Traversing Michigan by Region: Shipwrecks, Sculptures and Scenic Splendor
Michigan has truly got it all—outdoor adventure and scenic sights; dynamic cultural institutions and historic hidden gems; culinary triumphs and an artistic flair all its own; and that's just the beginning.
It's almost impossible to summarize all the Mitten brings to the table, but we can certainly enjoy a sampling. Let's dive into all the Great Lakes State has to offer ... by region!
EAST SIDE
Michigan's east side has much to offer, whether it's the alluring shorelines of Lake Huron and Lake Erie or the unmistakable spirit of the Motor City in Detroit, it's a great place to begin your adventure.
At the world-renowned Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), groups will find themselves awe-struck by the beauty of its works and artifacts from around the world. Founded in 1885 on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, the DIA houses more than 65,000 works, including Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait (the first Van Gogh painting to enter a U.S. museum collection) and Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry fresco cycle, which Rivera himself considered his most successful work. Top off your visit with a relaxing meal or glass of wine at the bright indoor Kresge Court.
Photo courtesy of Detroit Institute of Arts.
North of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Shores on Lake St. Clair is the Ford House, the sprawling historic family estate of Edsel Ford and his family. It's here groups could take a behind-the-scenes tour of the home and lush grounds—now a National Historic Landmark—and gain a special glimpse into American automotive history. (Fun fact: Many of the family's personally owned art pieces were actually donated to the DIA in the early 20th century.)
Photo courtesy of Ford House.
You can't visit Michigan without thinking of Frankenmuth, Michigan's Little Bavaria. Whether it's the world famous chicken dinners found at the Bavarian Inn or Zehnder's, the world's largest Christmas store, Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland (open 361 days a year), or festivals like the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival or Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, there's much to enjoy. Groups could even tour a historical working farm or forge their own metal piece with the Bavarian Blacksmith Experience.
Photo courtesy of Frankenmuth CVB.
WEST SIDE
Venture to the west side of the state to Grand Rapids, where groups will find Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world's most significant botanic and sculpture experiences. Whether it's an exclusive look at world-class sculpture exhibitions or a guided experience through the Gardens & Sculpture Park aboard their brand new electric trams, groups have ample opportunity to explore, learn and connect.
Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park.
Be sure to also visit the Gilmore Car Museum, the largest car museum in North America featuring a beautiful 90-acre historic campus. Groups can dine onsite at the Peddle Car Café and the Blue Moon Diner—an authentic 1940s Americana experience, in addition to enjoying a campus tour via a ride in a vintage car (available seasonally).
Photo courtesy of Gilmore Car Museum.
If your groups are craving some turkey and entertainment, then Cornwell's Turkeyville in Marshall is just the ticket. Dine at their all-turkey restaurant or Broadway-style Dinner Theatre, indulge in house-made ice cream in their Ice Cream Parlour, or shop at the Country Junction Gift Shop. Groups could even stay at their RV Camp Resort, nestled between the cornfield and the woods.
NORTHERN LOWER
In the northern region of Michigan's lower peninsula, the scenery is the star of the show during all four seasons. In Charlevoix, groups are sure to find something to marvel at, whether it's admiring the area's "Mushroom Houses," taking part in a murder mystery dinner at Castle Farms, enjoying a dinner cruise on Lake Charlevoix aboard Sunshine Charters, or otherwise.
Petoskey is also worth visiting! Venture to the area's 15 local wineries, glide down the Indian River via a guided rafting trip with Big Bear Adventures, or visit Lavender Hill Farm—Michigan's largest functioning lavender farm—in nearby Boyne City. Also not to be missed is SkyBridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain Resort, the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge, floating 118 feet above the picturesque Boyne Valley.
Photo courtesy of The Highlands at Harbor Springs.
On Lake Michigan's gorgeous sandy shores, Ludington shines as a destination that's not to be missed. Visit Stearns Park, an award-winning free beach on Lake Michigan that's home to the Ludington North Breakwater Light (which can be climbed in the summer). In addition, the 5,300-acre Ludington State Park has 25 miles of trails and seven miles of beachfront to enjoy. Remember to visit Mason County Historical Society, which operates the state's third-largest living history village, a maritime museum and much more.
A perhaps unsung gem is Alpena's Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects a nationally significant collection of nearly 100 historic shipwrecks in Lake Huron. Known as "Shipwreck Alley," this stretch of water offers some of the world's best diving, snorkeling and paddling. Visitors can also board the Lady Michigan glass bottom boat for an exciting two-hour cruise to hear all the legends and lore.
Photo courtesy of Photic Zone.
UPPER PENINSULA
Of course, Michigan's upper peninsula (also referred to as the U.P.) is a must-visit. One particular highlight is the charming car-free Mackinac Island, home to what was Mackinac National Park from 1875-1895. 2025 marks 150 years of this special designation, celebrated by a variety of free special programming by Mackinac State Historic Parks. Getting to the island and its amenities is simple, too, thanks to Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry, which has been transporting people to the island since the 1940s.
Photo courtesy of the Mackinac State Historic Parks.
On the northeastern tip of the U.P. is Sault Ste. Marie (pronounced SOO-Saint-Marie), a city with a twin of the same name located just across the St. Marys River in Ontario. It's here that groups could marvel at the engineering of the storied Soo Locks (and even paddle through them via kayak with Bird's Eye Outfitters) as massive freighters are transported from one lake to another. The city's "BARmuda Triangle"—home to 13 bars located within three city blocks—is also a ton of fun, in addition to admiring the flowing Tahquamenon Falls, located about 70 miles west.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor of Groups Today.
This article originally appeared in the May/Jun '25 issue of Groups Today.
Main Photo courtesy of Visit Charlevoix.
