These Are the Most Underrated Tourist Spots in Michigan, According To Local Redditors

As a longtime Redditor, I can say it’s an excellent resource for finding new places to explore and enjoy. Michiganders are protective of the special spots they know about, often holding that information close to avoid giving it away to those who might not respect the area. All too often, when too many people discover a place, it gets ruined—so the gatekeeping is understandable.

Even so, there are a few standout gems Michigan Redditors are happy to share. These are great starting points, but nothing replaces getting out and exploring on your own. If you don’t know where a road leads, take it—you may be surprised by what you find, especially in Michigan.

Here is a small handful of attractions Redditors say are worth the visit.

1. M-119 Tunnel of Trees

Hidden between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, right along Lake Michigan, is a scenic stretch of the M-119 highway that will take your breath away, the fabled Tunnel of Trees. It’s exactly what it sounds like—trees so dense they frame the roadway, creating a tunnel of foliage.

In the summer, it’s shady and beautiful. In the fall, it’s an explosion of color. Fair warning—you’ll want to drive through again and again.

2. Hungarian Falls

Redditors have repeatedly said things like: “The entire Upper Peninsula is a hidden gem!” It’s easy to see why. To call it beautiful is an understatement, and choosing just one or two places to highlight is no easy task.

Enter Hungarian Falls, one of the most striking waterfalls in Michigan, located in Houghton County, west of Hubbell. Technically, it’s a series of three tiered waterfalls, the lowest of which plunges 50 feet. It’s a stunning sight and a destination many Michiganders consider bucket-list worthy.

3. Kitch-Iti-Kipi 

Speaking of places that are hard to overstate, the beauty of Kitch-iti-kipi is near the top of the list. It’s the largest natural freshwater spring in Michigan, and it’s truly remarkable. At 200 feet wide and up to 40 feet deep, it resembles a small lake, with some of the clearest water in the state.

Swimming is not allowed, so visitors are asked to respect the area. Take only photographs and leave only footprints.

4. Keweenaw Peninsula 

As yet another standout destination along Lake Superior, the Keweenaw Peninsula is a distinct kind of beauty. The waters of Lake Superior crash along the shore every few seconds, giving it a feel more like the ocean, and the exposed rock here is among the oldest known on Earth.

It’s remote, strikingly beautiful, and well worth the trip.

5. Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse

The photogenic Seul Choix Pointe Lighthouse (pronounced sis-shwah) is one of the most recognizable along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s situated right on the water and resembles something from a Thomas Kinkade painting rather than a typical Midwestern scene. It began service in 1892 and is still in use today—though it’s now fully automated.

Bring your camera—you’ll want it.

6. Matthaei Botanical Gardens 

My final entry on this list is the Matthaei Botanical Garden in Ann Arbor. Many locals don’t even realize it’s here, though they should—it’s a gem. In the spring, the wildflowers are especially impressive. It’s a beautifully curated botanical garden and a place Michigan residents are lucky to have.

While you’re there, be sure to check out the bonsai garden—it’s truly unique.

So, there you have them, six recommendations from my friends on Reddit that I agree with. These places are well worth a visit. Of course, as mentioned earlier, the best spots are often the ones you discover on your own, and exploring Michigan is always rewarding.

Planning a trip? Check out Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to map out the perfect route. And if you know a must-see Michigan destination that deserves recognition, submit it through our nomination form. You never know what you might find!