Michigan

Exciting experiences are waiting for you around every corner! From its vibrant cities to its impressive environments, Michigan beckons travelers to explore its boundless opportunities for fun and recreation. Read on for more information on how to make the most out of city tours, outdoor activities, local eats, and so much more on your next trip here!

Michigan isn’t the only state with more to offer than meets the eye. Check the USA page for even more guides on the rest of the United States!

Fast Facts — Travel Tips — Featured Posts

Fast Facts

Geography and Population

Settled in the north, among four of the five Great Lakes, is the state of Michigan
Michigan is divided into two distinct sections, the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula
The Lower Peninsula houses a larger population through cities, such as Detroit and Grand Rapids, and is known for its diverse economy and urban development
The Upper Peninsula is known for its scenic terrain and vast wilderness, with easy access to forests, lakes, and even inland islands for its 300,000 residents

Major Cities

Detroit is the most populated, and arguably the most visited, city in the state of Michigan
Delicious dishes, cultural attractions, and sports are all assets that bring people to the city of Detroit
Other frequently visited Michigan cities include Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Grand Rapids
While not quite as lively as the Lower Peninsula, Marquette, which houses a total of 20,000, is the most populated city in the Upper Peninsula, and can serve as a hub for travelers in-between remote forest lands

State Staples

Michigan was founded on 26 January 1837 as the 26th state to join the Union
Lansing is home to approximately 110,000 residents and serves as the state capital
The official state nickname is the Wolverine State, however, it’s most commonly referred to as the Great Lakes State, as its the only one of the 50 United States that touches four of the five Great Lakes
Michigan is home to some of the most abundant and diverse landscapes in the United States
Michigan has a long history in the automotives and is often referred to as the birthplace of the American automotive industry
Michigan, specifically the Upper Peninsula, is known for a savory pastry dish called pasties.

My Favorites and More

Despite the attention attracted by the cities of the Lower Peninsula, my favorite part of Michigan is actually the Upper Peninsula. It’s isolated and remote, but it’s also beautiful and serene. The forest is vast in these parts, giving ample room for adventuring, camping, hiking, and more. It’s closeness to Lake Superior also provides a breath of openness. And of course, there’s Isle Royale National Park, a wilderness archipelago of over 400 islands located on Lake Superior. For nature enthusiasts of all kinds, the Upper Peninsula is an alluring dream worth experiencing.

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Travel Tips

Detroit

As the most populated city in all of Michigan, it comes as no surprise that Detroit is also the most visited one as well. This dynamic city shares a boundary with Canada on the eastern border of the Lower Peninsula. It, along with the smaller suburbs that support the larger metropolis, is known for its influence on American history, like its contributions to the music and automobile industries. There are also multiple sports teams and a varied food scene that entice all who visit.

There are plenty of places to stay, both in and out of the main city. Downtown and Midtown Detroit are popular for the proximity to the cities many famed attractions. Staying outside of the city sees more distance between these common activities, but also may offer more affordable accommodation options.

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) operates public bus services in the city and surrounding areas. However, Detroit was largely built with automotive travel in mind — note its background in the automotive industry — which means that while public transportation options are available, they’re not always the most secure or reliable means of travel. Flying in and out of the city is quite routine, with the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) servicing several domestic and international flights daily, as well as being a major base for Delta Airlines in the United States.

Traverse City

This quaint lakeside town beautifully blends the comforts of city-life with small-town charm. Traverse City, located in the northwestern corner of the Lower Peninsula is a gateway to charming wineries, spacious landscapes, and many more quaint outdoor encounters.

Travelers can choose to stay in one of various hotels and other accommodations in and around Traverse City. These include other towns along the bay or the Old Mission Peninsula. Having your own vehicle in Traverse City allows for flexibility and convenience in getting around. The city does offer a limited public transit system through the Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA), which operates bus routes that travel to and from popular destinations like downtown and the airport. However, to truly have freedom in your travel plans, make sure to have your own vehicle available. There is an airport located in the southeast corner of the city that serves the bay area. Daily flights travel to and from most major cities across the United States.

Marquette and the Upper Peninsula

As a rugged city off the coast of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Marquette is the primary place to be in this part of the state. It beautifully blends a close connection to the great outdoors while also offering city comforts.

There are both branded accommodations and boutique hotels available here. These stays allow guests to remain close to grocery stores, gas stations, and more that the city actually has to offer. But there are also campgrounds and outdoor stays. And these stays are best suited to guests who want to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness of this area.

While Marquette technically offers regional public transportation, like most of Michigan, it’s just better to have your own car on hand. There is technically an airport in this area as well. Sawyer International Airport (MQT), located approximately 20 miles south in Gwinn, Michigan, has set flights scheduled daily. These flights travel to and from bigger cities in the area, such as Detroit and Chicago, which connects Marquette and the Upper Peninsula to broader domestic destinations.

The Upper Peninsula is a unique place with so much to offer travelers who take the time to truly experience it. Learn more with a full guide on the blog, coming soon.