West Michigan Travel Guide

Your ultimate travel guide to West Michigan, with information on places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture, safety, transportation, and more.


Introduction to West Michigan

West Michigan is a region located in the state of Michigan, in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is known for its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. The region includes cities such as Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Holland, and South Haven. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will give you an insight into the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and much more in West Michigan.

List of Places to Visit in West Michigan

There are many places to visit in West Michigan, including cultural attractions, natural sites, and scenic points. Here are some of the must-visit places in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids
  • Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Kalamazoo
  • Holland Museum, Holland
  • USS Silversides Submarine Museum, Muskegon

Natural Attractions of West Michigan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire
  • Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Saugatuck
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising
  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise
  • Kal-Haven Trail State Park, Kalamazoo

Hiking/Biking Routes of West Michigan

West Michigan offers several hiking and biking routes that pass through picturesque landscapes and natural wonders. Here are some of the popular trails to explore:

  • White Pine Trail State Park
  • North Country Trail
  • Betsie Valley Trail
  • Kal-Haven Trail State Park
  • Musketawa Trail

Best Things to Do in West Michigan: Activities and Tours

From adventure sports to cultural events, West Michigan offers something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do and tours to take in the region:

  • ArtPrize, Grand Rapids
  • Holland Tulip Time Festival, Holland
  • Grand Rapids Griffins Hockey Game, Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo Beer Exchange Tour, Kalamazoo
  • Coopersville & Marne Railway, Coopersville

Week-Long Itinerary for West Michigan

If you have a week to explore West Michigan, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day 1: Grand Rapids Day 2: Saugatuck and Holland Day 3: Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Day 4: Muskegon and Whitehall Day 5: Ludington and Manistee Day 6: Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes Day 7: Mackinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge

Food and Drink Scene of West Michigan

West Michigan’s food and drink scene is diverse and unique, with plenty of locally sourced ingredients and craft breweries. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Whitefish from Lake Michigan
  • Cherry-based dishes, including cherry pie
  • Dutch-Indonesian fusion food, including bami goreng and rijsttafel
  • Cider donuts from Crane’s Pie Pantry & Orchard, Fennville
  • Breakfast sandwich from Sandy’s Donuts, Grand Rapids

Local Beverages

  • Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo
  • Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids
  • Virtue Cider, Fennville
  • New Holland Brewing Co., Holland
  • Traverse City Wine Country, Traverse City

Where to Stay in West Michigan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

West Michigan has several accommodation options, including luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, and cozy guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in the region:

  • Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids
  • CityFlatsHotel, Holland
  • Yelton Manor B&B, South Haven
  • The Henderson Castle, Kalamazoo
  • Boyden House Inn, Grand Haven

What to Buy in West Michigan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

West Michigan offers several local products and souvenirs that you can take home as gifts or memories of your trip. Here are some of the best things to buy in West Michigan:

  • Cherry products, including cherry jams and cherry wine
  • Handmade quilts from Shipshewana, Indiana
  • Michigan-made craft beer and cider
  • Dutch Delft pottery from Holland
  • Mackinac Island Fudge

Local Culture and Customs of West Michigan

West Michigan has a rich cultural heritage, including Dutch, Native American, and Scandinavian influences. Some of the customs and traditions to experience in the region include:

  • Tulip Time Festival in Holland, celebrating Dutch heritage
  • Powwows and cultural events of Native American tribes in the region
  • Finnish and Scandinavian food, crafts, and customs in the Upper Peninsula
  • Dutch Dancers, a traditional dance group in Holland

Best Time to Visit West Michigan

The best time to visit West Michigan is during the summer months, between June and August, when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. The fall season (September to November) is also a great time to visit, with stunning fall foliage and harvest festivals. The winter months (December to February) are ideal for winter sports and cozy indoor activities. The spring season (March to May) is another beautiful time to visit, with blooming flowers and tulips.

Do’s and Don’ts of West Michigan

Do:

  • Explore the natural beauty of West Michigan
  • Try the local cuisine and craft beer
  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Visit the museums and historical places
  • Go hiking or biking on the scenic trails
  • Enjoy the festivals and cultural events

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the environment
  • Disrespect local beliefs or customs
  • Smoke in public places
  • Go off-trail or disturb wildlife
  • Drink and drive

Safety and Health

Safety in West Michigan

West Michigan is a safe region with low crime rates and a friendly community. However, it’s essential to take precautions when traveling, such as locking your car and valuables, using common sense, and staying alert in crowded places.

Health in West Michigan

West Michigan has excellent healthcare facilities, including major hospitals and clinics. It’s advisable to carry your medical insurance and any necessary medication or prescriptions during your trip.

Getting to West Michigan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near West Michigan

West Michigan has several airports, including:

  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR), Grand Rapids
  • Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), Kalamazoo
  • Muskegon County Airport (MKG), Muskegon

Bus Stations Near West Michigan

Greyhound and Indian Trails have bus stations in several cities of West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo.

Other Options

West Michigan also has several car rental services, including Hertz, Avis, and Budget. Amtrak trains run from Chicago to several stations in West Michigan.

How to Get Around in West Michigan

West Michigan has several transport options, including buses, taxis, and rental cars. Some of the cities also have bike-sharing services and bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from West Michigan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

West Michigan is a gateway to several beautiful destinations in the Midwest and beyond. Here are some of the nearby places to explore:

  • Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City, Michigan
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Door County, Wisconsin
  • Niagara Falls, New York
  • Toronto, Canada

Conclusion

West Michigan is a fascinating region with a diverse range of attractions and activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural wonders, experiencing the local culture, or trying out the food and drink scene, West Michigan has something for everyone. With this travel guide, we hope you have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to West Michigan.



    Allegan
    Coloma
    Grand Rapids Area
    Harbor Country
    Lake Michigan Beachtowns
    Niles
    West Central Michigan