Greetings, fellow adventurers! Join me on a magical journey through the Great Lakes State as we explore 10 fabulous day trips from Detroit. One day drive destinations from the bustling city of Detroit, Michigan. Ready to buckle up and let the fun begin? Well, let’s dive right in!
1. Ann Arbor – A College Town with a Twist (9/10)
Just a 45-minute drive from Detroit, Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, is a vibrant college town that has a little something for everyone. Stroll through the beautiful campus, visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, or simply people-watch at a café downtown.
Antidote Alert: I once stumbled upon a random outdoor concert while exploring the city – it turned out to be a delightful mishmash of genres and sounds, with a llama as a guest star! (Maybe there wasn’t a llama, but it was still an amazing experience!)
2. Frankenmuth – Michigan’s Little Bavaria (8/10)
Travel 95 miles north of Detroit, and you’ll be transported to a charming European village. Frankenmuth, aka “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” is known for its unique German architecture and scrumptious cuisine. It’s the final stop of another day trip around Michigan’s Thumb.
- Don’t miss: Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store!
- Pro tip: Indulge in a world-famous chicken dinner at Zehnder’s or Bavarian Inn.
3. Greenfield Village & The Henry Ford Museum (10/10)
Only 20 minutes from downtown Detroit, Greenfield Village, and The Henry Ford Museum are must-sees for history buffs and curious minds alike.
- Greenfield Village: Step back in time with working farms, historic homes, and even a ride on a Model T!
- The Henry Ford Museum: Explore American innovation through exhibits featuring the Rosa Parks bus, the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, and more.
4. Belle Isle Park (8/10)
Located in the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park offering a multitude of outdoor activities and attractions.
- The top picks are Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and the James Scott Memorial Fountain.
- Fun fact: Belle Isle is the largest city-owned island park in the United States!
5. Saugatuck – Art and Beaches Galore (9/10)
Drive about 2.5 hours west of Detroit to discover the picturesque town of Saugatuck, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan.
- Must-see: Oval Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the country.
- Quirky stop: Check out the peculiar art installations at the Saugatuck Dunes State Park.
6. Lansing – The Heart of Michigan (7/10)
Venture 90 miles northwest to visit Lansing, Michigan’s capital city. With a blend of historic sites and modern attractions, Lansing offers diverse activities for all ages.
- Must-dos: Tour the Michigan State Capitol, explore the Michigan History Center, or take a stroll along the Lansing River Trail.
7. Hell, Michigan – A Devilishly Good Time (6/10)
Just an hour from Detroit, you’ll find the amusingly-named town of Hell. Embrace the kitschy fun with a visit to the Hell Hole Diner, a selfie with the “Welcome to Hell” sign, or by sending a “postcard from Hell” to your friends back home.
Antidote Alert: I once “damned” myself for a day by becoming the Mayor of Hell – an honor bestowed upon me after I purchased a “Mayor for a Day” package at Screams Souvenir Shop. My duties included cutting a ribbon and posing for pictures, all while wearing a plastic pitchfork and devil horns!
8. The Detroit Zoo (9/10)
Just 20 minutes from downtown Detroit, the Detroit Zoo is home to over 2,400 animals from around the world. Highlights include the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the Arctic Ring of Life, and the Butterfly Garden.
- Fun fact: The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in the United States to feature cageless, open-air animal habitats!
9. Traverse City – A Foodie’s Paradise (10/10)
Located 4 hours north of Detroit, Traverse City is a food lover’s dream come true. Known for its farm-to-table eateries, wine tasting rooms, and craft breweries, this vibrant city is a delight for your taste buds.
- Don’t miss: The annual National Cherry Festival in July, which celebrates Traverse City’s status as the “Cherry Capital of the World.”
10. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (10/10)
A 4.5-hour drive from Detroit will take you to the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Boasting 65 miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, towering sand dunes, and lush forests, this natural wonder is not to be missed.
- Must-dos: Climb the Dune Climb, hike the Empire Bluff Trail, or simply relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
And there you have it, fellow explorers – 10 delightful day trip destinations from Detroit, Michigan! With a mix of natural wonders, bustling cities, quirky towns, and everything, you will surely find your own perfect adventure in the Mitten State. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
