12 Of The Most Enchanting Man Made Wonders In Michigan

Michigan is the home of much natural beauty, but it also has some amazing man made wonders. Whether you’re looking for astounding feats of engineering, or want to see the collaboration of nature and art, you’ll find it in our towns and cities across the state. Here are just 12 of the most enchanting man made wonders Michigan has to offer.

1. Mackinac Bridge

The longest suspension bridge in the Western hemisphere, "Mighty Mac" is 26,372 feet long. It opened in 1957 and celebrated its 100 millionth crossing on June 25, 1998.

2. Soo Locks, Sault Ste Marie

The Soo Locks are a feat of engineering that allows 10,000 ships per year to pass from Lake Superior to the lower lakes. The four locks were completed in 1855.

3. La Grand Vitesse, Grand Rapids

This iconic sculpture, created by Alexander Calder, was the first public sculpture funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Its title means "the great swiftness" or "the grand rapids."

4. Detroit-Windsor Tunnel

The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is the second-busiest crossing between the U.S. and Canada, with as many as 10 million vehicles crossing annually. The 5,160-foot-long tunnel opened in 1930.

5. Renaissance Center, Detroit

The Renaissance Center is the tallest building in Michigan, and the tallest all-hotel skyscraper in the Western hemisphere.

6. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids

A stunning combination of man-made and natural beauty. The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park offers artistic sculpture, surrounded by botanical gardens.

7. Michigan State Capitol, Lansing

Michigan’s third capitol building was completed in 1878. Its architectural detail, art and historic artifacts remind us of Michigan’s history and complement the building’s purpose.

8. The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

The Grand Hotel was built in 1887. Its 660-foot-long porch is the world’s longest, and it’s a National Historic Landmark.

9. The Guardian Building, Detroit

Built in 1928, the Guardian Building is a fabulous example of art deco architecture and is a National Historic Landmark.

10. Michigan’s Lighthouses

Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, and they are truly amazing. Each has its own distinctive beauty. Pictured is the Manistique lighthouse on Lake Michigan.

11. Belle Isle Conservatory, Detroit

Wander through this man-made wonder and marvel at its collection free of charge! The Belle Isle Conservatory includes 13 acres of gardens. The conservatory, with its distinctive dome, was built in 1904.

12. Portage Lake Lift Bridge, Houghton

The Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which connects Houghton and Hancock, was the heaviest and widest lift bridge ever constructed when it was completed in 1959.

What’s your favorite man-made wonder in Michigan?