Michigan is home to vast and diverse landscapes. From its sprawling forests to rocky cliffs to serene beaches, it’s one of the most picturesque states in the union.
You don’t have to be an outdoors enthusiast to enjoy Michigan’s natural wonders, nor do you have to travel far from home. According to The Gander, a publication owned by Courier Newsroom, many of MI’s most fascinating natural sights are easy to explore—some even from your car.
Here are some of Michigan’s coolest natural wonders to visit this summer.
Table of Contents
The Great Lakes
If you’re a visitor to the Great Lakes State, your priority must be to take in views of America’s third coast. The best vista may be from Michigan’s coolest man-made wonder, the Mackinac Bridge. From here, you can see both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior in one beautiful eyeful.
Arch Rock
Where: Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is known for its motor-vehicle ban, which has helped preserve many natural wonders. One of the most accessible is Arch Rock, a large natural archway that frames the lake beyond. It’s the perfect spot for a photo op or a quiet reflection (if there aren’t too many tourists around!).
Eben Ice Caves
Where: Eben Junction
Venture back to the ice age in the blue-green Eben ice caves. The frozen ice structures practically glow, illuminating the caves with an eerie wonder. Remember that the caves are only filled with these icy formations in the winter.
Hartwick Pines Old Growth Forest
Where: Grayling
Courier Newsroom’s publication The Gander reports that Hartwick Pines is the most visited old-growth forest in America. And there’s a good reason for it. The majestic white pines stand over 150 feet tall and are older than the founding of our nation.
Kitch-iti-Kipi
Where: Manistique
Named after a Native American legend, Kitsch-iti-Kipi is a freshwater spring and popular swimming hole for Michiganders. The crystal clear pool shimmers like glass on a hot summer day. No one knows the source of the water, which adds to its timeless appeal.
Pictured Rocks
Where: Alger County
The UP’s pictured rocks are a hot spot for photographers. Mineral stains on the cliffs give the rocks a distinctive look—as if they’ve been painted with all the colors of the earth. The lapping waves below add to the serene atmosphere.
Lake of the Clouds
Where: Ontonagon County
Nestled in the forests of the Porcupine Mountains, you’ll find the Lake of the Clouds. Due to its position and elevation, it looks as if it blends into the sky, creating a bridge between the earth and the heavens.
The Porcupine Mountains
Where: Ontonagon and Gogebic counties
Though some would barely call them mountains, Michiganders love hiking the rolling Porcupine Mountains in the UP. Go during early autumn to see the leaves change into a fiery rainbow of color.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Where: Leelanau and Benzie counties
Sleeping Bear Dunes are a famed Michigan attraction for families and thrill-seekers. The dunes are positioned on Lake Michigan, and they are a popular destination for camping, swimming, dune buggy riding, and more.
Michigan Sinkholes
The Gander, a Courier Newsroom publication, reports that sinkholes are not regarded as threats in Michigan. These caved-in parts of the landscape expose rare views of ancient caves and underground flora. Many of Michigan’s sinkholes can be found around Alpena and Presque Isle.
Sugar Loaf Rock
Where: Mackinac Island
Sugar Loaf Rock is another wonder on Mackinac Island. This 75-foot rock formation juts out of the earth like a giant sugar loaf (a packet of sugar from the frontier days). This site was revered by Native Americans, who believed it was home to the “Great Spirit.”
Tahquamenon Falls
Where: Paradise
One of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Tahquamenon Falls spans over 200 feet and has a drop of 50 feet. It’s surrounded by Tahquamenon Falls State Park: 50,000 acres of pristine forest.
Turnip Rock
Where: Pointe Aux Barques Township
Turnip Rock looks like a turnip growing out of the waters of Lake Huron. On top of the oddly-shaped isle, trees and other vegetation continue to grow, making this a uniquely fascinating natural wonder.
Torch Lake
Where: Antrim County
Home to sailing, camping, and swimming, Torch Lake is an emerald escape in northern Michigan. Its sandy beaches have drawn comparisons to the Caribbean—but only in the summer!
Valley of Giants
Where: South Manitou Island
The Valley of Giants is another old-growth forest, but this one predates the Hartwick Pines by nearly 200 years. To visit this forest, you’ll need to travel 1.5 hours by ferry to Manitou Island. It’s not an easy journey, but it’s worth the effort.
This story was originally published by The Gander, a publication owned by Courier Newsroom.
https://gandernewsroom.com/2022/06/01/15-coolest-natural-wonders-michigan/