Have you ever been curious about Michigan? If you’ve ever thought about traveling to this American state , then read on, rovers! Get ready to write, as we present the top 10 places in Michigan that are truly bucket list-worthy.

1.  The Secret Spots on Mackinac Island

Regular readers know that while the locals love this place, especially in the summer, the rest of the world pays little attention to it. Here you can go bicycling and explore the arches, caves, and marinas. But you can also enjoy a carriage ride, picnic along the shore and visit such places as Sadie’s Ice Cream parlor near the well-known Grand Hotel, see scenic Cadotte Avenue, relax at the pretty Somewhere In Time gazebo (nicknamed after the 1980 film shot here), and hike the peaceful Tranquil Bluff Trail.

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Rockport State Park Recreational Area

If you like to hike, go stargazing, or are a real rock hound this is the place for you. Located in attractive Alpena, it spans a vast area of 4, 237 acres. You can explore this scenic place on foot or by bicycle. Veteran visitors suggest searching for Devonian fossils, bike to the quarry, see the sinkholes, and go stargazing at this officially designated Dark Sky Preserve. Be sure to pack properly though as no food is available here and there are only latrines or pit toilets on the property.

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Enjoy East Tawas

The East Tawas region is a great place to try something new, see the sites, and do a little shopping. Those in the know suggest parking in the marina parking lot. If you’ve been driving a bit too long, there are restrooms right next door. 

Shopaholics will want to hit Newman Street. Nature lovers can take the designated birding trail or hike the scenic trails found along the shoreline. When you get hungry try a Pronto Pup hot dog on a stick and have some chai tea at the popular Tea House.

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Hit Hungarian Falls 

Some state residents consider the Hungarian Falls to be one of their favorites. You will find it in Hubbell. Hungarian Falls is the result of water from Dover Creek roaring down on its way to popular Torch Lake.

Visitors find the roaring sound of the falls and the cool mist resulting from them to be both “mesmerizing and refreshing.” Locals recommend visiting in the spring because that is when the water levels are generally the highest. They say you can spend hours exploring the area too. So dress in layers because it’s cooler in the spring.

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Headlands International Dark Sky Park

The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is situated roughly three miles west out of Mackinaw City. This is reported to be one place that sometimes even state residents initially overlook. Anyone familiar with the “dark sky” concept will know this means this is an exceptional place to see the stars without any significant pollution.

It’s simply a must-see location when vacationing in Michigan. It’s even close to Mackinac Island. There is concrete arched seating here that optimizes stargazing but you should come prepared with a comfy cushion.  

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Feed Giraffes at Binder Park Zoo

Opened in 1977, Binder Park Zoo outside cornflake-famous Battle Creek, is noteworthy for several reasons. It includes an open-air train that takes riders to “Africa” and is narrated so that passengers learn while they ride. The ride is even included with your entry fee and there’s close, free parking. You’ll also discover a variety of animals available for close-up viewing, shaded boardwalks for strolling through the nature area, free-roaming peacocks, and a Children’s Zoo that allows everyone to feed, pet, and otherwise interact with friendly animals. Plus you get to feed giraffes!

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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Explorers, hikers, kayakers, photographers, and (naturally) nature lovers all adore popular Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located on the shore of well-known Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of the state, it features picturesque rock formations, wonderful waterfalls, and hilly sand dunes. You can snowmobile there in the winter and hike it in the summer.  

While kayaking here can be costly, the views are reportedly “absolutely amazing.” Other highlights include the popular Rip Tide Ride and even glass-bottom boat tours. Be sure to check out nearby Munising too.

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Silver Lake Sand Dunes

You’ll find striking Silver Lake State Park in Mears. It spans an area of 450 acres and is largely designated for off-road vehicles. Visitors to this park have access to Lake Michigan and Silver Lake as well.

Frequent flyers feel that being here is like being in another world. They say that if you love beaches and enjoy doing the dunes, then this park is the place to be. You can rent a jeep or even bring your own vehicles but should do your homework regarding requirements prior to arriving.

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Be Certain to See Saugatuck

The quaint little lake town of Saugatuck is nestled in Allegan County. Conde’ Nast included this charming place on their renowned “Top 25 Beaches in the World” list. Of course, there is a lot more to do here than swim and play on the beach.

You can take a chain ferry or a duck boat, hike to the very top of Mt. Baldhead, stroll along a riverwalk, or go for a dune ride. The locals say that the best time to visit is in the spring or the summer. 

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Isle Royale National Park

You will discover the exceptional remote island cluster known as the Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. It’s close to the border between Michigan and Canada. This pleasant, peaceful place comes complete with dense, verdant forests, and stunning, sparkling lakes and waterways. Here the resident wolves and moose roam free.

Ah, but never fear! If you would prefer not to tent camp in the same neighborhood as wolves, you can always book a rustic room at the lodge. Ask nicely and they’ll even pack you a lunch and send you off on a great guided tour too!

The post Top 10 Places In Michigan That Are Truly Bucket List-Worthy  appeared first on Add to Bucketlist , Vacation Deals.

Did your Halloween lack something this year?  Are you still in the mood for something spooky?  If you’re in the Michigan area, then check out this day trip through the spookiest places in the state!       

Special Note: The bulk of this trip focuses on the state’s Michigan’s Lower Peninsula for tine’s sake.  However, if you are unable to reserve an entire day for a road trip, you can split this list into a weekend.  Additionally, we’ve included a bonus spooky spot in case you decide you need to see more of Michigan’s many macabre hot spots.

1. Terrace Inn And 1911 Restaurant

1549 Glendale Avenue, Petoskey

Unsurprisingly, this historic location has offered dining and lodging opportunities for visitors and Michigan residents alike.  While this place does offer some finely-crafted menu choices and features charming decor to boot, the truth is some guests have reported rather spooky experiences.  Indeed, the inn has actually been the site of a number of deaths.  

Perhaps most notably, one woman, pregnant with twins, fell here.  She and her unborn children died.  So whether you book a room here or simply drop in for a bite to eat, remember that you could find yourself face-to-face with a ghost.

2.  Traverse City State Hospital

830 Cottageview Drive, Traverse City

The  Traverse City State Hospital is presently part of the popular dining, lodging, and shopping complex known as the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.  The now infamous Traverse City State Hospital was originally a busy psychiatric treatment facility for patients of all ages.  It was also home to people who suffered from such afflictions as polio, tuberculosis, and typhoid.

Ergo, it isn’t hard to imagine the rather dark and dire events that might very well have happened here.  Today though, you can tour the property or simply take in the view of the structure itself.  Be ready to pick up on the spooky vibes.

3.  Felt Mansion

6597 138th Ave, Holland

Built in 1927, today this former manse is a favorite venue for special events.  But it certainly has its share of scary ghost stories.  The estate was originally meant to serve as the summer home of successful American inventor and industrialist Dorr E. Felt and his family.

Unfortunately, his wife Agnes died in the house mere months following its completion.  Felt also died there a few years later. Today, various visitors say they have seen weird apparitions, perhaps the ghost of Agnes, and heard strange, unearthly sounds coming from the woods around the property.  Check it out, if you dare!  

4.  Holly Hotel

110 Battle Alley, Holly

Although it was once a hotel, it is presently a noteworthy restaurant.  Local legend has it that during its early days, this inn had accommodated an assortment of guests and that their spirits still linger there today long after their deaths.  One of its more famous wraithlike residents is a ghostly little gal who for some unknown reason does nothing but wander around the halls of the hotel playing with a meat cleaver.  There is also the less frightening yet just as unexplainable presence of strange orbs in various photos.  There’s plenty of spookiness here, for sure.

5.  The Whitney

4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Built in the late 1800s, The Whitney has become an institution here in the city.  Through the decades it has served a number of different purposes and has been everything from a private mansion to a hospice.  The modern-day Whitney is used as a memorable restaurant.

Ah, but veteran visitors confirm that there are “spooky remnants” of The Whitney’s colorful past that remain.  Diners have often reported hearing unexplained footsteps, seeing empty elevators moving up and down between floors, and glasses breaking for no reason whatsoever.  

6.  Ganong Cemetery

3036 S Henry Ruff Road, Westland

In the fall, Ganong Cemetery features colorful foliage and cool, crisp weather.  It also offers visitors and mourners alike a healthy dose of spacious spookiness.  The property has been used as a burial site since some time in the 1830s.

Since then it has gone on to earn a reputation as one of Michigan’s “most haunted graveyards.”  this cemetery is no longer used for new burials.  Nevertheless, many visitors have reported seeing an eerie “woman in white” or have experienced unexplained auto accidents outside the cemetery’s entrance.  

7.  River Raisin National Battlefield Park

1403 E Elm Avenue, Monroe

During the infamous War of 1812, the bloody Battle of River Raisin happened right here.  More than 500 American soldiers and countless British troops and indigenous participants died here on Michigan soil.  Since its opening, people who have visited this battlefield park have reported hearing disembodied wails and ghostly apparitions.  So keep your eyes open!

Bonus Michigan Spooky Spot!

8.  Seul Choix Point Lighthouse

905 S Seul Choix Pointe Road, Gulliver

Who doesn’t enjoy lighthouses?  They’re full of history, romance, and even mystery.  There are several in the state that are reportedly haunted.  

This Upper Peninsula lighthouse is the most notorious of them all.  For decades now the spirit of Captain Willie Townsend, former Michigan lighthouse keeper, has been eternally attached to this old structure.  Additionally, a pair of female ghosts have also reportedly been wandering around the lighthouse.  

One of the female spirits is believed to be Mary “grandma” Pemble, the deceased mother-in-law of one of the previous keepers.  Pemble met her end during one of the state’s biggest blizzards.  The blizzard assaulted the lighthouse like an invading force.  The snow and wind blasted through the windows and into the lighthouse rooms.

There have been many detailed accounts of paranormal activity filed by employees and visitors alike.  There have been numerous reports of ghosts, mysteriously moving objects, the scent of the late Captain’s cigar smoke, and more.  Investigators have recordings of several disembodied male voices.  One of them could very well have been old Willie himself.

So dear readers of twisted tales of terror, have you ever ventured into one of the allegedly haunted places found in this Great Lakes State? By all means share your stories in the comments section!

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