Are you longing for a chance to explore some of the best hidden gems in Michigan? Sometimes, the most pleasantly surprising destinations are right in front of us… we just have to slow down and take the time to take it all in. Whether you’re a city dweller or prefer to bask in nature, there are all sorts of spots that are great places to unwind, become inspired and enjoy yourself in The Mitten State. Just take a look at these destinations:
- Guardian Building, Detroit
“Guardian Building Detroit Interior Clock” by Vincent Arel - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Once you step foot into the lobby of this landmark, your jaw will drop at the views of the extravagant Art Deco, tiled ceiling. The Guardian Building is an architectural gem like no other, a fact that earned it a place on the list of National Historic Landmarks. Visit it at 500 Griswold Street in Downtown Detroit.
- Old Town Lansing
Flickr There’s a little something for everyone here on the north end of Lansing, whether it be galleries, restaurants or music. This Historic Commercial District attracted its first settler in 1843, and it’s easy to see why he fell in love with the area. Visit this pretty place in Michigan’s Ingham County.
- Ocqueoc Falls, near Millersburg, Bismarck Township
everycounty.org Possibly the largest water fall in the Lower Peninsula, this place is great for hiking and biking. You can even camp near this pretty area! This spot can be found off of M-68 circa 12 miles west of Rogers City.
- Detroit Public Library Main Branch
By Andrew Jameson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons This Italian Renaissance building in the city’s cultural center will remind you of Detroit’s rich architectural history. This pretty spot was unveiled in March of 1921, and it has stunned visitors ever since. Visit it at 5201 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
- Kayaking Detroit River
Flickr Straddle the U.S.-Canadian border while kayaking the Detroit River. There are many local places that offer rentals, like Detroit River Sports! Detroit River Sports is tucked away at 14601 Riverside Boulevard in Detroit.
- Donckers, Marquette
Facebook Well over a century old, this shop is great for breakfast, lunch and dessert. They also offer sweets and treats via their website! Visit this landmark shop at 137 W Washington Street in Marquette.
- Arcadia Dunes
Flickr Right along Lake Michigan, Arcadia Dunes is perfect for anyone who wants to become one with nature. With over 15 miles of trails, this preserve is a must. Find it off of Gilbert Road in Arcadia.
- Dabls Mbad African Bead Museum, Detroit
soupstance/Flickr Tucked away in a house that is also part mosaic sculpture, viewing the collection of beads and textiles here is truly a unique Detroit experience. Learn about African material culture and explore the beauty of international artwork at the bead museum. Visit it at 6559 Grand River Avenue in Detroit.
- Old Mariners’ Church, Detroit
Mikerussell/Wikimedia Commons This 170-year-old church that sits just outside of the Detroit-Windsor tunnel gained fame when Gordon Lightfoot gave mention of it in the song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." When this landmark was founded, Detroit was home to some 21,000 people! Visit this gorgeous church at 170 E Jefferson Avenue in Detroit.
- Torch Lake, near Torch Lake Township, Alden, Milton Township
“Michigan’s Torch Lake Swimming” by Hgjudd - Self-published work by Hgjudd. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons The waters here are so crystal blue, you would think you’re swimming in the Caribbean. As the longest inland lake in the state, this body of water spans 18,770 acres… and every bit of its shoreline is lovely. You can visit its waterfront communities like Alden, Clam River, and the appropriately named Torch Lake.
- People Mover, Detroit
“Detroit People Mover” by Nakor - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons With only 13 stops that circle downtown, think of this elevated train line as more of a cheap, self-guided tour guide. Check out a map of its stations to find one near you!
- Kitch-iti-kipi, Manistique
By Doug Coldwell (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons The state’s largest freshwater springs were known to Native Americans as the “Mirror of Heaven.” We can see why… it is absolutely stunning. Visit it in Palms Book State Park off of Sawmill Road in Manistique.
- Beaver Island
“Iron-Ore-Bay-Beaver-Island” by Age234 - Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:Vux using CommonsHelper.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons Lose yourself on this remote Up North island, accessible by boat from Charlevoix. This island retreat is full of charm! Can you wait to get out and spend a day on Lake Michigan?
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore. And, please, share with us your favorite hidden gems in Michigan in the comments!
“Guardian Building Detroit Interior Clock” by Vincent Arel - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Once you step foot into the lobby of this landmark, your jaw will drop at the views of the extravagant Art Deco, tiled ceiling. The Guardian Building is an architectural gem like no other, a fact that earned it a place on the list of National Historic Landmarks. Visit it at 500 Griswold Street in Downtown Detroit.
Flickr
There’s a little something for everyone here on the north end of Lansing, whether it be galleries, restaurants or music. This Historic Commercial District attracted its first settler in 1843, and it’s easy to see why he fell in love with the area. Visit this pretty place in Michigan’s Ingham County.
everycounty.org
Possibly the largest water fall in the Lower Peninsula, this place is great for hiking and biking. You can even camp near this pretty area! This spot can be found off of M-68 circa 12 miles west of Rogers City.
By Andrew Jameson (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
This Italian Renaissance building in the city’s cultural center will remind you of Detroit’s rich architectural history. This pretty spot was unveiled in March of 1921, and it has stunned visitors ever since. Visit it at 5201 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.
Straddle the U.S.-Canadian border while kayaking the Detroit River. There are many local places that offer rentals, like Detroit River Sports! Detroit River Sports is tucked away at 14601 Riverside Boulevard in Detroit.
Well over a century old, this shop is great for breakfast, lunch and dessert. They also offer sweets and treats via their website! Visit this landmark shop at 137 W Washington Street in Marquette.
Right along Lake Michigan, Arcadia Dunes is perfect for anyone who wants to become one with nature. With over 15 miles of trails, this preserve is a must. Find it off of Gilbert Road in Arcadia.
soupstance/Flickr
Tucked away in a house that is also part mosaic sculpture, viewing the collection of beads and textiles here is truly a unique Detroit experience. Learn about African material culture and explore the beauty of international artwork at the bead museum. Visit it at 6559 Grand River Avenue in Detroit.
Mikerussell/Wikimedia Commons
This 170-year-old church that sits just outside of the Detroit-Windsor tunnel gained fame when Gordon Lightfoot gave mention of it in the song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." When this landmark was founded, Detroit was home to some 21,000 people! Visit this gorgeous church at 170 E Jefferson Avenue in Detroit.
“Michigan’s Torch Lake Swimming” by Hgjudd - Self-published work by Hgjudd. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The waters here are so crystal blue, you would think you’re swimming in the Caribbean. As the longest inland lake in the state, this body of water spans 18,770 acres… and every bit of its shoreline is lovely. You can visit its waterfront communities like Alden, Clam River, and the appropriately named Torch Lake.
“Detroit People Mover” by Nakor - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
With only 13 stops that circle downtown, think of this elevated train line as more of a cheap, self-guided tour guide. Check out a map of its stations to find one near you!
By Doug Coldwell (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
The state’s largest freshwater springs were known to Native Americans as the “Mirror of Heaven.” We can see why… it is absolutely stunning. Visit it in Palms Book State Park off of Sawmill Road in Manistique.
“Iron-Ore-Bay-Beaver-Island” by Age234 - Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:Vux using CommonsHelper.. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Lose yourself on this remote Up North island, accessible by boat from Charlevoix. This island retreat is full of charm! Can you wait to get out and spend a day on Lake Michigan?
Can’t get enough of local landmarks? Explore local history and take a trip through time at some of Michigan’s most historic gems.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 500 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226, USAAddress: Lansing, MI, USAAddress: Ocqueoc Falls, Ocqueoc Township, MI 49759, USAAddress: 5201 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, USAAddress: 14601 Riverside Blvd, Detroit, MI 48215, USAAddress: Donckers, 137 W Washington St, Marquette, MI 49855, USAAddress: Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve, Gilbert Rd, Arcadia, MI 49613, USAAddress: 6559 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48208, USAAddress: 170 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USAAddress: Torch Lake, Michigan, USAAddress: Detroit, MI 48226, USAAddress: Kitch-iti-kipi, Sawmill Rd, Manistique, MI 49854, USAAddress: Beaver Island, MI, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hidden gems in Michigan June 28, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What are the most unique things to do in Michigan? There are all sorts of unique things to do in Michigan! You can explore the coast, zip line over pretty landscapes, and explore haunted places. What are the best local attractions in Michigan? Tourists in Michigan love to visit local attractions like Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and The Henry Ford Museum, to name a few. If you only visit one local landmark during your stay in Michigan, make sure you swing by the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. What are the most unique places to spend the night in Michigan? Craving a getaway? The Mitten State is perfect for you. Treat yourself to an exotic stay in places like Henderson Castle or USS Silversides Museum!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hidden gems in Michigan
June 28, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What are the most unique things to do in Michigan? There are all sorts of unique things to do in Michigan! You can explore the coast, zip line over pretty landscapes, and explore haunted places. What are the best local attractions in Michigan? Tourists in Michigan love to visit local attractions like Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and The Henry Ford Museum, to name a few. If you only visit one local landmark during your stay in Michigan, make sure you swing by the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. What are the most unique places to spend the night in Michigan? Craving a getaway? The Mitten State is perfect for you. Treat yourself to an exotic stay in places like Henderson Castle or USS Silversides Museum!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are all sorts of unique things to do in Michigan! You can explore the coast, zip line over pretty landscapes, and explore haunted places.
What are the best local attractions in Michigan?
Tourists in Michigan love to visit local attractions like Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and The Henry Ford Museum, to name a few. If you only visit one local landmark during your stay in Michigan, make sure you swing by the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
What are the most unique places to spend the night in Michigan?
Craving a getaway? The Mitten State is perfect for you. Treat yourself to an exotic stay in places like Henderson Castle or USS Silversides Museum!
