Best Michigan Tours in Spring

For the best weather, we recommend visiting between May and October, when temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F, perfect for swimming in Lake Michigan or exploring the Mackinac Islands. Of course, this is also Michigan’s peak tourist season, so expect large crowds.

Of course, autumn, from September through October, is the best time to see the fall foliage, with the vibrant colors providing a stunning backdrop for a road trip through Michigan, especially in the Northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula.

Having a vehicle is the most efficient way to navigate the state, as many of the places that Michigan enthusiasts love to travel to are located in rural or coastal areas.

Car Rentals: Most visitors fly into Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) or Grand Rapids (GRR) and pick up a rental car to begin their journey.

Train Trips in Michigan: For a more relaxed pace, Amtrak’s Wolverine line connects Chicago to Detroit and Pontiac, while the Pere Marquette line runs to Grand Rapids. Taking train trips in Michigan is a scenic way to move between major southern cities without the stress of highway traffic.

Ferries: To reach destinations like Mackinac Island, you will leave your car behind and use passenger ferries from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.

If this is your first time in Michigan, these are some of the most popular destinations:

Detroit: Michigan’s largest city and a key hub in the history of American industrial development. Today, Detroit is undergoing urban revitalization, and its downtown is gradually regaining its vitality. You can visit the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village to see historic innovations or tour the Motown Museum to learn about the city’s musical legacy. The downtown Riverwalk offers great views of the skyline and the neighboring Canadian border.

Mackinac Island: Unlike other destinations, the island is completely car-free. Visitors can get around by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, or on foot. The island is also home to the historic Grand Hotel and a fudge shop, transporting visitors back to the atmosphere of the 19th century.

Traverse City: Located on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, this city is the cherry capital of the world. It is a hub for foodies and wine lovers, with numerous vineyards located on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas. It also serves as the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Mackinac Bridge: This is the famous bridge that spans the Straits of Mackinac and is a Michigan landmark.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Located on the southern shore of Lake Superior, it features colorful sandstone cliffs that take on magnificent hues when bathed in sunlight.

These locations offer sweeping, high-elevation views of the Great Lakes that often feel more like looking out over an ocean than a lake.

Empire Bluffs: Located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this is arguably the most famous view in the Lower Peninsula. A moderate hike leads you to a wooden boardwalk perched 450 feet above Lake Michigan. From here, you can see the turquoise water transition into deep blue, with the Manitou Islands visible on clear days.

Lake of the Clouds: In the western Upper Peninsula, this overlook provides a dramatic contrast between the blue waters of a mountain lake and the surrounding "Big Carp" river valley.

Log Slide Overlook: For a raw, rugged view of Lake Superior, the Log Slide offers a vantage point from the top of the Grand Sable Dunes. You can look across miles of pristine coastline toward the Au Sable Light Station.

If you have some extra time for day trips in Michigan, these destinations are highly representative:

Sleeping Bear Dunes: Located about 40 minutes from Traverse City, these massive sand dunes tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan. You can hike the dunes, take the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, or swim at the clear, turquoise beaches that look like the Caribbean.

Frankenmuth: Featuring a variety of Bavarian architectural styles, it is located about a 90-minute drive north of Detroit. It is home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store. Visitors come for the traditional German architecture, chicken dinners, and riverboat tours.

Ann Arbor: Just 45 minutes west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is a classic college town. Home to the University of Michigan, it offers an eclectic downtown area with independent bookstores, unique restaurants, and the massive "Big House" football stadium.

Please be aware of the conditions at these lakes: They are located in an inland sea, where currents can be strong, and weather conditions are unpredictable. Be sure to check the beach flags and water conditions before swimming.

Bug spray: If you are heading to the Upper Peninsula or northern forests in the early summer, be prepared for black flies and mosquitoes.

Pack layers: Even in the summer, the lake breeze can make evening temperatures drop significantly. Always bring a light jacket or sweater.