Mackinac Island cottage - Michigan last minute getaways

Michigan Summer Getaways: My Best Last-Minute Trips

Summertime may be almost over but there’s still time for a last-minute Michigan getaway. With more than 3000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, endless inland lakes, and forests to hike, there is still time to find a summer fun adventure in pure Michigan.
Let’s face it: Michigan travel is some of the best travel in the United States. We’re spoiled here, with great state parks, fun beach towns, national lakeshores and more. From the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls in the U.P; to Grand Rapids and even small town Ann Arbor, Michigan, everywhere in between, Michigan has tons of great places for weekend getaways. You can find tons of fun travel spots just hours or minutes from metro Detroit, Grand Rapids
Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways or a great place to take the family or simply want to get outside we’re sharing 15 fabulous last minute getaways in Michigan. Labor Day is just around the corner, so read on for some great vacation ideas for a weekend trip or getaways in Michigan before the summer’s out.

blue, green and aqua northern lights

Michigan Dark Sky Parks & Preserves: Best Places to See the Stars in 2025

While most of Michigan’s parks, beaches, and trails are best experienced by looking forward, there are unique locations scattered across Michigan that are best experienced by looking up at the sky.

Whether you’re looking for quiet spots for stargazing, a place to catch a glimpse of a meteor shower in the night sky or simply somewhere to wait for the stars, Michigan’s dark sky parks have you covered.

With eight dark sky parks in Michigan (six are located in state parks), it’s easy to find pure Michigan natural beauty in the night; a place to watch a Perseid meteor shower or one of the other biggest astronomical events that dance across our Michigan skies.

From the Lake Michigan shoreline to Mackinaw City to the Lake Huron coast and beyond, we’re sharing the best Dark Sky Parks in Michigan. It’s meteor’s and smores time on the beach, so grab your camera and a blanket and read on to find the perfect spot to roast a marshmallow while you wait for the stars to appear.

beach at kensington Metropark, a great detroit beach

17 Best Beaches near Detroit MI: Swim and Splash

Metro Detroit Beaches

Michigan beaches hold something for everyone, whether it’s a vast, sandy dune overlooking one of the Great Lakes, or a sandy patch of land at a local swimming hole. You can be a child splashing along the shore; a teenager gathering with friends; a family enjoying time together or simply seeking some contemplative time alone, the beaches in Michigan are special and speak to all of us.

Here are some of our favorite beaches in the Metro Detroit Area:

Ludington Travel Guide

Ludington Michigan Travel Guide: Beaches, Lighthouses, State Park & More

Discover the beautiful white-sand beaches of Ludington; popular Stearns Park Beach near downtown Ludington features a walkway to the North Breakwater Light and a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Ludington State Park features towering sand dunes, excellent swimming, and extensive trails through the park. Find info about ADA-Accessible, Barrier-free and Handicap Accessible beaches, Dog-Friendly beaches and family-friendly beaches in the Ludington area and activities for visitors.

dog in a kayak in michigan

15 Best Kayaking Trips in Michigan (With Rentals & Map)

Kayaking in Michigan is one of the best activities to do in the beautiful mitten state. With the stunning Great Lakes, gorgeous freshwater lakes, and many scenic rivers, the options seem endless when it comes to choosing a beautiful water trail to glide across in your kayak.

With summer at its peak and autumn on the way, it’s the perfect time to see what our awesome mitten state has to offer with its breathtaking scenery. From a variety of calm, still waters to rocky streams and cliffsides, Michigan is sure to have a kayak trail for all different ages and experiences.

Whether you choose to kayak on the Great Lakes or another one of our amazing bodies of water, this list of 15 Places to Go Kayaking in Michigan will help you navigate your next kayak adventure to check off your bucket list of pure Michigan must-do’s.

We’re also sharing information on kayak outfitters and other outfitters in Michigan that rents kayaks to help you plan your trip and find your perfect paddle spot!

Michigan natural wonders - pictured rocks

10 Amazing Michigan Natural Wonders Worth Seeing

Michigan is well-known for its natural beauty. Whether it’s the many points of access to the Great Lakes, State Parks, or even just its many picturesque sunsets, it’s no wonder visitors adore the state’s many natural wonders.

But for the seasoned Michigan vacationer, seeing the same old beach-side views and overlooks may start to get boring. That’s why we’ve compiled this top ten list of natural wonders you should visit on your next trip to Michigan.

lake michigan at glen arbor michgan

Glen Arbor, Michigan Travel Guide: Best Things to Do & See

If you’re looking for one of the very best spots in Michigan for a vacation getaway, look no farther than Glen Arbor, Michigan.

Set in a picturesque glen in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor is a cherry-land paradise at the top of the list of Michigan’s must-see destinations.

And with good reason.

One visit to this beautiful, friendly town and you’ll be hooked for life. From the charming downtown that swells with delighted visitors in the summer and fall to the cozy surroundings, you can’t help but just love Glen Arbor.

Surrounded by water, including Lake Michigan Big Glen Lake, and Little Glen Lake, it’s home to some of the prettiest beaches in the country. Whether you take a boat, paddleboard, kayak or simply swim and splash on the shores, you’ll love exploring the water here.

You’ll also find boutiques and art galleries to wander, restaurants, and comfortable inns.

Read on to discover what to do in Glen Arbor MI. You’ll find everything you need to know to plan your trip to this special spot in northern Michigan.

top things to do in copper harbor mi

Copper Harbor, Michigan: 15 Best Things to Do at the Top of the U.P.

Copper Harbor is the most northern city in Michigan, located right at the top of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the most northern part of the Upper Peninsula.
One of the top destinations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Copper Harbor MI offers breathtaking views and endless waterfront. It also has something for every type of nature lover, whether it be hiking, canoeing, fishing, or camping.
In addition to an amazing trail system in Keweenaw County, you’ll also find waterfalls to explore, and great places for bird watching.

winter at sleeping bear dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter: Your Complete Guide to Michigan’s Winter Wonderland

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most well-known treasures of Michigan in the warmer months of the year, but many people don’t realize all of the things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes in the winter. Northern Michigan is a site to see any time of year, but the dunes are a must-do activity for the whole family in the wintertime. There’s no need to stay cooped up inside when you have 65 miles of shoreline and 100 miles of trails stretching from Empire to Glen Arbor to experience. 

Located just 30 minutes from Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes is perfect for a winter romantic getaway,  a kid friendly outdoor adventure or even family reunions  and holiday events. If you’re looking for some perfect winter trip ideas, follow the winter trail to Leelanau County and the snowcovered dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes. I’m sharing a visitors guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes winter activities, so get ready for some pure Michigan fun.  

woman in weheelchair being pushed by man on a michigan hiking trail

Best ADA-Accessible Hiking and Bike Trails in Michigan | MI State Park Track Wheelchairs

Accessibility to Michigan’s freshwater coast is abundant throughout the state. Many prepped and paved trails are easily accessible to users of wheelchairs and other mobility devices. In addition, through the generous donations of foundations like Kali’s Cure, track wheelchairs are available at many Michigan State Park locations throughout the state. These off-road, electronic chairs can easily handle trails, snow, sand and even up to eight inches of water, allowing users to explore areas of the parks where traditional wheelchairs might not be able to go. They are available for rent on a first-come, first-serve basis.

marquette michigan

15 Best Things to Do in Marquette MI

We’re going to give to you straight: you can watch as many videos and read as many articles about visiting Marquette as you like, but the true Marquette can only be fully realized firsthand. It’s just THAT beautiful, and we love it. Luckily, you have found us, and we will not only fuel that burning wanderlust but give you everything you need for an amazing trip to Marquette Michigan.

Chicagon Falls in Crystal falls Michigan

Explore Crystal Falls, Michigan: Complete Travel Guide

Planning a to Crystal Falls, Michigan, in the heart of the western Upper Peninsula?
This picturesque town, also known as the “Gem of the North Country,” offers travelers a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.
Perhaps you’ve heard of “Humongous Fungus” that resides here and is celebrated with an annual festival? Or maybe you’ve heard about one of the man other community festivals held throughout the year, or the endless opportunity for year-round outdoor activity here.
This travel guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of this charming city and its surrounding areas, highlighting major attractions, seasonal activities, dining options, and interesting facts.

guide to the porcupine mountains state park

Porcupine Mountains: Ultimate Guide to Michigan’s Greatest State Park

Looking for the perfect spot for your next Michigan outdoors adventure?

Ranked the most beautiful state park in the United States by Travel Lens, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is home to an abundance of natural beauty, including the majestic Lake of the Clouds. It’s also considered the largest state park in Michigan, encompassing nearly 60,000 acres, 35,000 of which are made up of a gorgeous old-growth forest. It’s considered one of Michigan’s great historical sites because of its rich history and is one of nineteen Keweenaw Heritage Sites, in partnership with the Keweenaw National Historical Park.

horseback riding in michigan

15 AWESOME Horseback Riding Trails in Michigan with MAP

Horseback riding in Michigan, you say? Longing to get out on the open trails atop a beautiful horse? You’re in luck. In addition to Michigan’s dramatically beautiful coastline, you’ll find even more natural beauty inland. Stunning landscapes filled with rolling hills, open fields and age-old forests provide endless trails for horseback riding.

No experience is required in most places, and you’ll probably receive some quick instruction (or more) before you head out, or be accompanied by a guide.

Here’s the best news: You don’t need a cowboy or cowgirl girl hat or a button-up shirt to ride. Just a good attitude and some close-toed shoes.

caves along pictured rocks national lakeshore

BEST Pictured Rocks Camping (MAP): Backcountry, Tent Camping, RV Parks, Campgrounds

Camping in Pictured Rocks is at the top of most Upper Peninsula travel bucket lists. You’ll find pristine, forested campgrounds surrounded by endless hiking trails near the shores of Lake Superior.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most popular natural attractions in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for obvious reasons! Visitors rave about the gorgeous waterfalls and tremendous cliffs, all of which can be explored by an extensive network of scenic trails. The North Country Scenic Trail spans the entire 42-mile length of the park. You’ll find unique natural experiences on the trail along with several backcountry campsites to hunker down for the night. Kayaking and boat tours are the next most popular ways to take in the beauty of the Pictured Rocks and explore their rich history. And since it’s just a few miles east of Munising, you’ll have food and supplies close by.

best hiking trails in the upper peninsula

10 Amazing Upper Peninsula Hiking Trails: Find Top Hiking Trails in the UP

Looking for some amazing Upper Peninsula hiking trails? Hiking is one of the best ways to destress and enjoy the great outdoors. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to an abundance of wildlife, neighboring the powerful and majestic Lake Superior. With arguably the most beautiful forests in the Midwest, there are many great places to explore and experience the best of Michigan’s natural beauty.