By Cheryl Hinneburg
Welcome to Michigan
A visit to Michigan can be a rewarding travel experience. Each section of Michigan, from downtown
Detroit to the rustic Upper Peninsula, has something to offer adventurous travelers.
Travel Michigan by car to get the most out of your trip. There are many places to visit that are accessible by car. Interstate highways run throughout the state. The Mackinac Bridge takes you from the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You'll Need:
- A map
Your car
- A map
- Your car
Step 1
Plan to spend at least one day and night in downtown Detroit to take in the Motor City. Walk along the Detroit River, enjoy the open-market atmosphere, visit a museum and spend an evening in Hart Plaza listening to jazz.
Step 2
Drive Interstate 75 north for 86 miles from Detroit to Frankenmuth, known as Michigan's Little Bavaria. Visiting Frankenmuth is like taking a step into Germany at Christmas time. The city features little German Christmas shops and people dressed in German attire. Visitors travel from across the country to enjoy a Frankenmuth chicken dinner.
Step 3
Drive 178 miles further north on I-75 to the Mackinac Bridge and head into Michigan's Upper Peninsula, known as God's Country. Breathtaking shorelines and rustic wilderness make up most of the area. Take the ferry across to Mackinac Island. No cars are allowed on the island, but you can get around on a horse-drawn carriage, on foot or on a rented bicycle. Mackinac Island is famous for its native homemade fudges.
Step 4
From the Upper Peninsula, head south for 85 miles to Traverse City, home of the annual National Cherry Festival and the Traverse City Film Festival, founded by documentary filmmaker Michael Moore. Miles of beaches along Grand Traverse Bay can keep you busy, but make time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes. The area features several water parks.
Step 5
Visit Grand Rapids while you are in the western part of the state. Grand Rapids is known for its many restaurants, exciting nightlife and championship golf courses. Be sure to take in one of Grand Rapids' gorgeous lake-shore sunsets.
Step 6
Stop in Muskegon for a fun-filled day to complete your journey. Michigan's Adventure is a premier water park. It offers seven roller coasters including the looping Thunderhawk, a variety of slides, rides for kids and three wave pools. The park features plenty of food, many gift shops and miniature golf.
About the Author:
Cheryl Hinneburg has been a freelance writer for five years. In addition to the regular clients that she works for, Hinneburg also writes regularly for Demand Studios and Associated Content, and is a provider for eLance. She is an award-winning poet and is currently working on a Master of Science with a certificate in substance abuse counseling at Capella University.
Photo Credits:
American Spirit Images Royalty Free Photograph
