The best Michigan day trips offer a glimpse at some of the very best our beautiful state has to offer. Michigan offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re in love with the great outdoors or enthralled by a quaint shopping area, there’s no doubt that Michigan has something to charm you. When you’re looking for a quick escape from real life without venturing too far from home, one of the many day trips in Michigan is often just what the doctor ordered. Have you ever asked, what is there to do in Michigan? Well, here are eleven of our favorite Michigan day trip destinations.

1. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, USA
Joanna F/TripAdvisor
This one-of-a-kind attraction will hold the attention of adults and children alike. There’s truly something here for everyone: from fascinating works of modern art to a large outdoor sculpture park, Frederik Meijer Gardens is nothing short of stunning. Be sure to check out the indoor conservatory, which even offers a whimsical butterfly garden each year. For more information, check out our previous article about this hidden gem in Michigan.
2. Round Barn Winery
10983 Hills Rd, Baroda, MI 49101, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Michigan has plenty of wineries to choose from, and you could undoubtedly have a blast at any of them. But Round Barn Winery holds a certain charm that simply must be experienced to be understood. Located in a converted barn (as its name suggests), this winery offers delicious tastings in a quaint, naturally beautiful environment. Discover why this is one of the best day trips in Michigan by reading our previous article.
3. Lavender Labyrinth at Cherry Point Farm
9600 W Buchanan Rd, Shelby, MI 49455, USA
Facebook/Cherry Point Farm & Market
You’ve never seen anything quite like this before. If you're looking for the "best day trip near me," you've just found it. Venture to Cherry Point Farm & Market in Shelby to explore their massive lavender labyrinth, which is just as magical as it sounds. Peruse row after row of fragrant lavender and bask in the gorgeous purple atmosphere that surrounds you. Does it get any better than this? See the fun that awaits on this Michigan day trip.
4. Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
History buffs will be in paradise with a day trip to this incredible attraction within the Henry Ford Museum. Interact with farmers dressed in turn-of-the-century garb, take a ride in a real Model T, and embrace the fascinating environment of Greenfield Village. History truly comes to life at this popular Michigan locale, and you’ll never forget your journey. To learn more, take a look at our previous article about this Michigan hidden gem.
5. Shepler's Ferry Lighthouse Cruise
311 S Nicolet St, Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA
Facebook/Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
Michigan is known for its marvelous lighthouses, and you’ll see some of the area’s most gorgeous ones when you board a lighthouse tour boat at Shepler’s. Select either the eastbound or westbound route and be sure to have your camera ready — from the Poe Reef Light to the White Shoal Light, there’s something to fascinate everyone during this one-of-a-kind Michigan day trip. Check out our previous article about this unique day adventure in Michigan.

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6. Fayette Historical Townsite
Flickr/Deb
If you’re a fan of spooky stories and Michigan history, Fayette might just make for your ultimate Michigan day trip. This awesome Upper Peninsula attraction was once a fully functional iron ore hub and bustling community, but economic decline left it abandoned. Today, visitors can peruse empty buildings, catch beautiful views of the harbor, and ponder what life must have been like for some of Michigan's early settlers. Get all of the details on this Michigan hidden gem by reading our previous article.
7. Belle Isle Aquarium
Belle Isle Aquarium, 3 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Flickr/Maia C
Who doesn’t love a good aquarium? Luckily for us, Michigan is actually home to the oldest aquarium in the country! Venture to Belle Isle and check out all the sights, including the Whitcomb Conservatory. But nothing compares to the fascinating beauty of the aquarium, where you’ll observe sea creatures from the Great Lakes and across the world in a stunning historic building. Learn all about this unique Michigan day trip by reading our previous article about the Belle Isle Aquarium.
8. Wellington Farm Park
Wellington Farm Park, 6944 S Military Rd, Grayling, MI 49738, USA
Facebook/Wellington Farm, USA
Step into Depression-era rural Michigan with your visit to Wellington Farm Park, which attracts hundreds of visitors each year with its true-to-the-times buildings and gorgeous scenery. Whether you’re checking out the blacksmith shop, observing old-fashioned kitchen equipment, or simply appreciating the calm farm atmosphere, you’re sure to enjoy a trip to Wellington Farm. Get all of the details about this park in Michigan.
9. Dequindre Cut Greenway
Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Flickr/Joy VanBuhler
Load up the bicycles; pack a picnic lunch, and make your way to Detroit for an awesome outdoor adventure along the Dequindre Cut. This unique urban pathway was once a function railway line, and today it fascinates visitors with its street art and welcoming atmosphere. When you’ve finished your bike ride, relax and enjoy your lunch alongside the beautiful Detroit River. Want to hear more about the Dequindre Cut? Read our previous article about this Michigan day trip and explore!
10. Outdoor Discovery Center
Outdoor Discovery Center, 4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423, USA
Facebook/ODC Network
This West Michigan attraction is geared toward kiddos, but that doesn’t mean it won’t entertain adults as well. From nature trails to educational programming to the chance to get up-close and personal with all sorts of creatures, the Outdoor Discovery Center has something for everyone. We promise you’ll feel more connected with wildlife after a visit to this fun-filled spot. Take a peek at the fun that awaits at this unique day trip destination in Michigan in our previous article.
11. Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum
Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum, 31005 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, USA
Flickr/ellenm1
Sometimes we all just want to be kids again, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel as soon as you meander into Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum. Hundreds of neon signs, pinball machines, and quirky toys line the walls and ceilings of this whimsical attraction, and you might find yourself delightfully overwhelmed by the colorful environment. There’s no telling what you might find at Marvin’s — so why not make a day trip of it? Learn more by checking out our previous article on Marvin’s.

What do you think, Michiganders? Are these the best Michigan day trips? What are your favorite day adventures in Michigan? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Day Trips In Michigan

Andrea Limke | June 18, 2019

What is there to do on a rainy day in Michigan?

While we all love beautiful days that can be spent outdoors, plenty of the best day trips to be taken on one tank of gas can be done on a rainy day in Michigan. Many of these places were mentioned in the article above, such as Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum in Farmington Hills, Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit, and even the indoor conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Here are some more amazing rainy-day activities in Michigan.

What do you do with kids in Michigan?

Michigan is the perfect place to get out and explore with kids. Whether you want indoor fun, like the places mentioned above which are great for little ones, or if you want to go on an outdoor adventure, Michigan is ideal for families with kids. Head to Lake St. Clair Metropark for wet and wild fun, the Detroit Zoo to hang out with the animals, or Greenfield Village to step back in time. Don't forget to check out these kid-friendly Michigan excursions.

What do you do with kids in Michigan without spending money?

There is plenty of fun to be had in Michigan without spending any money, aside from the gas it takes in your tank to get there. If you are a Michigan resident, be sure to pay the small fee to be able to visit any state park for free. While there is that fee, the amount of fun and adventure available in Michigan's state parks is worth it. For something inside, try the Detroit Historical Museum, which offers free admission. Here are more free day trips in Michigan.

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