10 Free Things to do in Michigan That You Shouldn't Miss

October 31, 2021 Flossie Demartino

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. Keweenaw Peninsula

near Houghton, MI 49931
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Keweenaw Peninsula

Surrounded by Lake Superior this northern Michigan area was the first site of the United States' copper boom.

2. Presque Isle Park

Peter White Dr., Marquette, MI http://www.mqtcty.org/parks-presque-isle.php
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 942 reviews

Presque Isle Park

Reviewed By 936timl - Edwardsburg, United States

The whole family did it - 17 & 15 yr old boys and a 10 yr old daughter - even Mom & Dad! Really cool and safe jump from about 20 feet into the crystal clear (and refreshingly chilly) Lake Superior waters near Marquette, MI!

3. Little Traverse Wheelway

Petoskey, MI http://www.traillink.com/trail/little-traverse-wheelway.aspx
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
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1%
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5.0 based on 282 reviews

Little Traverse Wheelway

Reviewed By JillbPA

We parked in Sunset Park in Petoskey and headed to Harbor Springs. In order to avoid the airport and the noise of busy roads, turn down Beach Road and follow this quiet road all the way to the delightful town of Harbor Springs. You will pass lovely homes and waterfront views. There are many eateries to choose from in Harbor Springs before you head back to your starting point.

4. Lake Michigan

http://www.michigan.org
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Lake Michigan

The shores of this Great Lake are home to summer resorts and sweeping views.

5. Mushroom House Tours of Charlevoix

211 Bridge St, Charlevoix, MI 49720-1403 +1 231-881-0770 http://www.mushroomhousetours.com
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 464 reviews

Mushroom House Tours of Charlevoix

Visit all 28 of these magical stone structures a.k.a.Gnome Homes/Hobbit Houses and experience this majestic architecture found nowhere else in the world!! Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will give you fun facts, stories and history not found in any book. Why just drive by and not know a thing about what you are looking at? Our tours will give you memories that will last a lifetime and you will be so glad you did!! There is a reason we are voted the #1 Thing to Do in Charlevoix, Mi!!

Reviewed By RoseBowlTraveler - Cincinnati, United States

Was planning a trip to the area and happened upon a travel article that referenced the Mushroom House Tours. Found there was space Saturday afternoon and booked it online. Enjoyed a lively and fun hour with Edith at the wheel as we rode the extended golf cart through the streets of Charlevoix learning about Earl Young, the Mushroom Houses and Boulder Park neighborhood. Well worth the time and I think much more fun than the self-guided tour. Only suggestion - they may want to consider a "Confirmation" so when you book tickets, you know you are confirmed. Otherwise a great way to learn about interesting architecture and the architect's personality.

6. University of Michigan

915 E Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1070 +1 734-764-4636 http://campusinfo.umich.edu/visiting-ann-arbor
Excellent
76%
Good
16%
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5%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 613 reviews

University of Michigan

The University's beautiful campus includes many fine museums and facilities for its enrollment of 36,000.

Reviewed By BillN540 - Ann Arbor, United States

From the beauty of the views in the quad to the hushed calm of the law school to the chaos of south (athletic) campus during a sporting event and you have everything you could want in a college town. Highlights to visit on campus include: - The natural history museum - The grad library reading room - The law library reading room - The "Big House" - Listen to the carillon outside of Rackham school or grad studies - catch a performance at Hill Auditorium or the Power Center for performing arts. - A stroll through the Arboretum (The Arb). So much to do. GO BLUE!

7. Kalamazoo Valley Museum

230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-5803 +1 800-772-3370 [email protected] http://www.kalamazoomuseum.org
Excellent
72%
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25%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 309 reviews

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum features exhibits on science, technology and the history of Southwest Michigan. The Museum is currently open limited hours with registration. Please visit our website for more information and to register.

Reviewed By monicah149

How many places are FREE anymore? This place has something for everyone in the family - history, hands-on activities for the kids, rotating exhibits to always bring you back, and a planetarium. Every time we go, we discover something new. A favorite place for our multi-generational family

8. Front Street

Traverse City, MI 49684 +1 231-947-4800 http://downtowntc.com/
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 916 reviews

Front Street

Reviewed By 294jeanneb - Brown Deer, United States

Lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. Plan to spend a morning or afternoon taking everything in. Very walkable.

9. Arch Rock

Mackinac Island, MI
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 2,662 reviews

Arch Rock

Natural rock bridge soaring 149 feet above the Straits of Mackinac appears to be suspended in midair.

Reviewed By S60WIannal

We reached the arch rock at first by horse carriage tour and then returned to visit this beautiful site by bike and kayaking. You have to climbed up some stairs to reach it and take turns to do photos but it's worth it.

10. Michigan State Capitol

Capitol Avenue at Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906 +1 517-373-2353 http://capitol.michigan.gov/Tours/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
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4.5 based on 339 reviews

Michigan State Capitol

Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1992, this building has served as Michigan's seat of state government since its completion in 1879.

Reviewed By Disneybus - Pittsgrove, United States

We did a self tour of this magnificent capitol. You enter on the ground floor which is very much like a basement providing little hint of the splendors above. The capitol is done with Victorian elegance and opulence. There are magnificent chandeliers, and the rotunda and inner dome are beautifully decorated with elaborate hand-painted designs, as are the walls and ceilings throughout the Capitol. As a cost saving measure almost all the wood trim appears to be walnut but most of it is inexpensive woods, carefully hand painted to mimic walnut. The impressive grandiose House of Representatives and Senate Chambers are located on the third floor and are accessible to the public. We particularly liked the glass coats-of-arms for each state in the chamber ceiling. We've toured several state capitols, and this one is certainly impressive and well represents Michigan. Of note - there is no capitol parking lot - it's all street!

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