If you’re a mom, here are two things you probably need: good friends and little relaxation.
You can achieve both these things on a girls weekend in Michigan.
In Michigan’s small towns and big cities, you can reinvigorate your friendships and relax. With sand dunes and wineries, boutiques and breweries, hiking and kayaking, national parks and scenic lakes — a Michigan getaway might be the perfect antidote.
So round up a few of your besties and go to the only Midwest state surrounded almost entirely by water. Here are some trip ideas for your Michigan girls getaway:
1. Saugatuck
This past summer, my friends and I had a blast in Saugatuck, an art-centric, charming town along Lake Michigan, about 2 1/2 hours from Chicago.
We rented a 3-bedroom house with an outdoor hot tub that was walking distance from the downtown restaurants, bars, boutiques, souvenir and ice cream shops. No need to worry about having a second (or third, or fourth) drink because we could easily walk home.
We spent our days by the water, either at the beach or cruising in our rented “donut boat” — basically a giant inner tube with an umbrella over it. Even though none of us knew how to drive a boat, it was easy and fun. The boat’s center table held our bluetooth speaker and BYO snacks and drinks. All sorts of different boat and kayak rentals are available, including some fun pink and red “retro boats.”
As the sun set one night, we walked over to Coghlin Waterfront Park. In front of the giant outdoor movie screen, we staked a spot on the lawn with our blankets and then sang and danced along with everyone to the movie “Grease.” Go greased lighting!
On a bad weather day, we found an easy, 90-minute yoga class at Satya Yoga. Afterward, we stopped for coffee and a homemade muffin at a little bakery overlooking the water, and did a wine tasting that afternoon at one of the many local wineries.
Art galleries are everywhere in Saugatuck, as are bars with live music, comedy and karaoke. The town is very LGBTQ friendly.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Stop for lunch at The Root Beer Barrel, an iconic and historic barrel-shaped restaurant known for its root beer and chili dogs. It’s in Douglas, the next town over.
2. Frankenmuth
Because of its German heritage, Frankenmuth is nicknamed “Little Bavaria.” But it’s big fun for a girls weekend.
A wild time to visit with the girls is during its annual Bringing Back the 80s Fest. The city’s nightlife comes alive with ‘80s concerts, costumes and rooms full of ‘80s memorabilia.
An easier-on-the-eardrums option is an hour-long, narrated ride along the Cass River on the Bavarian Belle Riverboard. Afterward, lift a stein and say “Prost!” at the Frankenmuth Brewery, the oldest microbrewery in the country. It’s right of passage to indulge in the all-you-can-eat fried chicken at Zehnders, an landmark restaurant with a famous retro marquee.
Adventurous girls can do the ziplines and ropes courses at the Frankenmuth Aeriel Park, which also has “glow nights” featuring lots of glow sticks and discounted rates if you go for the last two hours they’re open.
Excellent shopping awaits in Frankmuth’s Bavarian-styled buildings — everything from cheese and pet products to popcorn and Christmas ornaments. At the “world’s largest Christmas shop,” Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, you and the girls can buy matching ornaments to commemorate the trip.
3. Traverse City
A fun (albeit crowded) time to visit Traverse City is during one of its famous festivals: the National Cherry Festival, featuring all things cherry (pies, pancakes, parade, etc.) and the film festival, led by Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore, who lives in a nearby town. There are movies, celebrity speakers and lots of other fun activities for movie lovers.
Since Traverse City borders Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay, and is near a few inland lakes, there are many excellent boating and kayaking options. On land, you can bike the paved, 10.5-mile Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) that meanders through downtown Traverse City, the marina, and into a lovely nature preserve.
One of my favorite things to do in this part of northwest Michigan is to climb up the giant sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, just a 25-mile road trip away. It’s a workout! You’ll huff and puff going up (it’s hard to climb on the sand!) and be rewarded at the top with panoramic views over the Lake Michigan bluffs. It’s a great spot for your girls’ weekend group photo. Then you get to squeal with joy (and terror) as you run back down. Afterward, grab a drink (or a flight of drinks) at one of Traverse City’s many microbreweries or vineyards. I haven’t been there, but I’ve heard good things about Right Brain Brewery, where they have games and pinball as well as a giant beer selection.
Don’t leave Traverse City without having a slice of cherry pie at the famous Grand Traverse Pie Company. You’ll say “Mmmm” out loud with each bite.
Nearby is Crystal Mountain Resort, a lovely place to go downhill or cross-country skiing, play golf or have a spa day. It’s also fun to drive to swanky Petoskey, where you can take a short beach walk and collect their famous smooth rocks or drive the famous M-22 highway, ogling the stunning lakefront mansions.
4. Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island (locals pronounce it “mack-en-naw”) is one of the most unique and historic destinations in the country and a great spot for a girls’ weekend.
To get there, take the ferry from Mackinaw City. The island is car-free, so prepare to travel around on horse-drawn carriages or bikes. A nice bike ride is on the 8.2-mile trail that circles the island, going past Victorian homes and charming inns. Make sure to stop and take a photo at Arch Rock, an island landmark.
If the weather’s not cooperating, pop into one of the many historic museums or the Mackinac Island Butterfly House, where you can watch and learn about different species of butterflies. Feeding stations allow you to get a closer look.
Mackinac Island has no chain hotels, adding to its charm. A popular resort is the Grand Hotel. It’s definitely grand, with 1,600 rooms, pools and a gym, which you’ll need because you’re gonna eat A LOT of fudge and ice cream on Mackinac Island. The island’s famous for it. Grand Hotel guests are expected to dress up in the evening, adding to the ambiance.
Great Turtle Kayak Tours can hook up your group with boating, kayaking and tubing, either with guides or without. Lake Huron’s water is clean, clear and often a bit chilly, but perfect for hot summer days.
At night, lay on a blanket and at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park and be awed by a sky full of stars (and depending on the time of year, the Northern Lights).
Before or afterward, spend a night in the nearby town of Leland, a picturesque coastal town on the Leelanau peninsula where you can hike through forests and dunes that have expansive views of the lake.
5. Detroit
All the big city things gals love can be found in Detroit, like joining tens of thousands of rowdy, die-hard fans at a professional sports game (baseball, hockey, football and basketball).
You know the song “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder? It’s one of dozens of I-love-that-song hits recorded at Detroit’s famous Motown Records, known as Hitsville USA. Tours are offered daily. If your jam is automobiles, visit one of the great car museums or the Ford Motor Factory. Detroit is home to all of the U.S. automakers, earning it the nickname “The Motor City.”
A fun place to peruse is the historic Eastern Market, which dates back to the 1800s. Rows and rows of vendors sell everything from fresh vegetables to ironic T-shirts. Colorful murals decorate the area’s exterior walls.
For a budget-friendly day, visit Belle Isle Park, a 982-acre space on the Detroit River with a beach, running and biking trails, a neat aquarium and a lovely conservatory.
Dozens of trendy new shops and restaurants have opened downtown. Greektown is a lively area to go for a delicious meal. Opa!
6. Grand Rapids
A wide range of gardens make up the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Japanese, butterfly, tropical, sculptures, farm and children’s. You can easily make a day of it. Or a night: there’s also an amphitheater that hosts large concerts. The full lineup for summer 2023 hasn’t been announced at press time, but it already includes blues legend Buddy Guy, who always puts on a great show.
The activities range from the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to a make-your-own scented candle at the Wax Poetic Candle Bar.
Few cities embrace the craft beer culture like Grand Rapids, which is why it’s earned the Beer City USA title. So definitely stop by one of the 40+ breweries, or use the Beer City Ale map and do a pub crawl.
When it’s time for food, head to Stella’s Lounge. Sitting among graffiti art-covered walls and 80s arcade games you can eat award-winning, giant burgers stuffed with all sorts of unique stuff, like spicy queso dip or olives. On the side, have their awesome Chronic Fries, made with a secret, spicy seasoning. Afterward, head to The B.O.B. for some concerts or stand-up comedy.
7. Holland
This West Michigan town embraces its Dutch heritage, most famously, with its annual week-long spring tulip festival that showcases tens of thousands of famous Dutch flowers (a mini version of the famous Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands). There’s also a carnival with costumed Dutch dancers clomping around in their wooden shoes.
All summer long, the town boasts colorful flower gardens and real windmills. Selfie heaven!
The downtown area is lined with cute places to eat and drink, including the New Holland Brewing Company, where you can grab a seat on the sidewalk patio and have a pepperoni pinwheel with your beer.
Holland is basically a beach town, but you can hike or bike through Holland State Park and see its famous Big Red Lighthouse. I like Windmill Island Gardens, an outdoor history museum with music, a carousel, an 18th-century working windmill and displays that explain how Dutch settlers arrived here. Everywhere you go, you and your girlfriends will feel “Welkom,” as the Dutch say.
8. New Buffalo
If your goal is to lounge on a pretty beach during the day, shop in the afternoon, and enjoy restaurants, wineries and bars at night, New Buffalo is a great weekend trip.
Nearby, there’s Fusion Gallery and Studio where you can make your own glass artwork; U-pick strawberry and apple tree farms; and Indiana Dunes National Park for climbing sand dunes. Feeling lucky? The Four Winds Casino in Michigan City is also a short drive away.
New Buffalo has lots of VRBO and Airbnb rentals, or The Harbor Grand is a quiet, adults-focused hotel that’s opening a swanky new spa.
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