29 Must-See Hidden Gems in Michigan

Are You Interested In Learning About “Hidden Gems” In Michigan?

I grew up in Michigan, but I don’t think I fully appreciated all the beauty around me until I was older. I was more apt to plan a trip out of state than to explore more of my home.

It’s only been during my adult years that I have visited more places around Michigan and discovered its hidden gems. The list in this post is a mixture of places I have visited in Michigan and recommendations from friends and family that are still on my bucket list.

I hope you enjoy exploring more of this beautiful state just like I have!

Map of Michigan’s hidden gems

Here is a map showing where each of the Michigan hidden gems mentioned in this post can be found:

Lower Peninsula

I’ve ordered these hidden gems starting with southwest Michigan, then central and west Michigan, the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, and finally east and southeast Michigan. Skip to the next section for hidden gems in the Upper Peninsula.

1. Warren Dunes, Sawyer

I’m kicking off this list with a must-see destination in Sawyer, Michigan: Warren Dunes State Park. This park is home to some of the largest sand dunes in Michigan.

You can enjoy three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and six miles of trails at this park. Get a good workout by spending an hour or two climbing the dunes before running down to Lake Michigan for a refreshing swim.

“Warren Dunes – panoramio” by hakkun is licensed under CC SA-BY 3.0.

2. Silver Beach, St. Joseph

Another beautiful stop on the southwest coast of Michigan is the town of St. Joseph, which is home to Silver Beach County Park. Silver Beach offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and has wonderfully soft sand and crystal-clear waters.

The park also has plenty of picnic areas, a playground and splash pad, and a vintage carousel, making it fun, family-friendly place to spend a warmer day.

3. Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners

Detroit is famously known as Motor City, but for a lesser-known look at Michigan’s automobile history, visit the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners.

Here you will find more than 400 classic and vintage cars, including some of the earliest horseless carriages. The museum also includes a vintage gas station, 1930s diner, and recreated 1920s street scene. It will make you feel like you stepped back in time!

4. Old Town, Lansing

In the heart of Michigan’s capital city is the historic Old Town, a cultural and creative hub for the community. The buildings, which date back to the mid-19th century, have been beautifully restored for residents and local businesses.

You’ll find one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, and restaurants to explore. Some of my favorites include:

• Cravings Gourmet Popcorn
• MEAT Southern BBQ
• Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant
• October Moon Boutique

Old Town also hosts fun festivals and special events throughout the year, including JazzFest in June and Oktoberfest in — you guessed it — October.

5. Bridge Street, DeWitt

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the little town where I grew up: DeWitt. Downtown DeWitt along Bridge Street is the picture of small-town America, with its historic buildings and assortment of boutiques, family-owned restaurants, and coffee shops.

Best places to check out along Main Street:

• Sweetie-licious: A national award-winning bakery known for its delicious pies.
• Scoopy Doo’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream: Enjoy a selection of 28 different flavors at this popular ice cream shop.
• Reputation: A locally sourced beverage shop with a variety of coffee beans, cold brew, kombucha, and tea.
• Family Tree Cafe: This cozy diner serves a delicious breakfast. My personal favorite is the stuffed hashbrowns…mmm.
• Bridge + Main Market: A cute boutique with a large selection of Michigan souvenirs and other local products.

Special events in DeWitt:

• DeWitt Farmers Market: This takes place on Main Street every Tuesday from May through October, where you can browse a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.
• DeWitt Ox Roast: Every August, the community comes together to celebrate the DeWitt Ox Roast. It’s been a long-standing tradition, featuring carnival rides, food trucks, arts and crafts, and other activities that are fun for all ages.

6. Main Street and Fairgrounds, Ionia

Step back in time by visiting Ionia’s historic Main Street with its well-preserved storefronts and iconic Ionia Theatre, dating back to 1931.

The town is about 30 miles east of Grand Rapids and features the Ionia Free Fair in July, the largest fair in Michigan. You’ll find carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, and a demolition derby at the event.

Be sure to also check out Cook & Co. Creamery & Confections, a vintage ice cream parlor with a delicious assortment of flavors.

7. Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids

If you’re familiar with the Michigan grocery chain Meijer, the same man who founded the store also created the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This beautiful place blends Frederik and his wife Lena’s love for gardens and art.

Meijer Gardens has several different, themed indoor and outdoor gardens, including a Japanese garden, tropical conservatory, carnivorous plant house, and more. There is also a children’s garden with a water play zone, treehouse climb, and sand pit.

Not to mention all the amazing sculptures and other artwork around the park. My favorites are the bold and colorful glass sculptures by Chihuly that you can find indoors. (Be sure to look at the ceiling in the cafeteria for the most lovely floral design!)

You could easily spend half a day at Meijer Gardens or longer. It’s one of my favorite places in Grand Rapids.

8. Arcadia Dunes, Bear Lake

Arcadia Dunes is part of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and consists of 15 miles of trails that go through forests, dunes, and other stunning landscapes.

One of the highlight areas of Arcadia Dunes is the universally accessible Overlook Trail, which starts at the Baldy parking lot and ends with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.

Arcadia Dunes is about a 45-minute drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, another must-see (but definitely not a “hidden gem”) part of Michigan.

9. Frankfort and Elberta

The neighboring towns of Frankfort and Elberta are located on the north shore of Lake Michigan. I had never heard of either of these places until my family decided to rent a vacation home up there for a week. What a gem of a place!

Elberta is a very quiet, residential town with only a handful of small shops and restaurants. This is where we rented our vacation house. The highlight attraction is Elberta Beach, the perfect place for a beach day or to watch the sunset.

Frankfurt is only a couple miles north of Elberta and has a larger town feel with its Main Street filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. I recommend grabbing lunch at FrankZ and ice cream at The Cool Spot of Frankfort before walking down to Frankfort Beach for more picturesque Lake Michigan views.

Elberta and Frankfort are also not far from Crystal Lake and Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.

10. Crystal Lake, Beulah

Michigan is likely best known for its location among the Great Lakes, but the state also has several large inland lakes that are perfect for swimming, boating, and other water sports.

Crystal Lake, located in Beulah, is one of the largest of these inland lakes and has some of the clearest and cleanest water you will find, thanks to being fed by several natural springs.

If you visit Crystal Lake, you should also stop by The Cherry Hut, a family-owned restaurant that has been serving cherry pies and other cherry delicacies since 1922. (My favorite is their cherry chicken salad sandwich!)

11. North Bar Lake, Empire

While most visitors to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore head to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive or Glen Lake, North Bar Lake is another worthy stop. This freshwater lake is right off the shore of Lake Michigan, separated only by a low sand dune.

Families with young children especially love coming to North Bar Lake because of the shallow water and the easy dune climb over to Lake Michigan. The lake itself has crystal-clear, turquoise water that is fed by underground springs.

12. Suttons Bay, Leelanau Peninsula

Suttons Bay is a small town located midway along the Leelanau Peninsula, about 30 miles north of Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s known for its beautiful natural scenery, as well as its charming downtown with a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Here you will find miles of hiking trails and areas to go kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay. The Suttons Bay Art Festival takes place in early August and is the perfect opportunity to browse the arts and crafts of local artists.

13. Mushroom houses, Charlevoix

Charlevoix is one of my favorite small towns in Michigan, with its picturesque marina and selection of boutiques and cafes, as well as its proximity to Lake Michigan.

One of the more unique features of Charlevoix are the whimsical “Mushroom Houses” that were designed by architect Earl Young in the mid-20th century.

As the name suggests, these homes have mushroom-shaped roofs and a storybook-like appearance. While several of the homes are privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside, there are a few that can be rented for a one-of-a-kind vacation experience.

“Charlevoix – Mushroom House” by Kathleen Conklin is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

14. Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City

Visit the purple paradise that is Lavender Hill Farm, located in Boyne City. The 25-acre farm is home to more than 25,000 lavender plants, and guests are welcome to tour the fields to take in the fresh lavender scents.

There is also a gift shop on site where you can purchase all things lavender-related, including soaps, lotions, candles, and — my personal favorite — lavender ice cream.

💜 If you’re a lavender fan, another cool place to check out in the summer is the Lavender Labyrinth in Shelby (about three hours south of Boyne City). It features a fragrant maze made of more than 10,000 lavender plants.

15. American Spoon, Petoskey

Petoskey itself isn’t a “hidden gem,” as it’s one of the most popular destinations in northern Michigan, but the American Spoon is.

American Spoon is a small, family-owned fruit preserves company founded in 1982 with the goal of making the best preserves with Michigan ingredients. To this day, they continue to source the fruit from Michigan farmers and foragers, prepare the fruit by hand, and cook it in small-batch copper kettles.

They now have locations in Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Traverse City, and Saugatuck, but the original store is in Petoskey and worth a stop inside!

🍦 While in Petoskey, be sure to also stop for some Kilwins ice cream. It’s where the popular ice cream chain was first founded!

16. Tunnel of Trees, Harbor Springs

The entire town of Harbor Springs is the picture of northern Michigan charm, but if you’re in the area, be sure to drive or bike through the “Tunnel of Trees.”

The Tunnel of Trees is a scenic portion of M-119 that gives you stunning views of Lake Michigan along a narrow, winding road lined with trees and foliage.

While the Tunnel of Trees is lovely at any time of year, it’s best to visit in the fall when the leaves are a kaleidoscope of colors.

There are several noteworthy attractions along the Tunnel of Trees as well, including Pond Hill Farm with its petting farm and ice cream parlor, the tiny hamlet of Good Hart, and the authentic Polish cuisine at Legs Inn in Cross Village.

🍪 Another must-see stop in Harbor Springs: Tom’s Mom’s Cookies, a family-owned bakery specializing in homemade cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats. They are most known for their chocolate chunk cookies. Mmm.

“Road curve in the autumn (Unsplash)” by Aaron Burden is licensed under CC0 1.0.

17. Wilderness State Park, Carp Lake

For a real wilderness experience, visit Wilderness State Park in Carp Lake, which covers more than 10,000 acres of forest along 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

There are 250 different campsites and plenty of hiking trails to explore at this state park. There’s even a designated dark sky preserve where you can observe the night sky in all its glory.

18. Arch Rock, Mackinac Island

Arch Rock is a natural rock formation on Mackinac Island formed more than 50,000 years ago, when ice and water erosion carved the limestone into a unique arch shape. It’s a must-see stop during a trip to Mackinac Island.

You can get to Arch Rock by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. My favorite part is looking through the arch and seeing the turquoise water of Lake Huron beyond — absolutely stunning.

19. Stevens Twin Sinkholes, Alpena

Michigan has a few giant sinkholes, and Stevens Twin Sinks Preserve is one place where you can see two side-by-side sinkholes that are separated only by a fragile ridge. Each sinkhole is about 200 feet in diameter and 85 feet deep.

The preserve is located across from the Bruski Sink on Leer Road near the intersection of Maple Lane Road (exact GPS coordinates: 45.18231, -83.71981).

There are two self-guided trails on the preserve: one that generally follows the perimeter of the sinkholes and another that goes through the woods and meadows and is marked with yellow and red flagging.

You’ll be able to see earth cracks near the sinkholes, which indicate that they are continuing to collapse. Make sure to stay on the guided trails and note that hiking on the preserve is at your own risk!

20. Charity Island, Tawas City

About an hour offshore, in the middle of Saginaw Bay, lies Charity Island. The 222-acre island has been owned by a couple named Karen and Bob Wiltse — the island’s sole residents — since 1992, but they have since opened it up for tour groups to come explore.

The Wiltses live in the Historic Charity Island Lighthouse, built in 1857, and offer day tours lasting from around 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The boat to the island departs from Tawas City and is limited to only 34 passengers.

The Wiltses also rent out their lighthouse as a vacation home during part of the year. If you’re looking for a remote island escape, Charity Island could be the perfect place.

21. Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad, Flint

Crossroads Village is a living history museum in Flint that recreates life in a 19th-century rural village. The village is made up of over 30 historic buildings, including a general store, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and working farm.

One of the highlights of Crossroads Village is the Huckleberry Railroad, a narrow-gauge steam train that takes visitors on a scenic ride through the countryside. The train has been in operation since the 1960s and is a popular attraction for both children and adults.

The village also features a working carousel, which was built in 1912 and is still in operation today.

Throughout the year, Crossroads Village hosts a variety of special events and festivals, including the popular “Christmas at Crossroads” celebration featuring holiday lights, caroling, and visits with Santa Claus.

“Ex-D&RGW 464 on the Huckleberry Railroad, Flint, Michigan” by Drew Jacksich is licensed under CC SA-BY 2.0.

22. Folk art projects, Detroit

Detroit is home to several folk art projects that have become iconic symbols for the community but are less commonly known to the general public. The following projects are worth visiting to learn about important aspects of Michigan’s culture.

Hamtramck Disneyland

Hamtramck Disneyland was created by Ukranian immigrant Dmytro Szylak in the late 1980s, after he retired from working at General Motors for 30 years.

Szylak began decorating his backyard with found objects and discarded materials, creating a colorful and eclectic outdoor masterpiece that soon became a beloved, local landmark.

Szylak passed away in 2015 at the age of 92, but the community rallied to have his artwork maintained, and now Hatch Art owns and operates Hamtramck Disneyland. They repair and update the installation as needed but try to preserve the artistic intent of Szylak.

Dabl’s African Bead Museum, Detroit

The museum was founded by Olayami Dabls, a Detroit-based artist and educator who has been collecting African beads and artifacts for more than 30 years. Dabls opened his museum in 1985 as a way to share his collection with the public and to promote cultural understanding.

The museum’s collection includes over 18,000 beads from all over Africa, as well as masks, sculptures, textiles, and other artifacts. The exhibits are organized by themes, including traditional African medicine, religion, and social customs.

You’ll notice that the museum’s building is a work of art in itself, with the exterior adorned with found materials and African-inspired designs.

The Heidelberg Project

The Heidelberg Project was started in 1986 by artist Tyree Guyton and his grandfather, Sam Mackey, as a way to revitalize their neighborhood that had been struggling with poverty for years.

The project uses found objects, discarded materials, and bright colors to create eccentric and thought-provoking installations. The works often feature political and social commentary and references to African American history and culture.

“Heidelberg Project, Detroit USA – panoramio (3)” by Erica Chang is licensed under CC BY 3.0.

23. Middle Eastern food, Dearborn

Dearborn is known for its Middle Eastern community (one of the largest in the U.S.), and along with that comes some of the most amazing food.

If you are craving some good, authentic falafel, chicken shawarma, or baklava, you won’t want to miss restaurant hopping in Dearborn.

Here are a few highly rated options to check out:

• Al-Ameer: This restaurant has been on Eater’s list of America’s Essential Restaurants and won numerous awards for its delicious food.
• Al Chabab: A family-run restaurant with a variety of Middle Eastern fare. Their cherry kabob has rave reviews.
• Tarboush Bakery and Grill: A must-visit if you’re looking for authentic Middle Eastern baked goods like manaeesh pies and ma’amoul.
• Sheeba Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Yemeni cuisine, including dishes like Fahsah and Chicken Haneeth.
• Sahara Restaurant: A popular Lebanese restaurant known for its garlic sauce and shawarma.

📖 While in Dearborn, it’s also worth stopping by the Arab American National Museum to learn more about the history of Arab culture in the U.S.

Upper Peninsula

24. Castle Rock, St. Ignace

Castle Rock is a 195-foot-tall, limestone rock formation that you can climb via a stairway carved into the rock. Once you get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Huron, the charming town of St. Ignace, and the iconic Mackinac Bridge in the distance.

The rock is open to the public from May to October and is accessible for a steep $1 fee.

🔍 While in St. Ignace, check out the Mystery Spot: This “gravity hill” is known for its optical illusions and gravitational phenomena.

You’ll see a tilted house, where visitors appear to be standing at an angle, and a ball that rolls uphill. The Mystery Spot is open from mid-May to mid-October and costs $9 to enter.

25. Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise

If a town is named “Paradise,” it has to be good. Paradise is located in the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula and is home to the stunning Tahquamenon Falls.

Tahquamenon Falls is actually a series of waterfalls along the Tahquamenon River that eventually flow into Lake Superior.

The Upper Falls has the largest waterfalls, one with a drop of nearly 50 feet. The Lower Falls has many smaller waterfalls spread over a wide area, making for a beautiful place to hike and take in the tranquil views.

“Tahquamenon falls upper” by Attila Nagy is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

26. Copper Harbor, Keweenaw Peninsula

Way on the northernmost tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula (a peninsula on a peninsula!) is stunning Copper Harbor. It’s a small town smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful scenery — a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Brockway Mountain Drive is an especially lovely trail for hiking and biking with breathtaking views of Lake Superior. Be sure to also check out the Copper Harbor Lighthouse, which dates back to 1848 and is a historic symbol for the town.

27. Miners Falls, Munising

If you ask a Michigander what places you should see in the U.P. (the local way of referring to the Upper Peninsula), chances are Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will come up several times.

Pictured Rocks, located in Munising, is well-known among locals and yet even many Michiganders have never ventured that far north. (I didn’t make it up there until I was 27!)

One of the prettiest sights to see at Pictured Rocks is Miners Falls, a 50-foot waterfall on the Miners River. You have to hike a little bit to get there (1.2 miles round-trip), but the trail is not very difficult and the views are more than worth it at the end.

28. Presque Isle Park, Marquette

Presque Isle Park is a fairly well-known Michigan attraction, but I’m including it as a hidden gem because it’s way at the top of the Upper Peninsula and a bit of a hike to get to from other places.

If you are willing to make the journey, you will be rewarded with the most incredible views of Lake Superior.

Presque Isle Park itself is on a narrow strip of land jutting into the lake. You’ll find rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and plenty of forest trails to explore — pure nature at its finest.

29. Kitch-Iti-Kipi, Manistique

Kitch-iti-kipi, or the “Big Spring,” is a natural freshwater spring located in Manistique. It’s known for its incredibly clear, teal water, with visibility of up to 40 feet. This clarity is due to the spring being fed by groundwater from an underground aquifer.

You can ride on a free, self-operated raft over the spring that is propelled by turning a big wheel. This is the best way to look into the water and see the large trout swimming below. It’s definitely one of Michigan’s most beautiful hidden gems!

“Kitch raft” by Doug Coldwell is licensed under CC SA-BY 3.0.

FAQs

What are the most popular places in Michigan (a.k.a. not hidden gems)?

Having lived in Michigan for 25 years, these are some of the places I would say are the most beloved among Michiganders:

• Grand Haven: A pretty beach town near Lake Michigan and about a 30-minute drive west of Grand Rapids.
  
  
• Grand Rapids: It’s one of the coolest, up-and-coming cities in the Midwest, with a bunch of fun restaurants and cafes to check out.
  
  
• Holland Beach State Park: Another popular summer destination with its large, sandy beach and pier with a lighthouse.
  
  
• Mackinac Island: This car-free island is only accessible by ferry and is one of my favorite summer getaway destinations in Michigan.
  
  
• Frankenmuth: This German-inspired town is home to the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronners, and is especially popular to visit during the holiday season (though Bronners is open year-round).
  
  
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: I mentioned North Bar Lake, a lesser-known part of Sleeping Bear Dunes in this post, but the entire park itself is very popular and gets lots of visitors each year. It’s for good reason, too — the views of Lake Michigan from the top of the dunes are incredible.
  
  
• Traverse City: This city is on the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula and is known for its cherry festival, wineries, and proximity to Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan.

What is the prettiest place in Michigan?

This is a really hard question to answer as there are so many beautiful places in Michigan! But some of the first places that come to mind are:

• Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula
• Sleeping Bear Dunes in the northwest tip of the Lower Peninsula
• Mackinac Island, located on Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas

What is the “best kept secret” lake in Michigan?

Kitch-iti-kipi mentioned in #29 above is a secret lake (technically a spring) that is unknown even to many Michiganders. (I myself only recently heard about it!)

North Bar Lake in Sleeping Bear Dunes, mentioned in #11, is also a quiet lake in the otherwise popular national park. You’re more likely to hear about Glen Lake, a much larger and more crowded lake in Sleeping Bear Dunes.

I should also mention Torch Lake, a stunning lake that is well-known among Michiganders but likely not familiar to people traveling from other places. The water is such a brilliant shade of turquoise-blue — you will think you’re in the Caribbean.

Wrap-up: Hidden gems in Michigan

While it’s worthwhile to visit the most popular areas of Michigan, including Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes, it’s always fun to see “hidden gems” — places that not everyone has seen, which somehow makes them feel extra special.

I hope this list has given you some good inspiration for a future trip to Michigan, whether you’re a current resident or traveling from out of state. Enjoy exploring the Mitten!