9 Amazing Michigan Day Trips That Are Worth The Drive

Whether you’re craving a nature reset, a deep dive into regional history, or a walkable downtown filled with cafés and boutiques, Detroit's central location in Southwest Michigan makes it easy to trade Woodward Avenue for something completely different. While the city is a destination unto itself, a short drive reveals an incredible variety of day trip destinations that showcase the very best of Michigan and nearby Ontario, Canada. From charming towns and sandy beaches on the Great Lakes to vibrant university cities and world-class cultural institutions, the options are nearly limitless!

Dearborn, Michigan (20 minutes)

Just 20 minutes from downtown Detroit lies Dearborn, the region's hub for history, culture, and, believe it or not, some of the best kebabs in the country. Your perfect day trip could, and should, start at The Henry Ford Museum. As the largest attraction of its kind in the US, The Henry Ford is a monument to American innovation and ingenuity. It's the perfect outing for families and history lovers alike, with interactive exhibits that explore decades of transportation and military history, technological advancements, and creative pursuits. You'll work up an appetite after a day of museum hopping, so before you hit the road, make sure to stop by the legendary Al Ameer restaurant, one of Dearborn's top spots for homemade kebab.

Lake Orion, Michigan (45 minutes)

Lake Orion is an enchanting lakeside resort town, barely 45 minutes from Metro Detroit. For the nature lovers and fans of unique walkable downtowns, this retreat offers the perfect blend. After spending the day swimming or boating on the pristine lake, you can take a walk through the village and have a pint at Bitter Tom's Distillery. If a walk through nature is what you're after, you can't miss the Bald Mountain Recreation Area for year-round recreation opportunities, from hiking and biking to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter. The Paint Creek Trail is another popular option, with a wide, crushed-gravel rail-to-trail pathway that connects Lake Orion to the surrounding Oakland Townships.

Ann Arbor, Michigan (45 minutes)

Home of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor is a vibrant college town with walkable streets and plenty of cafes, festivals, and cute independent shops. While education is Ann Arbor's main attraction, the Kerrytown Market is a local favorite for its variety of vendors, boutiques, and eateries. Miss Kim serves authentic Korean food in the heart of the district, and Malofta Vintage offers a range of vintage home decor, as well as clothing and specialty goods. Summer is when Ann Arbor truly comes to life with the month-long Ann Arbor Summer Festival in June and the Ann Arbor Art Fair, attracting thousands of artists and visitors each year. If nature is more your vibe, Tree Town's namesake is honored at the Nichols Arboretum, a massive botanical reserve of native wetlands and curated gardens you can visit year-round.

Port Huron, Michigan (1 hour)

For a more peaceful destination, Port Huron is the place to trade city noise for lakefront sunsets. Port Huron is a refreshing waterfront escape blending maritime heritage and breathtaking views. One of the city’s most iconic landmarks is the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Michigan’s oldest lighthouse, built during the War of 1812. Nearby, the international Blue Water Bridge connects Michigan to Ontario, providing a dramatic backdrop to watch massive ships sailing by. The Blue Water River Walk also has plenty of scenic paths that are perfect for walking or biking, and in warmer months, Lighthouse Beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying the breeze off Lake Huron.

Kalamazoo, Michigan (2 hours)

Fun to say and even more fun to visit for the day, Kalamazoo is a lively little town only a couple of hours from Detroit. Here, you’ll find tons of galleries, indie shops, and a range of live music. The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a key part of the city’s creative scene. It features rotating exhibitions and highlights regional artists. Just around the corner, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has interactive exhibits on science, history, and local culture. Kalamazoo is also well-known as the home of Bell's Brewery, one of Michigan’s best. Their Eccentric Cafe is home to a full-service kitchen, beer garden, patio, and live music venue. If you want to spend time outdoors, the nearby Kal-Haven Trail offers beautiful biking and walking routes through a linear park that spans nearly 35 miles of forests and farmland.

Frankenmuth, Michigan (1 hour and 30 minutes)

Michigan's "Little Bavaria," Frankenmuth, feels like a portal to a European village. This charming town is filled with Bavarian-style buildings, colorful flowers, and a lively atmosphere that lasts all year long. Take a scenic cruise on the Cass River aboard the Bavarian Belle Riverboat, or walk along the covered Holz-Brücke bridge, which adds to the European charm and is one of the most photographed spots in the region.

A top attraction in Frankenmuth is Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. This massive holiday-themed store is open 12 months of the year and is stocked with ornaments, lights, and decorations that bring a touch of magic to any season. If you're hungry, be sure to check out Zehnder's of Frankenmuth, the town's must-try spot for family-style dinners and Bavarian favorites.

Grand Rapids, Michigan (2 hours and 15 minutes)

Head a few hours west from Detroit to Grand Rapids, and you'll find a small city ideal for a full day of fun. It feels polished but not pretentious, and it’s just far enough from Detroit to be a real escape. The city’s crown jewel is Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a creative green space that mixes botanical gardens with beautiful sculptures. You can explore lush conservatories, serene Japanese gardens, and outdoor exhibits featuring works by famous artists. In downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is a lively cultural hub filled with galleries, an auditorium, and an impressive collection of art from around the world.

Grand Rapids is also known as “Beer City, USA,” so there is no shortage of taprooms and craft breweries within walking distance of each other throughout the downtown core, and tour companies with options that range from pub crawls to pedal cruisers that help visitors navigate the local scene. If you're really serious about craft beer, you can download a Beer City Brewsader Passport and collect stamps to earn a commemorative t-shirt, not to mention bragging rights.

Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada (1 hour)

Visiting Point Pelee National Park is about slowing down, breathing in the fresh lake air, and immersing yourself in one of the most ecologically rich corners of the Great Lakes region. Located in Ontario, Canada, and stretching into Lake Erie, it’s the southernmost point of mainland Canada and feels surprisingly remote given how close it is to Detroit.

Point Pelee is best known for its incredible biodiversity. It’s a major stop for migratory birds and is world-famous among birdwatchers, especially during migration season. Even if you’re not an avid birder, you’ll likely want to be one after you spot all the rare species along the marsh boardwalks and forest trails. The Marsh Boardwalk is, indeed, one of the park’s highlights, offering an easy, scenic walk over wetlands filled with turtles, herons, and lily pads.

Grand Bend, Ontario, Canada (2 hours)

Warm sand, cool water, and a glowing Lake Huron sunset await in Grand Bend, Ontario. Only a couple of hours from Detroit, Canada's legendary beach town is known for its wide sandy shoreline and some of the best sunsets in the province. The main attraction is Grand Bend Beach, a Blue Flag-certified beach, which speaks to its water quality and environmental management, boasting plenty of soft sand, clear water, and space to swim or stretch out with a towel.

Steps from the beach, the downtown strip is lined with ice cream shops, patios, surf stores, and casual restaurants. It’s easy to spend the afternoon bouncing between the water and Main Street, soaking up those summer-on-the-lake vibes. The nearby Pinery Provincial Park also offers hiking trails through preserved ecosystems, scenic dunes, and more than a few peaceful canoe routes along the Old Ausable Channel.

Make the Most Out of Your Next Detroit Day Trip

Each of these day trips offers something distinct, whether it’s cultural enrichment, small-town charm, waterfront relaxation, or full immersion in nature. Close enough for a comfortable round-trip drive, our top 9 destinations make spontaneous getaways easy and accessible. Living in or visiting Detroit means having an entire region of beaches, college towns, forests, and festive villages all within reach. For some, adventure doesn’t need a long haul, simply a full tank of gas and time to explore.