If you really want to get to know a state during your travels, you must explore every corner, especially here in the Wolverine State. Visiting the vast forests of the Upper Peninsula is a very different experience than relaxing on the beaches of West Michigan. It just depends on your idea of a dream vacation. That’s why we put together these descriptions of the four best areas to visit in Michigan, highlighting some of our favorite things to do and places to see in each one. Regardless of which one you choose; we know you’ll have a great time.
For more ways to make the most of your time in the Wolverine State, be sure to request access to our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s full of the best things to do and places to see in each of our unique regions!
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What Are the 4 Best Areas to Visit in Michigan?
Best Area to Visit for Outdoor Activities – Upper Peninsula
Are you searching for the ultimate outdoor getaway? The UP is one of the best areas in Michigan to immerse yourself in nature. It’s the perfect place for those with an independent spirit to make their own fun explore to their heart’s content. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls, the Keweenaw Peninsula, and the Porcupine Mountains are home to countless adventures. Follow the sojourn of famed author Ernest Hemingway through the wilderness. Become a Yooper for the day but be careful; it may just capture your heart for a lifetime. Discover a few of our favorite activities and attractions below!
- Winter Activities in the UP
- The Northern Lights
- UP Kayaking
- UP Skiing
- Fall Activities in the Upper Peninsula
- UP Waterfalls
- State Parks in the UP
- UP Snowmobiling Trails
Best Area to Visit for a Family Vacation – Northern Michigan
There is always something fun and exciting to do in Northern Michigan. This is one of the best areas in the Wolverine State to enjoy a family vacation together. Everything starts in Traverse City, which is the mecca for the Michigan tourism experience. You can always find a good spot to eat or a unique place to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Let the fabulous shoreline of Lake Michigan take you on a journey around the Tip-of-the-Mitt. From the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the Mackinac Bridge, you’ll find tons of history and natural beauty around every corner. Explore the many wineries throughout the scenic Leelanau Peninsula or visit Mackinac Island for a local taste. Check out some of our favorite things to do during your trip below!
- Fishing in Northern Michigan
- Beaches
- Northern Michigan State Parks
- Hiking Trails
- Northern Michigan Lighthouses
- Skiing in Northern Michigan
Best Area to Visit for a Relaxing Escape – Eastern Michigan
Eastern Michigan is where you go to get away from it all. This is one of the best areas to visit in Michigan if you want to escape to a serene spot, where you can kick back and relax. Here, you’ll find many quaint towns sprinkled throughout the eastern shoreline dotting Lake Huron. Plus, the famous Au Sable River, considered by many to be one of the finest stretches of trout water in the world, meanders through this secluded section of our state. You can canoe, kayak, tube, and fish your way along this picturesque waterway before heading back to your cabin for a peaceful evening of listening to nature and soaking in the beautiful scenery. Discover some of our favorite things to do in the area below!
- Free Fishing Weekend
- Au Sable River Cruises
- Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
Best Area to Visit for a Beach Getaway – West Michigan
A close getaway from Chicago. Want to enjoy a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Chicago? Well, then your adventure starts at the southern end of Lake Michigan. Just a hop over the border from Indiana, where Notre Dame fans can relax at their lakeside vacation rental after cheering on the Fighting Irish in South Bend. The wide, sandy beach stretches for miles, where you can build a sandcastle with your family, frolic in the lake, or gaze out across the water. Looking to shop? Good food, wine, and local breweries are all nearby. Visit the Warren State Dunes or spend your days exploring the little towns along the Lake Michigan coast. Grand Rapids also provides a splash of metropolitan charm with its exciting craft beer and culinary scene that’s well worth exploring. Check out some of our area highlights below!
- West Michigan Golf Courses
- Breweries in West Michigan
- Wineries in West Michigan
- West Michigan Beach Towns
Plan Your Wolverine State Getaway
Whether you want to explore the wild and untamed lands of the UP, relax and rejuvenate in peaceful Eastern Michigan, step back in time in Northern Michigan, or experience thrills in West Michigan, Freshwater Vacation Rentals has the perfect home for you! Peruse our list of Michigan cabin rentals, where you’ll find everything from a single-family cottage to an 18-person family gathering!
Start planning your getaway to the Wolverine State today by booking one of our Michigan vacation rentals. We look forward to welcoming you to the Freshwater Vacation Rentals family. We love Michigan, and we know you will too!