10 Natural Attractions In Michigan That You'll Only Need A Few Hours To Explore
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
Michigan is full to the brim with stunning natural destinations to explore, whether you’re a fan of hiking trips, beachfront lounging, or something in between. Life in the Great Lakes State can be busy, though — and you might feel like there’s never enough time to fully appreciate the great outdoors. Never fear! Here are 10 natural gems in Michigan that can be explored in just a few hours.
Hop in the car and take a stunning journey along the shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes with a visit to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. With lookouts along the way and plenty of shoreline views to marvel at, you can mold this drive to fit your exact timeline. The drive itself is only 7.4 miles long, so it can easily be completed in just two or three hours — including stops!
It won't take long to be completely amazed by the beauty of this natural spring in Mansitique, which boasts stunning turquoise waters and plenty of forested splendor. When you arrive on-site at Palms Book State Park, you’ll simply take a brief 50-yard walk to reach the springs themselves. You’ll be amazed, and there’s no long hike standing between you and the main attraction.
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Michigan’s most underrated lake is the perfect place to spend a few hours on a warm summer afternoon. Take a stroll along the waterfront at Lake St. Clair Metropark, visit a nearby marsh, or simply play with the kiddos at the park’s onsite swimming and waterslide area. When you’ve only got an afternoon to spare, Lake St. Clair is an ideal destination.
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Many Michiganders don’t realize that there’s a lovely state park hiding right inside the city of Detroit! Milliken State Park and Harbor offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and you won’t need more than an hour or two to benefit from its relaxing atmosphere. Watch boats float on the Detroit River, pack a picnic lunch, or simply walk along the water — what’s not to love?
The sand dunes at Silver Lake are some of Michigan’s most marvelous natural gems, and you’ll get an incredible view when you hop onto a dune buggy ride from Mac Woods Dune Rides. Each ride lasts approximately 40 minutes and covers seven miles of land throughout the stunning shoreline and dune formations. When time is of the essence, Silver Lake Sand Dunes should top your list of Michigan destinations.
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One of Michigan’s most famous destinations is also one of its easiest to access, and you’ll be in a natural paradise as soon as you arrive. Tahquamenon Falls State Park itself boasts over 45,000 acres of land to explore, so you could easily spend several days admiring its beauty. If you’re strapped for time, though, take a brief hike from the parking area to the falls themselves — even a few minutes of basking in their beauty is sure to impress.
On a hot day, is there anything more refreshing than taking a dip in some of Michigan’s cool waters? You’ll find a perfect place to swim with a visit to Ocqueoc Falls, which bills itself as the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Throw on your bathing suit and spend an hour or two cooling off in the wonderful on-site waterfall swimming hole.
It would take days — possibly even weeks — to get your fill of the natural beauty that comprises Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. But if you’re on a strict timeline, it’s possible to explore some of the area’s most beautiful attractions in just a few hours. For the quickest look at the rock formations themselves, hop onto a boat tour from Munising and get ready for a magical experience! Each cruise lasts approximately three hours and offers gorgeous, up-close views of the picturesque shoreline.
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Need a break from a day of studying or simply looking for an escape from the stressors of everyday life? Take a quick walk through Nichols Arboretum. This Ann Arbor fixture boasts everything from riverfront trails to wildflower gardens, and you can easily condense your trip into just a handful of hours. We promise you’ll leave feeling ten times more refreshed and rejuvenated!
Children and adults alike will have a blast hunting for Petoskey Stones at Petoskey State Park, which offers 303 acres of land to peruse. Spend your first hour walking along the shoreline of this natural oasis in the hopes of finding a beautiful rock or two, then lounge in the sun before calling it a day. Can you imagine a more relaxing family day trip?
Did we leave any of your favorite natural destinations off our list? Do you have a favorite spot to explore when time is short? We’d love to hear your suggestions below!
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