We all know that Michigan is the state with the most unique shape: the surrounding Great Lakes form it into a big mitten. However, I was surprised to find many other unusual things about this mitten-shaped state. In this story, I’ll reveal some of those unique places to visit in Michigan.
I spent most of my time near the “Tip of the Mitt,” the top of the mitten where the Mackinaw Bridge connects Michigan’s upper peninsular to the lower part of the state. So, this article will feature places to visit up north Michigan below the mighty Mackinaw Bridge.
But it also includes unique places to visit in Michigan throughout the entire state!
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This area’s lakes, pristine rivers and lush woods have attracted visitors like Ernest Hemingway since the mid-1800s.
That means that the hospitality infrastructure is well-developed and makes for a relaxing getaway whether you’re a history junkie, foodie or nature lover.
1.) Secret Garden at Brys Estate Winery – Old Mission Peninsula
You don’t need to go all the way to southern France to experience the aromatic fragrances and breathtaking landscapes of rolling lavender fields.
The heavenly scent of lavender fills the air at Secret Garden, one of the most unique places to visit in Michigan.
Capture Instagramable images while standing in the purple fields on the picturesque Old Mission Peninsula.
Then, sip lavender-infused lemonade on their charming patio and shop for Secret Garden lavender products.
Spend an hour at Brys Estate Winery on this 5-hour Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour. Book now, as you don’t want to be disappointed when it fills up!
2.) Schooner Manitou – Sunset Sail on Grand Traverse Bay
Among the most unique places to visit in Michigan is the Schooner Manitou, a historic tall ship operated by Traverse Tall Ship Company in Traverse City. During a two-hour sunset sail, I watched the changing colors over Grand Traverse Bay while enjoying views of the Traverse City skyline and Old Mission Peninsula.
There is something magical about gliding across the water under sail with the breeze in your face and no schedule to keep. Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a light jacket and comfortable clothes for this relaxing evening adventure.
A sunset sail aboard the Schooner Manitou was one of the highlights of my Traverse City visit. Click here to reserve your spot before this popular cruise sells out.
3.) Little Traverse Bay Ferry – Get on the Water
The Little Traverse Bay Ferry is one of the most convenient and enjoyable ways to get on the water. This hop-on, hop-off ferry service connects Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor, offering a rare, relaxing and scenic mode of transportation.
I loved feeling the wind in my hair while watching the world go by. The ferry, which is ADA-accessible and pet-friendly, makes it easy for the whole family to explore all three towns without the hassle of driving in traffic.
4.) Ernest Hemingway Michigan Self-Guided Tour – Petoskey
Who knew? Ernest Hemingway Michigan –? I, for one, was surprised to learn that Hemingway spent all his boyhood summers in the Petoskey area. His family built a cottage on Walloon Lake, now a private residence. As an adult, he returned to the unhurried village to write.
Since many of his Nick Adams Stories are set in the Petoskey area, I read them before flying to Michigan. Of course, when young Ernest visited with his family, they didn’t fly—they arrived at the train station from Chicago.
Today, you can explore where he was known to roam, including the train station, now a museum. The handy self-guided Ernest Hemingway Michigan tour map highlights key locations associated with his time in Michigan. The Hemingway tour around Petoskey is one of the most unique places to visit in Michigan.
I began my Hemingway tour after a delightful lunch at The Park Grill, where I traced my finger over the sooty hole in the Victorian bar where the writer extinguished his cigars.
From there, I strolled along shady lanes and cheerful shops, visiting the spots frequented by Ernest Hemingway Michigan summer resident.
Download your map of Ernest Hemingway Michigan
SUGGESTED READING:
Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway
From one of the 20th century’s greatest voices comes the complete chronological anthology of his short stories featuring Nick Adams, Ernest Hemingway’s memorable character. Nick grows from child to adolescent in Michigan to soldier, veteran, writer and parent—a sequence paralleling the events of Hemingway’s life. Buy it on Kindle.
5.) Mariners’ Church of Detroit – Part of the Edmund Fitzgerald Legacy
After nearly 50 years of anticipation, I finally walked through the doors of the church that played a significant role in the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. The church was immortalized in Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad, “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
Mariners Church in Detroit, Motown’s oldest stone church, is where Rev. Richard Ingalls Sr. once broadcasted radio shows to Great Lakes sailors.
Upon learning of Edmund Fitzgerald’s sinking, Rev. Ingalls rang the church bell 29 times, once for each man lost. This poignant moment is captured in Lightfoot’s lyrics: “The church bell chimed ’til it rang twenty-nine times for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald.”
6.) Places to visit up north Michigan: Sleeping Bear National Lake Shore
I stood on the edge of towering sand dunes, the golden grains slipping gently beneath my feet, gazing out over the endless expanse of Lake Michigan.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is not only one of the most unique places to visit in Michigan but also one of the most unique places to visit in the US, as shown by its National Park designation.
I found a vast and intimate landscape where the natural beauty invited me to pause, breathe deeply and connect with the natural world.
Whether hiking the scenic trails, exploring the woods or simply sitting by the shoreline listening to the waves, this is one of the places to visit up north Michigan offering the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
📌 STAY UNSTOPPABLE TIP: Grab a self-guided audio tour that plays automatically based on your location as you drive the Michigan Lakeshore.
7.) Charlevoix – Mushroom Houses, totally unique places to visit in Michigan
When I first laid eyes on the Mushroom Houses in Charlevoix, it felt like stepping into a fairytale. There are not just one or two Mushroom Houses, but a whole neighborhood of them!
These whimsical, storybook-like homes, with their flowing lines and organic shapes, seem almost alive, as if they’ve grown naturally from the earth. Designed by the imaginative design-builder Earl Young from 1918-1950, each house is a unique masterpiece, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape of Northern Michigan.
Driving past these enchanting structures, I felt a sense of wonder and inspiration, as if I’d uncovered hidden gems as much a part of Charlevoix’s charm as the stunning lake views and welcoming community.
I really wish that I had hired a guide for a private Charlevoix experience – there is so much to explore and questions left unanswered by toodling around on our own. You can book a full-day Charlevoix experience now.
Get the full experience by staying at The Earl boutique hotel and dining at Weathervane Restaurant, both designed by Earl Young to capture the best views of the Pine River Channel. Or stay in a Earl Young cottage—check your dates now!
8.) Harbor Springs – Young Americans® Dinner Theatre
Attending The Young Americans® summer theatre at The Highlands in Harbor Springs was an unforgettable experience for me. That’s why I added it to this list of unique places to visit in Michigan.
The energy and talent of these young performers are absolutely captivating—they bring a unique blend of music, dance and theatrical magic that had me laughing or crying throughout the dinner theatre.
The Highlands is a magical setting with beautiful Northern Michigan scenery. And the woodlands and water are a big draw for all the places to visit up north Michigan.
Getting tickets to this show is more than just catching a performance—it’s about being part of a vibrant, uplifting experience that inspires and fills you with the summer spirit.
Recap: 8 Unique Places To Visit in Michigan
We hope that this short list of Unique Places To Visit in Michigan has opened your eyes to what you can expect when traveling to the mitten-shaped state. If you found it helpful, please share it with your friends and family using the red and blue share buttons below.
If you’re looking for more weird, wonderful and unique places to visit in Michigan, take a deep dive into my friend Amy Piper’s book Secret Michigan: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure.
With her book in your hand, you’ll be all set to explore all the places to visit up north Michigan!
MAP YOUR STAY
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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2 thoughts on “8 Unique Places To Visit in Michigan You’ll Love”
Muskegon, Michigan has some really cool pocket gardens in downtown Muskegon. Each one has a theme. We have a Monet Garden of Muskegon, which is a miniature garden with a blue bridge and pond and flowers like the real Monet. There is the Heritage Memorial Garden, which is a memorial garden with a gazebo, and fountains. There is also a small Shakespere garden next to our Gothic library, which has plants from Shakespere’s works. Lastly, a short drive from downtown is a Victorian Garden, with plants and fixtures from that Era. Muskegon is full of beautiful small green spaces that are delightful to visit.
Thanks for letting the UNSTOPPABLE Travel Community know about Muskegon’s unique gardens. Email an intro to your tourism bureau, and maybe they would bring me in to take photos and write about them! Send introduction to stacey@unstoppablestaceytravel.com