Michigan Vacation Rentals

Surrounded by the four Great Lakes of the US – Huron, Michigan, Erie and Superior, the state of Michigan has a lot to offer as a vacation destination. With its dense forests and striking beaches, the state attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers who visit for the variety of outdoor recreational activities and varied landscape.

Choose to stay in a cabin in Michigan and you will benefit from the privacy it provides. Vacation rentals are unique stay options because they offer you all the comforts of your home along with modern amenities.

Flying in to Michigan

The state has several airports but most international travelers tend to land at the Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) at Grand Rapids has frequent flights to other cities in America. Grab a taxi or rent a car to help you reach your Michigan vacation rental in comfort and style.

What to Eat in Michigan?

Michigan's apples, cherries, blueberries, and peaches are second-to-none, so make sure to sample those. Another specialty is the coney dog — a hot dog served with mustard, chili, and freshly-cut onions. Also sample the pasties found in the Upper Peninsula, made from potato, onion, meat, and rutabaga. Foodies adore the Cudighi sausage-patty hoagie topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. With all those Great Lakes, can freshwater fish preparations be far behind? Hot favorites include whitefish and lake perch served with salad and mash potato.

Michigan's rich, chocolatey fudge is a great gift to take back for friends or to nibble on in your Michigan vacation rental. For drinks, try Vernor's ginger ale, fresh apple cider, strawberry-flavored "Redpop," and the fruit wines. The state ranks high on the craft beer scene too.

A good time to visit Michigan

Summer is the high season, as the warm waters of the Great Lakes beckon with a profusion of waterside activities. Be sure to book your cabin or vacation rental in Michigan well in advance during summer.

The best time to visit would be during the fall, when the leaves start changing color — in fact, Michigan is known for its spectacular fall season. Winter holds a certain charm, particularly to those who enjoy fishing over ice, sledding or skiing down Michigan's slopes.

Things to do and see in Michigan

Home to the Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and part of Lake Erie, Michigan is rich in natural vegetation and beauty. Families looking for an adventure should explore the Upper Peninsula region that houses famous natural attractions such as the Porcupine Mountains, Pictured Rocks, Mackinac Island, Isle Royale, Tahquamenon Falls, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Then there is the heavenly Lower Peninsula region with its placid lakes, rivers, forests, sand dunes and beaches. Canoeing, fishing, sailing, and motorboating are popular activities. You'll love returning to your Michigan cabin rental to unwind after an action-packed day exploring.

There's more to Michigan than its natural legacies. Ann Arbor's University of Michigan is a must-visit for its Law Quadrangle, the Power Center for the Performing Arts, Natural History Museum, and a series of Gothic structures. One of the longest suspension bridges in the world is the Mackinac Bridge, which joins the Lower Peninsula at Mackinaw City to the Upper Peninsula at St. Ignace. Frankenmuth in mid-Michigan is an interesting replica of a German town, where visitors make a customary stop at Zehnder's or The Bavarian Inn, known for their luscious fried chicken.

Best historical attractions in Michigan

Have you ever wondered what the world was like before buses and cars? In Michigan, you can actually experience this first hand by visiting Mackinac Island. This island gives you a glimpse of a simpler way of life. The highlight of this old-fashioned island is that you can take a tour on a horse-drawn carriage.

The Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing is worth a visit when you want to learn the in-depth history of this state. This museum tells the story of Michigan from the prehistoric era to the 1900s. There are several exhibits that also relate to the industrial history of Michigan.

The Best Activities for Families in Michigan

Cultural Activities for Families

Introduce kids to the wonderful world of creativity at the Detroit Institute of Arts, reputed as having one of the best art collections in the United States. It is home to over 65,000 art works from paintings and masks to memorabilia of the auto industry and General Motors. At Ann Arbor Museum, explore science and technology with the hands-on exhibits covering diverse subjects from media to health.

Outdoor Activities for Families

Michigan is also a fantastic place for outdoor activities. Head to the Oval Beach in Saugatuck or South Haven Beach to swim, sunbathe, or build castles. Hire a boat and go for a ride on its lakes. Visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Manitour Islands, a nature reserve with sand dunes, campsites, trails, and lakes. At Mackinac Island, go for long walks in the woods and see the natural limestone Arch Rock on the Lake Huron shoreline. If you're driving from the Upper Peninsula to the Lower Peninsula, you won't miss the breathtaking Mackinac Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the US.

Embrace the natural beauty of Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Seashore in Michigan offers a unique landscape that includes rocky coastline, cliffs, beaches, and dunes. Inland rivers and lakes surrounded by forest await you when you explore the interior of this state. During the winters this is a popular spot for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Isle Royale National Park is situated on an island on Lake Superior near the Canadian border. This beautiful island spans 432 square miles and was shaped into its present form by Ice Age glaciers. Today it is home to a wide range of wildlife including herring gulls, wolves, otters, foxes, falcons, and ospreys. When you want to explore unspoiled wilderness this park is the perfect destination.

Festivals that you can enjoy in Michigan

The International Festival of Southfield in Michigan gives you an opportunity to experience a wide variety of cultures including Polish, African, Greek, Indian, Korean, Spanish, Mexican, and Middle Eastern. This festival features children’s activities and several cultural exhibits as well as an international bazaar.

In order to support local organizations and businesses the Plymouth Ice Festival is conducted every winter in Plymouth, Michigan. You can take part in a wide range of events and fun activities at this festival. Visit this festival to enjoy various mouth-watering winter treats like hot chocolate and to take part in ice carving competitions.

The Best Cities in Michigan for a Family Vacation

Detroit - Motor City

The largest city in Michigan, Detroit or 'Motor City', has many attractions for visitors. See the outstanding Fisher Building built in 1928 by Albert Kahn, an American industrial architect. Admire its imposing art déco exterior of granite and marble and marvel at the vaulted ceilings and mosaics. Not to be missed is Motown Historical Museum where the careers of musical greats such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson were launched. For a glimpse of local life, visit the Eastern Market and browse through the offerings of the specialty shops.

Traverse City - The Cherry Capital

If you’re visiting Traverse City, spend time at the Dennos Museum Center, watch a performance at the City Opera House, hike and camp at the Traverse City State Park, and stop by at the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.

Grand Rapids - Always Something To Do

Grand Rapids, considered as one of the most liveable US states, has many points of interest including the colourful Frederik Meijer Gardens, John Ball Zoo with its interactive aquarium, Grand Rapids Public Museum, and Grand Rapids Art Museum. Go ice skating or watch a concert at Rosa Parks Circle, Michigan's lively cities are ideal for family breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions