If you’re a lifelong Michigander, you likely have fond memories of exploring the great outdoors. After all, our state is home to some of the most marvelous natural attractions in the country, from the shorelines of our Great Lakes to plenty of lush forests and everything in between. While you might have checked out a good number of Michigan’s top natural attractions, there’s always more to see, you know. Here are nine incredible natural gems that belong on your Michigan bucket list ASAP:

1. Kitch-iti-kipi (Manistique)
Amy Meredith/Flickr
If you’ve yet to see this magical spot for yourself, be sure to add it to your must-visit list. Kitch-iti-kipi is a natural spring that consists of crystal-clear turquoise waters, plenty of surrounding foliage, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s nearly impossible to replicate elsewhere. You’ll be enchanted in no time at all.

Address: Thompson, Manistique, Michigan, 49854
2. Arch Rock (Mackinac Island)
Lisa Hall-Wilson/Flickr
Looking for a family adventure to appreciate on Mackinac Island? Head to Arch Rock, which stands 146 feet above the water and fascinates visitors of all ages year after year. This incredible, glacially-created geologic formation is over 50 feet wide and simply must be seen to be believed. You’ll surely want to snap a few photos!

Address: 6131 Arch Rock Road, Mackinac Island, Michigan, 49757
3. The Porcupine Mountains (Ontonagon and Gogebic Counties)
Justin Meissen/Flickr
Even among lifelong Michiganders, the Porcupine Mountains remain relatively unknown. This stretch of mountains in the Upper Peninsula is overflowing with natural beauty and hiking trails - more than 90 miles worth, to be exact. If you’re in for a real adventure, make the trek to Lake of the Clouds, or spend a few days backpacking. You might just forget that you’re in the Midwest.
4. Silver Lake Sand Dunes (Oceana County)
Eli Duke/Flickr
If you’re ready to step onto an otherworldly wonderland, Silver Lake Sand Dunes certainly fits the bill. If you head to Silver Lake State Park, you’ll find a 2,000-acre stretch of sand that separates Lake Michigan from Silver Lake. Whether you’re strolling, enjoying a dune buggy ride, or relaxing along the shoreline, the seemingly endless dunelands will amaze you.

Address: 9679 West State Park Road, Mears, Michigan, 49436

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5. Bond Falls (Ontonagon County)
Deb Nystrom/Flickr
You might have checked out Tahquamenon Falls during past excursions, but we think Bond Falls also deserves attention from Michiganders and out-of-towners. Located in Ontonagon County, this scenic spot is both powerful and peaceful, with a rocky 50-foot drop and several viewing locations. There’s something deeply impressive about such a stunning waterfall.

Address: Bond Falls Road, Paulding, Michigan, 49912
6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising)
David Marvin/Flickr
Pictured Rocks remains a classic destination for those who want to experience Michigan’s true splendor. If you’ve yet to make the journey northward to Munising to see for yourself, perhaps 2020 is the year to make it happen. Whether you embark on a boat tour of the colorful cliffs or hike along the shore, you’re in for the natural adventure of a lifetime.

Address: 8391 Sand Point Road, Munising, Michigan, 49862
7. Isle Royale National Park (Keweenaw County)
Joe Ross/Flickr
This remote park within Lake Superior is full of rugged beauty, from enchanting waterways to rocky shorelines to swaths of forestland that are sure to delight those lucky enough to see them in person. Wildlife abounds throughout the park, including families of moose, fish, wolves, and so much more. If you’re ready for a truly remote adventure, keep an eye on ferry schedules and plan your trip to Isle Royale.
8. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (Empire)
NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory/Flickr
Few things are more humbling than standing along the shoreline of Sleeping Bear Dunes, staring out upon the brilliant blue Lake Michigan waters that seem to extend forever. No matter how many times you’ve ventured to this destination, we think it’s worth a repeat visit - and there’s always something new to uncover. Enjoy a scenic drive, or hike to an overlook for an unforgettable adventure.
9. St. Clair River (multiple cities)
Ken/Flickr
This incredible 40-mile river forms a natural border between Michigan, USA, and Ontario, Canada. In addition to its historical importance, the river is simply lovely, and offers visitors the chance to watch as freighters make their way through the blue waters. Enjoy the chilly breeze coming off the river as you camp at Algonac State Park or stroll in Port Huron. There are so many ways to love the St. Clair River.

Are there any other natural wonders here in the Great Lakes State that should have been included on our list? We’d love to hear your suggestions, so drop us a line in the comment section below or fill out our nomination form here to recommend spots for upcoming articles! 

Can’t get enough nature? Read about this forested loop trail in Michigan.

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More to Explore

Michigan Bucket List

Tori Jane | May 02, 2021

Where are some natural wonders in Michigan?

Believe it or not, there’s more to Michigan than fields, grain silos, and corn. We’ve got our own assortment of intriguing natural wonders just begging to be explored! For example, we’re home to places like Tahquamenon Falls, over which 50,000 gallons of water cascade every second, and Kitch-iti-Kipi, which is our largest natural spring (10,000 gallons bubble up from the bottoms every second or so). Sleeping Bear Dunes are so impressive that they can be seen and identified from space, and honestly, any of the beautiful beaches around Lake Michigan are perfect for a nature lover to admire. Of course, most obviously, there is also the incredible Great Lakes, where Michigan really shines. 

What are the most beautiful places in Michigan?

Well, does “all of it” count as an answer? No? Okay, fine. Luckily for us, Michigan is full of gorgeous places that’ll take your breath away. If you’ve never seen the Pictured Rocks cliffs, you’re missing out; they’re stunningly beautiful sandstone cliffs jutting up out of Lake Superior, and they’ve got to be seen to be believed. We also have some unusual places of interest, like Turnip Rock, which is a strange geologic feature known as a stack that sits right on the tip-top of the “thumb” of our mitten. Sunrise and sunset over the Great Lakes are breathtaking, too. 

What kind of Michigan adventures can I get into? 

Any and all! We’ve got everything you can think of; hiking, biking, rock climbing, camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, and more - no matter what you’d like to go out and do, you can probably find it in beautiful Michigan. Our state is also just big enough for some fun and interesting road trips if you’d ever like to kill an afternoon that way, and our long, intriguing history in the auto industry makes for some really cool tours for those who are so inclined. Want to try your hand (or gas pedal) on a road trip? Check out this list for some inspiration. 

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Explore Michigan

Featured Addresses
Thompson, MI 49854, USA
6131 Arch Rock Rd, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, USA
Porcupine Mountains, Carp Lake Township, MI 49953, USA
W State Park Rd, Golden Township, MI 49436, USA
Bond Falls, Haight Township, MI 49912, USA
8391 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862, USA
Isle Royale, Michigan, USA
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor Township, MI 49636, USA
St Clair River