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Each year, I want to shine a spotlight on some of my favorite hidden gems in Michigan we explored the previous year. While many are new sights to us, some are such great treasures that we returned back to them this year. I guarantee you won’t find any other Michigan bucket list like mine! Here are my recommended Michigan hidden gems to explore in 2023.
Upper Peninsula Hidden Gems
Canyon Falls
First up, on old US 41 is an amazing waterfall and natural site – a true Michigan hidden gem to explore! And funny enough, to get there, you’ll park at a rest area about 12 miles south of L’Anse and walk the approximately ten min trail to reach it. The walk goes fast as there are rapids and other natural sites to appreciate along the way! It is also free!
Some of the trail is wooded boardwalk, and some are pathways with rocks and roots popping up. But our toddler did a great job walking both out to the falls and back. He get’s so excited whenever I tell him we’re going to see a waterfall on our adventures!
The canyon itself is a sight to behold! And we did this during a rainy day, so I can’t wait to return when it’s a nicer day and in all of Michigan’s seasons.
Au Train Falls
Next, Au Train Falls is a fun, wide, slow moving waterfall you can hop right into to cool off! (All cool off you will – it’s COLD). There’s also a smaller waterfall next to it that’s great for little ones to play in.
Au Train Falls is about 18 minutes away from Munising. And of all the waterfall’s we saw during a road trip across the UP, this was my son’s favorite (we saw 21 of them). There isn’t a bathroom, but it’s an easy access waterfall to reach from where park is available.
Fort Wilkins Historic State Park
Did you realize Michigan had forts in places beyond the Mackinac(w)s? Fort Wilkins Historic State Park was built in 1844 to keep the peace during the Copper rush. It’s been preserved to show how life was on the Northern frontier. There’s also a state park campground on site! This Michigan hidden gem is free to explore, but open seasonally.
Another fun perk of visiting Fort Wilkins is that people dress up for re-enactments of what life was like on the fort. Across the street from it is the Astor Shipwreck Park (where we parked our car and walked across the street from). It’s free to park there and at this park, you can see Lake Superior, rock hunt, and learn a little more history – particularly about the shipwreck that took place so close to this bay.
Black River Scenic Byway
Black River Scenic Byway in Ironwood is a fantastic road trip to take that has 5 waterfalls within 2 miles ending at the Black River Harbor on Lake Superior.
The Black River Scenic Byway runs through the Ottawa National Forest and is home to 5 waterfalls all within 2 miles of each other. If you’re into hiking the North Country Trail (or this specific section), the trail runs parallel to the Black River.
This gorgeous mini road trip may be far from many Michiganders, but it is worth it – another Michigan Hidden Gems to explore. When we visited in the summer, it took us about 3 hours total to complete (and that’s with carrying a toddler up hundreds of steps!)
If you have difficulty with steps, Potawatomi Falls can be viewed barrier free. Just park at the Gorge Falls lot and follow the signs to Potawatomi Falls.
Of all the waterfalls – Great Conglomerate, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and Rainbow, Sandstone was all of our favorites. It involves a lot of steps to climb down and back up, but is one you can frolic in a bit.
Pickle Barrel Museum
The final of the UP Michigan Hidden Gems to explore in 2023 is the Pickle Barrel Museum. It’s located on the corner of Lake Ave & Randolph St in Grand Marais. It is only open in warmer months with sporadic hours. This life size pickle barrel was once the summer cottage of William Donahey, who illustrated the comic The Teenie Weenies in the Chicago Tribune in the 1920s. These characters later were licensed on children’s foods – particularly barrels of pickles.
Southwest Michigan Hidden Gems
Air Zoo
Moving onto southwestern Michigan, first up is the Air Zoo. This ‘Zoo’ doesn’t contain any animals. Rather, it is home to over 100 historic aircraft from all eras of aviation! It’s open Mon-Sat from 9-5pm, & Sun 12-5pm. Tickets are $15.95 for adults, $14.96 for kids age 5-18 & free age 4 & under.
The Air Zoo has to be the coolest museum in Michigan – especially if you’re an airplane lover! I took my airplane obsessed son to the Air Zoo and his mind was blow away by the rooms of airplanes. Plus there are indoor rides! Even the littlest aviators can enjoy the rides with a responsible adult.
Eden Springs Park
Go on an historic mini train ride at Eden Springs Park in Benton Harbor. For $3 per person, enjoy a ride on the restored mini trains during the summer on weekends between 12-5pm. Eden Springs was founded by the Israelite House of David in 1908. At one point, this park also had a zoo, amphitheater, hotel, bowling and more. Today, it is a fraction of what it was, but is in the process of restoration. It’s like an open air museum with historic photos and signage showing what once existed in that spot.
Summerhouse Lavender Farm
Summerhouse Lavender Farm in Fennville is open in the summer. And starting this year, there’s a new Airbnb on the property! While the farm is free to visit, the best time is during the bloom festival during the first 2 weekends in July! In Southwest Michigan, lavender blooms typically last throughout July.
It’s a wonderfully relaxing place to spend some time. Not only can you walk among the lavender, there are fountains, a Zen garden and lots of seating to bring a book and have some ‘me’ time in a tranquil setting.
Both English and French lavenders are grown and distilled into essential oils that are then used to make the products sold at the store. Shop for culinary lavender, soaps, bath bombs, and their own blend of candles, lotions and perfumes.
During peak bloom, it is open Thursday to Saturday 11-5pm and Sundays from 11-3pm.
Bear Cave & Waterfall
Bear Cave at 4085 Bear Cave Rd, Buchanan is reopening April 17, 2023 & is open through October 31. It is my top hidden gem! Located within the Bear Cave RV park, this natural cave & waterfall have a storied history. For one, it was a stop along the Underground Railroad. Later, featured in the movie The Great Train Robbery from 1903! Now, it can be toured for $4 for adults & $2 for kids/seniors. Carry cash!
Before your self guided tour, you’ll receive a helmet for safety. Note that the ground is wet as the cave runs under a creek (hence the waterfall). So carry wear waterproof or closed toe shoes.
Hours vary due to staffing so give the main line a call at 269-695-4464 to find out the current hours. On Saturday’s, the cave is typically open from 9-5pm. However it’s seasonally run, and there is a locked gate at the entrance so do not try to visit once the camping season ends in October.
Once you arrive at the gate, buzz the office to let you in. Visitor parking is marked at the entrance. Go under the Bear Cave arch and take the short boardwalk trail to the park store and reservation center, which is where you’ll pay and enter the cave from. After the tour, continue on to view the waterfall behind the cave and store.
The cave and waterfall are extremely rare in this part of the country and formed via a glacial drift over 25000 years ago.
Honolulu House
The Honolulu House Museum in Marshall is another Michigan hidden gems to explore. Built in 1860 by Michigan’s former Chief Justice & diplomat to Hawaii, the house is modeled after the Iolani Palace. Open for tours starting in April. It’s $10 per person & free for kids 12 & under.
The Honolulu House is built in a tropical-Victorian Italianate style of architecture. It’s original owner is Abner Pratt, who sought to recreate his life in Honolulu as best he could in Michigan. To accomplish that, he built a towering one story house with high ceilings and doors to keep the house as airy as possible. There are also tropical murals in the homes interior you need to see!
For being an historic home, the tour is interactive with some great features so it’s easy to tour with kids.
World War 2 POW Camp
At one point in time, 32 World War 2 POW camps once existed in Michigan and housed about 6000 POWs in total. Most of the camps formed from retired CCC barracks and nearly all the POWs were German. POWs filled the labor shortage brought about by the war – especially in farming. This former POW camp in particular was known as Camp Allegan. To reach it, look for the Allegan Heritage Trail sign, then continue past it, where there is a small trail leading to where the former camp was. There are a few remaining pieces of cement foundation remaining. On the Heritage Trail signage, there’s helpful information on the camp, its original purpose and what the POWs did in the area to fill the labor shortage. It also details interesting escape attempts!
West Michigan Hidden Gems
Meyer May House
Since I live in the Grand Rapids area, one of my favorite things to do in the area is look for Michigan hidden gems to explore. One such gem I stumbled upon during an earlier adventure with my husband was the Meyer May House. This house is a free Frank Lloyd Wright home you can tour. Reserve your tour online! Tours run Sundays from 12-3 & Tues/Thurs 10-1pm & last 1.5 hrs. There isn’t a parking lot but the street parking is free.
Midwest Miniatures Museum
Then there is the Midwest Miniatures Museum in Grand Haven. This museum is open Tues-Sat 11-5pm. Here you will see some of the worlds tiniest objects displayed as works of art in the historic Robbins House in downtown Grand Haven. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for kids age 6-17, & free for 5 & under.
Storybook Village
How about Michigan hidden gems to explore that are one part book store and one part children’s play area? Storybook Village in Pentwater is the cutest children’s toy store I’ve ever seen! It also has the most unique, thoughtful toys & books. In fact, it’s not just me, it was listed among the top 14 best Children’s book stores in the US by BuzzFeed. Open daily from 10am – 6pm.
Winkel Chestnut Farm
Did you know Michigan is the 2nd most agriculturally diverse state in the US? The chestnut season in Michigan runs from the last couple days of September through the second week of October, but check their website or Facebook page near you for availability. When it is open, picking is open Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 5pm. But plan to arrive early as they typically close early if the chestnuts get picked up. There are also four other chestnut farms in Michigan including Ivory Farms in Lapeer, Vriezema Chestnut Farm in Byron Center, Lafeverchestnuts in Fenton and Hillside Orchards in Berrien Springs.
Grand Ideas Garden
The Grand Ideas Garden in Grand Rapids is free to visit, and a great spot to picnic in spring and summer. There’s an outdoor plant & flower garden with paths to walk along, and tables in front of a garden waterfall. A gorgeous, peaceful retreat to develop all those grand ideas!
Signs are posted by all the plants and flowers. This makes it easy to learn about the plants should you be looking for inspiration on revamping your landscaping.
Northwest Michigan Hidden Gems
Mt McSauba
Charlevoix is a year round recreation area with hiking, disc golf & a beach in summer & skiing/sledding hill, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating and lantern walks in the winter. The panoramic views of Lake Michigan are a gorgeous place to watch the sunset. There are also multiple trails with access to Lake Michigan.
Gwen Frostic Prints
Next, Green Frost Prints in Benzonia is open Mon-Sat 10-5pm year round. It’s free to visit but there are plenty of tempting prints and stationary to purchase here!
Gwen Frostic was one of the US’ top nature inspired artists who founded Presscraft Papers; printing her works of art on a classic Heidelberg printer. The shop & studio is an inspiring natural destination, built to blend in with the land it’s on.
Gravity Hill
And now, how about trippy Michigan hidden gems to explore? Gravity Hill is located 1/4 mile up the road from Blaine Christian Church at 7018 Putney Road, Arcadia. Stop at the bottom of the hill, put your car in neutral & feel your car roll up the hill!
Raven Hill Discovery Center
The Raven Hill Discovery Center is one of Michigan’s coolest museums. Part science museum, part history museum, and part art museum, Raven Hill has something for everyone to enjoy.
There are indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits. Indoors there is a room of animals to learn about and interact with. There is also a large common area with over a dozen stations sectioned off based on age group. My toddler son stuck to the front of the room where there were a couple marble runs and musical instruments to play. But in the back there is a giant magnet table, electricity generating stations based on movement, dark room, and more.
Also indoors is one of the Smithsonian’s Main Street exhibits which showcases the history of work and industry in the northern Michigan area.
Outdoors, there are several other exhibits to see such as the musical garden, treehouse in the woods, exploring beyond the Jurassic Park walk, and my favorite, the Ancient World. The Ancient World (which you can drive through) brings history books to life by recreating many historically significant structures from civilizations around the world.
Make sure to check out their website to be aware of events and classes offered.
Admission to Raven Hill is $10 a person. It’s open year round, however in the cooler months, it’s open on the weekends only between 12pm and 4pm.
It’s big so make sure to wear comfy shoes and plan to spend about 2-3 hours here to take advantage of all there is to see.
Old Facefull
Carry a water jug because this natural spring water is tasty & hilarious (check the Google reviews!) It’s also steps away from a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan; great for rock hunting & sunset watching.
Mushroom House Tours
Go on a GEM Car Mushroom House tour to see all 26 of local Charlevoix architect Earl Young’s homes and learn about how unique and different each one is. The tour guide Edith is a wealth of history and knowledge of the area. Tours are great for young and old alike and cost $25 per person. Age 6 and under are free. The tours last about an hour and can be prebooked online in advance.
Lake Bluff Farms
Lake Bluff Farms in Manistee just changed ownership. The new owners seek to preserve this place even more. When I first visited a few years back, it appeared to be a massive Michigan hidden gems to explore with very underdeveloped facilities and no signs. Now, there are signs, broadened parking area, and still, free to visit! Stop by to see a couple massive sequoia trees planted in 1948! These are very rare to see in Michigan. The sequoia grew from seeds brought to the area by the then owners of the property.
Northeast Michigan Hidden Gems
Little Michigan
This Michigan hidden gems to explore is easy to miss as you cruise along the road, so be on the lookout for the Michigan historic marker for Camp Lunden. This former CCC camp operated in the 1930s. And then, some men stationed at this camp, built the little Michigan. Of everything that was once here, only the Little Michigan remains!
This fun sized Michigan is located in Lewiston and is a cute little pitstop if you’re visiting the northeast lower peninsula.
There’s also a Michigan State Historic Marker here with photos and info on Camp Lunden – a Civilian Conservation Corp camp that operated here between 1933-36. The men from this camp planted trees, created roads, and built trout ponds in the area.
In their spare time, 40 of the 200 men stationed here created this mini Michigan in front of their barracks. It’s fascinating that of everything that was once here, the Michigan is what remained and is maintained.
Dinosaur Gardens
Next is Dinosaur Gardens – the classic roadside attraction, which is only open in the warmer months. The 1/2 mile trail with 26 dinosaurs from the 1930s is $10 per person to tour, and dogs are welcome! There’s also a fossil dig, gem panning, ice cream & putt putt.
It is open daily from 10am-4pm Memorial Day to Labor Day, then every Saturday through October.
If you plan to visit, there are bundle packages such as the all encompassing Explorer Pass, which gets you a walkthrough, putt putt, fossil dig, tote bag, and giant bag of gems to find in the sluice. This took about two hours for us to do, although you can set your own pace. There is also the Dino Pass, which gets you a walk through, putt putt, fossil dig, tote bag, and small bag of gems. Or for $10 you can walk through the Dino trail. Kids three and under (plus dogs) are free.
Wondering how Dinosaur Gardens got its start? Well, it was founded back in 1935, after Paul Nathan Dome purchased the property. One of the motivators for his purchase was because the terrain reminded him of where dinosaurs roamed.
After setting up a couple other businesses, Domke traveled to museums across North America to learn as much as he could about dinosaurs, then used that information to create each dinosaur to scale as accurately as possible.
This might be as close to Jurassic Park in Michigan as you can get!
Beatles & Beans Coffee Emporium
Beatles & Beans Coffee Emporium in Bay City is open Tues-Sat from 9-5pm & sells fun, Beatles themed hot and iced lattes. The decor is also amazing – especially for Beatles fans! Cash only.
Dahlia Hill
Dahlia Hill in Midland is open daily but best visited late summer through mid October to see the thousands of dahlia varieties in bloom! There are also art studios located in top of the hill that are free to browse.
Alpena Shipwreck Tours
Hop aboard Lady Michigan during a glass bottom shipwreck tour in Alpena. Each tour lasts approximately 2 hrs. The glass bottom boat tours go over a few shipwrecks in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary & stories are told about how they ended up there. The tours run mid May to mid Oct & cost $34 for adults, $14 6-12, & $1 for 5 & under.
Johnny Panther Adventure Quest Tours
Go on a private, flat bottom boat tour via Johnny Panther Quest Tours through the Everglades of Michigan (aka the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge) and see one of the most amazing natural spots for wildlife in Michigan! During fall & spring watch as thousands of birds camp out here as they migrate.
Johnny Panther Quests offers customizable boat tours in a number of areas throughout the Great Lakes Bay like the the Shiawassee, Frankenmuth, along the upper Flint River, and even all the way up to the Au Sable.
The boat is custom made to go through the shallow waters that exist throughout parts of the Shiawassee. This experience provides an adventure like no other.
When we went on our tour in October, we were the only ones out on the water during our adventure (since so few watercraft are licensed to venture into this area). So if you’re looking for tranquil solitude, a beautiful spot to enjoy fall colors, or to see an exceptional number of birds, waterfowl, and bald eagles, this needs to be on your Michigan travel bucket list. Captain Wil L. Hufton is quite the character and a wealth of information on the area. He can share about the ecology, local attractions, history, personal history and his family’s ties to the area and anything else you’d like to learn about.
Tours can be booked year round online or via phone.
Southeast Michigan Hidden Gems
Detroit Shipping Company
Detroit Shipping Company is open Tues-Sun. It is a modern food court features 6 premium eateries, 2 bars, 2 shops, 2 art galleries, & an event venue. There are 2 stories of seating to dine at plus outdoor dining in the warmer months!
Grosse Ile
Grosse Ile is an island in the Detroit River with loads of history! Check out the Grosse Ile History Museum, St James Episcopal Church, Gibraltar Bay Alpacas, and Westcroft Gardens- which is as old as the USA – founded July 6, 1776!
Grosse Ile was a stop French explorers Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac made in the 1600s and early 1700s. Then in 1776, the Macomb brothers purchased the island from the Potawatomi tribe.
While on the island, a must see stop is Westcroft Gardens, which was founded on July 6, 1776 by the 8th generation of the Macomb and is the oldest family farm in Michigan. There is also a beautiful three acre garden to walk around.
Another must visit place is the Grosse Ile History Museum. Not only will you learn about the islands fascinating history, you’ll find many things that connect what you’ll see at present to historic events. I learned that President George Bush served in the Navy and was stationed here at one point! While at the museum, pick up a copy of the book “100 + Historical Sites and Notable Locations” to help plan out the rest of your time on the island!
Navarre Anderson Trading Post
Navarre Anderson Trading Post in Monroe is open during the warmer months as well as for special events like maple syrup tapping. In the summer, volunteers dress in period attire to show how life was locally after the War of 1812. It’s also home to Michigan’s oldest wooden house, built in 1789! Outside the house, check out the bullet holes embedded into the wood. These date back to the battle that took place in Monroe during the War of 1812!
There is also an old cookhouse that dates back to 1810 & replica French-Canadian barn from the 1790s. Volunteers dress in period attire and walk you through what life was like in historic Monroe during 1815.
It is open Thursday to Saturday from 10-4pm in the warmer months. The Navarre-Anderson Trading Post also hosts special events throughout the year!
Lost Peninsula
The Lost Peninsula is in the far southeast corner of Michigan – you have to drive through Ohio to reach it! While there’s not really anything to do unless you’re a member of the yacht club, there are 2 restaurants worth a trip to support.
This ‘island’ (peninsula) is for the few daring and brave Lost Peninsula Michiganders that have to cross into Ohio just to hang out with other Michiganders!
If you thought Michigan was two peninsula’s, you better rework your thinking because we actually have THREE! Upper, lower & the lost peninsula.
There’s not much to do on the Lost Peninsula unless you befriend someone who lives there (I don’t know anyone yet, but I’m open for new friends!) The most you can do is grab a bite to eat at one of the two restaurants and check out the unique boundary marker. But it’s definitely a unique experience!
Flint Farmers Market
The Flint Farmers Market is open Tues/Thurs/Sat from 9-5pm. There are around 50 year round vendors selling everything from local art & baked goods to fresh produce, meats & cheeses!
The Flint Farmers Market is a great spot to support local Flint based grocers, restauranteurs, bakers, artists, and more! There are 45 suppliers in the market year round, but in the summer, the market expands outdoors with over 100 vendors!
Parking isn’t as issue as there are several free lot’s available to use close by the market. These are found on the markets website.
Other fun features of the market include public events like free concerts and classes you can take (all listed on their website!) We also loved how there’s a Flint Children’s Museum booth at the market with all kinds of great educational toys!
Fairy Forest
The Fairy Forest of Grass Lake is a free, true gem! The Fairy Forest is maintained by a local homeowner who makes the wooded area near their house a magical escape. When we visited in spring 2022, it was Alice in Wonderland themed, but the theme changes every often for seasons & holidays.
It’s very interactive with a small stage, books, mailbox to leave notes to the fairies, and more! Like with the Alice in Wonderland theme there’s a tea party set complete with the Alice in Wonderland “eat me” “drink me” props!
How to get here? Park at the laundromat across the street or car wash next door. Look for the butterfly wings, the. Right after that, you’ll see the opening into the forest!
Map of the Michigan Hidden Gems to Explore in 2023
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