Eminem, General Motors and the Flint water crisis. If these are the first things that pop up when you think of Michigan, I don’t blame you. Unlike Cali or New York, the Great Lake State never had the sort of historical tradition for the type of tourism that attracts millions. How about now?
Tourism & Michigan: Not a historical combo…
Despite ranking 31st in visitor popularity, there is some evidence that Michigan is going through a tourism renaissance. As domestic and international tourism continues to rise to pre-covid levels throughout the USA, Michigan puts in some solid numbers thanks to a few key factors.
What changed – the people or the state?
People, as in tourists, are the tourism industry. Landmarks and fancy museums without people visiting them are just buildings or natural sights. Tourism, thus, is at the whim of society.
What Michigan lacked as the desirable high-tech city of past tourist preference, the state now gains in its speciality of incredible natural sightseeing and a bountiful freshwater coastline. As trends change, Michigan has a chance.
The Elephant in the Room
One recent change that has actually improved tourism has definitely been legislation. With the adoption of legalized online gambling, the Michigan iGaming industry has been booming.
People are now taking their time to check out the best 7 of Michigan’s online casinos, even if they don’t intend to visit the state fully, having a very real indirect boost to the state’s tourism power.
Some of Michigan’s Most Popular Attractions
Although there are definitely some well-known museums and art galleries in the major cities, these are only the basic attractions Instead, let’s focus on Michigan’s speciality: scenery.
4. Tahquamenon Falls
Despite lacking the sheer spectacle of Niagra Falls or the engineering mastery of the Hoover Dam, the Tahquamenon waterfall still deserves some merit. At least, according to its advocates.
The Tahquamenon Falls and its included state park is an excellent start to a Michigan holiday. Staggering beauty and high biodiversity are the driving factors for the landmark’s success.
3. Saugatuck Dune Rides
What better way exists to take in your natural surroundings than cruising through them in a vehicle? The short answer is not much. Three hundred acres of private land have been carefully crafted into an interesting route, available either as a guided tour or a free-roam adventure.
2. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Perhaps not as open as viewing flora in a forest, gardens are the next best thing. Perhaps, even better. Opened in 1995, the Fredrick Meijer Gardens is an absolutely massive botanical park.
Even if you’re not in the mood for exotic plants, fantastical sculptures will keep you occupied. A fully outdoor experience, the section features works by world-renowned artists year-round.
1. The Great Lakes
Although not necessarily an attraction in and of itself, Michigan’s lakes are undoubtedly the most famous aspect of the state. Michigan boasts over three thousand miles of freshwater shoreline spread across the eleven thousand inland lakes, the largest amount of any state.
Making up part of those lakes are, naturally, some of The Great Lakes and their various draws. Lake Superior, for example, hosts the glorious natural archway of the Pictured Rocks, whilst Mackinac Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Michigan located square in the centre of Lake Huron’s expansive seascape.
Should I travel to Michigan?
Despite not being as breathtaking or exciting as California or following the news of a sports star’s injury, there is a lot of worth in travelling to Michigan. If anything, give the state a visit simply to enjoy the fantastic natural scenery available to you.
