5 Northern Michigan destinations to check off of your bucket list
Michigan aka the Mitten state. Oh what a place. 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 5 Northern Michigan destinations to keep on your radar this summer.
Traverse City
Home to some of Michigan’s and Northern Michigan’s best pies, Traverse City delivers more than just pies in the worlds 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 travelling 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
Marquette is Michigan’s largest city in the Upper Peninsula and 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.
This may well be the top spot in all of Michigan. Not only does Marquette offer excellent outdoor activities, but there are 5 breweries and enough restaurants to keep you well fed.
Munising
Munising is an Upper Peninsula gateway city to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located about 45 minutes east of Marquette, Munising is another outdoor adventures paradise. Not only is it loaded with waterfalls and biking, its home to the globally famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Mackinac City
The Mighty Mac as Michiganders call it, is the worlds 5th longest suspensions bridge and the longest in the Western hemisphere. Combined with the right lighting, its a spectacular sight. Not only is the Mighty Mac a worthwhile site but Mackinac island which is home to the Grand Hotel, provides visitors with spectacular views and lasting memories.
Northern Michigan - Is it Worth it?
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.
Northern Michigan Destinations to also consider
Leland – 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 – 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.
Charlevoix – 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, and dining in the sprawling waterfront downtown.
Love your pics of Michigan. I just moved here last year but I love it!
LOVE hearing that ! THanks Barbara