10 Scenic Walking Areas in Michigan That You Shouldn't Miss

September 4, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

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. Sterling Heights Nature Center

42700 Utica Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314-3565 +1 586-446-2710
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Sterling Heights Nature Center

2. Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve

10471 6 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341-9054 http://naturenearby.org/explore/saul-lake-bog-nature-preserve/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve

3. Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

Brimley, MI http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea/?recid=18187
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

Reviewed By amyadamy - Lansing, United States

It's a beautiful drive along Michigan's lakeshore with plenty of stop off's to either go for a swim or just dip your toes into Lake Superior. It's a quiet, two lane drive with tall trees and views of the water for miles. If you're in the area, take the up north way of life route and slow down for a gorgeous drive.

4. Rockford Dam Overlook

East Bridge Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341 +1 616-866-1537 http://rockford.mi.us/community/about-town/parks-and-trails/#_=_
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

Rockford Dam Overlook

Reviewed By Ronmsparks - Coopersville, United States

On the SW side of downtown Rockford, this park and waterfront development is just beautiful. Of course we were there at the best time of year to enjoy all the flowers and folliage on both sides of the cascading Rogue River. There are plenty of benches where you can sit and just enjoy the soothing water sounds, watch the river come over the dam and people-watch. It's really worth taking a few minutes out of the shopping circuit in downtown Rockford to relax and enjoy this beauty...any time of year.

5. Anne Bench

Anne's Tablet Trail, Mackinac Island, MI 49757 http://mackinac327.weebly.com/annes-tablet.html
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Anne Bench

6. Applecore Cottage

8003 Mount McSauba Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720-2044 +1 231-335-1102 [email protected] http://www.applecorecottage.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Applecore Cottage

Applecore Cottage is a Charlevoix, Michigan landmark and was named for the Apple trees on the property. It looks like it jumped out of the pages of a storybook. It was designed and built by Virginia Olsen, the daughter of Earl Young, the famous architect of the Charlevoix Mushroom Houses.

7. City of Marshall Riverwalk

Homer Road and S. Marshall Ave. or access near Rt. 227, Marshall, MI 49068 http://www.cityofmarshall.com/system/res/644/original/84-riverwalk_brochure_feb09.pdf
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

City of Marshall Riverwalk

Reviewed By 701diannec - Clinton Township, United States

On the trail it was quite and in some of the trail had information as to what you were looking at. They have places to sit down and you were at your speed.

8. Chester Street Park

129 Chester St, Pentwater, MI 49449-9510 http://www.pentwatervillage.org/parks-and-trails.php
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Chester Street Park

Reviewed By IllinoisKate1

This narrow park is located on the south side of the Pentwater Channel. You must drive several miles around Pentwater Lake to reach this location, but it's worth the trip. There are restrooms at the entrance on the left. As you walk along the boardwalk, there are a couple information signs about the area. Continue on towards the channel. We saw many people fishing from this boardwalk. The boardwalk leads you to full access to the South Pier walkway and a great sunset view. Benches along the walkway.

9. Log Slide Overlook

Alger County Road H-58, Grand Marais, MI 49839 https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/scenicsites.htm#CP_JUMP_3020724
Excellent
71%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 253 reviews

Log Slide Overlook

Reviewed By 308acec - Grand Rapids, United States

The views here are amazing and it is an easy hike from the parking lot out to the dune. There are several trails off either side that provide even more panoramic views and if you take the left path, you'll be treated to a wonderful view of the Au Sable Lighthouse! **Note there is nothing stopping anyone from running down the dune all the way to the lake, but if you do, BE PREPARED for a very physical hike back up which could take an hour or more depending on your physical condition.

10. Walk of Art

Elk Rapids, MI 49629 http://www.artrapids.org
Excellent
69%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 32 reviews

Walk of Art

Reviewed By Editorguy - New York City, United States

Why anyone can rate this behind a distillery as the top thing to do in this beautiful town is beyond me. This huge waterfront park has acres of forest and footpaths, with outstanding sculptures at every turn in the trail. The kids in our life love it for the beach, the whimsical art, and the hide-and-seek opportunities on the maze of trails. It's free, fun, and big enough to be uncrowded even in midsummer. The sculptures are thoughtfully chosen by knowledgeable curators and somehow there's always something new to surprise us. Best of all, the experiences here get the whole family in conversation together. This gem of an attraction is truly unique and can take your vacation way beyond T-shirts, burgers, booze and souvenirs.

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