About Michigan

The State of Michigan is a state blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the world's longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like oceans, shimmering beaches, miles and miles of cherry orchards, glorious sunrises and sunsets, daytime skies of the deepest blue, nighttime skies scattered with stars.

Home to more than 100 public beaches, some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, stunning multi-colored sandstone cliffs, two National Lakeshores and the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes--the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. More than 100 lighthouses, numerous maritime museums, ten shipwreck-diving preserves and historic military fortifications rim Michigan's Great Lakes shoreline.

Lakes, campgrounds, wildlife refuges and 99 Michigan state parks and recreation areas create a wide variety of recreational pursuits. Rivers for water sports, and thousands of miles of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails thread their way among some 100 species of trees.

Long days, relaxing weather and more than 800 pristine Michigan courses make for the perfect tee time. Because being able to play all day is Pure Michigan.

Hundreds of islands dot Michigan waters. Isle Royale National Park is a remote wilderness retreat in Lake Superior where wolves and moose roam free. Mackinac Island, located in the Straits of Mackinac, is a lush 19th-century resort community fixed firmly in the Victorian era, a car-free island dominated by an 18th-century fort and the more than a century-old Grand Hotel, America's largest summer resort hotel.

The Upper Peninsula, which is 90 percent forested, retains its aura of accessible wilderness. Vast wildlife and waterfowl refuges, 150 waterfalls, iron and copper mines, the Soo Locks (where ocean-going freighters make the 21-foot leap from Lake Superior to Lake Huron) are within an easy drive of one another.

The State of Michigan offers a near infinite array of moments that live forever in memory. Come find out what Pure Michigan feels like.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park

Among one of the most serene and spectacular coastlines in America, at the end of a mile and a half foot trail through the Ludington dunes, you’ll find a tower and attached keepers dwelling open to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to climb to the top of the 112 foot lighthouse .

Photo courtesy of Brogan

Beach along Grand Traverse Bay

From champagne dinners and in-room Jacuzzi’s to wine tastings, spa treatments and golf, northern Michigan beaches can provide the perfect backdrop for your romantic getaway.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living

Hot Air Jubilee, Jackson

60 plus balloons are launched into the air during the three day event. You’ll also find an arts and crafts show, classic car show, stunt kite demonstrations, kiddie carnival rides and live entertainment.

Photo courtesy of Jackson CVB

Swampfire Golf Course

Here is an aerial view of the magnificent Swampfire course, which opened in 1987, and was the first of the four new courses at Garland designed by Ron Otto. A round of 18 on this course will require patience and precision as all but four of the holes have water hazards.

Photo courtesy of Bryan Walters of Resort and Golf Marketing

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

The magnificent white-columned queen of Mackinac Island was named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “One of a Dozen Distinctive Destinations.” Also honored as one of the top 100 hotels in the world, Grand Hotel recalls a bygone era of old-world hospitality and charm, a time of horse-drawn carriages, afternoon tea, and croquet on an endless lawn. For more than a century, Grand Hotel has represented the ultimate retreat, vacationing on the grandest scale.

Photo courtesy of Grand Hotel

Petoskey Beach

The kids will enjoy looking for the unique and beautiful Petoskey stone, or just delight in running through the waves. The whole family will love walking the sandy beaches of Petoskey.

Photo courtesy of Petoskey-Harbor Springs-Boyne Country VB

Fishing in Holland

Spend a day at the breakwaters of the Holland State Parkangling for perch. Troll Lake Michigan for five species of sport fish aboard a Holland charter boats with an experienced captain. Fish our inland waters for pan fish, walleye or bass. Whatever your pleasure, enjoy some of the best sport fishing in the Midwest.

Photo courtesy of Holland CVB

Detroit Night Skyline

Metro Detroit has recently undergone several enhancements to make it one of the most attractive places to visit. There’s Ford Field, Comerica Park, three new Detroit Casinos, a remodeled GM Renaissance Center and much more.

Photo courtesy of Detroit Metro CVB

Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie

The world-famous Soo Locks, the busiest locks in the world, is a unique experience that cannot be seen anywhere else in the U.S. Treat yourself to a bird's eye view; watch 1,000-foot freighters as they pass through the Locks. Each year the Soo Locks transports over 90,000 passengers and 90 million tons of cargo.

Photo courtesy of Vito Palmisano

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)

The DIA has been a beacon of culture for the Detroit area for well over a century. Enjoy a "virtual" dining experience in 18th century Europe; dance with a life-size video of an African ceremony; with a handheld computer take a multimedia tour of Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry murals.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Living