Seize the summer: Explore the best of Michigan
- Sun Country
- Apr 29, 2024
- 1 min read
Michigan, also known as the “Great Lakes State” or more colloquially as “The Mitten,” is a destination with something for everyone – whether you’re a city adventurer or an outdoor enthusiast. We think it would be a great addition if it's not already on your "to-travel" list for the summer. Even better? We’ve got nonstop flights to three different cities so you can find the option that best suits your style.
Detroit:
Motor City has a lot of history to appreciate and plenty of modern atmosphere to enjoy. It’s the perfect size city, affordable, and has a lot to offer. Here are just a few of the options for a Detroit to-do list:
Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts
The collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts is as impressive as it is large. Boasting over 100 galleries and featuring works from around the world, there are plenty of gems to be found. Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer, Alexander Calder, and Vincent Van Gogh are just a few of the artists on display.
Dive into history
Check out the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation – an immersive experience designed to inspire future innovators with incredible stories of the movers and shakers of the city’s past. Music lovers can appreciate the greats at the Motown Museum, and history buffs can explore the world’s most extensive permanent collection of African American cultural artifacts at the Wright Museum of African-American History.
Find new flavors
That might sound simple, but Detroit packs a serious punch when it comes to flavorful dishes and a wide variety of culinary styles. The obvious choices are Detroit-style pizza and Coney dogs, but the city’s multicultural makeup means there’s plenty of incredible Polish, Lebanese, Indian, and Greek food to be found, too. Check out Eastern Market, the famous outdoor farmers market that features more than 150 food and retail vendors, for the best mix of options.
Bonus content: Looking for the perfect three-day itinerary for a weekend in Detroit? We’ve got you covered.
Traverse City:
Michigan natives and visitors alike flock to Traverse City. Lake Michigan’s sandy shores make for a perfect picturesque summer vacation spot offering plenty of experiences to remember. Some of our favorites include:
Live the lake life
No trip to Traverse City is complete without some time on or near Lake Michigan. We recommend Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – a 64-mile stretch of beaches, coves, and dunes that are walkable or drivable and provide plenty of excellent views.
Tour wine country
That’s right – wine country. While Traverse City is known as the “cherry capital of the world,” those same growing conditions are great for grapes, too. The Old Mission and Leelanau peninsula make great day trips if you want to tour a vineyard, and our friends at Traverse City Tourism compiled a great list of the local wineries.
Get your shopping on
Downtown Traverse City is a pedestrian-friendly spot filled with boutiques and places to find souvenirs. Check out Front Street for its brick-laden sidewalks and Victorian storefronts. Alternatively, spend an afternoon at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons where dozens of historic buildings have been renovated into a truly unique shopping area.
Grand Rapids:
Grand Rapids combines outdoor adventure with all the amenities you’d want in a city-centric vacation. Its reputation for culture, and its proximity to some seriously scenic places won’t disappoint. Here’s what not to miss:
Art installations
Public art is on display in full force in Grand Rapids, meaning there’s something to admire around almost every corner. You'll find impressive indoor and outdoor galleries at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Downtown, take selfies with one of the many murals or enjoy a walking tour of the city’s sculptures and historic buildings.
Craft beer
Grand Rapids has earned its reputation as "Beer City, USA," and is home to over 40 craft breweries. Founders is among the largest and most famous, but there are plenty of smaller spots with unique personalities. Brewery Vivant, for example, serves up award-winning Belgian-inspired ales and made-from-scratch food in a former funeral home. Mitten Brewing sports a vintage baseball-themed taproom located in a historic firehouse.
Outdoor spaces
No matter how you enjoy the outdoors, Grand Rapids has you covered. The Grand River flows through the city and has ample options for kayaking and fishing. Folks looking for a hike can check out the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park or the nearly 18 miles of trails located in Millennium Park--one of largest urban parks in the US.
Have we convinced you to add a getaway to Michigan to your bucket list? Get To Going.
