5. St. Joseph, MI
Some of my favorite photography memories come from St. Joseph. It has a beautiful lighthouse at the end of a long pier, beaches lined with tall grass, and a great view for sunsets over Lake Michigan. It’s the winter season that puts this on the list for me though. 2014 and 2015 were some of the most beautiful sights I’ve seen while exploring the ice shelf. Definitely worth checking out in the winter.
4. Mackinaw City, MI
Home of the Mackinac bridge, Mackinac Island, and The Headlands Dark Sky Park. It’s one of two places you can wake up and watch the sunrise over Lake Huron then catch the sunset over Lake Michigan in the same day. I like starting my day with breakfast at the pancake chef, the golden pumpkin pancakes are my favorite.
3. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
One of those “otherworldly” type of places, especially when standing in the middle of the dunes surrounded by seemingly endless sand. The tall dunes offer nice elevated views of Lake Michigan and if you get a clear night you might be able to see the Milky Way or the Northern Lights. Once I’m all sore from climbing the dunes, I like to head into Traverse City and relax.
2. Marquette, MI
Marquette is #2 on my list because there is a lot of everything here, lighthouses, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, scenic views, and of course Lake Superior. No matter how many times you visit, there is always something new to discover. Marquette is the largest city in the Upper Peninsula so there is always something fun to do in town.
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
And my #1 favorite place in Michigan is the Pictured Rocks. When I’m standing atop a 60ft cliff above Lake Superior I can’t help but wonder if I am really in Michigan. No matter the season you can find something beautiful to enjoy, whether inland or along the lakeshore.
Honorable mentions:
- State parks and Metroparks in the Metro Detroit area.
Aunt Sheila
23 Feb 2021These are beautiful pictures. I am so glad that you shared them and the various locations of each. Michigan is a beautiful state and you have captured it brilliantly. This collections would make a wonderful, Michigan through the Lens of a Camera, book. Michigan residents would definitely purchase this if you could add it to your Etsy account.
Maureen Carmickle
1 Mar 2021I agree. I think you should definitely make a book of your Michigan photos. Nice article. Thanks for sharing your favorite places in Michigan.