West Michigan is brimming with hidden gems, from serene lakeshores and charming small towns to enchanting forest trails and local art scenes, you'll never know what you will find off the beaten path.
South West Michigan
Discover Coldwater’s best-kept secret for year-round entertainment—Tibbits Opera House. Nestled in the heart of downtown, Tibbits combines Victorian charm with a non-stop lineup of shows that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re into Broadway hits or local productions, Tibbits has it all. Step inside and experience the magic of live theatre in a historic setting that’s as charming as it is captivating. From comedy to drama, musicals to mysteries, Tibbits Opera House is your ticket to unforgettable fun in Coldwater.
For many, the entire Coldwater Country area is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located in south-central Michigan, Coldwater is perfect to meander through Victorian shops and the Amish countryside. Escape to the 100+ pristine lakes for relaxation or water sports adventures. Hop aboard the historic steam train to ride the rails, take in a live performance at an 1800s opera house, or cruise into a classic drive-in movie at the Capri Drive-in. Destination restaurants, affordable lodging, and festivals round out the area.
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is a community nature center, environmental education center, and biological field station. The mission of the Institute is "To promote environmental education, research, preservation, and appreciation." Set on 850 acres with 10 miles of hiking trails in southwest Michigan 10 miles south of Hastings. Hike their trails every day, from dawn to dusk, for free.
Welcome to the one Michigan bike tour that lets you see, touch, smell, and taste the riches of this breathtaking region. The Lakeshore Harvest Ride is a harvest for your senses, and glides you through the rolling countryside of Southwest Michigan. You can visit wineries, cider mills, microbreweries, family farms, orchards, and art studios along the way. And there are individual bike routes for every rider, ranging from 15 to 62 miles in length. Best of all, the Lakeshore Harvest Ride supports the construction of the Blue Star Trail. The trail will be a 20-mile paved, non-motorized, shared-use recreational trail that connects people and communities from Saugatuck to South Haven.
Visitors flock to Saugatuck/Douglas each summer for its stunning lakeshore views, exhilarating outdoor experiences, thriving arts scene, and renowned culinary and craft beverage offerings. Must-do experiences include hiking "The Ball And Chain," which features the hand-cranked Chain Ferry across the Kalamazoo River, and a climb up Mt. Baldhead for incredible views and a glimpse of the historic Radar Tower. After the climb, visitors can run down the sandy dune to Oval Beach, recognized as one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top 25 Beaches in the World.” Other iconic activities include the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat, the Saugatuck Dune Ride, and visiting Douglas’s 17-foot tall Root Beer Barrel for hot dogs and root beer.
Central West Michigan
The Muskegon Museum of Art is frequently coined the "best-kept secret" of Muskegon. The museum is small in comparison to other art museums but has an impressive art collection that rivals many other museums in the Midwest. The museum has received national, and even international recognition in recent years, for its ambitious exhibitions and numerous iconic works that many art enthusiasts don't realize call Muskegon, Michigan home.
IndiGrow in Muskegon offers the state's only full cannabis facility tour where you can see, touch, feel, and smell the plants. As you explore the most energy-efficient small-scale facility in the nation, you'll gain a deep appreciation for IndiGrow's meticulous care and sustainable practices. The tour covers every aspect of the operation, from cultivation rooms to processing areas, providing an unparalleled sensory and educational experience. IndiGrow's advanced energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly practices not only benefit the planet but also ensure the highest quality products for customers. Visit them and discover why IndiGrow is truly a hidden gem in the world of cannabis.
Only in Holland can you experience all the amenities of the Lake Michigan shoreline plus climb inside a centuries-old authentic Dutch windmill, whoosh down a three-story water slide, and experience an old-world amusement park (Windmill Island Gardens, the Holland Aquatic Center, and Nelis’ Dutch Village are great additions to any West Michigan agenda). Mix in a Big Red Lighthouse, one of the last bowl mills of its kind in America, and life-sized bronze Oz statues, and you have the makings for a truly memorable and Instagram-worthy experience.
Discover one of West Michigan's best-kept secrets with the Grand City Show Skiers' free, family-friendly water ski show, "Ariel's Adventure," at Ross Park in Norton Shores. Enjoy impressive acts like pyramids, doubles, and jumps, all set to music, every other Thursday through August 22nd. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a snack for an evening of unforgettable outdoor entertainment. The pre-show starts at 6:30 p.m., and the main show begins at 7:00 p.m.
Don't miss this hidden gem, Windsnest Park. This is a four-acre beach park hidden on the West Olive shoreline. It is secluded and offers the perfect space for families to picnic and play or for someone looking to enjoy the quiet nature of the Grand Haven Area. With close and easy parking, it’s a great option for a beach.
North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula
Planning a trip to Charlevoix in the near future? They are sharing some of their favorite things to do as a first-timer or a seasoned Charlevoix guest. Here is a compiled list of things they highly recommend visitors see, do, and explore.
Discover the science beneath the waves with Inland Seas Education Associations summer public sails. These two and three-hour sails get you and your family out on the water to explore Lake Michigan, sail a schooner, and discover what makes these lakes great.
Nestled in rural Northern Michigan, Motel Bear Lake is a retro-modern motel redefining the roadside lodging experience and revitalizing its local community. Experience spacious rooms, pet-friendly accommodations, a seasonal pool, and community events all within a few steps of your room. Check out their availability here.
Everyone has heard about Treetops Resorts’ 5 Champion golf courses, but what many people don't know is that in recent years they have added a disc golf course to their property. This 9-hole course was custom-designed by their slope maintenance team for maximum fun.
Petoskey Area is home to so many great well-known destinations but what about the hidden gems? Check out one of the many hiking trails with great viewpoints in the Petoskey Area. Offield Family Viewlands offers lovely valley views and peeks of Little Traverse Bay. Thorne Swift Nature Preserve with trails that lead to Lake Michigan’s lakeshore and offers a Nature Center in the warmer months.
Lakenenland Sculpture Park stands as a cherished gem in the Upper Peninsula. Open to all, this expansive 37-acre park in Marquette County boasts a Sculpture Trail winding through dense woods, showcasing over 100 vibrant and thought-provoking metal art pieces by artist Tom Lakenen. Each sculpture, crafted from reclaimed metal, transforms discarded materials into remarkable works of art. Beyond the sculptures, Lakenenland offers visitors a serene bog walk, a grand timber-framed pavilion, two tranquil fishing ponds, a playground, and two entertainment stages.
Experience Chateau Grand Traverse on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail in a fresh way as they celebrate 50 years of winemaking. Enjoy ‘Pizza on the Peninsula’ as part of an expanded snack menu including an assortment of multi-cultural inspired flatbread pizzas crafted by their Executive Chef. Pair a flatbread with a cold glass of Late Harvest Riesling or enjoy a low alcohol, low-calorie Cherry Riesling Seltzer on draft only on the beautiful Southwest facing patio overlooking the vineyards and West Bay.
Black Star Farms' Suttons Bay location features miles of on-site trails that wind through picturesque forests, orchards, and vineyards, offering a unique and immersive way to experience the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. For those who love cycling, you can embark on a Leelanau Wine Trail Bike Tour right from their property, connecting to the scenic TART Trail. After your adventure, relax and unwind with a glass of wine or a cocktail on the terrace patio, soaking in the stunning views. They also offer convenient bicycle and E-bike rentals on-site, provided by Suttons Bay Bikes, ensuring you have everything you need for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Come and explore the beauty of Suttons Bay, where adventure meets relaxation.
