11 Amazing Michigan Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive
Michigan's top cities are known for being entertainment hubs in the United States, where tourists can find world-class sporting events, famous concert venues, fine dining restaurants, and an electric nightlife. But with so many things to see and do in the Great Lakes State, confining yourself to the bustling metropolitan areas keeps you from fully experiencing the numerous gems dotting the state. Luckily, a short day trip is all you need to access Michigan's hidden treasures tucked just outside urban centers.
From scenic small towns and pastoral countryside to historic waterfront villages and majestic natural areas, unparalleled getaways await those willing to wander off the beaten path in Michigan. The following day trips offer amazing destinations well worth the drive from cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Kensington Metropark
About 45 minutes outside of Detroit, in the quaint suburb of Milford, Kensington Metropark grants access to over 4,500 acres of recreational haven. Nature lovers can delight in camping, fishing, and birding opportunities, while casual enthusiasts enjoy swimming, picnicking, and lazy strolls in the park. Several trails wind through the reserve, but the 8.5-mile loop along the rolling terrain and around Kent Lake provides a lovely workout with wildlife sightings. The pristine lake fuels fun water-based activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating.
The best part is that Kensington Metropark is open throughout the years, and winter travelers can indulge in sports like cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, and ice skating on the frozen lake.
Holly Recreation Area
It takes less than an hour to escape downtown Detroit's chaos and find serenity at Holly State Recreation Area. Sprawling more than 8,000 acres of open fields and woodlands, this delightful getaway beckons hikers, campers, anglers, mountain bikers, and other adventurers to harness its countless recreations. WhoaZone at Heron Beach is an amazing stop for water fun lovers. It has two unique courses that let you jump, slide, and climb water obstacles of different difficulty levels.
If you want to up the ante, Holly Oaks ORV Park offers more adrenaline-inducing activities. This sand and gravel course provides the perfect terrain for all off-road vehicles, from motorcycles to ATVs.
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
If you are visiting Detroit with family, consider taking them to the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium for a one-of-a-kind safari in an adorable sanctuary. Situated just over an hour's drive, the facility harbors at least 10,000 individual animals, representing over 700 native and exotic species from across the globe. It promises unadulterated fun for all ages, featuring encounters with beautiful animals. Guests will particularly love feeding gentle giants at the Tower Ridge Giraffe Feed Deck.
The Touch Tanks are always a hit with the kids, letting them get their hands on slimy horseshoe crabs, stingrays, and even sharks. This also applies to the African safari-themed carousel. Meanwhile, an excellent way to see the most in the shortest time is by riding the Safari Railway, which winds its way through the Zoo's African Savannah, with exciting animal viewing.
Henry Ford Museum
Explore ingenious innovation that set America on its path to world domination at the Henry Ford Museum. This world-class facility is a short 18-minute drive from Detroit and chronicles over three centuries of American innovation with countless artifacts spread across a 250-acre campus. This enlightening adventure takes you through exciting exhibits, such as Driving America. Here, you can admire antique automobiles, from an 1865 Roper to Henry Ford's gasoline-powered car. The Kennedy's Presidential Limousine takes you back to a tragic time in American history when JFK was assassinated in his unarmored limousine.
Finally, Thomas Edison's Menlo Park Complex displays the site where the great inventor created the telephone, the light bulb, and other recording devices. The site also features Edison's laboratory and machine shop.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Substitute the chaos and commotion in Detroit's city center with the peace and tranquility of Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum when you drive 40 minutes west of the city to this scenic oasis. Housed in the University of Michigan grounds, the area features 3 miles of pleasant trails meandering through numerous plant species, from bonsai trees and seasonal blooms to medicinal plants. Stop at the visitor center to find critical information and maps providing directions to expansive grounds.
Elsewhere, Nichols Arboretum provides an additional 123-acre space with a blend of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and glacial grounds. Don't forget to check out the beautiful blooms at the Peony Garden.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
If you are up for a slightly longer trip outside of Detroit, you will love the journey to Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. This thriving animal haven is almost one and a half hours from Motor City and spans about 10,000 acres. It rewards visitors with kayaking, biking, hiking, and unique wildlife encounters. Numerous pathways traverse the vast wilderness area, including the Woodland Trail. This 4.5-mile route is a popular option due to its relatively flat terrain and remains accessible across the year for hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.
Alternatively, those who find trekking too tedious can opt for the Wildlife Drive, which allows you to watch the animals from the comfort of your car. This easygoing journey stretches about 6.5 miles past marshes, grasslands, and forests, giving a chance to spot nesting bald eagles.
Toledo Botanical Garden
Travelers who fancy green settings shielded from the crowds will want to hit the open road to visit the famous Toledo Botanical Garden. The ride lasts a little over an hour from Detroit and culminates in 60 acres of raw natural beauty. Several plant collections dot the lovely refuge, split into a shade garden, village garden, herb garden, greenhouse, and more. The air is fresh, and a wonderful aroma fills the Toledo Garden's atmosphere. Walking around the site lets you learn about different species and their habitat while appreciating Mother Nature's bounty.
The site is also an arts hub hosting an outdoor sculpture collection displaying sophisticated handiwork. It exhibits artists' galleries and a cute little cafe where you can sit for a delicious treat or meal.
Detroit Zoo
You don't have to stray too far from downtown for exciting Michigan day trips. Less than 20 minutes in the outskirts of Detroit, the Detroit Zoo promises day-long entertainment featuring up-close encounters with exotic wildlife. The facility covers 125 acres of territory and houses over 200 species, representing more than 2,000 individual animals. Hop aboard the Tauber Family Railroad to discover the different animal sections in style during a one-way tour with key insights about the area's history.
If you tag along with the kids, take them to Korman Tadpole Adventure for fun and games in an exclusive play area. As part of the fun, they will crawl through burrows and climb a spider web. Additionally, they will have a blast riding the Carousel, which has beautifully themed and painted seats.
Frankenmuth
Discover a charming combination of small-town flair and authentic German heritage in the tiny town of Frankenmuth. Located approximately an hour and a half north of Detroit, it feels like walking into an actual Bavarian village. Between the distinct architectural styles downtown and traditional cuisine, guests can expect a full-blown cultural immersion, where they can sample German beer, schnitzels, sausage, cheese, and the famous fried chicken at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. The Bavarian Belle Riverboat presents an excellent way of discovering the town from the comfort of the Cass River waters during an easygoing cruise with other guests.
For end-of-year travelers, you must check out Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, which proclaims itself the world's largest Christmas store. The location is perfect for a retail therapy session, with ornaments, trees, decorations, and Christmas-themed treats on the menu.
Holland
If you are fed up with the choking crowds of downtown Grand Rapids, consider driving approximately 30 minutes southwest of the city to find peace in the adorable community of Holland. Steeped in Dutch heritage and lying along the shores of Lake Macatawa, it has lovely open spaces led by Windmill Island Gardens. Vacationers can walk quiet pathways through colorful tulip gardens and admire a 250-year-old authentic Dutch windmill.
Experiences don't get more fulfilling than meeting the friendly locals, which you can do during the Holland Farmer's Market. This festive gathering brings together vendors from the region who sell everything from fresh produce and flowers to handmade crafts. Finally, head to Holland State Park if you need some quality alone time on sandy shores with soothing water vistas.
Belle Isle Park
If you don't want to travel too far for your day trip, Belle Isle Park is the closest, most satisfying getaway from Detroit. Situated just fifteen minutes from downtown, this Detroit River island spans 985 acres and offers a mix of natural, cultural, and historical allure. Historians will gravitate towards the James Scott Memorial Fountain, which has an interesting backstory and puts on a colorful show of light and water at night. The Nature Center is better suited for animal lovers, inviting guests to explore over a dozen native wildlife species, such as the snapping turtle and black rat snake.
If you are visiting with kids, you can take them to the Giant Slide for some adrenaline-inducing downhill entertainment. But that is only the tip of the iceberg, there is no shortage of things to do at Belle Isle Park.
Final Thought
Whether seeking picturesque waterfront parks along Lake Michigan's shoreline, quaint towns showcasing Victorian architecture, or rural countryside rife with orchards and wineries, the above Michigan day trips promise unique finds reflective of the state's diverse beauty. From cultural hubs to outdoor playgrounds, escaping cities, even just for a day, allows immersion in untold stories outside flashy urban attractions. By venturing farther, travelers can absorb the true spirit of this scenic state, celebrated for its bountiful natural treasures as much as its metropolitan vibrancy.
