Best Places to Visit in Michigan in 2024

Let’s look at 7 of the best places to visit in Michigan in 2024

sugarloaf mountain sunrise
Marquette - One of Michigan's Best places

Michigan is full of amazing destinations. Because of the number of excellent destinations, it’s tough to decide on 7. The list could be endless but I want to keep it short and sweet for all of my readers. Now that you know, we will dive into 

7 Best Places to Visit in Michigan Overview (2024)

In no particular order, these are the 7 best places to visit in Michigan this year

Marquette, MI - Michigan's Up North Getaway

Marquette Michigan Winter Drone

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is Marquette. Marquette is one of my favorites in Michigan for its natural beauty, small town community, and excellent outdoor activities. 

If you have to pick one place to visit in Michigan when it’s not bitterly cold, visit Marquette. Although it’s an amazing place when it’s freezing, most people prefer the unforgettable northern Michigan summers in Marquette.

Detroit, MI - For the full city experience

Detroit had to make the list, its the capital right? Besides its honorary capital status, Detroit has shown significant signs of growth in recent years making it a much more desirable place to visit. 

Why else do we think Detroit is one of the best cities to visit in Michigan? 

With its recent surge in the Technology, those looking for a new city to start a career in the Tech field might want to consider the Michigan capital.

Grand Rapids, MI - For the Beer Drinkers

Grand Rapids is the United States Beer drinking capital. If that doesn’t excite you then don’t worry there’s plenty more in store for you. 

Some things that make this an incredible city in Michigan to visit include:

Fulton Street Farmers Market 

Brewery Vivant aka a Brewery in a former chapel

Grand Valley State, a thriving food scene and a river that runs right through the heart of town, make Grand Rapids one of the best destinations to visit in Michigan.

Ann Arbor - For the Full College Experience

Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan. Have you ever experienced a Michigan football game at the big house? That alone is one of the reasons Ann Arbor is a top destination for someone visiting Michigan. 

Some other notable standouts that make this a must visit city in Michigan are:

Zingerman’s Deli – An Ann Arbor staple, Zingerman’s is one of the best delis in the state and is a can’t miss when in town

Paddle Down the Huron River – The Huron River runs right through Ann Arbor is a lovely way to experience the beauty of Ann Arbor

Make sure you get your colors right when exploring BLUE country. 

Traverse City - For the up north lake lovers

Leelanau Peninsula Drone
Leelanau Peninsula Drone

Traverse City is positioned in the North West corner of Michigan. Aside from being Cherry Capital of the world, Traverse City has a host of offerings that appeal to visitors such as:

  • Rolling Hills of Vineyards
  • High Saturation of Downtown Breweries and Restaurants
  • Lovely waterfront attractions
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes Park

Mark your calendar for Cherry Fest and don’t skip out on Traverse City Pie Company!

Mackinac Island - For the Michigan Island experience

mackinac island summer drone photo
Mackinac Island - MI #1 Best Place toVisit

Mackinac Island was voted as the #1 Best place to visit in Michigan by USnews.com.

For those who have visited this is no surprise as the island has an unforgettable charm that continues to bring hoards of tourists back yearly. 

If you weren’t already aware, the island has no car and transportation is done by horse drawn carriage, bikes, or walking. Put this top rated Michigan island on your list of place you must experience in Michigan!

Pro Tip: Bring a Bike! The exterior coastline trail is best enjoyed on 2 wheels

Isle Royale - For the Michigan National Park Visitor

Isle Royale is Michigan’s only National park but it’s one you want to familiarize yourself with. This very remote Lake Superior-located national park should be on everyone’s must-visit cities in Michigan list. 

There are two ways of getting to Isle Royale. A 1-hour Airplane flight or a 6-hour boat ride. Regardless of route, this place is a Michigan gem you should not forget about! 

More of the Best Cities in Michigan to Visit

Like I stated in the introduction, Michigan has a plethora of incredible destinations. These 5 are my favorite for different reasons but are all worth a visit! I know many people will agree with me on some and many will wish I never mentioned any. 

Whether you do or don’t, I hope this will help some of those who have never been to any and need a starting point for the state!

Seasonality will drastically affect these destinations as well! If you can’t handle winters, then the Upper Peninsula city of Marquette will be an absolute no go. For these reasons, its important to remember what season you are visiting and what you are visiting for.

Explore the Best of Michigan this year

Have you been to Michigan before? Have you made it to any of these places? If so, do you feel like they are worthy of their ranking? Drop a comment and let me know. 

If you are someone who needs more in depth guides rather than just the best cities in MI, explore my informational guides below:

🌲Upper Peninsula of Michigan Bucket List 

🏂 Find the Best Ski Resorts in Michigan this Winter