Get to Know Lake Michigan
Michigan, with its breathtaking Great Lakes and diverse landscapes, offers an array of vacation rentals perfect for any getaway. Whether you’re drawn to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the tranquil forests of the Upper Peninsula, or the vibrant atmosphere of Traverse City, you’ll find the ideal setting to relax and explore.
Along Lake Michigan’s western edge, towns like Saugatuck, Holland, and Grand Haven invite you to stay in charming lakeside cottages. Here, you can stroll along sandy beaches, hike the towering dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and enjoy the local arts scene and farm-to-table dining. Summer festivals like Holland’s Tulip Time and the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven add to the appeal, offering a blend of relaxation and celebration.
Further north, Traverse City beckons with its mix of outdoor adventure and culinary delights. Renting a cozy cabin or a luxurious waterfront home provides access to the area’s wineries, cherry orchards, and scenic trails. The Cherry Festival and Traverse City Film Festival highlight the city’s cultural charm, making it a top destination for visitors.
The Upper Peninsula offers unspoiled wilderness and peaceful lakeside retreats for those seeking seclusion. Marquette and Munising are ideal for cabin rentals, where you can explore the rugged beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, fish in pristine waters, or simply unwind by a crackling fire. Autumn transforms the region’s forests into a vibrant tapestry, perfect for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Three Fun Facts about Michigan
01
Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. It spans five miles across the Straits of Mackinac.
02
Lakes Galore
Michigan is often referred to as the “Great Lakes State” because it is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie. It also has more than 11,000 inland lakes.
03
Cherry Capital
Traverse City, Michigan, is often referred to as the “Cherry Capital of the World.” The region is renowned for its cherry orchards and hosts the National Cherry Festival annually.
Must See Attractions
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Nature & Parks
Located along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the park captivates visitors with its sandstone cliffs, mineral-stained rock formations, and turquoise waters.
Mackinac Island
Tourist Destination
Mackinac Island, situated in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, is a charming and car-free destination known for its Victorian architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and the iconic Grand Hotel.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Nature & Parks
The park boasts the awe-inspiring Tahquamenon Falls, which is notable for its amber-colored waters, scenic beauty, and extensive hiking trails.
Where to Sleep
Michigan Lakes to Explore
1. Lake Michigan
One of the Great Lakes, this lake offers sandy shores and coastal towns, making it a favorite for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
2. Saugatuck-Douglas
Connected by the Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck and Douglas offer a unique lake experience, creating a setting for boating and lakeside dining.
3. Higgins Lake
Higgins Lake, known for its clear waters and sandy bottom, is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and water recreation, surrounded by lush forests of northern Michigan.
4. Silver Lake
Silver Lake, with its sand dunes, offers a unique blend of beach and adventure, attracting off-road enthusiasts, campers, and families seeking a dynamic experience.
5. Glen Lake
Nestled amid the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Lake boasts turquoise waters and stunning views, making it a haven for kayaking and paddleboarding.
6. Torch Lake
Torch Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, stands out as one of Michigan’s most picturesque lakes, attracting boaters and swimmers.
7. Walloon Lake
Walloon Lake, surrounded by charming cottages and lush greenery, provides a tranquil setting embodying the quintessential charm of northern Michigan lakes.
8. Lake Superior
Lake Superior, the largest and northernmost of the Great Lakes, showcases rugged shorelines and rocky cliffs, providing a haven for nature lovers.
Annual Events and Festivals
May 3 – 11, 2025
Tulip Time Festival
The Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan, is renowned for its breathtaking display of millions of tulips. The festival draws inspiration from the area’s Dutch heritage, creating a spectacle of vivid colors and cultural richness. The festival features a myriad of events, including traditional Dutch dance performances, parades adorned with tulip-themed floats, and authentic Dutch cuisine.
TBA 2025
Detroit Electronic Music Festival
The Detroit Electronic Music Festival (Movement) stands as a pinnacle in the world of electronic music. It attracts electronic music enthusiasts and artists from across the globe. The festival unfolds in the heart of downtown Detroit, where iconic venues like Hart Plaza serve as a backdrop to performances by some of the most influential and cutting-edge electronic music DJs and producers. With its diverse lineup spanning various sub-genres of electronic music, Movement captures the essence of Detroit’s techno heritage while pushing the boundaries of sound and innovation.
November and December 2024
Holly Dickens Festival
The Holly Dickens Festival in Holly, Michigan, is a charming and immersive journey back in time, inviting visitors to step into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” Taking place during weekends in November and December, this Victorian-themed festival transforms the quaint town into a festive wonderland reminiscent of 19th-century England. Streets come alive with carolers, street performers, and actors dressed in period costumes, creating a Dickensian ambiance that captivates attendees. The festival offers a delightful array of activities, from horse-drawn carriage rides and costumed characters to a bustling outdoor market with artisans selling handmade crafts.
Top Hiking Trails
Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls via Chapel Loop
Chapel Basin Parking Lot, Shingleton, Michigan
The 10.2-mile loop travels through woodlands, offering glimpses of vibrant wildflowers and the soothing melody of flowing streams. Mosquito Falls, aptly named but worth the encounter, emerges along the route with its picturesque cascades surrounded by foliage. Continuing along the trail, hikers are rewarded with the awe-inspiring Chapel Falls, where the waters gracefully plunge over rugged cliffs into a tranquil pool below. The hike takes about four hours to complete.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Parking lot, Co Rd 550, Marquette, Michigan
Embarking on the Sugarloaf Mountain hike near Marquette, Michigan, promises an exhilarating adventure through the heart of the Upper Peninsula’s rugged beauty. The hike takes less than an hour to complete. As the ascent progresses, the moderate 1.4-mile hike becomes increasingly rewarding. Upon reaching the pinnacle of Sugarloaf Mountain, a breathtaking panorama unfolds, revealing the vast expanse of Lake Superior, the city of Marquette, and the sprawling landscape below.
The Manistee River Loop Trail
Mesick, Michigan
The Manistee River Loop Trail, nestled within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forest in northern Michigan, offers a captivating and immersive hiking experience. Spanning approximately 23 miles (and about eight hours to complete), this loop trail guides adventurers through a diverse landscape, including woodlands, riverbanks, and panoramic overlooks. Numerous campsites along the route provide opportunities for backpackers to relish the serenity of the wilderness overnight.
Best Golf Courses
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club
14710 Northwood Hwy, Arcadia, Michigan
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, perched atop the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan in Arcadia, Michigan, is a world-class destination for golf enthusiasts seeking a spectacular and challenging round. Renowned for its stunning setting, the course unfolds along the lakeshore, offering panoramic views of the vast expanse of Lake Michigan. The meticulously designed layout, crafted by architects Warren Henderson and Rick Smith, seamlessly integrates the natural contours of the landscape, creating a harmonious blend of golf and nature. The challenging yet fair course provides a memorable experience for players of all skill levels, with strategically placed bunkers, undulating fairways, and elevated greens.
Forest Dunes Golf Club
6376 Forest Dunes Dr, Roscommon, Michigan
Forest Dunes Golf Club, nestled in the heart of northern Michigan’s pristine landscape near Roscommon, is a premier golf destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with world-class golfing. The acclaimed Tom Weiskopf-designed course is a testament to thoughtful course architecture, taking full advantage of the rolling terrain, pines, and sand dunes. Forest Dunes boasts The Loop, a unique reversible course that provides a distinct golfing adventure.
Marquette Golf Club
1075 Grove Street, Marquette, Michigan
Marquette Golf Club, situated in the picturesque city of Marquette along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, stands as a gem for golf enthusiasts. This club boasts two distinct 18-hole championship courses: The Heritage and Greywalls. The Heritage Course, with its classic layout, showcases tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and a serene ambiance, providing a traditional golfing experience. In contrast, the Greywalls Course, designed by Mike DeVries, is a masterpiece with dramatic elevation changes, rugged terrain, and stunning views of Lake Superior. Known for its challenging yet rewarding play, Greywalls has received numerous accolades for its design and scenery.
Water Sports
Great Lakes Divers
Scuba Diving
With over 11,000 inland lakes and vast stretches of coastline along Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie, Michigan boasts an array of scuba diving, including well-preserved shipwrecks and diverse marine life. Great Lakes Divers, based in Traverse City, offers excursions from exploring historic shipwrecks to diving along underwater rock formations. The cold, clear waters of the Great Lakes contribute to excellent visibility, creating an immersive and unforgettable diving adventure.
Hawkins Outfitters
Fishing
The state’s abundant lakes, rivers, and Great Lakes provide a diverse and rewarding experience for anglers. Whether you’re into fly fishing for trout in pristine streams, casting for bass in inland lakes, or trolling for salmon in the Great Lakes, Michigan offers a wide range of fishing opportunities. Hawkins Outfitters, based in Northern Michigan, is known for its expert guides and commitment to sustainable angling, offering guided fishing trips on renowned rivers like the Pere Marquette and Manistee, as well as excursions on the world-class fishing waters of the Great Lakes.
Paddle Antrim
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Paddle Antrim, located in the charming town of Bellaire, provides water equipment rentals and organizes guided paddleboard trips. These trips allow participants to traverse the crystal-clear waters of Antrim County’s Chain of Lakes. With access to some of Michigan’s most scenic water bodies, paddleboarders can enjoy a peaceful and invigorating connection with nature, thanks to companies like Paddle Antrim that are dedicated to promoting water recreation and conservation in the region.
Resorts to Explore
Lakemore Resort
Luxury, Recreational
1833 Memory Ln, Traverse City, Michigan 49696
Boyne Mountain Resort
Recreational, Family-friendly
1 Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, Michigan 49713
Tamarack Lodge of Traverse City
Family-friendly, Lakefront
2035 N. U.S. 31 North, Traverse City, Michigan 49686
Tips on Vacationing in Michigan
Explore the Great Lakes
Michigan is known for its expansive coastline along the Great Lakes. Whether the beaches of Lake Michigan, the charming shores of Lake Superior, or the scenic beauty of the inland lakes, take time to explore the waterways and enjoy water-based activities.
Be Prepared for Mackinac Island
Accessible by ferry, Mackinac Island is a charming destination where cars are not allowed. Rent a bike, explore the historic architecture, and enjoy the scenic views from Arch Rock.
Diverse Cuisine
Michigan is known for its diverse food scene. Try a pasty in the UP, indulge in Detroit-style pizza, savor fresh fish in the coastal areas, and don’t forget to try Michigan cherries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Michigan
Lake.com is one place you could start your search for a vacation home in Upper Michigan. They offer a variety of rental properties in the area, including lakefront homes and cabins.
If you’re looking for a glamping experience in Michigan, consider renting a property on one of the state’s many lakes. Some popular lakes for glamping include Torch Lake, Higgins Lake, and Lake Michigan.
Lake Michigan, one of North America’s Great Lakes, is a stunning natural treasure that attracts millions of visitors each year. Nestled between the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, it is the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States. Spanning approximately 22,400 square miles, Lake Michigan is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant coastal cities, and diverse recreational opportunities.
Yes, many Michigan lake house rentals come with a boat. Check out Rent By Owner for various rental properties that offer boat rentals, including the Lakefront Cottage on Lake Huron. And, if you’re in the state during the fall to attend a festival, consider renting a boat to see the colors from a completely different perspective
If you’re looking for a monthly vacation rental in Michigan, check out Michigan Vacation Rentals. They offer various rental properties for monthly rentals, including lakefront homes and cabins.
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