Michigan, known as the Great Lakes State, is a uniquely American destination full of surprises. From freshwater coastlines to charming traditions and offbeat roadside stops, it’s the kind of place that sneaks up on you—in the best way. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip, a winter cabin retreat, or a cultural getaway, here are ten things every traveler should know before stepping into Michigan.
1. Locals Use a “Mitten Map” to Show You Around
It won’t take long before someone raises their hand to show you where they live. Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is famously shaped like a mitten, and locals use their palms as a map—pointing to Traverse City with their pinky knuckle, Detroit near the base of their thumb, and Grand Rapids somewhere in the middle. It’s charming and practical, especially if you’re on a road trip. You might even find yourself using the mitten map by the end of your visit.
2. You’re Never More Than 6 Miles From Water
One of Michigan’s most extraordinary natural features is its water access. The state is bordered by four of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie—and is home to over 11,000 inland lakes. You’ll feel it everywhere: cool breezes on summer nights, sandy beaches lining the coast, and freshwater views that stretch like ocean horizons. Whether you’re kayaking the Au Sable River, swimming at Silver Lake, or hiking along the cliffs of Pictured Rocks, water is always part of the experience.
Where to go:
- Au Sable River
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Torch Lake
- Lake Michigan shoreline near Ludington
- Holland
Bets Times:
- Summer (June–August): Ideal for swimming and boating. Lakes warm up to the mid-70s°F.
- Fall: Romantic shoreline walks as leaves change color.
- Winter: Lakes transform into icy panoramas—great for photography.
3. Mosquitoes & Black Flies Can Be Brutal in Summer
Michigan summers are magical—but biting insects can dampen the experience if you’re not prepared. In forested and wetland areas, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, mosquitoes and black flies emerge in force from late spring through mid-summer. Campers and hikers should come armed with repellents and protective clothing. In some areas near lakes and rivers, bug nets or treated gear aren’t just helpful—they’re essential.
Smart Prep:
- Use DEET clothing repellent or picaridin spray, and consider Permethrin-treated gear.
- Bring long sleeves and pants, especially if you’re camping or at known breeding grounds.
4. Michigan Winters Are No Joke
If you’re coming from a warmer state, Michigan’s winters might be a shock. Temperatures regularly fall below freezing, and lake-effect snow can dump several feet of snow in a single storm. But that same snow creates a breathtaking landscape of frozen waterfalls, glistening trees, and silent trails. In places like Marquette or Traverse City, you can snowshoe, ski, and photograph stunning winter scenes—all within a short drive from town.
Smart Prep:
- Pack thermals, waterproof boots, and insulated gloves.
- If you’re driving north, rent a vehicle with winter tires.
- Check Michigan DOT for updates on snowplows and roadside assistance.
5. You’ll Be Doing a Lot of Driving
Michigan is a road trip state. Public transportation outside the Detroit area is limited, and most must-see destinations are hours apart. That’s part of the charm. Driving along scenic highways like M-22 or M-119 feels like an adventure itself. You’ll pass cherry orchards, sand dunes, roadside diners, and glimpses of the Great Lakes through the trees. Just make sure to plan fuel stops and driving breaks—some areas, especially in the Upper Peninsula, are remote with limited services.
If you’re driving an electric vehicle, Michigan is becoming more EV-friendly, but charging stations can be sparse in rural and northern areas. The state has added fast-charging stations along major travel corridors, including I-75, US-131, and M-28. Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint are invaluable for locating stations, especially around state parks or between scenic routes.
Distance & Driving Culture:
- Michigan is larger than many European countries. For example, Detroit to Mackinaw City spans ~280 miles (~4–5 hr drive).
- Scenic highways like M-22 (Traverse City to Manistee) offer postcard landscapes but limited services—fill your gas tank!
- Crowds cluster in summer-peak areas; consider off-peak drives along Tunnel of Trees (M-119).
Planning advice:
Use Google Maps offline or Maps.me in rural areas, fill up your gas tank or charge often, download an EV app, and give yourself extra time for scenic detours or charging stops.
6. Mackinac Island Is Totally Car-Free
Yes, you read that right. Motor vehicles are banned on Mackinac Island, a historic gem nestled between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Instead of traffic jams, you’ll hear the rhythmic clip-clop of horse-drawn carriages. Visitors get around by bicycle, foot, or on horseback. With its Victorian architecture, lilac-lined streets, and famous fudge shops, the island feels like a storybook. It’s also home to the Grand Hotel, one of the most iconic resorts in the Midwest, and a perfect summer escape.
The Scoop:
- Motor vehicles have been banned since 1898—making it one of America’s few remaining true “car-free communities” .
- Getting around here means horses, bicycles, scooters, or walking—riding or strolling at a leisurely clip-clop pace .
- M-185, the circular highway, is the nation’s only state highway with zero motor vehicles
Travel Notes:
- Accessible by ferry (St. Ignace or Mackinaw City).
- The iconic Grand Hotel (built 1887) remains open seasonally with the world’s longest porch.
- Must-experience: horse-carriage tours, hiking around the perimeter, sipping fudge from downtown, and summer events like the Lilac Festival.
7. You Must Eat a Pasty in the Upper Peninsula
One of Michigan’s most beloved comfort foods is the pasty—a flaky, handheld pie stuffed with beef, potato, onion, and rutabaga. Brought over by Cornish miners in the 1800s, it became a staple in the Upper Peninsula and remains a cultural icon today. Pasties are served hot, usually with ketchup or gravy, and can be found at roadside stands, bakeries, and diners across the U.P. If you’re road-tripping north of the Mackinac Bridge, stopping for a pasty is a must.
Regional Staple:
- Pronounced PASS-tee, these meat-and-potato turnovers originated with Cornish miners in the 19th century and remain essential Yooper fuel.
- Classic ingredients: beef, onion, potato, rutabaga—all wrapped in a hot-water crust
Where To Go:
- Muldoon’s in Munising,
- Lehto’s Pasties in St. Ignace,
- Dobber’s in Escanaba.
For those craving a lighter or healthier take, you can also make a version at home using lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, and whole wheat pastry dough. We put together a simple healthy pasty recipe that’s easy to follow and keeps the spirit of the original while being a bit more balanced.
Get the recipe here: Healthy Bites – Pasty
8. Traverse City = King of Cherries
Every July, Traverse City throws the National Cherry Festival to celebrate its crown crop—Michigan produces about 75% of the nation’s tart cherries. But you’ll find cherry-themed goodies throughout the year. Think cherry pies, cherry wine, cherry mustard, cherry beer… it goes on. Visit local farm markets or take a drive through cherry orchards along Old Mission Peninsula for a sweet (and tart) taste of the region.
Cherry Capital of the U.S.:
- Michigan produces nearly 75% of the nation’s tart cherries. Traverse City, aptly nicknamed, is home to the vibrant National Cherry Festival each July.
- Foodie favorites: pies, jams, cherry wine, cherry-infused beer, and even cherry salsas.
Planning advice:
Visit in early July for the festival, drive the Leelanau or Old Mission wine trails, and bring back cherry jam as a souvenir.
9. Detroit’s Cultural Renaissance Is More Than Cars
Many people know Detroit as the Motor City, but its influence goes far beyond automobiles. It’s the birthplace of Motown music, home of techno, and a center of jazz, soul, and hip-hop history. The Motown Museum—Hitsville U.S.A.—is a must-visit for music lovers, while Eastern Market and Corktown offer local art, street murals, and a growing food scene. Detroit is also in the middle of a revival, with downtown hotels, parks, and cafes bringing fresh energy to its historic bones.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Motown Museum
- Eastern Market
- Belle Isle Park
- Corktown coffeehouses and boutiques
10. Michigan’s State Parks Are Hidden Gems
While places like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore draw big crowds, Michigan’s state parks are often just as stunning—and far less crowded. Ludington State Park offers sand dunes, inland lakes, and tubing rivers. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the U.P. features remote hiking, waterfalls, and sweeping views of Lake of the Clouds. Van Buren State Park has quiet beaches perfect for sunsets and swimming. If you’re a camper or outdoor lover, these spots deliver without the national park congestion.
Where To Go:
- Ludington State Park,
- Porcupine Mountains,
- Van Buren State Park, Tahquamenon Falls,
- Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City.
Planning Advice:
- Reserve beachfront campsites early.
- Student or veteran? Check discounts on park pass and camping.
- Most parks have ADA-friendly trails and family-friendly programs year-round.
We didn’t know what to expect the first time we road-tripped through Michigan. We had a rough plan—maybe hit a few state parks, grab a pasty or two, bike around Mackinac Island—but what actually happened was way better. Somewhere along a scenic drive in northern Michigan with lake views on both sides, the trip turned into one of those unexpectedly perfect adventures. We found quiet beaches we had all to ourselves, camped near Lake Michigan under a sky full of stars, and pulled over for every weird roadside attraction we could find (yes, even the Mystery Spot).
If you’re planning your own Michigan road trip itinerary, just remember: bring bug spray, check where the EV charging stations are, and always leave room for detours. The best time of year to visit Michigan? Honestly—any time. In the fall, the trees light up like fire. In winter, small towns turn into snow globes. And in summer, there’s cherry pie, tubing rivers, and that unbeatable feeling of jumping into a cool lake. Go with a little prep, a lot of curiosity, and you’ll come back with the kind of stories you’ll tell for years.
