If you’re an adventurer at heart and you’re wondering what adventurous things you can do in Michigan, you’re in for a treat. With two peninsulas surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes,
Often referred to as the “Great Lake State,” there is a plethora of exciting outdoor adventurous things to do in Michigan that will satisfy your craving for thrill and natural beauty. The place offers endless scenic vistas, beaches, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, forests, and sand dunes perfect for adventurous activities.
So let’s take you on a journey through the most adventurous activities and destinations in the state. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, there’s something exciting waiting for you in Michigan.
Key Takeaways:
- Michigan offers diverse outdoor adventures, from scenic drives to thrilling activities.
- Silver Lake’s sand dunes provide exciting off-roading and dune rides.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising offers white-knuckle rafting and stunning sights.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes boasts hiking, dune climbing, and sandboarding for adventurers.
- Traverse City serves as a gateway to outdoor activities
- Kayaking at Pictured Rocks and exploring islands provide unique Michigan adventures.
Scenic Drives in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula
Northern Michigan’s winding roads offer breathtaking lake views. Plan a road trip along M-119, a scenic highway hugging Lake Michigan between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. Stop at roadside parks and charming harbor towns like Petoskey.
In the Upper Peninsula, take in Lake Superior sights along H-58. Make stops at beach access points, waterfalls like Spray Falls, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. A shipwreck cruise or kayak tour from Munising allows up-close views of the colorful Pictured Rocks cliffs.
Conquer the Sand Dunes at Silver Lake
You may ask, Is there anything interesting in Michigan? Absolutely! Michigan is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
When it comes to adventurous things to do in Michigan, conquering the dunes at Silver Lake is a must-try experience. Silver Lake Sand Dunes, located along the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, offers miles of sand dunes to explore.
One of the best ways to tackle these massive dunes is by renting an off-road vehicle (ORV) or taking a thrilling dune ride. Companies like Mac Wood’s Dune Rides provide guided tours that will take you up and down the towering dunes, giving you breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
White-Knuckle Rafting in Munising
For water enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline rush, Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the place to be. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers not only stunning views but also the opportunity for white-knuckle rafting adventures.
Paddle through crystal-clear waters and navigate thrilling rapids while taking in the picturesque rock formations and waterfalls along the way. Guided tours are available for both beginners and experienced rafters, ensuring a safe and exciting experience.
Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, located in the northwestern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. This area is renowned for its towering sand dunes that rise above Lake Michigan.
You can hike along the dunes and enjoy the scenic beauty, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, try dune climbing or sandboarding for an extra thrill. The park also offers opportunities for kayaking, biking, and exploring the picturesque lighthouses along the lakeshore.
Traverse City: The Gateway to Adventure
Traverse City, often dubbed the “Cherry Capital of the World,” is not only known for its delicious fruit but also for being a gateway to adventure in Michigan. This charming city sits on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Paddling Lake Huron’s South Manitou Island
This scenic island in northern Lake Huron offers pristine beaches, lush forests and the historic South Manitou Island Lighthouse. Visitors can take a ferry from Leland and stay overnight at the island’s campground.
Rent a kayak and paddle around the island for stunning views of Lake Huron and its shoreline. Hike through cedar forests to the island’s interior dunes. The Manitou Island Transit ferry provides day trips to the island as well.
Hiking Isle Royale National Park
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park is a remote island paradise. The least-visited national park offers excellent backpacking and hiking on over 165 miles of trails past moose sightings, waterfalls, and scenic ridges.
Take the ferry from Houghton or Copper Harbor for a day trip or an extended wilderness adventure on Isle Royale. Rock Harbor and Windigo are rustic lodging outposts to overnight or camp.
Marvel at the Pictured Rocks
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a scenic wonderland along Lake Superior’s southern shore. This natural gem is known for its colorful sandstone cliffs that tower over the turquoise waters.
Take a guided boat tour or kayak along the lakeshore to get up close to the stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and sea caves. The vivid colors of the rocks make for a photographer’s dream, and the adventure is equally enthralling for nature lovers.
Roam the Lower Peninsula
Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, kayaking, or simply enjoying the natural beauty, you’ll find something to suit your adventurous spirit.
From the Rosy Mound Natural Area along the Lake Michigan shoreline to the Eben Ice Caves in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for exciting outdoor activities.
Ferry Adventures in the Great Lakes
Exploring Michigan’s Great Lakes by ferry is an exciting way to see the state from a different perspective. Michigan is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, and taking a ferry ride is a unique and thrilling way to explore these massive bodies of water.
Whether you want to visit islands like North Manitou Island or take a quick trip to Mackinac Island, ferry adventures offer breathtaking views and a sense of adventure as you traverse the open waters.
Kayaking Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks
Paddling along the colorful sandstone cliffs and sea caves of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore makes for an unforgettable Michigan adventure. Launch from boat ramps in Munising to kayak near Miners Castle and Chapel Rock.
Take a guided kayak tour from an outfitter to admire the unique geology of the cliffs while spotting peregrine falcons overhead. Keep an eye out for shipwrecks visible from the water as well. Late summer is an ideal time to kayak Pictured Rocks.
Muskegon: More Than Just a Beach
Muskegon, located on Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, is often known for its beautiful beaches. However, this city has much more to offer adventurers.
From the Muskegon River campground to the inland lakes, there are numerous opportunities for camping, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. Muskegon State Park is a great spot for swimming, hiking, and picnicking, making it a perfect destination for a family adventure.
Off-Roading at Silver Lake
Ride the dunes in an ORV like a dune buggy or 4×4 at Silver Lake State Park along Lake Michigan. Rent an off-road vehicle or bring your own for 45 miles of riding on hills of sand.
Take in views of Silver Lake and Lake Michigan as you traverse the enormous sand mountains. Enjoy bonfires and camping after a day outdoors. Nearby Mears State Park offers additional dune riding and areas for all skill levels.
Lighthouse Cruises
With more lighthouses than any other state, Michigan provides many opportunities to appreciate these beautiful beacons along its vast shoreline. Take a lighthouse cruise to learn about Michigan’s maritime past while capturing photos of historic lighthouses.
Some top picks are cruises to Saginaw’s Harbor Range Lights, the Fort Gratiot Light near Port Huron, Grand Haven’s pierhead light, and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Extended cruises around Beaver Island showcase its remote lighthouses. Charlevoix and Mackinaw City also offer lighthouse tours.
Exploring the Eben Ice Caves
Found along the shoreline of Lake Superior, the Eben Ice Caves in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula form when melting snow runs off the edge of small cliffs and freezes into dazzling ice formations.
The ice caves are located within Rock River Canyon Wilderness east of Eben Junction. A moderately difficult 2.6 mile loop hike takes visitors through the scenic canyon to the caves. The caves are only viewable in winter and early spring – contact the Hiawatha National Forest for conditions.
Swimming at Michigan Island Beaches
Scattered around Michigan’s inland lakes and Great Lakes shores are gorgeous undeveloped islands with stunning stretches of sandy beach. Pack a picnic lunch and catch a ferry or boat over to any of these island gems for a peaceful day of swimming, sunbathing and exploring nature.
Top picks include Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, Bois Blanc Island in Lake Huron near Mackinac Island, and Sugar Island in the St. Mary’s River. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness also has an expansive remote beach on Lake Michigan.
Final Thoughts on Adventuring in Michigan
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of hiking or a week-long kayaking excursion, Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas offer an abundance of outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore.
With two Great Lakes to play in and miles of trails and scenic parks, there’s endless adventures for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. From off-roading massive sand dunes to boating to remote islands, you truly can’t go wrong when planning your next Michigan adventure.
FAQs
How many outdoor adventures are in Michigan?
Michigan boasts an impressive array of outdoor adventures that cater to all interests and adrenaline levels.
What adventures I can do?
Michigan offers a wide range of adventures, including exploring sand dunes, kayaking, and more.
Is Michigan good in summer?
Yes, Michigan is fantastic in the summer, with its warm weather and a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy.
What are some of the best scenic drives in Michigan?
Some top scenic drives in Michigan include M-22 circling Leelanau County and the Leelanau Peninsula, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive with views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Brockway Mountain Drive for panoramas overlooking Lake Superior near Copper Harbor. The Upper Peninsula’s H-13 along Lake Superior is another beautiful stretch of highway with access to beaches and recreation areas.
How can I explore the giant sand dunes at Sleeping Bear?
An exciting way to explore the towering sand dunes at Sleeping Bear is to go dune riding in an ORV. Companies like Mac Wood’s Dune Rides in Mears provide guided tours where you’ll bounce along the enormous dunes. Or get your adrenaline pumping by sandboarding down the steep dunes. The Dune Climb area has a designated ORV play area on its eastern side.
What are the highlights of Isle Royale National Park?
Some highlights of Isle Royale National Park include hiking along the Minong Ridge Trail for panoramic views, seeing moose at Washington Creek, passing the historic Passage Island Lighthouse, exploring shipwrecks like the Edgar B. Speer along the shoreline, and viewing waterfalls like Bridalveil Falls. Look for wild blueberries in August. The Rock Harbor Trail and the Greenstone Ridge Trail are two notable long-distance hiking options.
Where are some good spots for kayaking in Michigan?
Great kayaking spots in Michigan include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the Upper Peninsula, the South Manitou Island area, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Arcadia Lake and along the Chain of Lakes near Traverse City, Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, and Portage Lake near Ann Arbor. The rivers in central Michigan provide whitewater kayaking as well.
Where can I see shipwrecks around Michigan from a kayak?
Some top spots to potentially view shipwrecks from a kayak in Michigan include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary near Alpena, the Straits of Mackinac, and along the shores of Lake Superior. Guided shipwreck kayak tours are offered in the Les Cheneaux Islands area near Cedarville and from Munising for Pictured Rocks. Always exercise caution while kayaking around underwater shipwrecks.
What are some must-see lighthouses in Michigan?
Iconic Michigan lighthouses worth seeing include the Phan Rang lighthouse at Fort Gratiot, Big Sable Point light in Ludington, the Grand Haven pierhead lights, the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse on Lake Superior, and the DeTour Reef Light in the remote northern tip of Lake Huron. Point Betsie and Mission Point are two beautiful lighthouses in the Leelanau Peninsula. Tawas Point and Forty Mile Point lights also shouldn’t be missed.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon of hiking or a week-long kayaking excursion, Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas offer an abundance of outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore. With two Great Lakes to play in and miles of trails and scenic parks, there’s endless adventures for thrill-seekers and nature lovers. From off-roading massive sand dunes to boating to remote islands, you truly can’t go wrong when planning your next Michigan adventure.
