Michigan Road Trip: Nature, History and Culture in the Great Lakes State

Fly into Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport and pick up your rental car, then drive 27 kilometers north to the lakeside town of Marquette. If you're visiting from Canada, it's a short drive over the border bridge to Michigan. Your first stop is the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, an impressive monument that has looked over the town since 1853. Your tour takes you on a journey from the verdant grounds surrounding the lighthouse all the way up the catwalk and into the tower. While you’re there, don’t miss a chance to explore fascinating exhibits at the Marquette Maritime Museum.

From the lighthouse, it’s a ten-minute drive to Presque Isle Park to enjoy unencumbered views of Lake Superior from one of the park’s many scenic overlooks. Locals know that the best way to see Presque Isle is to hop on a bike and pedal Peter White Drive, the scenic byway that circles the park’s perimeter. Along the way, stop near the ancient cliff formation known as Black Rocks.

After an exciting afternoon of traversing natural wonders, venture downtown for a taste of Marquette’s lively nightlife. Stop in for a bite in unique eateries like the Delft Bistro, which serves up fresh, seasonal fare in the nostalgic ambience of a former movie theater. Cap your day off with an after-dinner stroll to marvel at the perfectly preserved architecture along sophisticated Third Street.

Hop in the car and head east for the next leg of your trip in Sault Ste. Marie. Michigan’s first city, Sault Ste. Marie is perhaps best known for the Soo Locks, a man-made canal system that helps ships travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The French and Native American influences of this storied trade hub give it a diverse and multi-faceted appeal.

After arriving in town, take a short drive or seaplane ride to Rotary Island Park, where you can kayak or fish in the St. Mary’s River. Little anglers are welcome, too; the park features a fishing pond just for kids. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Soo Brewing Company and 1668 Winery, twin gastronomic gems tucked away into one cozy, rustic space on historic Portage Avenue. Enjoy light bites, like locally caught whitefish dip, in between sips of house-brewed ales and wines. Spend your afternoon wandering the waterfront, taking in local art at the Alberta House Arts Center and listening to local musicians play along Water Street.

Boat tours of the Soo Locks depart daily during the warmer months, offering an up-close look at the scenic shoreline and a chance to learn more about the history of “the Soo” from knowledgeable local tour directors. In the evening, ride the elevator up the Tower of History for incredible panoramic views of nearby towns and waterways – you can even see Canada from the top!

Frankenmuth was first settled by German missionaries in 1845, and that influence can still be felt in the Bavarian architecture that decorates the entire town. Start the day off with some holiday cheer by visiting Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest store devoted to Christmas decorations. Begin in the program center, where you can pick up a map and watch video presentations about the history of the shop, then take your time browsing hundreds of festively decorated aisles of glittering seasonal fineries.

Make your way to the town center where you’ll find the Visitor Center nestled among the majestic alpine architecture on Main Street. Stroll the flower-lined streets filled with unique shops and artisan boutiques or take a memorable tour through the Historical Museum. Spend some time browsing the River Place Shops, then take a tour on a pedal trolley or horse-drawn carriage. Pick up some treats and enjoy a charming lunch at one of the many open-air dining options before taking a cruise on the Bavarian Belle Riverboat or Frankenmuth Fun Ships to see the town from a unique vantage point.

For dinner, you have a choice to make: Two dueling establishments, Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, are well-known for serving delectable chicken dinners. Whichever side you choose in this friendly rivalry, you’ll be treated to mountains of world-famous chicken alongside family-style plates of mashed potatoes and traditional German noodle soup.

Your final stop in Michigan is the cosmopolitan city of Detroit. Even here in this major city, you’ll find plenty of quiet spots to stop and appreciate nature and history. In the heart of the city lies Belle Isle Park, a sprawling nature preserve situated right on the Detroit River. If the weather is warm enough, enjoy a dip at the swim beach or take a ride down the park’s giant slide. The crown jewel of the park is the Belle Isle Aquarium. Venture inside, past the ornate entrance arch, to see the stunning opaline glass lining the walls as you observe aquatic animals from all over the world.

Next, explore Detroit’s past as a hub for automotive industry at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, the historic site and former manufacturing plant where the Ford Model T was born. Guided tours take you on a journey through automotive history with plenty of antique Michigan-made vehicles to see along the way.

There’s no better way to spend your last night in Michigan than with a dinner and a show in the heart of downtown Detroit. Spend some time admiring massive murals that adorn the historic high-rises before ducking into the bohemian dining room of Cliff Bell’s. This former speakeasy offers lavish entrees and bespoke cocktails underscored by 1940s-era decor and nightly performances by jazz musicians. You’ll have plenty to talk about as you catch a flight out of Detroit Metropolitan Airport or drive back across the border bridge and head home.