Michigan Guide from Cheap Hotels Worldwide

Michigan is a Midwestern state surrounded by four of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. Michigan consists of two peninsulas, separated by the Straits of Mackinac. With miles of beaches along the coast and untouched wilderness areas throughout the state, Michigan is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors come to enjoy unlimited outdoor activities throughout the year in resort towns, and to visit the cultural and historical attractions of metropolitan Detroit.

The Upper Penninsula of Michigan is connected to the Lower Peninsula by the Mackinac Bridge. The Upper Peninsula contains only three percent of the population of Michigan. With a mountainous western area, dense forests throughout, and miles of coastline along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, the Upper Peninsula attracts travelers throughout the Midwest area and worldwide.

St Ignace is known as the gateway to the Upper Peninsula. St. Ignace is located at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge. Visit the relics in the Fort de Buade Museum, explore the Garlyn Zoological Park, and enjoy the scenery of the Mackinac State Historic Parks.

The village of Newberry is located in the upper eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, connected to Marquette by Route M-28. Newberry, only one square mile in area, is surrounded by national forests and is considered the gateway to the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Although small, Newberry offers plenty to do, including the Seney Wildlife Refuge, Luce County Historical Museum, and the Bear Ranch.

Iron Mountain is a city of eight thousand in the Upper Peninsula. Iron Mountain is a wonderful ski resort town, famous for its exciting Main Street and resort lifestyle which includes upscale shops and restaurants.

Manistique is a small city in the Upper Peninsula. Manistique is a waterfront city located on the shore of Lake Michigan and along the Manistique River. The economy in Manistique is bolstered by the tourist industry as well as the town paper mill.

Silver City is located at the foot of the Porcupine Mountains in the western Upper Peninsula. In the summer, fishing and hiking, and in the winter, skiing are the popular pastimes in Silver City. Visit the Porcupine Forest or nearby Ottawa National Forest for striking natural scenery and outdoor recreation.

Houghton is located in the northwestern part of the upper peninsula of Michigan. Houghton, located on the shore of Portage Lake, is a prominent tourist destination throughout the year due to the wide range of outdoor activities it offers.

Marquette is a major port city located on Lake Superior. With twenty thousand residents, Marquette is the largest city on the Upper Peninsula. Like most of the Upper Peninsula, Marquette is extremely snowy in the winter and enjoyable in the summer. Tourists frequent Presque Isle Park, the beaches of Marty's Cove and South Beach, the Marquette Golf Club, and camping facilities in Tourist Park.

Northern Michigan is known for its summer resort towns along the coast, such as Mackinac Island and Traverse City, as well as its winter ski resorts.

Mackinac Island is a small island in Lake Huron, between the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Mackinac Island has an interesting history as a fort during the American Revolutionary War; the island has been historically preserved and today is a popular summer vacation destination. The island caters to tourists with numerous hotels and bed and breakfasts, and streets lined with stores, restaurants, and famous candy shops.

Gaylord is an Alpine Village featuring numerous skiing and golf resorts. Gaylord experiences very snowy winters and mild summer temperatures; snow sports, fishing, and hunting are popular pastimes throughout the year. Gaylord can be reached by Interstate 75 and Route US-27.

Houghton Lake is a small community in northeastern Michigan. Some of the places to see include the Wellington Farm Park and the Houghton Lake Historical Village. Houghton Lake is easily located along State Route M-55.

Mackinaw City is actually a village which has a population of less than one thousand, however this number greatly increases during tourist season. Mackinaw City is the most popular tourist destination in Michigan. From Mackinaw City, travelers can take a ferry boat to Mackinac Island or take Interstate 75 across the Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Rapid City is known as the gateway to the Black Hills, one of the most scenic outdoor areas in Michigan. Also visit the nearby Beaver Island, with quiet beaches and panoramic lake views.

Traverse City is a major tourist city in northwestern Michigan at the head of the Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse City is a wonderful place to vacation, with plenty to do throughout the year. Ski resorts, beaches, golf resorts, vineyards, and a historic downtown add to the charm and interest of the city.

The city of Petoskey is located on the shore of the Little Traverse Bay, at the mouth of the Bear River. Petoskey, in the center of this popular vacation region, still offers a small-town feel with only six thousand residents.

Ludington is a harbor town on the shore of Lake Michigan, along the western border of the state. Ludington is one of the most popular vacation cities in Michigan, surrounded by the Ludington State Park, Manistee National Forest, and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area. Downtown Ludington is a popular area to visit, with shopping, restaurants, and plenty of tourism-centered entertainment.

Central Michigan features several large cities and resort towns, such as Grand Rapids and Bay City, as well as industrial cities like Flint. The inland area is made up of smaller cities and farmland.

Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan, located in the western central part of the state along the Grand River. A former center for furniture and automobile manufacturing, modern Grand Rapids is a major health science and education center. The city is also a major center for arts and culture, featuring the Grand Rapids Art Museum and hosting the annual Festival of the Arts. Historical places include the Van Andel Museum Center, founded in 1854, the Wealthy Street Theatre, and the Heritage Hill neighborhood, which contains hundreds of Victorian homes.

Muskegon is the largest city on the shore of Lake Michigan. The history of Muskegon dates back eight thousand years to its settlement by Paleo-Indian tribes; today Muskegon is the third most popular tourist city in Michigan. Popular tourist destinations include the many shopping districts including the Lakeside area, exciting annual festivals like the Muskegon Summer Celebration, and Michigan’s Adventure, the largest amusement park in the state.

Whitehall is located on White Lake, five miles from Lake Michigan. With a tourism-based economy, Whitehall features a large marina, beaches, and eight community parks.

Kentwood is a large suburb of Grand Rapids, which has about fifty thousand residents. Located along State Routes M-11 and M-37, Kentwood is near all the big-city attractions of the surrounding area.

The city of Grandville is a local shopping destination for the Grand Rapids area, and features the River Town Crossings shopping mall.

Holland is located on the shore of Lake Macatawa, near Lake Michigan. As its name suggests, Holland is best known for its Dutch heritage dating back to the mid-1800s. To learn about the history of the city, visit the Settlers House Museum, Holland Museum, and the Cappon House Museum. Holland can be reached right off Interstate 196.

Alma is a city in Gratiot County, located on US Route 127 and M-46. It is the home of Alma College, a small liberal arts school. Alma also contains one of the most famous restaurants in Michigan, Pizza Sam's, which is considered the best pizza restaurant in the state.

Fenton is a city of ten thousand in east central Michigan. Downtown Fenton retains a historic feel while providing modern shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Also visit Lake Fenton and Lake Park for picnics, boating, and swimming along the beach.

The city of Flint lies along the Flint River an hour north of Detroit. It is one of the largest cities in Michigan and had a culture originally based around the automobile manufacturing industry. Unique attractions include the Longway Planetarium, Flint Children's Museum, and the Alfred P. Sloan Museum featuring rare automobiles.

Midland is part of the Greater Tri-Cities region, which is made up of Saginaw, Midland, and Bay City and the surrounding area. Midland contains an abundance of outdoor recreation, with over eighty parks, the Chippewa Nature Center, and the Pere Marquette Trail.

Saginaw is part of the Tri-Cities area and is home to sixty thousand residents. Downtown Saginaw offers a Children's Zoo, Temple Theatre, and Dow Event Center.

The city of Mount Pleasant is partially located on the Isabella Indian Reservation, and contains the Soaring Eagle Casino. Another popular attraction is the Riverwood Resort. Mount Pleasant can be reached from Lansing by Route US 127 or from the Tri-Cities area by State Route M-20.

Marysville is a small city along the eastern border of Michigan and Canada. Marysville is an industrial and residential community.

Flushing is a Flint Suburb with its southern border formed by the Flint River. Flushing is a residential community. The city hosts several yearly events such as the Flushing Summerfest in June and the Harvest Festival in September.

Bay City is located at the base of the Saginaw Bay of Lake Huron. Bay City is divided by the Saginaw River, and the east and west sides are connected by four drawbridges. In the summer, Bay City is an exciting place that hosts numerous outdoor festivals. The history of the area can be explored at the Bay County Historical Museum.

Monroe is located thirty minutes south of Detroit, along Interstate 75 and US Route 24. Monroe contains eight museums to visit, including the Monroe County Historical Museum, Old Mill Museum, and River Raisin Battlefield Visitor Center.

Auburn is a small city of two thousand in the Bay City area near Lake Huron.

Bridgeport is a community of eight thousand in Saginaw County. Located in the Saginaw River Valley, Bridgeport features a wide range of recreational activities and parks, including the scenic River Walk.

Southern Michigan, consisting of several urban centers across an agricultural region, is home to over fifty percent of the population of Michigan. With a population of nearly five million, metropolitan Detroit is the economic center of the state and draws many tourists for its museums, casinos, and sporting events.

Douglas is a city of one thousand located on the western border of Michigan; its northern neighbor is the city of Saugatuck. This coastal area features some of the most beautiful beaches in Michigan, like Oval Beach along Lake Michigan. Golfing, boating, cruises, and waterfront shops and dining are popular pastimes in this beachfront artist community.

Kalamazoo is an important city in southwest Michigan, located on the Kalamazoo River. Kalamazoo is home to several colleges and universities, including Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo features a unique arts scene with galleries throughout the city, such as the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and museums like Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

Vicksburg is a village of two thousand just outside of Kalamazoo. As one of the oldest communities in Michigan, living history and small-town culture can be observed in the Historical Village of Vicksburg. Sunset Beach and Sunset Lake is the best place in town to visit.

Portage is a city of nearly fifty-thousand residents, located just south of Kalamazoo. An interesting place to visit is the Celery Flats Interpretive Center and Historical Area, a living history museum. A popular Portage pastime is biking and hiking in Lakeside Park, Schrier Park, and Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, or a visit to Bishop's Bog and the West Lake Nature Preserve.

Battle Creek is a city of fifty thousand at the junction of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Rivers. Battle Creek is nicknamed "Cereal City", as it is the headquarters of Kellogg and Post Cereal. Shopping in the Lakeview Square Mall, recreation at the Willard Beach and Park, and a visit to the Binder Park Zoo are popular pastimes. Battle Creek is located along Interstate 94 and Michigan Routes M-37 and M-96.

Marshall is a small city in the Battle Creek area. Marshall is famous for its 19th Century architecture, with over eight hundred buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Marshall is located on Interstate 69 going north to south and Interstate 94 going east to west.

Augusta is a small village located along Route M-96. Visit the nearby Fort Custer Recreation Area, located just south on the Kalamazoo River.

Benton Harbor is located along the shore of Lake Michigan, across the river from the city of St. Joseph. The St. Joseph River features miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and recreation, as does the Sarett Nature Center, situated on three hundred acres.

Coldwater features a landscape made up of the Coldwater River, Sauk River, and a chain of ten lakes including Coldwater Lake. This waterfront city is known for its excellent fishing and boating opportunities, as well as swimming along its beaches.

Charlotte is located just twenty minutes south of downtown Lansing along Interstate 69. A popular area attraction is Bennett Park, complete with hiking trails, nature areas, and camping facilities. Nearby are the Fairgrounds, which feature athletic facilities and horse stables.

Lansing is the capital of Michigan, centrally located in the metropolitan area referred to as "Mid-Michigan". Lansing is centered around Downtown, a business district that is quickly developing with new shops and restaurants. North of Downtown is Old Town Lansing, an interesting place to visit. The historic Potter Park Zoo, Riverwalk Theatre, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum are other landmarks. Be sure to take a scenic bike ride along the Lansing River Trail, which runs eight miles along the Grand River and Red Cedar River.

New Buffalo is located on the western coast of the state, along the shore of Lake Michigan. New Buffalo is a popular summer resort town and summer colony for locals, since it is near the metropolitan area of Chicago, Illinois. Visitors enjoy surfing on the beach, summer festivals, and gambling at the Four Winds Casino Resort.

The city of Jackson , in southeastern Michigan, is named after President Andrew Jackson. Jackson is located on Interstate 94.

Auburn Hills is a city of twenty thousand in Oakland County along Interstate 75. Some interesting places to visit in Auburn Hills include the Great Lakes Crossing shopping mall, Walter P. Chrysler automobile museum, and the Palace of Auburn Hills sports arena, where you might catch a game of the Detroit Pistons.

Novi is located approximately thirty miles north of Detroit. As the home of the Twelve Oaks Mall, Twelve Mile Crossing, and Novi Town Center, the city is a major shopping destination for southeastern Michigan.

Romulus is easy to locate, with four exits off of Interstate 94. Learn about the rich French-Canadian heritage of the area and visit historical places, while being in a modern city in the heart of the Technology Corridor of Michigan.

The city of Taylor is named after former US President Zachary Taylor. Along with Southgate and Romulus, Taylor is considered a part of the Downriver Communities that refer to the cities on the western shore of the Detroit River. Popular places to visit are the Southland Shopping Center, Taylor Meadows Golf Course, and Heritage Park.

Southgate is a city in Wayne County near the western border of Michigan. Southgate is known as the "Dining Capital of Downriver", for the numerous and diverse restaurants offered in the city.

Ann Arbor is a large city within the Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint metropolitan area. It is known for its distinct college town atmosphere, as the home of the University of Michigan. Ann Arbor features a beautiful landscape of dense forests and scenic tree-lined streets and residential neighborhoods. Ann Arbor is full of beautiful city parks including Argo Park, Riverside Park, and the Nicholas Arboretum.

Livonia is a suburb of one hundred thousand located twenty miles north of Downtown Detroit. Livonia is a mostly residential community with many schools from elementary to colleges and universities. There are several parks and golf courses, as well as the shopping centers at Laurel Park Mall and Livonia Mall. Livonia is easy to access along Interstate 96 and Interstate 275.

Belleville is a city of five thousand with an interesting musical heritage. Belleville is known as the birthplace of techno music, and live music is a staple of entertainment in the city. Symphony and Jazz music are also popular.

Dearborn is a city of one hundred thousand in the Detroit metropolitan area. Dearborn is famous as the headquarters of the Ford Motor Company and the birthplace of Henry Ford. The industry and recreation of Dearborn are centered on the River Rouge, which runs through the city.

Farmington Hills is a large, affluent suburb north of Detroit. Farmington Hills, originally settled by a small group of Quakers in the early 1800s, is now home to over eighty thousand in a residential setting. An interesting place to visit is the Farmington Hills Historic District, which contains examples of Greek Revival and Pre-Civil War architecture along with historic Michigan Farmhouses, all built before 1900.

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, with its population today standing at over nine hundred thousand. Detroit is known as "Motor City" because it is the center of American automobile production. With a long history of industry since its founding in 1701, Detroit has recently experienced revival and gentrification throughout the city, particularly in the downtown and riverfront areas. The Detroit River Walk, new stadiums and four casino resorts in downtown are a few of the recent developments throughout Detroit. Culture in Detroit is centered on live music, and also includes theatre, festivals and sports, with the Detroit Pistons basketball team, Detroit Lions football team, and Detroit Tigers baseball team. The area is served by the Detroit Metro Airport, and can be reached by Interstate 75 and Interstate 96.

Southfield is a Detroit suburb with nearly eighty thousand residents. Southfield is known as the commercial and business center of metropolitan Detroit. Southfield is home to eight colleges including Lawrence Technological University, as well as the Consulate of Macedonia in Detroit. For entertainment, visit the Millennium Centre performance venue and the Park West Gallery, or any of the local shopping centers and parks.

Roseville is a city of fifty thousand in the metropolitan Detroit area. Roseville is a residential community located along Interstate 94 and State Route M-3 and M-97.

Warren is the third-largest city in Michigan and is classified as a suburb of Detroit, and it is mostly a residential and business community. For entertainment, visit the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts and the Warren Fine Arts Center.

Canton is a Detroit suburb with a population of over seventy-five thousand. Canton is conveniently located right between Ann Arbor and Detroit. Canton contains the smaller communities of Sheldon and Cherry Hill, a historic village. A few of the interesting places to visit in Canton are the Summit on the Park cultural recreation center, the Village Theatre, and the Pheasant Run Golf Course.

Birmingham is a wealthy Detroit suburb of twenty thousand. Downtown Birmingham is popular for its upscale shops, restaurants and cafes, hotels, and a theatre. Downtown Birmingham is the main shopping destination for the surrounding area, just ten minutes north of Detroit.

Madison Heights is a Detroit suburb located in Oakland County. Madison Heights is a residential community that is a major area center for commerce and industry.

The city of Milan was named for the famous city in Italy. Milan is a small city known for its examples of turn-of-the century Victorian architecture, such as the Hack House Museum.

Utica was named after the city of the same name in New York by its original settlers. Utica is a quiet city surrounded by all the attractions of the nearby Detroit metropolitan area.

Plymouth is centrally located in Wayne County near Phoenix Lake. A well-established residential city, Plymouth contains many historical sites like the Baker House and Penn Theatre, and the Plymouth Historical Society Museum.

Jonesville is a city of just two thousand residents in Hillsdale County. Jonesville is located along State Route M-99 and Route US 12.

Michigan is ideal for a vacation any time of year, as a state that caters to tourists with resorts of all kinds. Whether you prefer a small town like Mackinac Island or larger cities such as Grand Rapids, it is possible to find exactly what you are looking for. If you love to spend time in the great outdoors, you will love a vacation to Michigan.

Michigan Towns & Cities