sidewalk food tour and end up spending your time sampling every restaurant and cafe that comes highly recommended. It is not surprising if Ann Arbor becomes your new favorite weekend destination in Michigan.

Stayed at this property?

Graduate Ann Arbor

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 615 East Huron Street
154.66 km (96.1 mi) from Bay City State Park

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Non-smoking rooms

4. Munising (from USD 139)

Munising
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yinan Chen used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Munising is famous for its proper ski trails and challenging ice climbs, but it’s more than just a winter destination. You can head to Munising right now and enjoy the fall colors of Hiawatha National Forest. Munising is the best place for a vacation home if your activities for the weekend revolve around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you want to spend hours near the water, then drive to Munising which sits right by Lake Superior. Charter flights are available, but if you can manage the 412-mile drive (664 kilometers) from Detroit, figure in the 4-hour trip in your itinerary.

Stayed at this property?

North Star Hotel Pictured Rocks

Address: E9681 East M-28
369.37 km (229.6 mi) from Bay City State Park

Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines First aid kit available Daily housekeeping Internet services Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning Sauna Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay

5. Grand Rapids (from USD 199)

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Juan234xxx used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Grand Rapids is West Michigan’s largest metropolis. This vibrant city on Grand River boasts a collection of art not only from the masters but local artists as well. The impressive skyline outshines the many exciting prospects of a night out in Grand Rapids. What draws travelers to this part of the state are the breweries. Grand Rapids is nicknamed Beer City USA, and you cannot leave without going on a beer tour or ale trail. Grand Rapid is a 2-hour drive from Detroit, a manageable distance of 158 miles (254 kilometers).

Stayed at this property?

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 187 Monroe Northwest
162.79 km (101.2 mi) from Bay City State Park

Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre

6. Frankenmuth (from USD 109)

Frankenmuth
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user David Boyle used under CC BY 2.0

Frankenmuth is a small town displaying its Bavarian roots with flair. Flowers and traditional German architecture go together like you will not see unfolding anywhere else. If you have bicycles, bring them as biking is one of the best ways to explore Frankenmuth. The meaning of Frankenmuth or Little Bavaria is “Courage of the Franconians.” You will need a good measure of courage for the various adventure-centered attractions in town. You will find plenty of good eats here too. Drive northwest from Detroit, a distance of 93 miles (149 kilometers), to reach Frankenmuth in an hour and a half.

Stayed at this property?

Marv Herzog Hotel

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible

Address: 501 South Main Street
39.82 km (24.8 mi) from Bay City State Park

Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre Facilities for disabled guests Free parking Internet services

7. Port Huron (from USD 84)

Downtown Port Huron
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michigan Municipa... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

There are 14 sites on National Register of Historic Places in Port Huron and 17 buildings identified as Michigan State Historical Markers. The settlement was established in the early 19th century by a French explorer. It was also the same place where the young Thomas Alva Edison first tested his inventions. The town has since grown as the petroleum industry, lumber trade, and shipbuilding. Today, you can spend a family weekend at Port Huron’s public parks, museums, beaches, lighthouses, and recreation centers. From Detroit, take the 62-mile road (100 kilometers), and you will reach Port Huron by car in an hour.

Stayed at this property?

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Port Huron

Wifi Available

Address: 1635 Yeager Street
139.73 km (86.9 mi) from Bay City State Park

Parking Non-smoking rooms Family rooms Free parking Internet services Lift WiFi Available Indoor pool

8. Traverse City (from USD 104)

Traverse City
Source: Photo by Flickr user Deb Nystrom used under CC BY 2.0

Traverse City has some of the best hikes in America, according to Conde Nast Traveler. It also has its share of historic lighthouses glittering along Grand Traverse Bay. During your trip here, you can participate in events organized by local museums. You can also look for top wineries and distilleries in this lakeside town. July’s National Cherry Festival has come and gone, but your visit at this time won’t be a disappointment. With its deep blue lake and abundant trees, you are likely to find a favorite nook in this city. The drive from Detroit to Traverse City takes almost four hours. Be prepared for a joyride of 255 miles (410 kilometers).

Stayed at this property?

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites

Wifi Available Wheelchair accessible Visual Aid: Braille

Address: 2345 US 31 N
176.54 km (109.7 mi) from Bay City State Park

Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing Business centre

Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.

9. Petoskey (from USD 212)

Petoskey Stones
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Debchristiansen used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Petoskey stones are 350 million-year-old fossilized corals found in Little Traverse Bay’s shallow waters and beaches nearby. Petoskey State Park is the perfect base camp for people who come here from other places just to find these elusive tokens from nature. You don’t have to be a self-proclaimed rock hound or a marine scientist just to enjoy this city’s natural beauty. Petoskey is one of the five resort communities in the area known for fine waterfront attractions and Victorian buildings. Drive the 260-mile road (418 kilometers) from Detroit, and let Petoskey win you over with its enduring charm.

Stayed at this property?

Inn at Bay Harbor, Autograph Collection

Wifi Available

Address: 3600 Village Harbor Drive
208.58 km (129.7 mi) from Bay City State Park

Parking Restaurant 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Free parking Internet services

10. Mackinac Island (from USD 229)

Mackinac Island
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Viplav Valluri used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Jewel of the Great Lakes is the best place in the state to watch sunrises and sunsets. You will need to take a 16-minute ferry ride from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to reach it. Go around on bicycles after sampling the local fudge while horse-drawn carriages drive by. You won’t see a car on M-185 which is the only state highway in America that bans motor vehicles. Go kayaking and park on secret coves. Bring your hiking gear and set out to see Arch Rock, the boreal forests, and Fort Holmes at the island’s highest point. Mackinac Island is a national landmark in Lake Huron between the lower and upper peninsulas. Take a short flight from Detroit, or go on a 5-hour trip at a distance of 297 miles (477 kilometers).

Stayed at this property?

Lake View Hotel

Wifi Available

Address: 7452 Main Street
248.92 km (154.7 mi) from Bay City State Park

Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Golf course (within 3 km) Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Internet services Lift

Pure Michigan awaits you with open arms

In the 1920s, Michigan went by the slogan “Peninsula Paradise” but after a decade, they changed it to “Vacationland.” Every decade, the state would alter its slogan. These days, “Pure Michigan,” an advertising campaign in 2008, seems more than appropriate. Michigan has an open invitation to travelers of all ages, and you can respond to the call this very weekend.

Stayed at this property?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Deanna Kathrina, a pediatric physical therapist specializing in neurodevelopmental disability, serves as a teacher and advocate. As a lifelong learner, she enjoys the company of music and aspires...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Michigan
Looking for accommodation?
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.