When you're driving through the beautiful state of Michigan for the first time, it's hard to ignore the vast array of vibrant colors that paint the scenic roads surrounding the highways. Whether it's the emerald green forests blending against the baby blue sky or the mixture of purple and orange that wavers over the Great Lakes at sundown, cruising around in your Michigan rental car offers you first person chances to witness these natural spectacles. Whether you fancy yourself an outdoor explorer or can't go two cities without shopping, here are some road trip opportunities that suit everyone while visiting Michigan.
Along the shores of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula lie the remains of more than 300 shipwrecks that have rightfully earned this area the nickname "Shipwreck Coast." Cruise down to Munising near the shores of Lake Superior and get a ticket for Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours. Here, you can marvel at all the centuries-old ships that rest at the bottom of the waters below your feet. The city of Marquette in the Upper Peninsula is also a great spot to embark on shipwreck tours, and you can get a great view of the lake from the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse. Many people often overlook just how majestic the beaches of the Great Lakes really are in Michigan. Fill up the Michigan rental car and make your way up to the town of Empire, home to the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. .Bring plenty of towels, as the beach is perfect for everything from volleyball games to a lovely afternoon picnic.
There are dozens of great cities to stop through during your journey that embody the friendly and rich culture of Michigan. Drive up to Grand Rapids to visit all the intriguing museums available, such as the Public Museum of Grand Rapids, where you can learn about everything from the origins of King Tut to hearing what it was really like to be a pirate back in the 17th century. Michigan is also home to two famous college towns, East Lansing and Ann Arbor, home to the Spartans and Wolverines. Just don't wear the wrong school colors when you pull up in your Michigan rental car. See where the American auto industry was born in Detroit, a city home to plenty of metropolitan attractions ranging from professional sports teams to a variety of cultural museums.