Top Outdoor Destinations in Michigan

Michigan is a scenic Midwest state with some of America’s most incredible and unique outdoor settings, including forested hills, rugged mountains, and sandy freshwater beaches. Let’s look at some of the top outdoor destinations to experience in Michigan.

Isle Royale National Park is composed of several densely wooded islands in Lake Superior. Only accessible by boat or plane, this is the least-visited national park in the contiguous United States, but the spectacular trails, remote feel, and incredible dive sites make it all worthwhile once you’re there. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes is a large lakeshore along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This vast park stretches over 71,000 acres and is best known for its gorgeous sand dunes and the famed Dune Climb. This grueling trek up the tallest sand dunes can take as long as three to four hours, but the spectacular views and the unique experience it offers keep visitors coming back.

The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history and scenery. This sanctuary in Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay holds more than 100 historical shipwrecks off the coast of Michigan. Visitors can explore these shipwrecks, along with the lake’s incredible aquatic life, on a glass-bottom boat tour or by snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving.

Located on Lake Superior’s southern coast along the Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a stunningly diverse place to explore. The large cliffs alongside the water appear to be painted several colors due to mineral deposits. In addition to these magnificent cliffs, you’ll also find inland lakes, thick forests, beaches, and waterfalls. 

Cheboygan State Park is based along the shores of Lake Huron in the Cheboygan area and is an oft-visited destination for those seeking to relax or fish. The park has boat launches on Duncan Bay and pleasant trails with gorgeous views and blooming plant life. 

Ludington State Park stretches over 5,000 acres and consists of dunes, an iconic lighthouse, and pleasant Lake Michigan vistas. The park also has marked trails, two lakes, and beaches. If you want to make your trip to Ludington State Park last, you can stay overnight at one of the park’s three campgrounds. 

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the top place to explore Michigan’s well-known Porcupine Mountains (commonly called the Porkies), which are based in the Upper Peninsula near the shores of Lake Superior. This is Michigan’s largest state park, encompassing 60,000 acres, and it contains mountain trails, old-growth forests, waterfalls, and many incredible views.