Weekend Getaways in Michigan
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In This Article
1. Traverse City, Michigan
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Location:
Traverse City, MI
Highlights:
Looking for the kind of place where cherries, beaches, and art festivals collide? Traverse City, Michigan, might just be your new favorite getaway—trust us, it’s worth the trip.
Recommended For:
Foodies, wine lovers, art and culture seekers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone craving a scenic Great Lakes escape.
What I Love: ♥
A vibrant waterfront, world-class wineries, top-tier cultural institutions, and a cherry festival that’s basically summer in a bowl.
- Explore Grand Traverse Bay’s waterfront charm, lined with boutique shops, lakeside eateries, and beach parks.
- Celebrate all things cherry at the beloved National Cherry Festival, held every July with parades, food, and live music.
- Discover arts and culture gems like the City Opera House, Dennos Museum Center, and Traverse Symphony Orchestra.
- Get Outside at Traverse City State Park with over 250 campsites, beach access, and scenic hiking and biking trails.
- Sip and Tour more than 50 wineries offering tastings, vineyard views, and intimate insights into Michigan’s thriving wine scene.
2. Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Location:
Ann Arbor, MI
Highlights:
If you’re after a place where college town charm meets big-city culture, Ann Arbor should be at the top of your list. Think football thrills, art festivals, indie bookstores, and one of the best public universities in the U.S.—all in one walkable city.
Recommended For:
Culture seekers, sports fans, history buffs, families, and book lovers of all ages.
What I Love: ♥
The buzz of Michigan Stadium on game day, a museum for every interest, live theater and symphony performances, and the kind of local bookstores that beg for browsing.
- Tour the stunning University of Michigan campus, filled with historic architecture, world-class museums, and public art.
- Experience the thrill of college sports at Michigan Stadium (“The Big House”), Crisler Center, and Yost Ice Arena.
- Explore museums like the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, Natural History Museum, and kid-favorite Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum.
- Soak up the creative energy at the Ann Arbor Film Festival, Art Fair, and performances by the Symphony Orchestra and Civic Theatre.
- Browse independent bookstores and literary gems in a city that sells more books per capita than anywhere else in the U.S.
3. Beaver Island
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Location:
Beaver Island, MI
Highlights:
If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a remote, history-rich island where nature reigns, Beaver Island is calling. Just 32 miles off Michigan’s coast, it’s a hidden gem packed with charm, lore, and peaceful beauty.
Recommended For:
Adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, nature lovers, birders, and anyone craving a quiet, off-the-grid experience.
What I Love: ♥
The island’s fascinating Mormon monarchy past, Irish-American culture, untouched natural landscapes, and the sense of stepping into a simpler, wilder world.
- Travel by ferry or private plane to reach this serene island located in Lake Michigan’s Beaver Island archipelago.
- Explore the unique history of the Strangite Mormon monarchy from the 1850s, a rare chapter in American religious and political history.
- Relax on sandy, uncrowded beaches or hike through lush, tree-lined trails perfect for nature lovers and solitude seekers.
- Visit Central Michigan University’s biological research station for tours and hands-on science workshops.
- Play a round at the island’s scenic 18-hole golf course or dock at the marina for lakeside fun.
Romantic Weekend Getaways in Michigan:
4. Detroit, Michigan
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Location:
Detroit, MI
Highlights:
Looking for a city with serious soul, grit, and global influence? Detroit is where history roars from classic car engines and music legends are born—perfect for an urban adventure full of culture, sports, and skyline views.
Recommended For:
Music fans, history buffs, sports lovers, architecture geeks, and anyone craving a city with an edge and a story.
What I Love: ♥
The birthplace of Motown, iconic automotive roots, Belle Isle’s island park beauty, and the city’s unmatched spirit of innovation and revival.
- Walk through the city that built America’s auto industry—home to Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors.
- Jam to the rhythm of Motown Records, which gave the world artists like Marvin Gaye and The Supremes.
- Visit top attractions like Belle Isle Park, Comerica Park, and the immersive Henry Ford Museum.
- Cross Borders with ease—Detroit is a major gateway for travelers headed to Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario.
- Explore revitalized downtown neighborhoods, art installations, and a food scene that’s every bit as bold as the city itself.
5. Escanaba
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Location:
Escanaba, MI
Highlights:
Need a break from the crowds and crave wide-open water views? Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a lakeside treasure with small-town vibes, epic shoreline, and year-round outdoor fun.
Recommended For:
Nature lovers, road trippers, beer and wine enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a relaxed getaway on the Lake Michigan coast.
What I Love: ♥
Charming local shops and eateries, 213 miles of freshwater shoreline, Upper Peninsula flavors, and endless access to forests, trails, and lake breezes.
- Stroll through downtown’s boutiques, candy shops, and cozy cafés offering locally made goods and classic Yooper cuisine.
- Unwind along Little Bay de Noc’s beaches or explore the Hiawatha National Forest by foot, bike, or fishing pole.
- Swim in clear Lake Michigan waters and relax on sandy stretches perfect for summer days.
- Sip your way through a lineup of Upper Peninsula wineries and craft breweries, with festivals and tastings all year long.
- Celebrate nature—Escanaba’s Delta County has the longest freshwater shoreline in the continental U.S.
6. Estivant Pines
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Location:
Copper Harbor, MI
Highlights:
If you’re craving stillness and awe beneath ancient giants, Estivant Pines is pure magic. This sanctuary in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula lets you walk among 300-year-old white pines and feel like you’ve stepped into a forgotten world.
Recommended For:
Nature lovers, birdwatchers, hikers, photographers, and anyone who finds peace under the canopy of old-growth forests.
What I Love: ♥
The towering white pines, rare untouched forestland, snowy serenity in winter, and the dedication of locals who saved this place forever.
- Wander through 508 acres of protected wilderness, one of Michigan’s most popular and pristine nature sanctuaries.
- Stand beneath white pines that reach over 100 feet tall and date back three centuries.
- Explore two loop trails offering intimate views of the forest floor and towering canopy.
- Watch for hawks and woodpeckers—just two of the 85 bird species found in the sanctuary.
- Visit in winter to snowshoe or cross-country ski through a peaceful, snow-draped landscape.
Family-friendly Weekend Getaways in Michigan:
7. Weekend in Frankenmuth, MI
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Location:
Frankenmuth, MI
Highlights:
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a little slice of Bavaria without leaving the Midwest, Frankenmuth is your storybook escape. With German charm, festive vibes, and year-round family fun, it’s one of Michigan’s most delightful surprises.
Recommended For:
Families, holiday lovers, architecture buffs, history fans, and anyone who loves European flair with small-town warmth.
What I Love: ♥
The old-world architecture, riverboat cruises, Christmas magic at Bronner’s, and kid-approved fun at indoor waterparks and aerial parks.
- Wander through downtown’s Bavarian-style buildings and take a scenic ride in a horse-drawn carriage or riverboat cruise.
- Explore cultural landmarks like the Frankenmuth Historical Museum and Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum.
- Shop ‘til you drop at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the world—open year-round!
- Splash around at Zehnder’s Splash Village, a resort waterpark with slides, lazy rivers, and indoor fun for all ages.
- Adventure into the treetops at Frankenmuth Aerial Park for ziplining and ropes courses surrounded by forest views.
8. Grand Rapids
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Location:
Grand Rapids, MI
Highlights:
Looking for a city that blends presidential history, botanical beauty, and award-winning beer? Grand Rapids checks every box—plus it’s a cultural hotspot with serious Midwestern charm.
Recommended For:
Art lovers, beer fans, museumgoers, garden enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a balanced urban escape near Lake Michigan.
What I Love: ♥
The legacy of Gerald Ford, world-class sculpture gardens, buzzy breweries, and the city’s growing rep as a must-visit destination on the global travel stage.
- Explore the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum for a fascinating look at a Michigan-born U.S. President.
- Wander through Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a stunning fusion of art, architecture, and natural beauty.
- Discover artistic treasures at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the historic Van Andel Museum Center.
- Sip your way through local craft beer legends like Founders Brewing Co., Brewery Vivant, and Grand Rapids Brewing Co..
- Celebrate Grand Rapids’ status as one of America’s top travel cities—recognized by Lonely Planet and The New York Times.
Unique Weekend Getaways in Michigan:
9. The Great Lakes Bay Region, Michigan
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Location:
Great Lakes Bay Region, MI
Highlights:
If you want a place that offers everything from outlet shopping to botanical walks and charming Bavarian villages—this is it. The Great Lakes Bay Region is like six Michigan getaways in one, all wrapped in lakeside beauty and small-town charm.
Recommended For:
Couples, families, nature lovers, culture seekers, and road-trippers who like variety in their vacations.
What I Love: ♥
The blend of historic towns, scenic shoreline, romantic inns, outdoor adventures, and world-class shopping—plus a canopy walk you’ll never forget.
- Discover six unique cities—Bay City, Birch Run, Frankenmuth, Midland, Chesaning, and Saginaw—each with its own flavor and flair.
- Explore Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest’s canopy walk in Midland, the longest in the U.S.
- Shop till you drop in Birch Run’s Premium Outlets, one of the Midwest’s largest outlet centers.
- Relax in Chesaning’s cozy bed-and-breakfasts—ideal for a peaceful romantic retreat.
- Experience culture at Saginaw’s Japanese Cultural Center, or make family memories at the Saginaw Children’s Zoo.
- Soak up the sunshine with beach time and hiking at Bay City State Park along Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.
10. Holland
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Location:
Holland, MI
Highlights:
If you're after spring blooms, windmills, and lakeside fun, Holland is the perfect pick. This charming city blends Dutch heritage with Michigan’s natural beauty—and it shines brightest in tulip season.
Recommended For:
Flower lovers, culture seekers, families, retirees, and anyone looking for a colorful, coastal escape.
What I Love: ♥
The millions of tulips in bloom each May, the historic windmill on Windmill Island, vibrant cultural festivals, and peaceful lakefront parks.
- Celebrate spring at the Tulip Time Festival each May, where over six million blossoms fill the streets and parks with color.
- Step back in time at the De Zwaan windmill—the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S.
- Discover local history at the Holland Museum, filled with stories of Dutch-American heritage.
- Unwind on sandy shores at Holland State Park or hike through dune paths at Tunnel Park.
- Enjoy a walkable city with lakeside views, seasonal events, and a welcoming small-town vibe just a short drive from Grand Rapids.
Plan Your Trip
