8 Northern Michigan Cities You Can't Skip This Year
Explore these amazing Northern Michigan cities this Summer 2024!
Michigan aka the Mitten state. Oh what a state.
Your time here really depends on the current season and the thickness of your skin.
Thankfully during Summer, Michigan & specifically, Northern Michigan, really shines.
From endless lakes to eclectic cities, the list seems to never end.
For those who know or for those who don’t, here are 8 Northern Michigan destinations to keep on your radar this summer.
Traverse City, MI
Home to some of Michigan’s and Northern Michigan’s best pies, Traverse City delivers more than just pies in the world’s Cherry Capital.
Here is what you can find in Traverse City:
- A Range of incredible Michigan microbreweries
- Michigan’s best wine region
- Northern Michigan’s Best Biking at Vasa
- Gateway to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of Michigan’s Top travel destinations.
The lakeshore is an absolute must visit when traveling in Michigan.
Here are a some Things to do at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore:
- Bike the Heritage Trail
- Climb the Dune Climb to Lake Michigan
- Take the scenic Pierce Stocking Drive Loop
Marquette, Michigan
Summers in Marquette are the closest thing to heaven we have.
Marquette is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula and also home to Northern Michigan University.
Visitors are spoiled with countless outdoor activities that include:
- Hiking – Some of Michigan’s TOP Hikes
- Kayaking – Lake Superior Kayaking
- Mountain Biking – Michigan’s second Best bike city behind Copper Harbor
- Snowboarding – Marquette Mountain is only a few miles outside of town
- Surfing – Yes, Surfing in Michigan is a real thing.
- Marquette Breweries – Yeah, its really good here.
This may well be the top spot in all of Michigan.
Read This (since you’re here!): The Ultimate Upper Peninsula Bucket List (2024)
Munising, MI
Michigan’s Munising is an Upper Peninsula gateway city to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Located about 45 minutes east of Marquette, Munising is another outdoor adventurers paradise.
Not only is it loaded with waterfalls and biking, its home to the globally famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Mackinac Island & the Mighty Mac
The Mighty Mac as Michiganders call it, is the worlds 5th longest suspensions bridge and the longest in the Western hemisphere.
While venturing to the most popular island in Michigan, Mackinac Island, visitors will either cross over before their boat or enjoy the views from their boat in the south.
Before reaching one of the most visited places in Northern Michigan, Mackinac Island, ensure you bring your bike and appetite for world famous Mackinac Island fudge.
Seriously, the bike will help with managing the constant fudge intake and because there are no cars permitted on this magical island!
You will LOVE this: See the Northern Lights in Northern Michigan (2024)
Charlevoix, MI
Charlevoix is a popular Northern Michigan city positioned in the North Western part of the mitten, tucked on the banks of the Traverse Bay.
Things to do in Charlevoix include:
- Photographing the Charlevoix South Pier
- Catching a ferry to Beaver island
- Dining in the sprawling waterfront downtown.
Leland, MI
This famed Fishtown in the Leelanau Peninsula, Leland is a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to hire a fishing charter, find excellent fresh fish or take a boat to the Manitou Islands.
Northport, MI
Northport is only 20 minutes north of Leland but will charm visitors looking to slow down the pace and escape from major crowds.
Michigan lighthouse enthusiasts can check another off their list by visiting the Grand Traverse lighthouse at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula.
So, should you visit Northern Michigan?
These are only a handful of the best Northern Michigan travel spots.
The list could, stretch wider than the Grand Canyon but we’ll let you find your own little gems.
Did one of your favorite Michigan destinations make the list?
Do you have a place that should have been included?
Please let me know as I’m continually checking places off of my Michigan bucket list.