8 hours 20 minutes from Detroit (540 miles). There is always something to keep you entertained, thanks to a variety of activities. Most of these destinations are within an hour from Ann Arbor. Travel just over two hours, and you get an extensive list of restaurants to visit. How to get there: Follow I-75 south and take exit 1E to reach Cincinnati. For a spot of history visit the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, which is dedicated to telling the tales of individuals from the Midwest who served in the war. No matter the weather, the choice of indoor and outdoor activities means that theres always something to keep you entertained. If youre into cheesy, romantic stuff, visit the Locks of Love Bridge with a loved one. Pleasant Enjoy Some of the Best Craft Beer in Grand Rapids Take to the Water in Port Austin Hike & Fish at Roscommon State Forest Hike Through the Huron-Manistee National Forest Exploring the Perfect Michigan Day Trips From Detroit Why you should visit: The lovely city of Saginaw is located in the mid-Michigan area. Take a tour to see some of the local glass artists at work, to understand why this city is renowned throughout the world. Anywhere you go, its a great retreat for people who live in cities and suburbs. It's also a Dark Sky Preserve, so check the park website for evening events before returning back to Detroit. Everywhere you look, you see stunning water views and colorful architecture. Our travel tips: Navigating the city and its public transport system can be a bit confusing, so try to keep a map at hand! From there, take I-579 south and drive along I-76 and I-78E to reach New York. Grand Rapids has earned a reputation as Beer City USA for its top-notch craft brews. Why you should visit: Toledo is known as The Glass City, due to its historic legacy with the glass industry. Along with the lakeside community of Michigan City, you can experience Amish culture and tradition at Shipshewana one of the country's biggest Amish communities. You can shop till you drop, feast on global fare, and party the night away. Traverse City, Michigan. Whatever it is you need, next-door locales can give you the holiday you deserveeven for just a few hours. Why you should visit: St Louis is known as the precipice of the West, and as a result it offers a unique mixture of city life and frontier traditions. Lexington is a charming beach village with panoramic views of the southern lake. If you're here at night, make sure to stop by the 3rd Street Star Bridge to admire the gleaming lights. But, being found on Lake Hurons shore, just the water views alone make up for the long ride. Pinckney Recreation Area offers kayaking, canoeing, walking, and relaxation, and with establishments like Hell Hole Diner, Hell Saloon, and Screams, you know youre in for an unusual day out. Our travel tips: Entry to Shipwreck Museum is only open between May 1 and October 31. This week's newsletter; . Wondering how a once-forgotten region is becoming more well-known? National Geographic once proclaimed St. Lawrence Market the best food market in the world! Here are the best places for a summer vacation in the USA. Cars are not permitted on the island, and although it's fairly easy to get around on foot, visitors can also rent a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage tour. However, it's worth a visit during the rest of the year as well; the historic Main Street features an eclectic collection of local restaurants and shops selling handcrafted goods, and the Hadley House Museum offers the chance to learn about the town's heritage. Watch performances, films, and lectures in a community center in a former pie factory. Bonus: Grand Rapids used to be known as America's Furniture Capital and Gerald R. Ford, America's 39th President, was raised in Grand Rapids. After enjoying the Air Zoo, families can top off their exciting day with a short drive to Portage to enjoy the Crossroads Mall and grab a bite to eat. Take exit 173 to reach Cuyahoga National Park. Visit the beautiful Belle Isle State Park Time from Detroit: 21 minutes Where: Detroit See on Instagram When you need to escape, but don't have the luxury of time, head to the beautiful Belle Isle park right outside Detroit. Home Travel Guides United States Michigan (MI) 15 Best Day Trips from Detroit. The Cleveland Museum of Art boasts free admission and enough galleries to fill an entire afternoon, and sports lovers should try to catch a game at the Progressive Field stadium. Known for the art and culture scene, the city features the Ann Arbor Art Fair every July, where 1,000 artists take over 30 blocks, creating stunning art displays. Our highlights: If you're traveling with kids, don't miss Henry Vilas Zoo this city-owned zoo contains animals from a wide range of habitats including the Arctic and the savannah. Here's your guide to the best time to visit. 1 weather alerts 1 closings/delays Watch Now Take exit OH-579E and OH-2E to reach Sandusky. This city is home to performing arts centers, planetariums, movie theaters, and museums. Whether you're drawn here by the city's unique name or its artsy reputation, Kalamazoo won't disappoint. Located on a piece of shoreline known as the "art coast", the city of Saugatuck is known for its bustling creative scene, and it's home to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts as well as to dozens of artists and their spectacular galleries. Visitors with a keen interest in the citys motoring heritage shouldnt miss taking part in the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. For some peace and quiet, head into Garfield Park Conservatory, a stunning home for over 100,000 kinds of plants housed in a structure made entirely of glass. Known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and its pedestrian-friendly downtown core, Ann Arbor is an artsy, liberal city centered around the University of Michigan. How to get there: Take I-96 and I-496 west to reach Lansing, then rejoin I-96 and I-196W to reach Grand Rapids. The adjacent Greenfield Village comprises historic buildings shipped in from all over the country, reconstructed and restored, such as Thomas Edison's laboratory from Menlo Park and the Wright Brothers' airplane workshop. For something more exciting, memorable, and extra, go for a helicopter ride. Culture-lovers shouldn't miss the Art Institute of Chicago you can enter past the iconic pair of bronze lions to gaze at a collection of over 300,000 pieces of art from around the world. The Detroit Club (Editor's Choice) 2. It marks the point from which the westward expansion originally began. 1. Aug 11 CT78 45th Class Reunion Hotel St. Regis Detroit USD 150 Aug 11 ML King 30th Reunion Weekend Hotel Saint Regis Detroit USD 125 Jul 16 S.A.V.E. Make the most of your weekend by heading slightly further out of the city - you can cross state lines to see staggering waterfalls, explore Amish Country or retreat to a secluded island. Birmingham offers one of the Midwests premiere shopping districts. Its home to more than 390 species depending on the season colorful songbirds arrive in spring, and visitors come to see them swirl above the water during the Festival of Birds. Another interesting stop is the Field Museum, an enormous institution dedicated to the exhibition of the anthropological and biological collection from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Frankenmuth carries travelers across the seas to Germany, specifically the Bavarian region. Recommended Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Detroit Wixom. How to get there: Take M-14 and I-94 west, then take exit 81 and drive along Amvets Memorial Parkway to reach Kalamazoo. It is a cave-like structure that allows visitors to stand beneath the falls. Detroit's musical Motown past echoes through its streets, though today's creative residents are defining their own vibe with cool hotels, eateries and culture hotspots. Channel your creativity as you tour The University of Michigan Museum of Art. 1. Explore Detroits oldest neighborhood, just 7 minutes from the citys heart. From Aarhus to Zanzibar, here's our pick of the best places to visit in July 2023. The good thing is, Hells much closer to Michiganders (only one hour away). So if you're looking for something a little . You can take a detour via the two iconic cities of Milwaukee and Chicago. Why you should visit: A plethora of museums and historical sites are the main reason why tourists keep coming back to the Steel City. Why you should visit: Ann Arbor has an artistic, youthful vibe and is a vibrant university town. The town boasts plenty of wonderful attractions, including a large farmers' market, a bustling Village Green, and a break wall that offers stunning views of a nearby lighthouse, but it's best known as the home of a gravity-defying rock formation called Turnip Rock. Head to nearby Royal Oak for a day full of wild fun and bonding time. 23960 Ruggles Rd, South Haven, MI 49090, Phone: 269-637-2788. A 30-minute drive from Detroit, Birmingham offers small-town charm close to the big city. Indulge your inner creative at Grand Rapids Art Museum, Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, and Art Prize. June 25, 2023 20 Best Day Trips From Detroit Places Nearby! The vibrant college town boasts the Soaring Eagle Casino opened by the Saginaw Chippewa Native American tribal group and the fun Soaring Eagle Water Park, with pools, slides, fountains, falls, a lazy river, chill-out areas, and more. 1. Take a river cruise or trot around the streets in a horse-drawn carriage for a memorable time. The Michigan citys northerly location means you can easily hop over the border to Canada too. When it comes to all things art, Ann Arbor takes the cake. Our travel tips: While visiting Niagara Falls, be careful not to bring anything that could be damaged by water, as the spray of the waterfalls will drench you! Situated on the shores of Lake Huron, Bay City is among the scenic places near Detroit. The park boasts more than 2,000 acres of sand dunes, 450 of which are open to off-road vehicles, and people come from all over the world to scramble around the dunes on their ORVs. Fortunately, Detroit is nestled among exciting Michigan cities for every type of vacation. For history buffs, the Holland Museum provides insights into the regions past and present. Bonus: The oldest part of Washington DC is Georgetown. Pack up the car and discover some of the United States' most iconic cities, from bustling New York to thrill seeking Orlando. You can even hitch a buggy ride after having your fill! Even though youre not a student, youll enjoy touring this thriving college town. Some of the most famous memorabilia attached with country music through the ages are on display here - think the Cadillac limousine belonging to Elvis Presley. In times gone by, Fort Mackinac would have protected the island from unexpected attacks - now it has been refurbished with unique weaponry and informative exhibits about the island's past. Mill Pond Park, Nelson Park, and Island Park are among the citys outdoor spaces, and you can discover more about the area at the Museum of Cultural and Natural History. Even though it is in a separate state, Toledo is just as close as other nearby cities. They employ fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to make fantastic dishes worthy of a king. Our travel tips: Be sure to always buy tickets beforehand because Orlando is a very popular destination. Road Trip from Minneapolis to Niagara Falls. 9679 W State Park Rd, Mears, MI 49436, Phone: 231-873-3083. The 10 Best Day Trips From Detroit Posted in Detroit May 29, 2023 by Sophie Boudreau Here Are 10 Unique Day Trips Near Detroit That Are An Absolute Must-Do When the weekend rolls around, there's nothing better than hopping in the car with loved ones and heading out for a fun-filled day trip or two. Of course, dont leave without packing your passport first. Named for its location near the base of picturesque Saginaw Bay, Bay City offers an endless variety of things to see and do. Paddle a canoe or be amazed by a kaleidoscope of dragonflies for extra outdoor pleasure. Recommended Hotel: Caesars Windsor Hotel and Casino, 1118 Point Pelee DrLeamington, ON N8H 3V4(519) 322-2365. Take a free tour and learn about their famous baking products - a must-see for cooking and baking enthusiasts! 1 hour 10 minutes from Detroit (70 miles). 20 Best Day Trips From Detroit Places Nearby! Meanwhile, the walkable downtown is loaded with bookstores, brewpubs and free-trade coffee shops. Of course, a day trip here wouldn't be complete without spending some time at the beach as well; the city's 10-mile stretch of sandy coastline has been called one of the "Top 25 Beaches in the World" by Conde' Nast Traveler, and it boasts breathtaking views, silky sand, and endless opportunities to swim, boat, and sunbathe. If youd prefer to drive, itll take around 45 minutes. Distance from Detroit: 40 miles Southeast; 1-hour drive Why it made our list: 1) Because you didn't expect it 2) Because you maybe haven't heard of it and 3) Because when you're this close to the. Drive time without stops: 3 hours and 15 minutes. Late spring to early fall are the best times to visit Detroit. Since 1940, it has remained as one of the top spots to see speleothem mineral deposits. Sud connoisseurs can follow the Beer City Ale Trail, which hits up more than 80 breweries, many offering tours, taprooms and tastings. Bonus: The Grand Ole Opry is the oldest-running radio show in the world - you can see a show or take a tour here. Why you should visit: Grand Rapids is one of the most affordable places to have a vacation, in the country which also makes it one of Michigan's most visited destinations. Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM Educator! If you do one thing in Cincinnati, visit Cincinnati Zoo. Its also the ideal way to end the trip, just to witness the fireworks at night. Plus, fans of the paranormal are sure to love its famous haunted houses. A city break in Detroit puts you within kissing distance of Canada, so it would be criminal not to road-trip across the border. The mist, the noise, and the sheer volume of the flowing water have to be seen to be believed at this amazing natural phenomenon. Ontario, Canada/Point Pelee National Park - Located across the border in Ontario, Canada, Point Pelee is Canada's smallest national park. 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Milford is a historic enclave in western Oakland County with a traditional downtown. Grand Rapids 6. There are cute shops and restaurants to tempt you too. Continue on Perimeter Road to reach Cedar Point. Our travel tips: The ideal times to visit Ann Arbor are May through September, when the weather reaches the 70s and 80s, and there are plenty of things to do outdoors. Stretching for four miles along the shore of Lake Michigan, Silver Lake State Park is a large park that offers plenty of recreational opportunities both on and off the water. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Why you should visit: Nashville is one of the most iconic music meccas in the world, with country spilling out of bars on every corner. The area is filled with exquisite Victorian-style homes painted in eye-catching colors. Air Zoo hours: Open 360+ days a year; Monday . You'll find over 13,000 acres of trails and beaches. How to get there: Drive south on I-75, then take US-250 east to reach Fredericksburg. Visitors can also stroll along the sand dunes in the beautiful Warren Dunes State Park or drive along the southern shore of the lake to explore the many wineries, breweries, and shops that call the area home. Accessible in less than three hours by car, be transported to Europe when you visit Holland, a delightful city close to the shores of Lake Macatawa. Don't forget your passport to show at border control. As you might expect, many of the activities here are water-related; local charter companies offer the opportunity to get out on the lake, while New Buffalo Beach boasts stunning sunrises and excellent swimming. Pittsburgh has a laid-back vibe on its many rivers, which makes a nice contrast to the bustling pace of New York. Perched on the southernmost tip of Canada's mainland, Point Pelee National Park is mostly comprised of a marshy peninsula that juts out into Lake Erie. Its an interactive science museum geared toward young, inquisitive minds. Sitting on the border with Canada, Windsor is famous for its automobile connections, much like Detroit. In Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park And Wild Water Adventure, you'll find rides of a variety of sorts for the clan thrill rides, kids rides, and family rides. Lansing, MI. Much of the buzz about Detroit centers on the revitalized downtown. 4 hours 40 minutes from Detroit (300 miles). How to get there: Drive north on I-75 and M-83 to reach Frankenmuth. 101 Day Trips; Master Guide to Summer Fun; 101 Family Day Trips and Staycation Ideas Around Atlanta . Other attractions and amenities include a metal detecting area, a horseshoe pit, and volleyball and basketball courts. At Kensington Metropark, explore 4,400 acres of recreational space by bike, foot, or boat. Its a hands-on learning space with a real beehive and courses like robot construction. Co-owner of midtown Detroit's City Bird and neighboring Nest stores shares ways to keep the family entertained during a road trip. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Visitors can take a bike tour of the local breweries, sail the blue waters of Lake Huron on an Appledore Tall Ship, or browse the antique center, which covers an entire city block. Read more on these quick Pure Michigan getaways, authored by The Awesome Mitten 's Jennifer Bowman. If you click on an affiliate link we provide, we may receive compensation. 99 Pleasure DriveDetroit, MI 48207(313) 821-9844. Sovengard also gets top marks for its seasonal Scandi-inspired menu and its chic setting. Milwaukee's booming food scene lies in between Port Washington's historic charm and Kenosha's friendly and affordable downtown filled with electric streetcars. Founded in the 1820s, the city of Ann Arbor was named after the wives of the founders, both of whom were conveniently called Ann. Sandusky offers charming downtown shops, while Cedar Point has over 70 thrilling rides. This lovely city is a popular family destination because of its art galleries with reputable collections and child-friendly museums filled with thrilling hands-on displays. 470 Loraine Ave #267 Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456, Phone: 419-351-5166. Located in Dexter just a few miles north of Ann Arbor, the Hudson Mills Metropark is a breathtaking area brimming with both natural beauty and man-made entertainment. Tahquamenon Falls is one of the country's most outstanding waterfalls, while Whitefish has an intriguing collection of shipwrecks. Call into a Bavarian-themed eatery to be served delicious German cuisine by wait staff dressed in traditional Bavarian outfits. All rights reserved. Creative souls are sure to enjoy the cute galleries, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, and the hands-on Art Barn. How to get there: Head west on I-96, then take M-14 W. Take exit 3 on US-23 for Ann Arbor. It offers an incredible variety of art, entertainment, cuisine, dance and theatre. The windmills, tulips, souvenirs, and architecture are all obvious examples of Dutch history. Bonus: Chicago is considered to be the birthplace of modern architecture. Why you should visit: A city with something for everyone: from recreational activities to a delicious culinary scene to amazing arts centers and galleries. This cutesy town looks like its been picked up in Germanys Bavaria and plonked down in east-central Michigan. Take I-280S and take the exit for Toledo. If you still need more, there are escape rooms, fishing holes, walking trails, and bike paths. There are many lovely parks and green spaces where you can relax and re-energize; Lower Baldwin Park, Shain Park, Poppleton Park, and Barnum Park are just a few examples. Michigan boasts beautiful wild landscapes, charming small towns and thriving, vibrant cities. Our travel tips: Carnegie Museum is open every day except Tuesdays. However, we cant help but feel somewhat stuck in our hometown every now and then.