It’s no secret that Michigan is full to the brim with gorgeous natural scenery. Michiganders are lucky to live among so much pristine beauty, and it seems nearly impossible to run out of places to visit. If you’re looking for a way to appreciate the most stunning sights and sounds of the Great Lakes State, you’re in luck: here’s a road trip featuring seven natural wonders in Michigan. Get ready to experience the beauty of our state up close and personal.

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1. Nichols Arboretum (Ann Arbor)
Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
scook48227/Flickr
After an exploration of Ann Arbor, take a stroll through "The Arb" for a close-up look at the stunning Huron River. These trails are marvelous all year long, whether they’re dotted with wildflowers or covered in crisp fall leaves.

Enjoy this visual journey through all four seasons at Nichols Arboretum in this wonderful video from the University of Michigan College of Engineering:
2. Turnip Rock (Port Austin)
Turnip Rock, 329R+89, Port Austin, MI 48467, USA
Derek A. Young/Flickr
Next up is Port Austin, where you’ll be charmed by the small lakeside community. Venture out to Turnip Rock on your kayak and marvel at its unique shape and position right in the middle of the water.
3. Tahquamenon Falls (Paradise)
Tahquamenon Falls, McMillan Township, MI 49768, USA
Phil Reed/Flickr
Your visit to Tahquamenon Falls will stick with you forever - it’s impossible to forget the sight of such a mighty and beautiful waterfall surrounded by unique Michigan forestry.

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4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising)
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, USA
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
Pictured Rocks is a nature-lovers paradise. Stop here for a boat tour along the waterfront cliffs or take a scenic hike along the breathtaking shoreline. A Pictured Rocks kayak tour is an amazing way to explore this beautiful area.

Learn more about Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and enjoy stunning footage of this delightfully scenic area in Michigan:
5. Kitch-iti-Kipi (Manistique)
Kitch-iti-kipi, Sawmill Rd, Manistique, MI 49854, USA
Arvind Govindaraj/Flickr
This natural spring looks like something out of a fairy tale. The crystal-clear turquoise water is an absolute must-see on your tour of Michigan’s most stunning natural attractions. An interesting thing about the lake is that it doesn't freeze in the winter because the natural spring-fed waters keep the lake at even 45 degrees.
6. Sleeping Bear Dunes (Empire)
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor Township, MI 49636, USA
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
Whether you’re taking a scenic drive or making the trek to one of the lakeshore’s stunning lookouts, you’ll be amazed by Sleeping Bear Dunes. Lake Michigan sprawls out before the sandy shore in a gorgeous blue hue.
7. Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer)
Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
Make your way to the shores of Lake Michigan with a stop at Warren Dunes State Park, where you’ll be blown away by the rolling hills of sand that surround you. No matter what the season, this beach is absolutely one-of-a-kind.

Take a fly-over Warren Dunes State Park in this stunning video from Chris Biela:

Whether it’s glorious MI waterfalls, flowers bursting with colors at the arboretum, or stunning views along the Lake Michigan shoreline, there is so much to do and see in Michigan if you enjoy the outdoors. We know there are many other natural wonders in Michigan waiting to be explored here in this great state. What’s your favorite outdoor paradise? Let us know in the comment section.

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More to Explore

More scenic views and things to do in Michigan

Chris Muras | February 05, 2023

What are some natural wonders in MI?

Michiganders know all about the natural beauty to be found in this great state, but if you haven't spent much time exploring all the state has to offer you might be asking yourself, are there natural wonders in MI? And oh boy, do we have some fantastic places to explore. Here are a few of the natural wonders in MI:

  • Porcupine Mountains: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of Michigan's finest natural wonders with 60,000 acres of forestland, lakes, and spraying hills. Within the "Porkies," you'll also find Lake of the Clouds, a serine body of water that is one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan.
  • Silver Lake Sand Dunes: On the other side of the beauty spectrum from lakes and forests is this stunning desert. Right off of Silver Lake these expansive sand dunes are like another world. They offer not only incredible scenic vies but hours of fun with a dune buggy.
  • Kitch-iti-kipi: In Manistique, MI you'll find this beautiful natural spring-fed lake in Palms Book State Park that is just as fun to admire as it is to say ten times real fast. Because it is spring fed it remains a cool 45 degrees no matter what temperature it drops down to in Michigan. It is truly an amazing sight to see in the winter when everything around it is frozen and covered in snow.
  • Arch Rock: Mackinac Island is a natural wonder in and of itself. On this fascinating island at the border of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, you can find this natural bridge sitting an impressive 100 feet above the water. It is an iconic natural wonder in Michigan.

 

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