Michigan - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Michigan is a state in the Upper Midwest bordered by Lake St. Clair and 4 Great Lakes (Michigan, Erie, Superior, and Huron). It has 2 peninsulas and over 6,000 inland ponds and lakes, so you can expect to enjoy plenty of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers miles of hiking trails and sandstone formations along the southern shore of Lake Superior. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park has over 550 acres of wooded trails, rare plants, and animals, as well as unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

Summer is a busy period in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, especially in Marquette County. Beachgoers can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling at pristine strips like Black Rocks Beach, Sunset Beach, South Beach, and McCarty’s Cove. If you’re planning a city break in Michigan, Detroit boasts a wide range of modern conveniences that have revitalized many of its historic relics. Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Mackinaw City is home to iconic lighthouses, maritime museums, and structures dating back to the early 18th century.

Top destinations in Michigan

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Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City is a village on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula offering scenic bridges, iconic and historic locales, endless wilderness parks and the Lake Michigan shoreline. From Mackinac Bridge which crosses the Straits of Mackinac, you’ll take in panoramic views. At Colonial...
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is an island and city in Michigan offering a state park, iconic rock formations, historical sites, arts and cultural installations and educational fun for all. The Mackinac Island State Park covers the vast majority of the island and...
Traverse City
Traverse City is among Northern Michigan’s largest cities and offers beachfront parks, museums, vineyards, microbreweries, culture and family entertainment. The large Clinch Park offers a city beach with picnic tables, restrooms, golden sand and clear waters for great swimming. Left...
Detroit
Detroit is a city that’s gone through a renaissance. Hulking, concrete buildings that were once home to giant motor corporations are now the site of graffiti battles, providing a street art circuit that you can tour by bike. But among...

What to see & do in Michigan

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Best Family Things to Do in Detroit
Family things to do in Detroit range from candy tours to museums, amusement parks, hands-on learning, history, great outdoor adventures, and so many others. The Detroit metro area is packed with kid-friendly activities to take your vacation to the next...
10 Best Things to Do in Detroit
Detroit is a lively city with a fascinating history and an exciting future, rapidly becoming a must-visit destination in the...
10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Detroit
Detroit has much to see and do for couples looking for a bit of romance, whether you're interested in something...
10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Michigan
Michigan is a favorite destination for vacationers throughout the year, and most of the fun takes place in the state's...
10 Things to Do in Detroit on a Small Budget
Detroit is packed full of things to see and do, and you don't have to break the bank to take...
10 Best Things to Do in Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a quaint, lake-island paradise that offers museums and culture, shopping and dining, scenic tours, and tons of...
10 Best Museums in Detroit
Detroit is a city rich with history, art, and culture, and that's expressed expertly throughout the local museums. You'll find...
10 Best Things to Do in Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including living history museums, iconic lighthouses, maritime museums, and, of...
10 Best Things to Do in Michigan
When you visit Michigan, you can expect seemingly endless things to do, including the renowned Detroit Zoo and the fascinating...

Where & what to eat in Michigan

10 Best Local Restaurants in Detroit
The best local restaurants in Detroit are a treat for visitors wanting to sample tried-and-true classics, local hot spots, and creative must-tries. Restaurants include decades-old family-run eateries, food trucks, pizza chains, and elegant fine-dining establishments oozing with old-world charm. Whether you're...
10 Great Restaurants in Detroit
Great restaurants in Detroit serve a variety of cuisine ranging from farm-to-table New American fare to traditional Greek to Asian...
5 Best Casinos in Detroit
The best casinos in Detroit can be found in the heart of the city, on (or technically across) the river,...

Where to shop & what to buy in Michigan

10 Best Shopping Malls in Detroit
Detroit is home to a variety of shopping opportunities, but the local malls have something special to offer with plenty of items and diversity. You'll also find plenty of conveniences when you visit, making your shopping excursion easier than ever. The...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Detroit
Whether you’re a trend chaser or just hunting for that perfect gift, Detroit is a city teeming with shopping opportunities. The metro area offers a great blend of one-stop shopping malls, premium outlets, and hip downtown districts with plenty of...

Where to go & what to do at night in Michigan

10 Best Bars, Live Music, and Nightclubs in Detroit
The best bars, live music, and nightclubs in Detroit prove that local Detroiters certainly know how to have a good time when the sun goes down. You have a choice of trendy rooftop bars, legendary live music venues, grand old...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Detroit
Detroit has risen like a phoenix in recent years, especially with its nightlife scene revitalizing many relics of this historic...
5 Best Casinos in Detroit
The best casinos in Detroit can be found in the heart of the city, on (or technically across) the river,...

Useful information

Detroit Travel Essentials
Our Detroit Travel Essentials make getting the most out of your vacation to Detroit easy. When you know the essentials like landmarks, events, and how to get around properly, creating the ultimate itinerary is simple, offering an unforgettable vacation experience. Detroit has something for everyone, and you'll likely find something familiar here no matter where you're from. Still, the city has...
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