A Great Lakes state situated at the northeastern tip of the Midwestern United States, Michigan sits at the crossroads of American culture, economy, geography, and history. With a population north of 10 million, Michigan is a powerhouse of industry and commerce. It’s also one of the most underrated vacation destinations in the entire country.
Perhaps you’ve seen one of the Pure Michigan commercials on television, narrated by Michigan native Tim Allen. The portrayal of a place packed with possibility is not hyperbole. Those who venture to the Mitten State are rarely disappointed.
If you’re sold on taking a trip to Michigan this summer, the next step is to organize your travel plans and make necessary preparations. The following are seven essentials for organizing a trip to Michigan:
Documentation
Did you know Detroit sits north of Canada? It’s a little bit of geographical trivia that highlights how close the Motor City is to our northern neighbors. With this in mind, you might want to make sure you have the necessary documentation to get across the border. Doing so will require an up-to-date passport or passport card. While Michigan is relatively loose in terms of COVID-19 restrictions, you’ll want to also bring proof of vaccination, just in case you decide to venture across the border.
Money
Whether you’re headed to Hawaii or Michigan, vacations cost money. The good news is Michigan is one of the more affordable vacation destinations in the U.S. With that said, getting your vacation spending in order calls for some attention paid to contingency. For instance, what happens if you lose your wallet or – heaven forbid – get robbed at gunpoint? You’ll want access to quick loans in Michigan to cover expenses for the remainder of the trip. While it’s unlikely you’ll need emergency cash, having an option in your back pocket costs nothing more than the time it takes to find one.
Transportation
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that automobiles are the preferred mode of transportation across Michigan. After all, the three major American automakers – Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors, are all headquartered in the Detroit area. That’s why it’s called the Motor City. While renting a car seems like the right move, you might also consider long-distance bus travel as a way to get around. Believe it or not, train travel isn’t outside the realm of possibility. Amtrak has three lines crossing the state.
Lodging
Like most states, the major cities in Michigan are separated by great distances. With this in mind, you’ll probably want to make lodging reservations in each city you plan on visiting. While there are fine hotels in every town, consider Airbnb and VRBO accommodations. They tend to be more affordable and convenient, especially in parts of the state where the number of hotels is limited.
Exploring
Each major city in Michigan has a variety of things to see and do. The Motor City has the Detroit Institute of the Arts, Henry Ford Museum, and a zoo that rivals those in San Diego and St. Louis. Kalamazoo has Henderson Castle, several live theater venues, and beautiful parks and preserves. The state capital Lansing is also home to many great museums and parks. The same goes for Grand Rapids!
Recreation
Man-made attractions are all well and good. But those visiting Michigan can also enjoy the sights and sounds of Mother Nature. As a state that borders four out of five Great Lakes, Michigan is a popular destination for fishermen, boat enthusiasts, drivers, and other water-born adventurers. The list of natural attractions in Michigan goes beyond the lakeshore and includes geological marvels, state parks, and waterfalls.
Dining
Generally speaking, those visiting Michigan aren’t planning on doing their own cooking. They expect to dine out for most meals. With this in mind, make sure to check out the top restaurants in Michigan. They include everything from breezy lakeshore eats to greasy inner-city bars and grills.
Are you planning on taking a trip to the great state of Michigan? If not, then why not? It’s a family-friendly place full of fun things to see and do. It’s affordable yet exciting, accessible yet exotic, and perhaps the most underrated destination on the planet.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.