As a Michigander, I know that my home state has some of the best family vacation spots in the country. From lakeside camping to urban getaways, there are endless possibilities for a great family vacation in Michigan.
To help you get started with your planning, here is a roundup of some of the best family vacation spots in Michigan.
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Traverse City
If you’re planning to visit Michigan, make sure you add Traverse City to your list!
This charming city is located along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan and offers a variety of activities to keep your family entertained.
From beachfront restaurants and breweries to award-winning wineries and cherry orchards, there’s literally something for everyone in Traverse City.
Great Wolf Lodge is a very popular choice for families visiting Traverse City (although I have yet to visit with my own family). However, there are many other lodging options and fun places to visit during your stay as well.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is another popular family vacation spot in Michigan. With miles of stunning shoreline, this national park is the perfect place to explore and take in the beauty of the Great Lakes.
Whether you’re looking to hike through the dunes, take a swim in the lake, or explore the local wildlife, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will definitely provide a memorable experience for the entire family.
Upper Peninsula
If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy experience, consider taking a trip to the Upper Peninsula. Home to miles of pristine wilderness, the Upper Peninsula is a great place for the whole family to get away from all the noise and just reconnect with nature. This is a great option if you want a quiet and relaxing vacay with the family.
The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a popular spot to visit in the Upper Peninsula. The park features beautiful forests, majestic waterfalls, and breathtaking views. Enjoy a hike, a picnic, or a boat ride on one of the many lakes in the area. You can also explore the many trails for biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling.
Whether you choose to stay at one of the many campgrounds or rent a cabin, your family will have plenty of time to play, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors in the Upper Peninsula.
Mackinac Island
Another great family vacation spot in Michigan is Mackinac Island. Located in the Straits of Mackinac, this small island is full of history, culture, and outdoor activities. Spend an afternoon lounging on the beach, exploring the historic fort, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around town.
There are no cars allowed on the island which makes for a very unique experience. And don’t forget to try the fudge while you’re there!
The Motor City
If you’re looking for a family vacation in a busy city, Detroit is the perfect spot. From the Detroit Institute of Arts to the Motown Museum and Campus Martius Park, there is plenty to do in the city of Detroit.
A few other stops to add to your itinerary while in Detroit are The Henry Ford Museum, Detroit Riverwalk, and Sander’s Candy Factory.
Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, also known as Michigan’s “Little Bavaria” is another popular vacation destination in Michigan. Boasting beautiful German architecture in a cozy and fun-filled village, families from all over can find plenty to do during their visit.
Frankenmuth is one of my family’s favorite spots to visit during the holiday season to enjoy their beautiful Christmas wonderland. However, we also love to visit during the warmer seasons as well.
Wrapping Up
There are so many exciting places to visit in the beautiful state of Michigan. The ideas in this post are just samples of what you can experience when you visit The Mitten.
What are some other places you feel should be added to this list? Feel free to share in the comments!
