Michigan
The Great Lakes State
Michigan is where freshwater coastlines meet forested wilderness, where vibrant fall colours blaze through the trees, and where outdoor adventure is part of daily life. Known as The Great Lakes State, Michigan is defined by its natural beauty and seasonal variety, with over 3,200 miles of shoreline, nearly 100 state parks, and a year-round calendar of outdoor experiences that rival anywhere in the U.S.
Framed by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan offers more freshwater coastline than any other state. From golden beaches in the summer to icy shorelines in winter, the lakes provide a dramatic backdrop for boating, kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. Indiana shares Lake Michigan’s shoreline, and Ohio borders Lake Erie, giving each state its own connection to the Great Lakes. Michigan’s extensive coastline simply allows for a wider variety of lakefront experiences across both its Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
Autumn Colours and Seasonal Celebrations
In autumn, Michigan travel comes alive with vibrant fall foliage and harvest festivals. The sugar maples turn fiery red, birches glow gold, and oak trees take on deep purple tones, all set against the indigo blues of the lakes. Visitors flock to farmers' markets, orchards, and more than 60 wineries to enjoy local produce, cider tasting, and fruit-picking, making autumn in Michigan both scenic and delicious. Indiana and Ohio also offer beautiful fall colours and agricultural festivals.
Outdoor Adventure Across All Four Seasons
For outdoor enthusiasts, Michigan is a four-season playground. It boasts nearly 100 state parks and recreation areas, thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails, and expansive wildlife refuges. The Upper Peninsula, in particular, offers rugged wilderness, waterfalls, and pristine forests, and is often hailed as the best snowmobiling destination in the country.
Golf, Leisure and Resort Living
Golfers will also find a paradise here - Michigan has more public golf courses than any other state, with over 800 courses spread across forest, dune, and lakeside terrain. It’s no surprise Michigan is known as America’s summer golf capital, with top-ranked courses nestled in both quiet countryside and popular resort areas.
Cities, Towns and Lakeside Communities
Beyond the outdoors, Michigan’s small towns and cities, from Traverse City and Petoskey to Ann Arbor and Detroit, offer culture, cuisine, shopping, and hospitality with a friendly Midwestern heart. Ohio’s cities, like Cleveland and Columbus, bring their own cultural strengths, and Indiana’s smaller towns showcase unique Amish traditions and motorsport heritage. Michigan complements these with its coastal communities, island ferries, and lakeside festivals that create a summery, shoreline-inspired atmosphere.
A State Shaped by Nature
Whether you're hiking forest trails, sipping local wine, snowmobiling through pine-covered hills, or just soaking up the view, Michigan is a place where nature and adventure come together across every season.
Last Updated: 17/12/2025