5 Easy Day Trips You Can Take From Detroit, My Favorite Included

Michigan might as well be called the State of Day Trips. From chasing waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula that look like Bob Ross paintings come to life to exploring one of the best bookstores in the country, there’s an almost suspicious amount of magic packed into this mitten-shaped wonderland. And if you’re lucky enough to live in Metro Detroit (or smart enough to visit), you’ve got front-row seats to some of the best mini-adventures in the Midwest.

As someone who considers “impulse travel with snacks” a love language, I’ve scouted out five day trips from Detroit that are guaranteed to add more joy (and carbs) to your week. And yes, my favorite is last. Good things come to those who scroll.

1. Lake Orion: Bagels Worth Waking Up For

First, let’s talk breakfast. And not just any breakfast... bagels. Proper bagels. Boiled, baked, chewy-inside, crackly-outside bagels that could go toe-to-toe with anything in New York. Head to Lake Orion, a small town about 45 minutes from Detroit, where you can experience an incredible summer festival called Dragon on the Lake. This unique festival offers an exciting mix of vibrant races, cultural performances, and a chance to cheer on teams paddling their way to victory... definitely a must-see for any adventure seeker!

Oh yeah, it's also home to Mannie's Bagel and Delicatessen, which has achieved near-cult status. Go early because they will sell out. Pro tip: Get the jalapeño cheddar bagel with scallion cream cheese. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you wonder why you’ve wasted your mornings on cereal.

2. Dearborn: Culture, Kebabs, and a Crash Course in Real American History

Dearborn is less than 20 minutes from Detroit proper, and if you haven’t been, let me tell you this: Your taste buds and your brain will thank you. Spend your morning exploring the Arab American National Museum... an absolute gem that tells a vital, moving, and beautifully curated story. Then, eat your feelings (and your new knowledge) at one of the city’s legendary Middle Eastern restaurants. Al Ameer is a classic, but honestly? You can’t go wrong with any of them. Order the chicken shawarma plate and prepare to question everything you thought you knew about garlic sauce.

3. Rochester Hills: A Mini-Golf Course Turned Outdoor Art Museum

What if Banksy built a putt-putt course? That’s kind of what it feels like at the Cranbrook Art Museum in Rochester Hills. This is not your standard windmill-and-clown-nose mini-golf. It’s a full-blown, creativity-soaked, interactive art experience...with golf clubs. Every hole is a new visual surprise, some part sculpture garden, some part fever dream. There’s even a complete recreation of the museum's iconic peristyle, as well as sculptural installations scattered around the course like artistic Easter eggs. Come for the game, stay for the Instagram content.

4. Holland: Where You Can Pretend You’re in the Netherlands Without Leaving the State

Hop in the car and head west. About 2.5 hours later, you'll swear you’ve taken a wrong turn into Europe. Welcome to Holland, Michigan, where the tulips are as bright as your vacation brain, and the windmills are charming in that “this is definitely going on a puzzle” kind of way. Wander the cobblestone streets, sip coffee from an actual Dutch bakery, and stroll through the manicured gardens of Windmill Island. Spring is obviously peak tulip season, but honestly, the town is lovely year-round, especially if your idea of a good time includes pastry, flowers, and pretending you’re on a European getaway without pulling out your passport.

5. Port Huron: Rock Hunting and Mushroom Soup in One Perfect Day

Port Huron, just a couple of hours from Detroit, is a rock hunter’s dream. The beaches at Lighthouse Park and Lakeport State Park are filled with colorful, smooth stones... perfect for a peaceful, meditative hunt. Every step along the shoreline brings new treasures, from fossils to unique shapes that might just become your next favorite worry stone. After a few hours of rock searching, treat yourself to a bowl of the best mushroom soup at Palms Krystal Bar. The vintage vibes and cozy atmosphere make it the perfect way to wrap up your day of treasure hunting. Bring a sturdy bag because once you start collecting rocks, you won’t want to stop!

So here’s my pitch: make Michigan your next day trip destination. Fly into Detroit (keep an eye on deals at DollarFlightClub.com if you like pretending you’re a travel hacker), rent a car, and let the road take the lead. From bagels to boulders, this state brings it every time. Michigan never disappoints... or at least, it hasn’t let me down yet.