Best Free Things to Do in Michigan

Heading to Michigan? The good news is that the Great Lakes State has plenty of free activities that will allow you to enjoy the beauty and culture of the region without spending a dime.

From seasonal events to everyday experiences, Michigan offers budget-friendly options for every traveler. Here are the best free things to do in Michigan.

1. Find Your Favorite Beach on the Great Lakes

Home to more than 20% of the world’s surface freshwater, the Great Lakes are Michigan’s defining feature. The shorelines of Lakes Michigan, Superior, Huron, Ontario, and Erie stretch a total of 3,288 miles across both peninsulas. During summer, travelers have a variety of stunning beaches to choose from. Silver Beach on Lake Michigan is particularly recommended, where the soft, powdery sand shimmers like gold and the refreshing blue waters beckon.

2. Pedal to Belle Isle

Think New York’s Central Park is impressive? Just wait until you see Belle Isle in Detroit. Both were designed by American landscape master Frederick Olmsted. Belle Isle is a floating tribute to the great gardens of England, maintaining a third of its 982 acres as untouched woodland.

While drivers must pay to access the island, cyclists and pedestrians can visit for free. Cycle across the arched MacArthur Bridge and explore the island’s sights and sounds.

Planning tip: For the best skyline view of Detroit, head to Sunset Point at dusk.

3. Watch the Birds at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Bring your binoculars to spot some of the 265 bird species in the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, located outskirts of Saginaw. Keep an eye out for majestic bald eagles and pelicans soaring above nearly 50,000 Canada geese and mallards during migration season. Covering more than 9,500 acres, this refuge is a top location for birdwatching enthusiasts, and it’s free to visit.

4. Stargaze at Headlands International Dark Sky Park

At the top of the Lower Peninsula, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a mesmerizing destination. This 550-acre park, thick with cedar trees and teeming with wildlife such as white-tailed deer and bald eagles, offers the best chance of viewing the northern lights.

Planning tip: Arrive in the evening to enjoy a brilliant sunset over Lake Michigan before hoping for the aurora borealis to appear.

5. Jam Along at the African World Festival

Experience the rhythmic sounds of Djembe drums as you explore the African World Festival held each July outside the Charles H. Wright Museum in Detroit. This two-day festival attracts more than 100,000 attendees yearly for free music and dance performances.

6. Track Down the Lighthouses Around Traverse City

Michigan is home to a whopping 129 lighthouses, more than any other state. Many of these iconic structures are free to visit, making it easy to explore several on a day-long road trip from Traverse City.

Don’t miss the Mission Point Lighthouse, a unique schoolhouse-style lighthouse located at the 45th parallel, or the picturesque South Manitou Island Lighthouse standing gracefully on a small island.

7. Stroll Along the Detroit Riverwalk

Running over three miles, the revitalized Detroit Riverwalk provides wonderful views of Canada and the Ambassador Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge when completed in 1929. Visitors are greeted with beautifully landscaped gardens, parks, wetlands, and the historic Milliken State Park Lighthouse, all of which are free to explore.

Planning tip: For bikers, a cycle path runs along the former Grand Trunk Railroad.

8. Get a View of Mackinac Bridge

The Mackinac Bridge, built in 1957, is nearly three times longer than the Golden Gate Bridge. This impressive structure is popular among birdwatchers and engineering enthusiasts, with Bridge View Park in St. Ignace offering the best photo opportunities.

Planning tip: Note that it costs $4 to drive across the bridge; however, pedestrians may only cross on Labor Day during the Mackinac Bridge Walk.

9. Climb the Sand at Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach

At Saugatuck Dunes State Park, attempt to descend the 200-foot-tall sand dunes. The soft sand might make it feel like you’re running in place. Once past the foredunes, you’ll discover a serene stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline perfect for a day of relaxation. The beach is a 0.75-mile hike from the parking lot.

10. Tour the Michigan State Capitol

Don’t miss the stunning cast-iron dome of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. Free tours allow visitors to explore the political hub and admire ornately tiled ceilings adorned with each state’s coat of arms. Guides highlight unique features like the “Michigan chandeliers,” which were designed with an elk and shield representing the state’s coat of arms.

11. See Engineering in Action at Soo Locks Park

The unforgettable Soo Locks in Sault Ste Marie are an engineering marvel that assist around 7,000 vessels a year in navigating between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Free entry to the observation platform at Soo Locks Park overlooks the big boats using the historic MacArthur Lock.

12. Drive the Tunnel of Trees

The scenic Tunnel of Trees offers a slow-winding 20-mile drive through northern Michigan, running along the M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. With overhanging trees lining the road, it’s an experience that’s especially breathtaking in the fall when the canopy bursts into vibrant autumn colors.

Planning tip: Autumn is the best time to visit the Tunnel of Trees for its stunning color display.

13. Walk Around the Ann Arbor Art Fair

Every July, the streets of Ann Arbor come alive as over 400,000 art lovers explore the annual Art Fair. Nearly 1,000 painters, sculptors, photographers, and other creatives showcase their work across three simultaneous art shows. The street festival is pedestrian-friendly, offering a fantastic cultural experience at no cost.

14. Get in the Holiday Spirit at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland

Visiting Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, known as the world’s largest Christmas store, is a must in Frankenmuth. This magical place features over 100,000 lights, numerous decorated Christmas trees, and countless cultural decorations spread across its vast space, making it an enchanting experience any time of the year.

15. Savor Nature at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a 40-mile stretch featuring stunning sandstone cliffs and beautiful natural scenery. Make sure to visit Miners Castle Rock, the most iconic slab of colored sandstone, and consider soaking up the sun on Miners Beach afterward.

16. Name That Tune at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain

Established in 1962, the Grand Haven Musical Fountain was the largest in the world at its inception. Today, it hosts an enchanting synchronized water-and-light show that draws thousands of spectators every night from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

17. Ride the Tawas Bay Bike Path

Grab your bike and head out on the scenic Tawas Bay Bike Path to catch one of Michigan’s stunning sunrises. This 16-mile path runs along the coast of Tawas Bay, offering picturesque views of Lake Huron, with a reward of seeing the impressive Tawas Point Lighthouse at the journey’s end.

18. See Colors at the Tulip Time Festival

Each spring, Holland, Michigan, explodes in color as more than six million tulips bloom in vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges. The Tulip Time Festival, lasting eight days, celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage through food, costumes, and dance in a welcoming atmosphere.

19. Check Out the Heidelberg Project

Despite Detroit’s remarkable revival, many abandoned homes remain. Local artist Tyree Guyton transformed this narrative in 1986 by creating the Heidelberg Project. By covering one house in polka dots and filling its yard with sculptures made from upcycled materials, he turned the area into a celebrated arts destination.

Planning tip: For a deeper understanding, use the free Heidelberg Project app to take a self-guided tour.

20. Admire the View from Castle Rock

The panoramic views from atop Castle Rock provide fantastic insight into the stunning beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. At 195 feet above St. Ignace, the lookout point once served the Ojibwa tribe. While climbing the 171 steps to the top requires access fees, the views are well worth it.

Planning tip: Visit the gift shop for uniquely handcrafted items by Native Americans.

21. Explore the Eben Ice Caves in Winter

Winter in Michigan showcases hidden treasures, such as the Eben Ice Caves in Hiawatha National Forest. Trekking through thick woodlands rewards adventurers with mesmerizing giant ice stalactites and a breathtaking 30-foot seasonal cave formed during frigid temperatures.

22. Scope Out the Cars at the Woodward Dream Cruise

During the Woodward Dream Cruise in August, the streets of Detroit come alive as classic and collector cars parade along Woodward Avenue. Celebrated as the largest one-day classic car event worldwide, this event draws a million visitors, creating a lively atmosphere filled with exciting merchandise and raffle prizes.

23. Hike Up Sugarloaf Mountain

Breathe in the crisp air of the Upper Peninsula and take in the stunning views of Lake Superior blending beautifully with the sky from atop Sugarloaf Mountain. Reaching the summit requires climbing 300 steps, but the breathtaking scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

24. Look Through the Displays at ArtPrize Grand Rapids

Believed to be one of the largest art events globally, ArtPrize takes place annually in September, attracting nearly half a million attendees. This open-air gallery in Grand Rapids showcases the creative works of over 1,000 international artists across 100 city venues, making it an unmissable event.

This article was originally published on September 16, 2021, and updated on August 11, 2022.