Lower Peninsula Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Lower Peninsula, Michigan with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do and see, where to eat, stay, and shop, and how to get around safely and efficiently.


Introduction to Lower Peninsula

Located in the heart of the Midwest, Lower Peninsula is a hidden gem of Michigan that beckons travelers with its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. With its sprawling countryside, charming towns and cities, and vast stretches of freshwater coasts, this region is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing yet stimulating vacation experience.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the best things to do and see, where to eat, stay and shop, as well as some essential tips to make the most of your Lower Peninsula trip.

List of Places to Visit in Lower Peninsula

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula has a rich and varied history that reflects in an array of culturally important attractions.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is one of the most popular cultural attractions in the region. This museum showcases an extensive collection of artifacts that trace the history of American industry, including planes, trains, automobiles, and other inventions that shaped modern life.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is a National Historic Landmark that is home to some of the oldest buildings in Michigan. This island boasts a fascinating history that includes Native American settlements, fur trading, and military campaigns, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs.

Natural Attractions of Lower Peninsula: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most stunning natural attractions in the region. This park spans over 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline and offers visitors an opportunity to explore vast sand dunes, clear blue waters, and dense forests.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is another natural gem of the Lower Peninsula. This park is home to towering cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and crystal clear lakes that make it a perfect destination for kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lower Peninsula

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is a hiker’s and biker’s paradise. With its lush forests, rolling hills, and scenic waterways, there are plenty of trails that offer an immersive outdoor experience.

North Country Trail

This 4,600-mile trail spans seven states and is the longest national scenic trail in the United States. In Michigan, the North Country Trail passes through some of the state’s most pristine landscapes, including deep forests, rolling hills, and clearwater streams.

Kal-Haven Trail

The Kal-Haven Trail is a 34-mile trail that connects Kalamazoo and South Haven and offers beautiful views of the Kalamazoo River Valley. The trail is open for hiking, biking, and horseback riding and is perfect for families and beginners.

Best Things to Do in Lower Peninsula: Activities and Tours

In addition to natural and cultural attractions, Lower Peninsula offers visitors a wide range of activities and tours.

Wine Tours

Michigan is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country, and Lower Peninsula is home to some of the state’s finest vineyards and wineries. A wine tour through this region offers an opportunity to sample some of the best wines, learn about the winemaking process, and explore the picturesque countryside.

Brewery Tours

Michigan’s microbreweries have gained international recognition for their excellent craft beer. Lower Peninsula is home to several award-winning breweries that offer tasting tours, which are perfect for beer aficionados.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lower Peninsula

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Lower Peninsula, here’s an itinerary that includes some of the best attractions and activities in the region:

  1. Day 1: Start your trip in Grand Rapids, take a walking tour of downtown and visit the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

  2. Day 2: Drive to Mackinac Island, explore the island’s historical landmarks and enjoy scenic views of Lake Huron.

  3. Day 3: Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, hike in the dunes, and swim in the crystal clear waters.

  4. Day 4: Go on a wine tour of the region’s vineyards and enjoy some of the best wines Michigan has to offer.

  5. Day 5: Take a brewery tour and sample some of the region’s famous craft beers.

  6. Day 6: Visit the charming town of Traverse City, take a walking tour of the historic district, and visit the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.

  7. Day 7: End your trip in Ann Arbor, explore the vibrant university town, and visit the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.

Food and Drink Scene of Lower Peninsula

Lower Peninsula is home to a vibrant food and drink scene that celebrates the region’s local produce, artisanal products, and ethnic influences.

Must-Try Dishes

Pasty

The pasty is a traditional pastry that originated in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is now widely popular in Lower Peninsula. It consists of a savory filling of meat, potatoes, and vegetables wrapped in a flaky pastry crust.

Cherry Pie

Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the country, and Lower Peninsula’s cherry pie is a regional specialty that has gained nationwide acclaim.

Local Beverages

Craft Beer

Michigan offers some of the finest craft beer in the country, with microbreweries scattered across the entire state. In Lower Peninsula, Bell’s Brewery and Founders Brewing Company are two of the most famous breweries that offer excellent craft beer.

Wine

Michigan is also home to some of the best vineyards and wineries in the Midwest, producing world-class wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir. Traverse City is one of the prime destinations for wine lovers, with several award-winning wineries that offer tasting tours.

Where to Stay in Lower Peninsula: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lower Peninsula offers visitors a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels and resorts to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.

The Grand Hotel

Located on Mackinac Island, The Grand Hotel is a historic hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1887. The hotel features stunning views of Lake Huron, luxurious amenities, and an array of dining and recreational options.

Traverse Bay Inn

Traverse Bay Inn is a charming guesthouse located in Traverse City’s historic district. This boutique inn offers comfortable rooms, a beautiful courtyard, and easy access to the town’s attractions and activities.

What to Buy in Lower Peninsula: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is home to several local products that make perfect souvenirs, including:

Cherry Products

Lower Peninsula’s tart cherries are known for their exceptional quality and taste. Cherry jam, cherry salsa, and cherry pie filling are some of the popular cherry products that make excellent gifts.

Michigan Craft Beer

Michigan’s craft beer scene offers some of the best beers in the country. Gift packs, growlers, and pint glasses with logos of favorite breweries make perfect gifts for beer lovers.

Local Culture and Customs of Lower Peninsula

Lower Peninsula is home to a diverse population that has formed a distinctive local culture, influence by regional history, and geography.

The Michigander Salute

The “Michigander salute” is an informal greeting that involves lifting the right hand and pointing to the top of the hand, indicating where one is from on the lower peninsula.

Cherry Festival

The National Cherry Festival is a yearly celebration that takes place in Traverse City to celebrate the cherry harvest and culture.

Best Time to Visit Lower Peninsula

The best time to visit Lower Peninsula is from May to October when the weather is warm and mild, and most of the attractions are open. July and August are peak tourist seasons, with higher rates and crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lower Peninsula

Do:

  • Try the local products, including cherries, craft beer, and wine.

  • Respect the environment and follow Leave-No-Trace principles when hiking and camping.

  • Take time to visit the region’s cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historical landmarks.

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety precautions when swimming in the Great Lakes, and always pay attention to signs and lifeguard information.

  • Litter or damage sensitive natural areas.

  • Forget to tip appropriately at restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lower Peninsula

Lower Peninsula is a relatively safe destination, but visitors should exercise common sense and take precautions, such as locking their cars and securing their valuables, especially in larger cities.

Health in Lower Peninsula

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula healthcare facilities are well equipped, and visitors with travel health insurance should have no trouble finding medical attention if needed.

Getting to Lower Peninsula: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lower Peninsula

The closest major airport to Lower Peninsula is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids. Other nearby airports include Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City and Capital Region International Airport (LAN) in Lansing.

Bus Stations Near Lower Peninsula

Greyhound and Indian Trials bus lines offer service to several cities in Lower Peninsula, including Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Kalamazoo.

Other Options

Lower Peninsula is well connected by a network of highways, including Interstate 75, which runs north-south through the region. It is easy to rent a car to explore the region’s attractions and activities.

How to Get Around in Lower Peninsula

Driving is the most convenient way to get around Lower Peninsula. However, there are also several taxi and rideshare services available in larger cities.

Where to Go Next from Lower Peninsula: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time to explore the surrounding areas, here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth considering:

  • The Upper Peninsula, which features scenic beauty, natural attractions, and historical landmarks.

  • The city of Detroit, which boasts a rich cultural heritage, including music, art, and architecture.

  • The Lake Michigan shoreline, which offers some of the most stunning views and recreational opportunities in the region.

Conclusion

Lower Peninsula, Michigan, is a fascinating destination that offers visitors an opportunity to explore the region’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From wine tours and brewery visits to hiking along with dunes and exploring charming small towns, Lower Peninsula has something for everyone. Follow our recommendations and tips to plan the perfect trip to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.