The Insider’s Guide to Vacationing in Michigan

There’s lots to love about Michigan; it’s got some of the most diverse and exciting cities in the United States, as well as some of the most beautiful scenery. We’re going to take you on a short trip to some of the highlights of this populous state. We’ll give you the lowdown on where to stay, where to see the best tourist sites, and, of course, where to sample some of the finest cuisine. So, whether you’re looking for a stress-free break close to your home, or you’ll be traveling from another continent to enjoy this Midwestern gem, you’re going to have the best time in Michigan. Stay at the Soaring Eagle Resort There are plenty of great accommodation choices in Michigan, but our pick is the Soaring Eagle Resort. This four-star hotel is situated in Mount Pleasant, so it’s perfect for sightseeing, but, as well as this, it offers a stunning casino, perfect for keeping yourselves amused of an evening. If you’re new to casino gaming then it’s easy to get some practice in online first. Online gaming is totally legal in Michigan and there are plenty of Michigan poker sites where you can learn about the game until you’re feeling confident enough to show off your skills for real. After a few games in the casino, you can take yourself off to your room to sleep on Egyptian cotton sheets in Super King-size beds. You’re sure to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your first day of sightseeing, but don’t forget to check out the buffet breakfast first – it’s full of delicious treats from the area. Explore the North Country National Scenic Trail It’s always good to get out into the great outdoors early on in your vacation, especially when you’re staying somewhere as picturesque as Michigan. This state is home to around a quarter of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a hiking route that covers almost 5000 miles and spans seven states. All of this trail is beautiful, but a particularly pretty bit is by the shore of Lake Superior near Grand Marais. Head to the gorgeous village of Grand Marais to begin your adventure, then enjoy the breathtaking coastline as you walk along the edge of Lake Superior. Along the way, you’ll spot a cascading waterfall and a picturesque lighthouse looking out over the lake. You can complete circular walks as short as a couple of miles along this bit of the trail, but you can easily walk for days if you choose to! The Pure Michigan tourist guide is a great resource for those planning a longer walk. Refuel at Dr. Rolf’s Barbecue

The pork that goes into Dr. Rolf's green chilli is smoked low and slow
The pork that goes into Dr. Rolf’s green chilli is smoked low and slow

Caption: The pork that goes into Dr. Rolf’s green chilli is smoked low and slow Everywhere in the United States has its own barbecue style, and Dr. Rolf has brought his all the way from West Virginia to Muskegon. There are all kinds of delights on the menu, but the green chili is particularly delicious. It’s made with slow-smoked pulled pork, as well as tomatillos and jalapeños. It’s super rich and smoky with that wonderfully fatty umami flavor from the pork. Treat yourself to a serving of greens and a serving of unctuous mac and cheese, made with a secret blend of cheeses to give that fantastic pull and plenty of flavor. If you still have space, then a side of cornbread waffles always goes down a treat, too. If you can still move after sitting down to lunch with Dr. Rolf, who by the way is actually a local doctor, then it’s time for a little more sightseeing. Marvel at the Collections at the Detroit Institue of Arts A trip to Michigan wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Detroit. There is so much to see in this city, but The Detroit Institute of Arts is particularly special. Located right in Midtown, this is one of the largest collections in the whole United States. The building spans almost 700,000 square feet and has been valued at more than $8 billion. Within the collection, you’ll find hundreds of important artists both contemporary and historical. You can marvel at Egyptian artifacts, have your breath taken away by original Van Goghs, and spend hours and hours viewing more than 65,000 works of art. The paintings are a good place to start and are divided into 100 different galleries within the building. They’re split by time period and artistic movement, making it easy to choose your favorite artists and styles and head straight for them. We suggest picking half a dozen to really take your time to look around. This is a truly encyclopedic collection so giving it the attention that it requires and getting around the whole collection could take months! Plus, with a gift shop this fantastic you won’t want to miss out. Leave plenty of time for picking up postcards of some of the most famous works of art, as well as browsing the extensive collection of books.