has perfect weekend getaway spots for anyone. There are tons of things to do and see in The Great Lakes State that make it one of the most beloved destinations in the Midwest.

When it comes to vacations, many people want them planned out to the last detail and well in advance, but sometimes you need a quick weekend of rejuvenation—and soon. Luckily, weekend getaways are the perfect way to relax and recharge, and they don’t require months of planning.

Whether you’re cruising the Motor City or the scenic highways up north,

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The best weekend getaways for couples in Michigan

Mackinac Island

Stay at:

Grand Hotel

(rooms from $395/night)

Or:

Mission Point Resort

(rooms from $166/night)

Since Michigan is a peninsula, you’re a few hours’ drive from interesting island destinations no matter where you start. The best developed is Mackinac Island, which is eight miles around and completely car-free.

If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of working life, stepping foot onto Mackinac will transport you back to a time when everything was slower and easygoing.

Start by taking a walking tour,

tandem bike

, horseback ride, or romantic

horse-drawn carriage

. The island’s two-lane highway borders the turquoise waters of Lake Huron all around.

Then, celebrate your love for your sweetheart with some delectably sweet fudge from

Murdick’s

, which has been perfecting the candy-making arts since the 19th century.

Even if you aren’t staying at the

Grand Hotel

(it is pricey!), it’s well worth the $10 to stroll the

world’s longest porch

and take a romantic selfie. Or have dinner in the

main dining room

with a live jazz band performing all summer long (dress attire required).

Pro Tip
Arch Rock
, one of Mackinac’s most well-known rock formations, is surrounded by legends: some say it formed from a maiden’s tears for her lost lover, while Native American groups saw it as a gate to the afterlife.

Traverse City

Stay at:

Chateau Chantal

(rooms from $255/night)

Or:

Bayshore Resort

(rooms from $76/night)

Traverse City

is well-known in The Mitten for its wineries and vineyards, breweries, distilleries, and bustling urban areas. Wine and dine with your sweetheart while experiencing some of the most beautiful views in the state.

Enjoy some delicious Italian cuisine from the Traverse City staple

Trattoria Stella

, or choose the light bites and charcuterie from one of the 40 wineries around town like the

Chateau Grand Traverse

2 Lads Winery

When you’re full and rosy in the cheeks, take a leisurely stroll through the splendor of late spring’s Cherry Blossoms. There are

Cherry Blossom tours

you can take, or you can wander through the miles of heavenly blooms that stretch through Traverse City.

If you’ve had enough of the spectacular natural views (at least for now because, really, we could look at them all day), head

downtown for a shopping spree

and stay for the

cool bars and nightclubs

MORE:

DUI laws Michigan

The best weekend getaways for families in Michigan

Ann Arbor

Stay at:

Kensington Hotel

(rooms from $149/night)

Or:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

(rooms from $275/night)

The hip, lively, and delightfully walkable city of

Ann Arbor

offers tons to do for families. Start by taking your little ones to the

Hands-On-Museum

to interact with state-of-the-art science and nature exhibits.

Museums aren’t the only places that will light your child up with wonder, though. Catch a film on the big screen at the historic

State Theater

, or treat the sports fans in the family to an unforgettable football game at the

University of Michigan Big House

When you’ve worked up an appetite, stop in at

Zingerman’s Delicatessen

, whose giant sandwiches are sure to delight tummies of any size.

Visiting in the summer? Get your feet (or more) wet by kayaking or

tubing down the Huron River

and sun off by strolling through the Matthei Botanical Gardens (including a special

children’s garden

!).

Silver Lake

Stay at:

Dunes Express Inn & Suites

(rooms from $148/night)

Or:

Whitehall Cottages Boutique Motel

(rooms from $79/night)

If your family prefers outdoor adventures to a night on the town, try heading “up north” to Silver Lake.

The Silver Lake State Park

spans over 3,000 acres along the shores of Lake Michigan.

Pack for a beach day, go hiking through forest trails, or scale the Silver Lake dunes. You also can climb up the

Little Sable Lighthouse

to take in the breathtaking views of this natural paradise.

For those looking for an adrenaline rush, visit

Craig’s Cruisers

to battle with bumper boats, race go-karts, see who has the best putt in mini-golf, and soar through the air on their zip lines.

Pro Tip If you’re taking on the dunes, sign up for an off-roading excursion with
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
! This 7-mile tour will take you up and down the sandy hills and offer information on the history and ecology of the area.

MORE:

How to get a toddler or baby to stay in a car seat

The best weekend getaways for music lovers in Michigan

Detroit

Stay at:

Shinola Hotel

(rooms from $285/night)

Or:

Rivertown Inn & Suites Downtown Detroit

(rooms from $80/night)

You can’t talk about music in Michigan and leave out the Motor City itself. As the birthplace of the Motown genre, Detroit’s music scene and history are unparalleled.

Visit the

Motown Museum

to celebrate some of the most legendary musicians like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross & the Supremes, and Lionel Richie.

Of course, you’ll get a chance to listen to great live music. Detroit plays host to major music festivals every year, like

Mopop

and

Movement

. For a relaxing low-lit evening, make a reservation at one of the city’s

jazz clubs

If you can’t make it in prime festival season, one of Detroit’s crown jewels, the

Fox Theatre

, hosts everything from theatrical productions to A-list rock bands all year long.

Are you a lover of all elements of art and culture? You won’t want to miss the

Detroit Institute of Arts

, whose exhibits range from Medieval church art to an entire

Diego Rivera-painted courtyard

Kalamazoo

Stay at:

Kalamazoo House

B&B (rooms from $151/night)

Or:

Baymont by Wyndham Kalamazoo

(rooms from $60/night)

The college town of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College, KZoo has a happening music scene that includes all shapes and sizes.

Vine

, an artsy Kalamazoo neighborhood, is home to a thriving underground music community that literally exists underground—in the basements of the many historic homes in the area.

Though these basement shows began as punk and metal shows, the community has grown to include pop, avant-garde, hip hop, indie rock, and acoustic genres from local and touring bands as well.

There are also several venues to hear weekly live music around the city, like

Shakespeare’s Pub

Old Dog Tavern

, and the stadium

Wings Event Center

For a nice meal between venues, treat yourself to locally-grown goodness and renowned European fare at

Rustica

downtown.

MORE:

9 best road trip destinations for music lovers in the US

The best weekend getaways for foodies in Michigan

Grand Rapids

Stay at:

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection

(rooms from $205)

Or:

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids/Downtown

(rooms from $189)

Grand Rapids is arguably an underrated foodie destination on the national scale. This western Michigan city is home to an amazing variety of world cuisine.

Wander into

Roam by San Chez

for a taste of the world through their global street food-focused menu. Try lumpia from Indonesia, poutine from Canada, Okonomiyaki from Japan, or Shakshuka from Morocco!

Brunch, anyone? The

Sundance Grill

offers amazing American cuisine with a Southwestern twist that makes for the perfect morning-after-a-night-out meal.

And if you’re looking for artisan dine-in, carry-out, delivery, and grocery all from the same spot, venture into the

Downtown Market Grand Rapids

If you need to burn off some energy between or after meals, take a scenic walk in downtown

Ah-Nab-Awen Park

to view the city skyline, or map out a walking path to hit the city’s iconic

public art installations

Detroit

Stay at:

Atheneum Suite Hotel

(rooms from $126/night)

Or:

Greektown Hotel

(rooms from $168/night)

We’re heading back to Motown to chow down! From fancy gourmet meals to the quintessential late-night chili-smothered coney, Detroit has it all.

Head to

Marrow

for a butcher and a restaurant all in one. They boast the freshest meats, cheeses, beer, and wine. If you’re looking for a more hole-in-the-wall spot that you just know has the best food, visit

Chef Greg’s Soul-N-The-Wall

Detroit doesn’t scrimp on international fare, either. Try something new at

The Jamaican Pot

, the

Yemen Cafe

, or

Pietrzyk Pierogi

And whatever you do, be sure to set aside time to visit both

American Coney Island

and

Lafayette Coney Island

. These Detroit staples are positioned directly next to each other and are the subjects of dedicated debate concerning the best Detroit coney island.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about driving in Detroit

The best outdoor weekend getaways in Michigan

Petoskey

Stay at: Stafford’s Perry Hotel (rooms from $178/night)

Or: Bay Inn of Petoskey (rooms from $79/night)

Petoskey is one of the most loved places in northern Michigan for its immense natural beauty. Nestled up against Lake Michigan and boasting incredible sandy shores, this town is the perfect weekend getaway for someone craving peaceful beachy goodness.

Soak up the sun at the beach or view the kaleidoscopic

fall foliage

Petoskey State Park

. Whenever you come, don’t forget to hunt for the beautiful

fossil stones

that are named after the town.

For more adrenaline, go rafting or paddling down the

Bear River Whitewater Park

, or take a trip to

Boyne Highlands

for hiking, biking, skiing, or ziplining.

Estivant Pines Sanctuary

Stay at:

Wilderness Resort LLC

(rooms from $105/night)

Or:

Carla’s Inn

(rooms from $89/night)

Estivant Pines Sanctuary

is a special treasure in that it has the last remaining old-growth white pine forest in the Midwest.

Aside from the ancient trees that hold more history and knowledge than we can know, the forest and surrounding grounds are blanketed in wildflowers, ferns, and walking trails that let you immerse yourself in the majesty of the pines.

Try to spot some (or all, if you’re really ambitious) of the 85 different bird species that call this nature sanctuary home while wandering through the 570.5 acres of protected land.

MORE:

How to donate a car in Michigan

The best weekend getaways for history buffs in Michigan

Mackinac Island

Stay at:

Hotel Iroquois

(rooms from $180/night)

Or:

Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn

(rooms from $89/night)

Let’s journey back to Michigan’s most famous island for a bit of history. In addition to the activities mentioned earlier, you can find the centuries-old, French and Indian War-era

Fort Mackinac

sitting proudly on a bluff above the Marquette Marina.

Fort Mackinac is home to the

American Fur Company Store and Dr. Beaumont Museum

, where you can learn about the surgeon who heroically treated a voyageur’s bullet wound and now lends his name to hospitals throughout the state.

Finish up your visit by helping fire a cannon in real-time!

Let’s move forward a century, into the late 1800s. Learn about how the island’s carriages were maintained and watch a modern blacksmith forge using period tools at the

Benjamin Blacksmith Shop

In your explorations, you’ll also be stumbling upon real

Mackinac Island history

from the

Native American tribes

that occupied the land to the

Victorian-style architecture

that was very of the times over 100 years ago.

Greenfield Village

Stay at:

Comfort Inn

(rooms from $90/night)

Or:

The Henry, Autograph Collection

(rooms from $189/night)

Greenfield Village

is a staple in Southeast Michigan. An enormous area that essentially functions as an interactive, outdoor museum, Greenfield Village celebrates 300 years of American life.

As you stroll through the past, you can visit the seven historic districts that comprise the village. The

Firestone Farms

district showcases 19th-century farm life (and is still working!).

Liberty Craftworks will amaze you with live glass-blowing demonstrations and get you up close and personal with giant spinning looms.

Henry Ford’s Model T district highlights the life and inventions of the famous automaker, and Railroad Junction gives the history of railroading in America.

Check Edison At Work to explore the innovator’s inventions (need we say more?).

Finally,

Porches and Parlors

is a must-see if you’re interested in the trends of interior and exterior design that characterized homes from the 1760s, 1800s, 1860s, and 1930s.

Pro Tip Visit Greenfield Village during the holidays for exceptional holiday spirit, including the chance to eat real chestnuts popped over an open fire.

MORE:

The best castles in Michigan to visit

The best cheap weekend getaways in Michigan

Tawas

Stay at:

Cabana Cove

(rooms from $100/night)

Or:

Oscoda Lakeside Hotel

(rooms from $89/night)

The city of Tawas hugs the picturesque shores of Lake Huron, and it doesn’t cost much to enjoy yourself up here.

With plenty of

public piers and beaches

and a shopping district that includes a penny candy shop, charming corner stores, and cozy

ma and pa restaurants

, Tawas brings the fun without breaking the bank.

While you’re in town, visit

Lumberman’s Monument

(free admission) to play lumberjack! Use a cross-cut saw to saw yourself off a souvenir, climb on the jungle gym-style pile of logs at the entrance, and pack a picnic to enjoy at the dune observation deck.

Iargo Springs

is another beautiful (and free!) spot to adventure in Tawas. With an unparalleled view of the Au Sable River and incredible walking paths that take you past waterfalls and fresh springs, Iargo Springs is a must-see.

Holland

Stay at:

Best Western Plaza Hotel

(rooms from $60/night)

Or:

Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Holland

(rooms from $72/night)

As the name may suggest, Holland is proud of its heritage and keeps it alive with

Dutch cultural events

throughout the year. Cobblestone streets lead you to the city’s quaint shopping centers, restaurants, and parks.

You can’t miss the city’s

Tulip Festival

in spring. 50,000 tulips of every color dominate the landscape during this special event. Tickets for entry are $15 for adults and $5 for children, and once inside, you can ride on the Dutch carousel, peruse the gift shop, have a picnic, and let the kids loose on the playground.

MORE: 10 ways to get cheap car insurance that’s actually good

Why you need good car insurance (and how you can save on the best!)

Whether you’re in the

Motor City

or elsewhere in Michigan, having a solid car insurance policy that protects you and your belongings is a must.

And with some of the

highest car insurance rates

in the country, Michigan drivers could really benefit from a way to save some money on their policies.

Luckily,

Jerry

has every Michigander’s back. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.

“I was struggling to find an affordable deal in Detroit because insurance here is so expensive. Working with
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