Ultimate Michigan bucket list: 50 things you must do

Michigan is the home of many splendid things — we know it, because we live here. Beautiful scenery, majestic lakes, fabulous food, quirky locales and hidden gems just barely scratch the surface of what Michigan has to offer.

We asked staff members of the Detroit Free Press to share some of the best things to see and do in Michigan, based on our personal experiences. Here are 50 ideas you may want to add to your bucket list.

Think we missed something? Add your bucket list item here and be sure to explain why it's great.

The Call of the Wild Museum

This quirky Gaylord museum is a relic from the days of local roadside attractions, when long rides Up North were punctuated by corny and kitschy tourist stops in small towns along the way. The museum features dozens of animals preserved years ago by local taxidermists, but it’s also a museum of a lost era of tourism, before highways like I-75 enabled tourists to bypass the towns they once drove through.

Maple Syrup Festival in Vermontville

For many rural places in Michigan, local weekend festivals are celebrations of small-town life, an occasion for a town to trumpet its distinctiveness and to advertise itself to the rest of the state. The annual Maple Syrup Festival in mid-state Vermontville is the quintessential small-town event. It offers arm-wrestling contests, a pancake derby and Bovine Bingo, which involves betting on a square drawn on a football field where a cow is allowed to roam free until it leaves a dropping on the winning number. A Maple Syrup Festival queen is crowned at the end of it all. Held every year on the last weekend in April.

Oswald's Bear Ranch

Want the terrifying thrill of seeing a grown man standing next to a full-grown bear that could kill him with one swipe yet prefers to snuggle instead? Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry features dozens of rescued and orphaned bears on 240 acres of Upper Peninsula woodlands, plus the opportunity to have your photo taken with a fuzzy bear cub.

40 Mile Point Lighthouse

Located on the northern shores of Lake Huron, the century-old 40 Mile Point Lighthouse in Rogers City offers more than just beautiful views and leisurely self-guided tours. There’s also a real shipwreck poking out of the sands on a beach that’s just a short trail’s walk from the lighthouse.

Submitted by John Carlisle, Columnist

Canoe/kayak the Pine River

The Pine, located about a half hour west of Cadillac, offers a challenge that you won’t find on more popular rivers, like the Au Sable or Rifle. Yes, you can tip from the fast-moving water and obstructions.

Taste best Upper Peninsula food not named pasties: Trenary Toast

This cinnamon toast is made in the U.P. town of the same name. Sold in brown paper bags, the hard-crusted Trenary Toast will last until the next millennium.

Visit the Upper Peninsula’s Hidden Waterfalls

Many of the best waterfalls don’t have signs or directions and can be found only by getting directions from a local (or a good Google search). For example, take County Road 510 west from Marquette County’s Big Bay, park by a small bridge, hike a half mile to see the Yellow Dog River Falls. Go a little farther on County Road 510 and bag the Big Pup Creek Falls.

Submitted by Steve Spalding, Content Coach/Business

Log Slide Overlook at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Seven miles west of Grand Marais inside Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the Log Slide Overlook, a 300-foot-high sand dune that provides stunning views over Lake Superior and the Grand Sable Banks and Dunes. This alone is a magnificent sight, but the real treat is along the trail from the overlook that leads west to the Au Sable Light Station. As you descend the trail that follows the Lake Superior shoreline, it becomes nearly level with the water. At any point, you can jump off the trail, make your way to the beach and enjoy the afternoon pretending you are on your own private island.

Submitted by Kathy Kieliszewski, Visuals Director

See a concert at St. Andrew's Hall

Over the course of years, everybody from Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Tom Morello and Liz Phair has played this former parochial school gym/auditorium on the edge of Greektown. Hot and sweaty, it’s the best kind of dive. Decades of music still reverberates through the floorboards.

Submitted by Mark Phelan, Auto Critic

Visit Isle Royale

Remote and virtually inaccessible during the winter, Isle Royale earned its status as the least visited national park honestly. But there are lots of good reasons to go, the night sky (unparalleled in the continental U.S.) among the best.

Submitted by Brian Dickerson, Columnist

Pay the $10 for Grand Hotel's Front Porch

Best $10 you ever will spend in Michigan: The entry fee to the Grand Hotel’s Front Porch on Mackinac Island. You can rest your feet on a hot summer day (remember, no automobiles are allowed on the island), order a drink or 2 or a bite to eat and enjoy breathtaking views of the hotel’s signature geraniums, Lake Huron, the Mackinac Bridge and ferries carrying visitors to and from the island, all from a white rocking chair that’s as comfortable as it is big. The $10 fee also buys you access to shops and other public places of the hotel. The best part is there is no hurry. Stay as long as you like during business hours.

Submitted by Cindy Burton, Senior Content Planner

Tunnel of Trees

Check out the Tunnel of Trees, the narrow, canopied section of M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. The drive offers stunning fall foliage, but you can stop along the wooded way year-round and peek out at stunning views along Lake Michigan. At the end, check out the wider view from the Legs Inn restaurant, which is open from May to October.

Submitted by Matthew Dolan, Reporter

Tour the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula

The views are spectacular, as are the wines. Or make a day of it and swim at the beaches toward the end of the point and dine at nearby restaurants.

Flower Day at Eastern Market

There’s fantastic people watching and tons of choices for your yard or garden at Flower Day in Detroit's Eastern Market. Grab ribs at Bert’s while you’re at it.

Submitted by Matt Helms, Reporter

Go mountain biking in Copper Harbor Trails

As one reviewer wrote, “This network is pretty much everything it's reputed to be. Remote, rugged, gnarly, scenic, and tons o' fun. One of a very select few 5 star systems in the Midwest, and well worth every star.”

Submitted by Brian McNamara, Page Designer

Play golf at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort near Traverse City

Play a round of golf at A-Ga-Ming golf resort near Traverse City. The Torch course and the clubhouse feature spectacular views of Torch Lake that are especially impressive in fall or at sunrise or sunset.

Submitted by David Darby, Print Planner/Sports

Selfie between two countries

Very few people can do what metro Detroiters can do on the south end of Belle Isle. You can position yourself or loved ones for a photo that puts you in view of an international border and two behemoth countries. Say cheese with the Detroit

River in the background and you in the middle between the Windsor, Canada, shoreline and downtown Detroit marked by the Renaissance Center towers. So few people understand how close we are to Canada and most Americans can’t take this selfie.

Submitted by Patricia Montemurri, Staff Writer

Fort Custer State Park in Augusta

Just outside Battle Creek, Fort Custer State Park offers large campsites surrounded by trees, making it one of the best campgrounds in the state. During the day, enjoy the bike trails, beach and fishing.

Submitted by Tanya Wildt, Web Editor

Witness a Great Lakes sunrise

Great Lakes sunsets are rightly prized, but sunrises deserve more respect. The beach towns along Michigan’s index finger offer the best view. When the bluebirds start their loops in the darkness, the early show is about to begin. First comes the light radiating from where the water meets the sky. Next is a parade of orange, amber, red and pink. Within moments, the water and sky offer competing interpretations of blue. Sleeping folks have no idea what they’ve just missed.

Submitted by John Wisely, Reporter

Cross in the Woods National Shrine

You don’t have to be Catholic or particularly religious to find this one of the most peaceful, yet powerful places in Michigan. On M-68 in Indian River (Exit 310, less than two miles off I-75) you will find the largest crucifix in the world – the statue of Christ weighing in at a mere 7 tons - surrounded by a small forest. The 55-foot-tall cross was made of a single redwood tree. There’s simply no place like it to sit and take a moment. Oh, and for a Detroit connection, the sculptor is Marshall Fredericks, the man who created the Spirit of Detroit.

Submitted by Christie Innes, Web Editor

Find a Petoskey stone (Preferably not one in a store)

Michigan’s state stone is fossilized coral that lived about 350 million years ago. Glaciers scattered the stones throughout the state, but they can especially be found along the shorelines of Lakes Michigan and Huron. The honeycomb pattern is easiest to see when the gray stones are wet. Don't be tempted to buy a polished beauty from a store. Part of the thrill is in the hunt.

Submitted by Michele Siuda Jacques, Web Editor

Spend the day at Greenfield Village

Step back in time and spend a day at Greenfield Village, Henry Ford’s historic outdoor park. Ford had dozens of historic buildings moved to Dearborn, offering visitors an immersive experience. You can stroll through Thomas Edison’s Menlo Park laboratory, take in an old-time baseball game, ride a steam engine or a Model T. You can check out Orville and Wilbur Wright’s bike shop, see the first home in the United States wired for electricity, pet some sheep at the Firestone Farm and ride a carousel that dates to 1913. At Halloween, thousands of jack-o’-lanterns light up the paths as the village turns spooky for Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village. And at Christmastime, it turns into a beautiful holiday wonderland with caroling, roasted nuts, ice skating and more.

Submitted by Kristen Jordan Shamus, Columnist

Tour Detroit's Eastern Market

What’s unique about Detroit’s Eastern Market is that it’s the oldest farmers market in Michigan. There, you can enjoy not only some of the best fresh produce from area farmers, but also take in specialty shops and restaurants. Eastern Market is open Saturdays year-round, drawing large crowds for local produce. It is also open Tuesdays (usually July through October) to make the most of peak produce season. On Tuesdays, the market is smaller and less crowded. For the winter holidays, you can shop for locally grown trees, wreaths, homemade holiday treats and other gifts on Tuesdays (Nov. 25 and Dec. 22 and Sundays Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13 this year). Be sure to check out DeVries & Co. 1887, a specialty cheese shop that also has plenty of other specialty food items. You can buzz on into Rocky Peanut, another Eastern Market mainstay for dried fruits, nuts, candies and specialty food products. Rocky’s also has several aisles of bulk spices and seasonings.

Submitted by Sue Selasky, Food Writer and Reporter

See a movie at the Redford Theatre

As much as I enjoy the modern comforts of stadium seating and Dolby sound, there’s something special about seeing a movie at the Redford Theatre in Detroit. I’ve seen the idea of an old-time cinema showing classic movies done in many places, but never as well as at the Redford. It’s set apart by big things like the organ concert during intermission and small things like the starry-night painting on the ceiling. Add in the decor and smell of the popcorn and it’s not just a movie, it’s an event.

Submitted by Patrick Byrne, Senior Digital Planner

Venture beyond Joe Louis for competitive hockey

Hockey fans in Michigan are treated to so many different levels of competition, including the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL, the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL and the various college hockey teams (everyone should see a Michigan-Michigan State game at both Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor and Munn Ice Arena in Michigan State at least once in their life). There’s also the U.S. National Team Development Program in Plymouth and Muskegon Lumberjacks of the U.S. Hockey League and the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League. Plus, all the youth hockey programs.

Submitted by George Sipple, Sports Reporter

Catch a set at Baker's Keyboard Lounge

With an 81-year history of presenting music dating to 1934, Baker’s has a legitimate claim on the title of World’s Oldest Jazz Club. Its storied history, cozy intimacy, deco furnishings and hipster vibe make the ideal spot to contemplate Detroit’s remarkable jazz legacy.

Hear the DSO at Orchestra Hall

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s glorious history continues under current music director Leonard Slatkin, whose tenure has been marked by an emphasis on new American music, festivals and a push to make the DSO the most accessible orchestra in the country with initiatives ranging from weekly webcasts to an extensive menu of neighborhood concerts. But Orchestra Hall, the DSO’s historic home on Woodward, known for its legendary glowing acoustics and intimacy, remains the best place to hear the band. (Orchestra Hall is part of the recently renamed Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center.)

Tour the DIA

Art lovers from all over the planet, but particularly in Michigan, breathed a huge sigh of relief when the Detroit Institute of Arts emerged from the city’s bankruptcy with its collection intact. The museum’s world-class holdings are remarkable, including landmark treasures by Van Gogh, Matisse and Bruegel, as well as works spanning thousands of years of human history, from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. And, of course, there are Diego Rivera’s awe-inspiring “Detroit Industry” murals, the Mexican artist’s finest works, powerful symbols of Detroit’s sweat and soul and monuments to the transcendence of art and the human imagination.

Submitted by Mark Stryker, Arts Reporter and Critic

Hike Sleeping Bear Dunes

Hike all the way to the end and to beautiful Lake Michigan and its shore (a note to the wise: take bottles of water and crackers). The view at the end of that fairly lengthy hike is spectacular. The first time we saw it was before we lived in Michigan, in the early 2000s. We lived in Toledo and heard about this area in Michigan around the dunes, Charlevoix and Traverse City and decided to check it out for vacation. After making the trek around the area and the hike, it was "Wow, this is Michigan?"

Submitted by Christina Hall, Reporter

Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island

Step back in time to experience a horse-drawn parade during the annual Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island. Draft horses whose typical job is pulling carriages and wagons are fitted out to pull floats down the main street. It is one of the highlights of a week dedicated to the island’s lilacs, which are usually in full bloom during the event. Many of the original trees were planted during the colonial era. The Grand Parade is led by descendants of Chief Mackinac, Chief Pontiac and Chief Okemos. It’s one of the best times to see the island, in spite of the large crowds. If you stay on the island you get the luxury of enjoying quieter streets when the ferries leave for the mainland in the evening.

Submitted by Martha Thierry, Assistant Graphics Editor

Hop aboard the Keweenaw Star

Take a three- to four-day voyage to see lighthouses and freighters on the 110-foot Keweenaw Star, which sails out of Charlevoix. It’s an affordable way to see Michigan and Ontario sights that can only be seen by boat. Travel by day on northern Lake Michigan, northern Lake Huron, the Soo Locks and eastern Lake Superior. Stay at night in hotels. And bring your camera.

Submitted by Mary Schroeder, Photo Editor

Go night fishing in the Pere Marquette River

For 25 years, this gorgeous body of water has been the site of our annual Salmon Slam, and the salmon have always delivered. Try the 140-plus stairs at Claybanks to descend to one of the best publicly accessible waterways in Michigan. It’s flies-only and no-kill, and the giant brown trout bite, too, when the sun goes down. Get a headlamp and fish after dark. The salmon fight like they’re in a football game on water. Baldwin itself was better before Edie’s Log Bar closed, but you can still get a cold brew in town.

Submitted by Jim Schaefer, Staff writer/Columnist

Sail the Mackinac Race

Each July about 3,000 sailors embark on the Port Huron-to-Mackinac Island sailboat race in roughly 250 boats of various sizes. Most take about 48 hours to reach the finish line at the island. The journey through Lake Huron involves sailing through at least one and usually two nights on little sleep in sometimes rough seas, but those who do it once often come back year after year. Old Goats are those who have completed 25 races, and some participants have sailed more than 50. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for those who love sailing and have a taste for adventure, the race creates indelible memories of a unique Michigan experience.

Submitted by John Gallager, Business Reporter

Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse in Port Hope

The still active lighthouse on Lake Huron in Michigan’s Thumb is one of the most photogenic, interesting lighthouses in Michigan. Climb the 89-foot structure built in 1857 or just enjoy the museum and gift shop. In addition to the history of the lighthouse itself, the museum also is notable for its poignant artifacts of the Daniel J. Morrell, the ship that sank in 1966 just off the coast in a storm, leaving only one survivor.

Submitted by Ellen Creager, Travel Writer

Go for a coney

You can’t get a true taste of Detroit without stopping for a coney dog. The hardest part is deciding whether to visit American or Lafayette, a point of contention among Michiganders. Or, what the heck, visit them both and join the debate. #TeamLafayette

Submitted by Elissa Robinson, Web Editor

Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan

It just takes a bite, and some patience, to get hooked while fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan. A salmon latches on and line rushes from the reel, pitting fish — sometimes weighing 15 to 25 pounds — against fisherman. Find a charter and hop aboard. Ludington is a great place to check out.

Submitted by Elisha Anderson, Reporter

Arcadia Bluffs

A world-class golf course, Arcadia Bluffs sits above the shores of Lake Michigan and offers amazing views seven days a week, weather permitting, from mid-April to mid-November. If you're lucky, you may even hear the bagpiper who plays at sunset on Fridays and Saturdays.

Submitted by Grace Bennett, Director of Newsroom Administration and Budget

Attend Opening Day in Detroit

Nothing – not robins, not crocuses, not St. Patrick’s Day parades – is a more welcome sign of springtime in Michigan than Opening Day for the Detroit Tigers. OK, so it’s usually 51 degrees and gray outside. But still, baseball is BACK! And summer warmth can’t be far behind. Fans’ hopes always are high heading into the home opener, and their revelry starts in parking lots and bars at the break of dawn. Sometimes it can feel more like a party than a game, which offends baseball purists. But there are 80 other home games for Tigers die-hards. Opening Day is for the masses.

Submitted by James Jahnke, Sports Editor

Hit the beach

That’s one thing Michigan residents can do every summer without high-tailing it to Florida or California: Lake Michigan feels just like being on an ocean. My recommendation: The Coast Guard City, Grand Haven. Spend the day sunbathing, check out the lighthouse, walk the boardwalk, watch the Musical Fountain, pick up a burrito at Butch’s Beach Burritos and, if you can, visit for the annual Coast Guard Festival. Fun fact for you millennials: “American Pie 2” is based on a summer in Grand Haven. It’s a blast.

Submitted by Brian Manzullo, Sports Editor

Run the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon

Run the Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon: It was easily one of the best moments of my life, running up the Ambassador Bridge as the sun came up last October, and it’s something I’ll never forget. But more than that singular scene was all the hard work that went into running the Free Press/Talmer Bank half marathon and the inspiration from all the runners I had talked to over the previous year in our series of “Long Run” profiles each week. I can’t put into words how much running has changed my life and what it meant to stand up to the 13.1-mile challenge. You can do it!

Submitted by Anthony Fenech, Sports Writer

The Belt alley

Officially, it’s called the Belt. I call it the Art Alley.

Downtown Detroit’s latest treasure is a block-long alley running from East Grand River to Gratiot Avenue that is full of awe-inspiring street art by national and international artists. The Belt alley is next to the Z parking garage, with its own eye-pleasing adventure of colorful murals decorating its walls.

Among the artists whose works are featured in the Belt are street artist Shepard Fairey and fine art painter and muralist POSE (Jordan Nickel). My personal favorite, though, is the towering geisha painted by London artist HUSH.

The good news is the alley is only getting better with plans for a bar, restaurants, shops, live entertainment and live events, such as gallery openings.

Submitted by Steven Pepple, Content Coach

The Little River Railroad in historic Coldwater

Take a 1.5 hour tour to see the gorgeous fall colors on a 1911 steam locomotive train. The train also runs tours featuring Santa at Christmas and trips in spring. If you go, stay in town and take in the amazing architecture in the city’s (est. 1861) National Historic District. And it’s within a 15-minute drive of Allen, the “antique capital of Michigan” and the state line, where you can tour Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve in Angola the same day.

Submitted by Maryann Struman, Director of Communities

Head to Windsor

Head to Windsor and seek out ethnic food, in particular East Indian fare. A wave of immigration from the Far East came to Canada and Windsor before the U.S. and Detroit. Just like in London, there are fantastic ethnic offerings just across the river.

Submitted by Christopher Kirkpatrick, Director of Business News

Go beer tasting

Go beer tasting at the Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival in July in Ypsilanti. More than 100 Michigan brewers share some of their most creative concoctions, like Short’s Brewing Company’s Key Lime Pie beer and Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Neapolitan Milk Stout. It’s the state’s most celebrated beer-tasting event, complete with live music and the chance to try beers from across the state.

Paddle Detroit’s canals on a sunset kayak tour

Take a trip down the Detroit River between the city and Canada, then veer north into canals that wind through neighborhoods on the city’s east side. It’s a chance to see some historic homes and parts of Detroit otherwise unknown. Detroit River Sports regularly offers tours.

Submitted by Robert Allen, Reporter and Spirits of Detroit alcohol columnist

Get medieval at the Renaissance Festival

Step through the gates of Hollygrove and enter a world of knights, fairies and medieval adventures of all kinds. From mid-August through early October, the Michigan Renaissance Festival has performances for all ages, unique food and beverages and a wide-variety of Renaissance-themed shops. Bring the kids for rides and games, or leave them behind for a pub crawl and a bawdy comedy show. Whatever you do, don’t miss the jousting throughout the day. It’s definitely a highlight.

Submitted by Alicia Secord, Page Designer

Try the chicken at Frankenmuth

You haven’t experienced the splendor of the Great Lakes State until you’ve gorged on a chicken dinner in Frankenmuth, our very own little Bavaria. Together, Zehnder’s and Bavarian Inn restaurants serve more than 2 million chicken dinners a year.

Submitted by Georgea Kovanis, Columnist

Visit Stony Creek Metropark

Whether it’s summer or winter, there’s always something to do at the 4,461 acre park, which extends into both Oakland and Macomb counties. You can spend the day boating and lounging around on Stony Creek Lake or take a leisure hike on one of the several trails at the park. In the winter, families often ski and snowshoe across marked trails.

Submitted by Katrease Stafford, Reporter

Ice climbing at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

That’s right — it’s cold, you’re tethered to a rope, and the only thing between you and a vertical wall of ice is the sharp metal of ice axes and crampons. There’s no arguing that ice climbing takes a whole lot of determination and a pinch of courage, but there’s also no better way to experience winter along the frozen sandstone cliffs of Lake Superior. One of the best ways to try this sport safely is at the annual Michigan Ice Fest, which offers demo gear and a wide range of classes, as well as nightly slideshows from some of the best climbers on Earth. Simply put, it’s an experience not to be missed. Sign up early as the Michigan Ice Fest grows in popularity every year.

Submitted by Brian Kaufman, Executive Video Producer

Backpacking and camping on North Manitou Island

Hike to see old orchards and remains of buildings from days’ past; explore the island’s wilderness; walk along the beach; or lounge around reading a good book. There is a ferry to both North and South Manitou islands from Leland. The ferry has stopped for the season, but will pick back up in May, according to Manitou Island Transit. For more information about North Manitou Island, part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, follow this link.

Submitted by Gina Damron, Reporter

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