Michigan

01 Feb 2025Updated last time

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10 Best Places for Day Trip in Michigan For Families

Welcome to Michigan's Premier Destinations

Michigan, the Great Lakes State, is a treasure trove of diverse natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're seeking the tranquility of a peaceful island, the thrill of a dune adventure, or the wonder of a captivating museum, Michigan has something for everyone. Each destination in Michigan tells a unique story, inviting travelers and families to create lasting memories while exploring the state's magnificent landscapes and engaging attractions. From the charming European vibes of Frankenmuth to the stunning vistas of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and from the awe-inspiring Tahquamenon Falls to the dynamic environment of the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation—an array of experiences await. Immerse yourself in hands-on learning, savor the fresh, northern air, and indulge in the simple pleasure of sand between your toes. Michigan's day-trips are gateways to adventure, relaxation, and inspiration, no matter where you choose to go.

Recommended Activities

1
Mackinac Island
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Mackinac Island offers a unique experience as motor vehicles are banned on the island, allowing for a peaceful atmosphere. It's known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, historic Fort Mackinac, picturesque views of Lake Huron, and famous fudge shops.
2
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, towering dunes, clear blue waters, and miles of sandy beaches. It presents outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and dune climbing, providing an adventurous and educational experience for the whole family.
3
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park combines art and nature in an engaging environment. It features a variety of gardens, nature trails, and a world-class sculpture park. It is a place for relaxation, inspiration, and can be particularly enjoyable for those interested in horticulture and the arts.
4
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
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The Henry Ford Museum offers a rich journey through America's innovative past with immersive exhibits featuring significant artifacts, such as the Rosa Parks bus and Lincoln's chair from Ford's Theatre. It is both educational and inspirational, revealing the spirit of American ingenuity.
5
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
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The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum provides interactive educational experiences that encourage visitors, especially children, to explore their curiosity and creativity through science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) activities. It's a great place for families to learn while having fun.
6
Detroit Zoo
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The Detroit Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers and families, offering a glimpse into the natural habitats of over 2,000 animals from around the world. It's sprawling 125 acres of exhibits, including the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, provide an engaging experience focused on wildlife conservation.
7
Frankenmuth
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Frankenmuth, known as 'Michigan's Little Bavaria,' offers a unique cultural experience with its German heritage and architecture. Visitors can enjoy traditional festivals, dine on authentic German cuisine, and explore shops with handcrafted goods – perfect for a family-oriented and culturally rich outing.
8
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is celebrated for its dramatic multicolored sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and clear waters of Lake Superior. It's an ideal destination for hiking, boating, and photography, offering some of the most scenic landscapes in Michigan.
9
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
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Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, providing breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding forest. It's perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a serene, natural setting.
10
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
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Silver Lake Sand Dunes offers a unique landscape of shifting sands that provides a variety of recreational activities such as dune buggy rides, off-roading, sandboarding, and hiking. The dunes also offer picturesque views of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, making it a thrilling and scenic destination for families and adventure seekers alike.

Restaurants

The Vortex Bar & Grill
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The Vortex Bar & Grill
Known for its skull-shaped entrance and eclectic, adult-only atmosphere, The Vortex offers a vast selection of burgers and beers.
SafeHouse
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SafeHouse
A spy-themed restaurant where guests need a password to enter, offering an interactive dining experience with secret passages and espionage decor.
Hobbit Cafe
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Hobbit Cafe
This Tolkien-inspired eatery serves natural and healthy fare in a setting fit for a hobbit, complete with a Shire-esque environment.
Opaque - Dining in the Dark
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Opaque - Dining in the Dark
Offering a unique ‘dining in the dark’ experience where visitors eat in total darkness, heightening the other senses for a completely different culinary adventure.
Heart Attack Grill
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Heart Attack Grill
An over-the-top eatery with a hospital theme, where diners don hospital gowns and the waitstaff are dressed as nurses, famous for its high-calorie menu.
Ninja New York
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Ninja New York
A Japanese restaurant where diners enter an Edo period ninja village-themed environment, with staff performing ninja tricks and serving inventive Japanese cuisine.
Magic Restroom Cafe
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Magic Restroom Cafe
A bathroom-themed eatery where guests sit on toilets and dine off of sink basins, offering a unique and Instagram-worthy experience with Taiwanese-inspired dishes.
The Airplane Restaurant
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The Airplane Restaurant
Housed inside a converted Boeing KC-97 tanker, diners can enjoy a meal in the fuselage of an airplane, surrounded by aviation memorabilia.

Hotels

The Queen's Residence B&B
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The Queen's Residence B&B
An 1839 historic inn offering a quaint and charming stay, filled with antique furnishings and located in the heart of Ann Arbor.
Grand Hotel
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Grand Hotel
This iconic hotel on Mackinac Island boasts a record for the world's longest porch and reflects grandeur and elegance from the late 19th century.
Thunder Bay Resort
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Thunder Bay Resort
Unique for its Elk Viewing Carriage Ride, Gourmet Dinner & Wine Tasting, this northern Michigan resort offers a distinct and nature-immersive experience.
Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
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Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
A rare opportunity to stay in a functional lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior, combining maritime history with picturesque scenery.
Detroit Foundation Hotel
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Detroit Foundation Hotel
Set in the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters, this boutique hotel merges Detroit’s past and present with an industrial chic design.
Bavarian Inn Lodge
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Bavarian Inn Lodge
A German-themed resort that provides an Old World European escape with authentic architecture, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Frankenmuth.

Local Events & Happenings

Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert
The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)
7 Jul 2024
Visit Website
The Offspring w/ Simple Plan
The Offspring w/ Simple Plan
The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)
26 Jul 2024
Visit Website

Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top
Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top
The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)
10 Aug 2024
Visit Website
Jason Aldean
Jason Aldean
The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)
16 Aug 2024
Visit Website
Keith Urban
Keith Urban
The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)
25 Aug 2024
Visit Website
Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham
Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham
The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)
8 Sep 2024
Visit Website
Tom Segura
Tom Segura
The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (33.1 mi)
20 Oct 2024
Visit Website

Travel Gems from Reddit

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r/Michigan on Reddit: Looking for recommendations for day trips from ...
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A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to our rules & Reddit's sitewide ru...
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A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to our rules & Reddit's sitewide ru...
/r/Michigan
View on Reddit
A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to our rules & Reddit's sitewide ru...
r/Michigan on Reddit: Any good day trips to take within reasonable ...
A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to our rules & Reddit's sitewide ru...
/r/Michigan
View on Reddit
A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. ... Belle Isle is a state park so make sure you h...
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My boyfriend and I are planning to do an 8-day trip this summer in the UP. Were thinking of the following: -1 night in Paradise (Tahquamenon Falls) -2 nights in Munising (Pict...
Upper Peninsula Trip - advice needed!
My boyfriend and I are planning to do an 8-day trip this summer in the UP. Were thinking of the following: -1 night in Paradise (Tahquamenon Falls) -2 nights in Munising (Pict...
/r/Michigan
View on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
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Journey - Don't Stop Believin'
An iconic road trip anthem about hope and journey, perfect for inspiring adventure.
Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
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Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway
This energetic song captures the spirit of being on the road and the freedom of travel.
Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
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Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
A classic tune that embodies the joy of travel and the open road.

John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
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John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
A song that evokes the beauty of America's landscapes, ideal for scenic routes.
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
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Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster
Encourages independence and striking out on one's own, with an upbeat tempo for driving.
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
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Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
An uplifting Southern rock song that's great for singing along to on a family trip.
Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
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Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
An energetic rock song about escaping the mundane, for those looking to find freedom on the road.
Whitesnake - Here I Go Again - 2018 Remaster
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Whitesnake - Here I Go Again - 2018 Remaster
A power ballad about facing new horizons and going on a journey, fitting for a new adventure.
The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
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The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
An exuberant song about going the distance, which can keep spirits high no matter the distance traveled.
U2 - Beautiful Day
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U2 - Beautiful Day
An optimistic song that captures the essence of enjoying the day and the beauty of the world around us.

Your Trips Will Appear Here

10 Best Places for Day Trip in Michigan For Families

Welcome to Michigan's Premier Destinations

Recommended Activities

Mackinac Island

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Detroit Zoo

Frankenmuth

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Restaurants

The Vortex Bar & Grill

The Vortex Bar & Grill

SafeHouse

SafeHouse

Hobbit Cafe

Hobbit Cafe

Opaque - Dining in the Dark

Opaque - Dining in the Dark

Heart Attack Grill

Heart Attack Grill

Ninja New York

Ninja New York

Magic Restroom Cafe

Magic Restroom Cafe

The Airplane Restaurant

The Airplane Restaurant

Hotels

The Queen's Residence B&B

The Queen's Residence B&B

Grand Hotel

Grand Hotel

Thunder Bay Resort

Thunder Bay Resort

Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast

Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast

Detroit Foundation Hotel

Detroit Foundation Hotel

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Bavarian Inn Lodge

Local Events & Happenings

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert

The Offspring w/ Simple Plan

The Offspring w/ Simple Plan

Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top

Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top

Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean

Keith Urban

Keith Urban

Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham

Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham

Tom Segura

Tom Segura

Travel Gems from Reddit

r/Michigan on Reddit: Looking for recommendations for day trips from ...

20 AWESOME Michigan Day Trip Ideas for 2024

10 Low-Commitment Day Trips That You Can Do in Michigan.

r/Michigan on Reddit: Any good day trips to take within reasonable ...

Must -visit Michigan destinations? (Family friendly)

12 Must-Take Michigan Day Trips in March

Upper Peninsula Trip - advice needed!

Music for Your Journey

Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama