The Ultimate Summer Experiences in Michigan: 30+ Places to Visit

Michigan, with its ever-changing seasons, truly shines during the summer months. If you plan a trip to the Great Lakes State this season, add some of these captivating experiences to your Bucket List! Michigan has something for everyone, from July 4th celebrations to outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Follow along as we highlight our Top 30+- #MichBnB Summer Experiences:

Attend a 4th of July Fireworks Display

• Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival – Battle Creek, Michigan, hosts one of the largest fireworks displays in the state of Michigan every year. The Field of Flight Airshow and Balloon Festival lasts all weekend and includes fun activities such as carnival, entertainment, and specialty acts. 

#MichBnB Member close-by– Kalamazoo House B&B

•  Boyne City 4th of July Festival– Get ready for a dazzling display of patriotism at the Boyne City 4th of July Festival, a nationally acclaimed event that promises unforgettable memories. As the sun sets, gather along the shores of Lake Charlevoix and prepare to be mesmerized. At precisely 10:30 pm, the night sky erupts with brilliance.  The festivities span three days, ensuring nonstop excitement. There’s something for everyone, from the grand parade winding through downtown Boyne to thrilling activities like corn hole tournaments, water slides, and delectable food trucks.

#MichBnB Member close-by– House on the Hill B&B & Torch Lake B&B

• Grand Haven Fireworks and Musical Fountain Show Have you ever watched a fireworks display on the beach? It’s a magical experience in Grand Haven. Watch the musical fountain at the Waterfront Stadium, followed by fireworks.

#MichBnB Member close-by- The Looking Glass Beachfront Inn & Washington Street Inn

• 4th of July at the National Cherry Festival If you are in Traverse City, Michigan, for the National Cherry Festival, plan on staying for the spectacular fireworks display. The National Cherry Festival draws in tens of thousands of visitors for its weeklong festivities, and the fireworks display on the fourth of July can be viewed from many great viewing spots on the south end of West Grand Traverse Bay.

#MichBnB Member close-by Country Hermitage B&B in Williamsburg and Wellington Inn&  Grey Hare Inn in Traverse City

• Summer Magic in Detroit: Fireworks, Festivals, and Fun Visit Detroit to experience all the summertime magic in the motor city. From late June to mid-July, Metro Detroit hosts a lineup of festivals and exhibits, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks show. If you miss the early summer displays, catch the Friday Night Tigers home game for a post-game fireworks extravaganza.

#MichBnB Member close-by- The Frederick Stearns House Historic Inn & The Cochrane House

• Many of the small quaint towns of Michigan have their unique celebrations.

Enjoy an Old-Fashion Carriage Ride in Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria, offers a delightful blend of German-inspired charm and Midwest hospitality. Enjoy a romantic carriage ride around this quaint town and savor the world-famous chicken dinners at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth and the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. These iconic eateries pay homage to German heritage and serve authentic delights like Schnitzel and Sauerbraten. For more details about this delightful town, check out this past article.

#MichBnB Members close-by– Frankenmuth Country B& B &  the Historic Webster House in Bay City

Hop on a Bike

Michigan is filled with bike trails and picturesque country roads. Many of our members provide bikes for you to use during your stay. Check out this article for staying at Michigan bike trails and member inns.

Savor Fresh Flavors at Local Farmer’s Markets

With its abundant farms, orchards, and vineyards, Michigan beckons food enthusiasts to explore its culinary treasures. As one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the nation, Michigan proudly produces a bounty that ranges from crisp apples and tart cherries to juicy blueberries, asparagus, and cucumbers.

While local restaurants incorporate these flavors into their dishes, nothing beats the authenticity of a farmer’s market. Here, you can savor what’s locally fresh and in season directly from the hands of passionate growers. Whether you’re seeking plump berries, crisp veggies, or artisanal treats, farmers’ markets offer a delightful sensory experience. Michigan communities host farmers markets year-round, but a few stand out as true destinations:

• Eastern Market in Detroit: With over 250 independent vendors, Eastern Market buzzes with energy. It’s a food lover’s paradise, from farm-fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and handcrafted goods.
• Flint Farmers Market: Open year-round, this market invites you to explore stalls brimming with local delights. Grab a jar of homemade jam, sample Michigan wines, and discover unique snacks for your journey.
• Ann Arbor’s Farmer’s Market- Ann Arbor has an array of farms, farmers markets, and farm stands. A thriving farm-to-table movement in the community reaches from home kitchens to restaurant dining rooms. The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open year-round, bringing local farm-fresh produce and more to the community every week.

So, spread the jam, sip the wine, and embrace the flavors of Pure Michigan. Life tastes better when it’s seasoned with local goodness!

Be Captivated at a Botanical Garden

Michigan is home to several beautiful botanical gardens where you can immerse yourself in nature’s splendor. Here are some worth exploring:

• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids- This 158-acre gem combines spectacular botanical gardens with world-class art. Explore three indoor conservatories featuring carnivorous, tropical, and arid plants. Don’t miss the elegant Japanese garden and outdoor-themed gardens.

#MichBnB Member close-by- Leonard at Logan House, The Parsonage Inn & Prairieside Suites B&B

•  University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor-  Covering 350 acres, these gardens offer diverse landscapes. Wander through mature hardwood forests, perennial gardens, wetlands, and conservatory displays. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail connects to multi-use trails for hiking and biking across Washtenaw County

#MichBnB Member close-by- The Baxter House B&B,  Burnt Toast B&B & The Newton of Ypsilanti

• W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens at Michigan State University, East Lansing- Established in 1873, this is the oldest continuously operating university botanical garden in the U.S. Explore over 5,000 plant species, including fruits, vegetables, flowering plants, and rare species.

#MichBnB Member close-by- Knob Hill B&B  in Flint

•  The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City- Set on Traverse City’s western edge, this 25-acre botanical garden showcases native plant life from northwest Michigan. Stroll through hardwood trees and admire wildflowers. Guided tours provide insights into the park’s historic barns

#MichBnB Member close-By- Country Hermitage B&B in Williamsburg,  Wellington Inn & Grey Hare Inn in Traverse City

Check out Michigan’s Art Scene

Michigan’s art scene is a dynamic tapestry that weaves creativity, heritage, and diverse expressions together. Michigan’s art and culture are drawn from the rich heritage of Indigenous tribes and the rise of the automobile industry in Detroit during the early 20th century, which transformed Michigan’s cultural landscape. Immigrants from diverse backgrounds infused their traditions into local art and culture.

• The Detroit Institute of Arts, founded in 1885, became a cultural icon, acquiring significant works of art.
• Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is a premier museum in the U.S., home to over 60,000 works of art spanning ancient to contemporary.
• Grand Rapids Art Museum  From Renaissance to modern art, this museum showcases diverse collections, including notable works like Richard Diebenkorn’s “Ingleside
• Cranbrook Art Museum, Located in Bloomfield Hills, features contemporary art exhibitions and architectural gems on the Cranbrook Educational Community campus.
• Ann Arbor Film Festival A hub for avant-garde cinema, celebrating experimental and independent filmmakers.
• Art Coast of Michigan Saugatuck & Douglas has art galleries and the renowned Ox-Bow School of Art.

During the summer, Michigan’s streets and towns come alive with public art. From bustling cities like Flint and Grand Rapids to quaint towns like Elk Rapids and Ypsilanti,  murals, sculptures, and installations captivate passersby.

Michigan is beckoning! Choose a summer adventure and check out our #MichBnB website for quality-assured bed and breakfast nearby. Our members include traditional bed and breakfasts and unique boutique inns and hotels. What you will find at each is caring hospitality, delicious breakfasts, and comfortable beds for a good night’s sleep. Book your stay today.