Can't Miss Places To See In Michigan

I live in one of the most beautiful states in the country (in my humble opinion) and it has so much to offer visitors!! Whether you are making plans for vacation next year or you live here too and want to be a tourist in your own state, I have compiled a list of places you won't want to miss!!!

Frankenmuth - Also known as "Little Bavaria", this adorable city is all things German. There is plenty of shopping, lots of delicious eateries, and of course, Zehnder's Family Restaurant. (There is also a waterpark/hotel of the same name). My must-sees are Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, crepes at La Crepe Du Jour (yes, I get French food in a German town), and the bookstore in The Riverwalk. A self-contained section that is less German, it has fun stores like a sock store, a jerky store, and a popcorn store! In the village proper are places like the Cheese Haus and fudge stores :) It's a fun place to walk around for a day.

Greenfield Villiage - Travel back in time to see what life was like on a farm. Ride in a Model T, locomotive, omnibus, or horse-drawn carriage. Visit the homes of famous people, the bicycle shop of the Wright Brothers, and see a one-room schoolhouse. There are plenty of places to eat here, too. Enjoy an afternoon tea at an English cottage or sweets at the confectioner's shop. There are people in character walking around and working in the houses that can tell you about what life was like. There are often exhibitions of skills like glass blowing and pottery that you can watch. Plan on a full day!!

The Henry Ford Museum - Next door to Greenfield Village, you'll need another day for this place. There is so much to see!!! Items from many past decades, planes, cars, and even a train!! Often there are special exhibits going on and there are IMAX shows available too. The museum houses a collection of history you won't see anywhere else.

Mackinac Island - I think this might be my favorite place in all of Michigan!!! If you, plan to go when the lilacs are in bloom. It smells AMAZING!!! You have to try Sander's Bumpy Cake fudge (only available at Sander's) and the trek to Arch Rock is totally worth it!! I do recommend taking the winding back road rather than the stairs thought :) You can take a bike ride around the island, visit the fort, and the ferry ride over is definitely part of the experience!!! There is a lot of history on the island, from St. Anne's Church to the Fort and much more!!

I tried to select places that are unlike anything anywhere else but we also have Silver Lake Sand Dunes, Traverse City, the beaches of Lake Michigan, and many, many lighthouses. This is the just the Lower Peninsula! In the Upper you have Tahquamenon Falls, the Soo Locks, Pictured Rocks, and all sorts of wild, natural beauty!!

What is your favorite place in Michigan? What places are "can't-miss" for you that I left out?