Trips & Routes

Trips & Routes

Locals Love This Crystal-Clear Swimming Hole in Michigan (That Doesn’t Feel Like the U.S.)

Uncover a hidden swimming hole in Michigan with crystal-clear water, tropical vibes, and a local reputation as one of the state's best summer escapes.

by Trent Jonas
on Jun 30
Boats anchored on a shallow turquoise sandbar meeting deep blue water at Torch Lake, Michigan.
Trips & Routes

Endless Outdoor Adventures Await in These 5 Small Towns in Michigan

by Cait Kontalis
on Jun 15
A sunset on St. Joseph in Michigan
Trips & Routes

You Can Explore This Coastal Michigan City Entirely on Foot—and It’s Stunning

by Trent Jonas
on May 20
Hilly street view of downtown Marquette, Michigan, with flowering lamp posts and green trees on a summer day.
Trips & Routes

One of Michigan’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

by Jacki Mick
on May 19
High-angle overlook of lush green forests and rolling hills under big clouds in Cedar, MI.
Trips & Routes

Between Marquette and Ishpeming Is a Hidden Roadside Attraction in Michigan

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 28
Detailed view of swirled red jasper and silver hematite layers at Jasper Knob in Ishpeming, Michigan.

Latest Trips & Routes

Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Michigan

Discover a little-known waterfront town in Michigan with a charming main street, scenic views, and hidden gems worth exploring.

by Trent Jonas
on Apr 7
The Sand Point Lighthouse in Escanaba, Michigan, at sunset with a vibrant sunburst and purple clouds.
Trips & Routes

This Unexpected Place in Michigan Is One of the Best Road Trip Stops You’ve Never Considered

Road tripping through Mackinaw City? This odd little museum is one of Michigan’s most unexpected stops.

by Jacki Mick
on Mar 24
Miniature taxidermy mouse holding an "End is Near" sign next to a mouse pushing a tiny stroller.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Michigan

A small historic town in Michigan holds a curious claim to fame. Visitors arrive wondering if the magic is real.

by Jacki Mick
on Mar 20
A magician in a tuxedo performs on a dark stage, holding a colorful umbrella with long, flowing ribbons attached.
Trips & Routes

Walloon Lake Is a Literary Pilgrimage for Fans of Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway spent formative summers at Walloon Lake in Michigan. The landscape later echoed through his short stories and novels.

by Jacki Mick
on Mar 8
Hazy, elevated view of Walloon Lake framed by orange and yellow fall trees.
Trips & Routes

Locals Love This Under-the-Radar Michigan Town (Here’s Why)

Go to this hidden gem town in Michigan for the shoreline, but stay for the history.

by Stephanie Frias
on Mar 7
The Quincy Mines near Houghton, hidden town in Michigan
Trips & Routes

The 3 Most Colorful Places You Can Find in Michigan

Explore Michigan’s brightest hidden gems, where forests, gardens, and streets burst with color at every turn. Perfect for photographers and wanderers alike!

by Jacki Mick
on Feb 18
Bare winter tree branches reach toward a vibrant blue sky color in Michigan’s natural landscape.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

3 Small Towns in Michigan So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

Between sandy shores, winter activities, and delicious wineries, these three dreamy small towns in Michigan are worth adding to your bucket list.

by Cait Kontalis
on Jan 19
A large yellow shoe sculpture in front of a windmill.
Trips & Routes

I’m Not Keeping This Local Gem Pasty Shop in Michigan a Secret Anymore

This local gem restaurant in Michigan is a family-owned pasty shop that makes the best Cornish pasties in the state.

by Stephanie Frias
on Jan 11
Traditional Cornish pasty filled with beef, potato and vegetables on black plate.
Trips & Routes

4 Spots in Michigan We’re Especially Thankful for This Year

From art museums to beach towns, these are the four best places to visit in Michigan.

by Cait Kontalis
on Nov 23
A large black cube art installation casting designs on the walls.
Trips & Routes

3 Places in Michigan Locals Hope Tourists Never Discover

This is a trio of as-yet undiscovered gems in Michigan. They're places locals love but throngs of tourists haven't overwhelmed.

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 19
A white lighthouse stands above a rocky shore surrounded by evergreen trees and the blue water of Lake Superior at Isle Royale National Park.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Discover the Michigan Small Town That Looks Like a Hallmark Movie Setting

Charming Rochester, Michigan, would make a perfect Hallmark movie setting. With its charming downtown, beautiful outdoor spaces, and unflappable holiday spirit, Rochester exudes main charcter energy.

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 18
Colorful holiday lights cover the facades of businesses on a dowtwon street at night.
Experiences
Museums
Trips & Routes

This Hidden Outdoor Art Project in Michigan Is a True Local Secret

Some see junk. Others see genius in this Michigan art project. Explore the Detroit street where art refuses to stay inside gallery walls.

by Jacki Mick
on Nov 11
Side of a white, two-story wooden house completely covered in large, multicolored circles and polka dots.

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

It’s Christmas All Year Round in This Festive Michigan Town

Frankenmuth, Michigan offers a festive, year-round Christmas experience with authentic Bavarian heritage and the world's largest Christmas store.

by Jessica Mlinaric
on Nov 1
A horse drawn carriage drives on a street at night with Christmas lights next to a car.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Escape to These 5 Charming Mountain Towns in Michigan Before Fall Ends

Charming mountain towns in Michigan await with vibrant leaves and small-town magic. Don’t miss your last chance for fall vibes.

by Jacki Mick
on Sep 26
A wooden signpost peeks through vibrant oak leaves toward a colorful mountain view.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Small Town in Michigan That Feels Straight Out of ‘Freaks and Geeks’

This Michigan small town is straight out of Freaks and Geeks. It's a Midwest spot where teen drama, diner nights, and vintage vibes still feel alive.

by Jacki Mick
on Apr 7
A low-angle view of two train tracks under a dramatic, dark sky with sun rays breaking through golden-hued clouds.
Trips & Routes

Short But Sweet: How To Spend Only a Few Hours in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Enjoy craft beer, museums, and shopping in just a few hours of exploring Grand Rapids, Michigan.

by Cait Kontalis
on Sep 9
A blue bridge is going over a river with a tall building behind it.
Trips & Routes
Cities

Fall in Love With This Michigan College Town on a Weekend Getaway

Home to game day traditions, cider mills, and art fairs, this Michigan college town comes alive in fall. It’s the season’s must-visit spot.

by Jacki Mick
on Sep 2
A large crowd of football fans at Michigan Stadium, mostly wearing yellow, cheering with their hands in the air.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Tiny Town in Michigan Feels Like a Living Time Capsule

Indulge in lakeside ice cream, take walks on the beach, and enjoy delicious local food in New Buffalo, Michigan.

by Cait Kontalis
on Apr 7
A grainy sunset over Lake Michigan in New Buffalo, Michigan, with a dark tree silhouette framing pink and blue skies.
Trips & Routes
Travel Preparation & Advice

Can’t Make It to La Pelosa Beach? Try This Michigan Alternative

Ride a carousel, rent a kayak, and enjoy fresh pizza at Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan.

by Cait Kontalis
on Jul 21
View of a busy beach with a lifeguard stand in the background.
Trips & Routes
Unique Trips

Michigan Is Home to the World’s Largest Wooden Dome and You Can See It From a Hiking Trail

The world's largest wooden dome is worth a detour on your next trip to the Upper Peninsula. This gigantic geodesic marvel is a sight to behold.

by Melanie Johnson
on Jul 3
Large cream-colored dome, a popular roadside attraction in Marquette, Michigan, surrounded by trees, with a blue sign for Northern Michigan University