Michigan Summer Vacations are Gorgeous
Michigan summer is here! Time to enjoy the Mitten state with all its lakes and beaches and beauty. Hoping to get away with your family? We have everything you need to decide where your next Michigan summer vacation should be!
Our team traveled the state and found 14 iconic Michigan summer vacation ideas for families.
Let’s imagine, explore & discover – together!
Whether you’re looking for a weekend trip or a longer vacation in our great state, these best vacation spots in Michigan are sure to spark your adventurous spirit.
West Side Christian School
Small class sizes, outdoor education opportunities, busing for all K-8 students, on-site childcare, and so much more! We partner with families to provide whole-child Christian education that integrates God’s Word and creation into learning. Schedule your tour today at wscsgr.org.
Michigan Summer Vacations on the Lake
Michigan summer vacations on the lakeshore hold a special place in the hearts of many mitten dwellers. It’s easy to understand why – the beauty of waves lapping on the shore mixed with the fun of lake recreation – it’s a wonderful vacation combination.
Your biggest trouble might just be which lake destination to choose for your next vacation.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City delivers when it comes to beaches, fruit, festivals, you name it, it’s probably happening in Traverse City in the summer.
Options abound when you visit this bustling resort town in the summer.
Clinch Park Beach offers a splash pad, beach, and lots of treats and is just across the street from downtown restaurants. Lots of hotel and camping options, plus a ton of outdoor activities, make Traverse City a favorite Michigan summer vacation destination.
Explore the Traverse City Commons, too, if you get a chance.
Charlevoix, Michigan
Charlevoix is a hit with kids and adults, too.
This small resort town turns into a summer fun hub during July and August when boating and beach visits ramp up.
If you’re looking for small-town charm with a side of interesting architecture (Charlevoix is home to the famous mushroom houses) put this town on your list.
They have a fantastic library (outdoor hands-on music garden) and a splash pad at the marina, too.
Torch Lake, Michigan
Dip your toes into Torch Lake just once and you’ll be clamoring for more.
Torch Lake is one of the best vacation spots in Michigan and an amazing place to see.
To understand the depths of its beauty and appreciate the deep aqua and turquoise colors throughout this lake, you really have to take it in with your own eyes.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Look out over Sleeping Bear Dunes by day, or visit when the night stars shine so brightly, to get a new appreciation for nature.
The stars seem to pop out at you in this remote part of Michigan!
Climb the dunes to the lookout point with your family and be rewarded with views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake. There’s an opportunity for biking, tubing, kayaking, and much more here, too.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes were made for zooming.
Even the most energetic kids will be wowed with over 2,000 acres of sand dunes, located just a mile from Lake Michigan. There is even so much more to see and do besides a visit to the dunes.
Petoskey, Michigan
Petoskey is a true northern Michigan town with all of the outdoor adventures, lakes, and beaches to prove it.
Bike for miles on the beautiful pathways, explore farms and vineyards and take in the cute downtown on your visit.
Spend Your Michigan Summer Vacation Exploring Vibrant Cities
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is massive and loaded with things to do. And it’s not all urban! You can rent bikes and ride the rails-to-trails project, the Dequindre Cut. You can kayak Detroit canals. You can stroll the riverwalk and so much more.
And for urban fun, there are a lot of options, Catch a show. Catch a ball game. Go to the zoo. Eat incredible food. Find amazing murals. Explore historic buildings or get cultured at the DIA. Enjoy the city life – Detroit has it all.
Belle Isle, Michigan
While Belle Isle could be considered part of Detroit, this historic state park is a destination in itself.
There’s an aquarium, conservatory and nature center. And with seven miles of shoreline, three lakes and a lagoon, it’s not hard to become mesmerized by this botanical wonderland.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is the big city within an hour of Lake Michigan’s majestic shoreline.
Visit world-renowned Frederik Meijer Gardens, get hands-on at John Ball Zoo, or explore any one of GR’s fun outdoor attractions.
And of course, while you’re here, hit up a brewery or taphouse or two. Many are very family friendly.
Lansing, Michigan
Our state capitol and home to nearby Michigan State University, Lansing has cultural and outdoor experiences for all.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Another college town, Ann Arbor is Michigan’s funky, come-as-you are, arts and culture hotspot.
There is a lot of interesting shopping, outdoor rec, and of course the grounds of the University of Michigan.
We were delighted in the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum and U of M Museum of Natural History and wished there was enough time for The Petting Farm and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
Frankenmuth, Michigan
Did you know that Michigan’s Little Bavaria is home to a huge Splash Village?
Yeah, it’s more than just the town with the world’s largest Christmas store, famous chicken dinners and German charm.
Michigan Amusement Parks
There truly is something for everyone at Michigan’s Adventure, from babies to grandmas and from wimps to daredevils. Offering roller coasters and a waterpark, it’s two parks in one!
Resorts that Make the Best Michigan Summer Vacations
Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain trades the skis for pool life every summer, and they really know how to cater to families.
Watch a sunset from atop the mountain, fly downhill on a curved sled track (think luge), or relax by the pool.
And don’t worry – Crystal Mountain knows their snow bunnies still like an adventure in summer. There’s a climbing wall, zip-line, and technical bike tracks. (Oh, and laser tag, paintball, archery…)
Upper Peninsula Michigan Summer Vacation Destinations
Mackinac Island
It’s a Michigan summer vacation like no other. In a motor city state, vacationing on an island with no cars is pretty unique!
Explore the island for a day on bikes (either bring your own bikes on the ferry, or rent once you’re on the island).
Visit Fort Mackinac, the butterfly conservatory, and take your pic at Arch Rock. And of course, it’s a tourist’s responsibility to buy all the fudge.
Many people do not realize that over 80% of Mackinac Island is a Michigan State Park. If you venture further than main street, you are apt to find yourself in a state park ripe for exploring.
Many families opt for the Grand Hotel route. The Grand Hotel offers plenty of vacation fun on its own, from yard games to free snow cones. And the five-course dinners are the stuff legends are made of.
Waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula
This Upper Peninsula adventure took us to Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, Marquette, and more.
We saw such a small portion of the U.P. but had a memorable time. Our kids have talked about our trip all year and can’t wait to go back again.
Useful for travellers. Thanks for sharing.
Hillary Kitchin?
Sweet! What’s your favorite?
Sandy Callis?