Adventurous Things To Do in Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Ann Arbor

Along Michigan’s east coast is Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan. This college town has plenty of adventurous things to do. Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, and paddle down the Huron River through scenic landscapes – it’s lovely in the spring, summer, or fall. 

Explore Gallup Park, a 69 acre green space with along the Huron River and Geddes Pond. Stroll along this park’s scenic walkways and pedestrian bridges that will lead you across several small islands. This park also has canoe and kayak rentals, three playgrounds, and a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden. 

You can also check out the Matthei Botanical Garden and Nichols Arboretum on the University of Michigan campus, boasting indoor and outdoor conservatories, miles of trails, and several research habitats. 

If you love biking, head to the Border-to-Border Trail. This expansive trail connects various parks and green spaces around Ann Arbor, offering miles of trails for cycling enthusiasts to explore.

Lake Huron

Forming the eastern outline of the Mitten State, Lake Huron was initially nicknamed “the freshwater sea” by French explorers. With golden sands and clear blue water stretching endlessly into the horizon, and over 3,700 miles of shoreline, it really does look like a sea! 

On the lower peninsula, you can check out several Michigan state parks, like Albert E. Sleeper State Park, for hiking trails with excellent lake views. Head out on the lake with a canoe or kayak, and bring your fishing pole to catch trout or salmon. You can even explore shipwrecks on an underwater tour around Thunder Bay and East Tawas.

Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge connects the upper and lower peninsulas. This suspension bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, which links Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. Driving across this bridge is a must-do while visiting Michigan – it spans five miles, making it the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere and the fifth largest in the world. As you drive across to the upper peninsula, enjoy lakeside views on all sides as far as the eye can see!

Belle Isle (Detroit)

As a small island on the Detroit River, Belle Isle is one of the best places to explore in Detroit. Not only can you swim in the river, but there are also plenty of attractions, like the Belle Isle Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in the United States, and the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, showcasing flora and fauna. 

This island is also home to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, with 16,000 square feet of exhibits on local maritime history. 

Grand Rapids

Located on the west coast of Michigan, Grand Rapids has miles of trails weaving through lush forests, perfect for hiking – you can also take a scenic bike ride along the Grand River. 

After a long bike ride or hiking, the Beer City is the perfect place to relax and have a cold brew. Grand Rapids has earned a national reputation for its thriving craft beer scene, with over 40 breweries, including Founders Brewing Co., one of the largest and most popular in the country.

The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is perfect for an afternoon outside – explore 150 acres of indoor gardens, outdoor gardens, sculpture gardens, and nature trails. Grand Rapids Public Museum is also another excellent attraction, with exhibits on science, culture, and history. 

If you’re in the mood for swimming, head to the shores of Lake Michigan, just a short drive away, where you can enjoy watersports, boating, and lying in the sun. 

Traverse City

The small town of Traverse City is best known for its wineries, cherries, breathtaking scenery, and outdoor activities. It has a lovely walkable downtown area with lakeshore views and plenty of shops and restaurants; it is also known as the Cherry Capital of the World, supplying 75% of the world’s tart cherries. Visit in July and take part in the world-famous cherry festival.

This region has over 50 wineries – check out Chateau Grand Traverse, the largest commercial winery in Northern Michigan, producing some of the best reds and rieslings in the area.

Traverse City’s inland lakes, like Lake Leelanau (about 20 miles south), are ideal for kayaking and fishing. Traverse City State Park Beach is also a great area for swimming on a hot summer day. After a day of outdoor activities, enjoy a round of golf on one of the region’s top-rated golf courses, like Arcadia Bluffs or Bay Harbor. Don’t forget to cool off with some cherry ice cream at Moomers Homemade Ice Cream! 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Holland

Holland, Michigan, is known for its solid Dutch heritage, beautiful lakeshore, and charming small-town atmosphere. Visit during the spring for the famous Tulip Time Festival, celebrating the city’s Dutch heritage with millions of blooming tulips, parades, traditional Dutch dancers, and cultural events. It’s one of the largest tulip festivals in the world.

You can also visit attractions like Windmill Island Gardens, and the De Zwaan, an authentic Dutch windmill brought over from the Netherlands if you want a little more Dutch heritage.

Don’t skip a visit to Downtown Holland, the city’s charming downtown area featuring boutique shopping, restaurants, and a European feel, with heated streets and sidewalks for winter comfort. I loved Bowerman’s on 8th in downtown Holland for all things blueberry. They offer a tasty breakfast and homemade baked goods without all the processed ingredients-delicious!

Holland State Park

Located near charming Holland, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Holland State Park offers sugar sand beaches, excellent fishing spots, and miles of trails for hiking and biking. The iconic Big Red Lighthouse is a must-see, dating back to 1872. You can explore the water on a kayak or paddleboard rental, and if you want to stay overnight, this park has two large campgrounds!

I loved spending a few hours walking along the beach and watching the kite surfers doing tricks on the lake. 

Laketown Beach

Only a short drive from Holland and Saugatuck along the shores of Lake Michigan, it is a hidden gem, perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous climb. Laketown Beach is quieter and off the beaten path, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan from the top of the sand dunes. One of the unique features of Laketown Beach is the wooden stairway that leads visitors from the parking lot over the large sand dunes to the beach. The climb can be steep and challenging but rewards you with sweeping views and access to the sandy shores.

The public beach area is small, and the parking lot is even smaller, but because it takes some effort to get to, you will most likely have a quiet section of the beach to yourself. 

Michigan’s Adventure

Michigan’s Adventure, this state’s largest amusement park at 250 acres, has several thrilling roller coasters and water rides. The park’s star attraction, Shivering Timbers, is a wooden roller coaster spanning a mile, reaching 65 miles an hour and plunging up and down several times. This park also has kiddie coasters, a corkscrew coaster, and a suspended loop coaster!

If you bring the little ones along, Michigan’s Adventure also has a kiddie area called Camp Snoopy, featuring five family-friendly coasters.

Wildwater Adventure Waterpark

If you’re at Michigan’s Adventure on a hot summer day, bring your swimsuit and check out the onsite water park – Wildwater Adventure Waterpark. The park has several attractions, from thrilling water slides to relaxing pools.

Float in a tube along the lazy river, shoot down a plunging slide, or hang out in the wave pool, with waves reaching 6 feet high! If you’re feeling adventurous, ride the Funnel of Fear to jettison down a completely enclosed tunnel and swirl around a massive funnel.