The Best Things To Do In Michigan

The state of Michigan, with its Great Lakes and astounding nature, is divided into two peninsulas covering 100,000sq mi (258,999sq km) of American country. Within this state, there are many different natural, cultural and historical landmarks to discover. From sailing on an old cargo schooner to exploring Japanese tea rooms and taking in the local live music scene, we have chosen some of our favorite spots to visit in the Wolverine State.

Tall Ship Manitou

Take the two-hour trip to sail from Traverse City on this recreation of an old cargo schooner, cruising the waters of Grand Traverse Bay in Lake Michigan. Start by helping to raise the sails with the crew, and then visit the islands and bays of Michigan’s relaxing waters. There is plenty of space for you to explore the boat as well as enjoy the scenery on your journey. Those who are more adventurous have the option to become part of the crew and sleep aboard in bunks for a few days, sailing wherever the boat takes you.

Fishtown, Leland

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

In Grand Rapids, these grounds have rapidly become one of the most revered parks in the midwest and a destination of world renown. With wildflowers and flora aplenty, you should pack your walking boots, as there are many acres to cover. Among them you’ll find a perfectly manicured and peaceful Japanese garden and a number of modern sculptures. Of all of them, the Iron Tree by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei is a standout. The butterfly exhibit is a must-see for kids, who can also run around in the children’s garden.

Dreamgoats

In Ada, Michigan, goat hikes on a Sunday cannot be missed. Through woods, marsh and prairie, small groups get the opportunity to roam with a herd of goats. The sustainable farm Dreamgoats raises Nubian goats within their community in a way that enriches the land they live off of. The farm has proposed that while the dairy industry is suffering, we should take a step back to appreciate where milk comes from and analyze our connection to what nourishes us. Kids are entranced by this trek with foraging goats. It’s a unique experience to say the least.

Baker’s Keyboard Lounge

There are few more intimate and culturally important jazz venues in the world than Baker’s Keyboard Lounge in Detroit. The Art Deco furnishings and design remain untouched. Even the tilted mirrors, which allow you to see the piano players’ hands move, are still in place. By the 1980s, Baker’s was already a designated historic site. Considering the history of this venue, frequented by Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and Nat King Cole to name just a few, it’s clear how important Detroit is to American music and culture.

Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House and Gardens of Saginaw

The Japanese Cultural Center in Saginaw offers one of the most authentic Japanese Tea House experiences in North America. Built on American and Japanese soil and set within intricate and serene gardens, the rooms host Chanoyu (a 400-year-old tea ceremony), where you are invited to be served tea while barefoot and in kimono. The center’s mission “to promote intercultural understanding and peace through a bowl of tea” is a very tranquil and elevating experience. It might not be what one would expect from a day out in Saginaw, but it’s an utterly treasured experience.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.