How Many of Michigan’s Top 20 Attractions Have You Visited?
I recently saw a meme on Facebook that listed many tourist attractions in the United States. The object was to see how many you had visited...
The most shocking statistic was that the average American had only visited five places on the list.
I thought it would be fun to see just how many Michigan tourist spots someone from our state has visited. I found the website Attractions of America. They put together a list of the Michigan Top 20 Attractions. Check out the list places on their list below and count to see how many you have visited, then fill out the poll at the end.
How Many of The Top 20 Michigan Attractions Have You Visited?
Mackinac Island
Recently named as the "Best Island in the Continental U.S." by Travel + Leisure, this is a popular vacation spot for many people -- whether a Michigan resident or from out of state. Explore the island by bike or horse and carriage. No motorized vehicles allowed! Make sure you get some fudge in one of the many shops along the main street. If you really want to splurge, spend the night on the island at the Grand Hotel. Additional information can be found on the Mackinac Island website or the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Facebook page.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
You have to travel north to the shores of Lake Superior to enjoy the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. From hiking, to camping, to kayaking, to boat tours -- there is plenty to do and see while enjoying the wonders of Mother Nature. The National Park Service website describes it this way: "Sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore." Visit the Picture Rocks National Lakeshore website or the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Facebook page for more information.
Henry Ford Museum/Greenfield Village
Take a trip back in time. You'll find everything from cars to trains to airplanes and more at the museum. They even have a collection of Presidential limousines. Located right next door is Greenfield Village. See some of the most historic buildings in American history. More information can be found on the Henry Ford Museum website or on The Henry Ford Facebook page.
Michigan State Capitol
The Michigan State Capitol opened in 1879 and was one of the first state capitol buildings to feature a cast-iron dome. The Capitol is a National Historic Landmark and over 100,000 tourists visit each year. There is also nine-acres of hand painted art at the Capitol. Find out more on the Michigan State Capitol website or the Michigan State Capitol Facebook page.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan campus features a Natural History Museum, the Power Center for the Performing Arts, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, the Museum of Art, and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. For information on touring the campus visit the University of Michigan website or the University of Michigan Facebook page.
Isle Royale National Park
Here is your chance to explore an isolated island far from other communities. Isle Royale offers adventures for backpackers, hikers, boaters, paddlers, and divers. While visiting the island you might encounter wolves and moose among the wildlife. More information is available on the Isle Royale National Park website or on the Isle Royle National Park Facebook page.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Enjoy over 70,000 acres of forests, bluffs that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, inland lakes, and sandy beaches. A visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes has to include a climb on the sand dunes and a swim in Lake Michigan. More information on visiting the area is available on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore website or on the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Facebook page.
Colonial Michilimackinac
The 18th century fort has been turned into an interactive museum. Walk through the fort and step back in time to 1779, during the American Revolution. Demonstrations and tours by costumed interpreters take place throughout the day during your visit. Additional information can be found on the Colonial Michilimackinac website and also on the Colonial Michilimackinac State Park Facebook page.
Detroit Institute of Arts
At the Detroit Institute of Art you will find one of the country's largest, most significant art collections. The museum has over 65,000 unique and creative works for you to enjoy. You will find works from some of the greatest artists from around the world. Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts website or the Detroit Institute of the Arts Facebook page.
Windmill Island Gardens
From blooming tulips in the spring (thousands of annuals and perennials in bloom through spring, summer and fall) to the only authentic working Dutch windmill in the United States, Windmill Island sits on 36 acres on the banks of Lake Macatawa. Learn about the Dutch culture. Get additional information about visiting the Windmill Island Gardens visit their website or the Windmill Island Gardens Facebook page.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, is one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences. It was recently listed in the top 100 most visited museums in the world and the 30 most visited museums in the United States. When you visit you will see more than 200 works of art, including the 24 foot da Vinci's Horse sculpture, The American Horse. Learn more about the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park on their website and also on the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Facebook page.
Detroit Zoo
The Detroit Zoo features more than 200 species of animals and is home to more than two thousand animals. Visitors will see free-roaming kangaroos in the Australian Outback, and polar bears swimming around in the Arctic Ring of Life -- one of the largest polar bear habitats in the United States. For more information visit the Detroit Zoo website or the Detroit Zoo Facebook page.
Michigan History Center
If you want to learn more about the history of the state of Michigan, a stop at the Michigan History Center is a must. The facility is home to two separate attractions -- the Michigan History Museum and the Archives of Michigan. The museum features many artifacts and relics that help tell the story of how Michigan became what it is today. Read more on the Michigan History Center website or on the Michigan History Center Facebook page.
Mackinac Bridge
At five miles in length, the Mighty Mackinac Bridge remains one of the longest bridges of its kind. Stretching over the Straits of Mackinac to connect the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, the bridge opened for car traffic in 1957. Bonus points if you have made the journey across the Mackinac Bridge on foot on Labor Day. It is the only day of the year that pedestrians are allowed on the bridge. Learn more about the history of the "Mighty Mac" on the Mackinac Bridge website or on the Mackinac Bridge Authority Facebook page.
Soo Locks Boat Tour
Here is an opportunity to travel through the world's largest waterway traffic system. Freight ships passing from the U.S. to Canada via Lake Superior. You can choose from the popular 90 minute Soo Locks sightseeing tour, lighthouse cruise and more. Experience “locking through” the Soo Locks & view the new super lock. For more information on the Soo Locks Tours, visit their website or the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours Facebook page.
Belle Isle
Belle Isle is the city-owned island park in the center of the Detroit River. The island developed into a favorite attraction for tourists in the late-19th century. In 2014 it became a state park. Belle Isle is so recognized on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. On the island you will find the Belle Isle Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, a museum, and nature center. Additional details about Belle Isle are available on their website or on the Belle Isle Park - Michigan Facebook page.
Motown Historical Museum
The Motown Historical Museum, or "Hitsville", is a photo studio that was turned into av recording studio. Many hit songs were recorded there. Get a glimpse inside the origins of the Motown record label. The museum has memorabilia collected from top Motown artists like the legendary Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson. Details on visiting the Motown Historical Museum can be found on their website or on the Motown Museum Facebook page.
Michigan's Adventure
Michigan's Adventure is the largest amusement park in the state of Michigan, with more than 52 rides. The park has seven roller coasters, including the Shivering Timbers wooden coaster and the suspended looping coaster, Thunderhawk. The park also includes an outdoor water park, WildWater Adventure. Bonus points if you visited this place when it was called Deer Park Funland and featured live deer in the park that you could feed. Find out more on the Michigan's Adventure website or on the Michigan's Adventure Facebook page.
Great Lake Shipwreck Museum
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum features objects collected from some of the notable shipwrecks that occurred in the Great Lakes. The most notable shipwreck as that of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The ship's bell is preserved and on display at the museum. You can read more on the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum website or on the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum Facebook page.
Kitch-iti-Kipi
Kitch-iti-Kipi, also known as "The Big Spring", is the largest natural freshwater spring in the state of Michigan. The lake measures 300 feet by 175 feet and is 40 feet deep. The visibility to the bottom of the water is incredible. You can watch the fish and bubbling springs below the surface while riding on a manually operated raft. This place is one of my favorites! Read more about Kitch-iti-Kipi on their website or on the Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring) Facebook page.
How did you do?
Happy Travels!