How to Travel Around Europe Without Leaving Michigan
Want to explore European history and culture without boarding a flight? Check out Michigan’s best European-inspired sights and attractions.
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, wealthy young people from Britain and the United States would embark on the “Grand Tour,” a trip across Europe to explore other cultures, broaden their horizons, and return home with plenty of great stories to share. Sound like fun? It probably was—but it was also very expensive. While international travel today is more accessible than it was in the 1800s, it’s still an expensive and challenging proposition to take the Grand Tour.
Luckily for Michiganders, the Wolverine State has a wealth of European attractions you can enjoy without setting foot on an airplane! Immigrants from across Europe have come to Michigan throughout its history, bringing numerous aspects of their culture with them, which have since blossomed into unique attractions and experiences across the state. For a “Grand Tour” that can be accomplished without leaving the Mitten, no need for a passport, just read on. Here are some of the top “European” destinations for you to explore from the comfort of your own state:
Destination 1: Germany
Grab your lederhosen and get ready to be greeted with a hearty “Wilkommen” at your first stop on your European Michigan tour—Frankenmuth! This famous town, which was established by immigrants from the German region of Franconia in the nineteenth century, isn’t known as “Little Bavaria” for no reason; it’s a great place to get a taste of Deutschland in the Mitten.
Upon arriving in Frankenmuth, you can immediately see the German influence in the Bavarian-inspired architecture throughout the town. German attractions and things to do include traditional Bavarian blacksmith courses, the Bavarian-inspired shopping village at River Place Shops, and brewery tours—even if you’re not in town for the annual Oktoberfest.
Be sure to enjoy a hearty plate of the famous Frankenmuth fried chicken, which is served family-style in a German-inspired feast at both of the town’s most famous rival restaurants, Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn. The two restaurants also offer lodging, complete with on-site water parks at each, so you can make a splash and stay the night in “Bavaria” before moving on to your next Michigan location!
Destination 2: The Netherlands
If you’re looking to, ahem, “go Dutch,” there’s no more obvious place to do so than, well, Holland. Holland, Michigan, that is!
This western Michigan town was founded in the nineteenth century by Dutch Calvinists who fled economic and religious hardships in their native country. Today, the town remains proud of its Dutch heritage. It even boasts De Zwaan, America’s only working Dutch windmill, which has been turning in the wind on the appropriately named Windmill Island for over 250 years and is a great spot for a photo on your “European” tour.
While Holland’s annual Tulip Time festival is a highlight of the year, and a great way to enjoy one of the most famous symbols of the Netherlands, there are Dutch attractions to enjoy whenever you visit. Head on down to Nelis’ Dutch Village to explore their outdoor amusement park rides, learn how to do authentic Dutch Klompen dancing, and have a snack at the Hungry Dutchman Cafe, or a drink at the adjacent Thirsty Dutchman pub. For even more traditional Dutch cuisine, the two branches of deBoer’s in Holland offer a famous “Dutch stuff” section of their menu with sweet and savory delights.
Destination 3: France
When many Americans think of France, they think of Paris, home of the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and more. While there is a Paris, Michigan, complete with its very own Eiffel Tower, that’s far from the only place in Michigan where you can appreciate French history and culture. Early in Michigan’s history, French fur traders flocked to the Mitten State for the abundant wildlife and trade opportunities presented by the lakes and rivers, and many established settlements that evolved into modern Michigan cities and towns.
Detroit was founded by French trader Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, and the original French fortress at Detroit was located where historic Fort Wayne now stands. But French roots run deep across the Mitten, as town names like Grosse Pointe and Charlevoix may hint at. The former is situated near enough French restaurants to please a Parisian, from the casually chic bakery cafe LeRouge, to the elegant restaurant Le Supreme. The latter is home to Castle Farms, a historic castle and wedding venue modeled after a traditional French chateau. Stop by for an interactive tour, and afterwards, swing by That French Place in Charlevoix for a delicious crepe, quiche, or pastry. Tres bon, no?
Destination 4: Switzerland
Switzerland is home to beautiful mountain ranges, world-class skiing, and a renowned tradition of chocolate making. What’s not to love? Well, maybe the cost of a plane ticket, and the notoriously expensive hotels and restaurants. Happily, Michigan has some fantastic spots to enjoy classic Swiss activities.
For a taste of the Alps in the Mitten, set your calendar to the winter ski season and check out one of the state’s many ski resorts—perhaps Swiss Valley would be the most appropriate, or a cozy chalet at Brule Village? Or, if you want a literal “taste” of Switzerland, consider trying raclette, the famous hot cheese dish, with cheese from a Michigan producer—Leelanau Farms has even won awards for its raclette cheese!
Destination 5: Greece
Greece is famous for being the birthplace of Socrates, Plato, and the Olympics, and is popular among tourists for its beautiful island beaches, delicious local cuisine, and fascinating historic sites. While the weather in Michigan is a little different from what you’d find in the Greek islands, to say the least, you can still enjoy Greek culture and traditions right in the heart of Detroit’s historic Greektown!
For a little excursion to Greece without leaving the Motor City, start your day at the Hellenic Museum of Michigan to learn about Greek art, history, and culture, including the history of Greektown itself, and Greek-American immigrants in Michigan. The Hellenic Museum also offers a mythology-inspired children’s exhibition, so visitors of all ages can enjoy. There is also a variety of rotating temporary exhibitions.
Afterwards, no trip to Greektown is complete without enjoying a delicious meal of authentic Greek food. See why everything from the lamb to the stuffed grape leaves has made Pegasus Taverna a Greektown favorite for over twenty years, or grab a gyro in a hip environment at The Greek, one of the newest restaurants in Greektown. Opa!
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