17 celebrities who love vacationing in Michigan
The next time you’re out and about, you might just spot one of these celebrities who love spending their vacations in Michigan! And hey, who can blame them?
Those of us who live here know that Michigan is the place to be. I mean, in what other state can you be surrounded by farmlands and freshwater, stroll through sandy beaches, and explore endless hiking trails and rolling hills? Michigan truly has it all, plus four-season weather to boot.
Still, living in Michigan means you can sometimes take the Mitten State for granted. Living within an hour of a glorious Great Lake? Been there, done that. But for some people—celebrities included—Michigan is nothing to take for granted. In fact, it’s a popular A-list vacation destination. Many celebrities even own mansions here in Michigan!
Wondering if you might spot someone famous vacationing in Michigan? Keep your eyes peeled for these celebrities who enjoy spending their vacations in the mitten.
1. Amy Smart
Actress Amy Smart is a true Michigan girl. Not only did she marry a Michigan man, but she purchased a winery and a northern Michigan farmhouse, too. I guess you could say her “vacations” in Michigan are more like her real life. Still, she enjoys all that Michigan has to offer and posts photos of date nights on the water.
2. James Earl Jones
The late, famed voice actor of Darth Vader liked to relax at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island with his family, and he was often spotted reading a newspaper on the porch. The famous figure was a 1955 graduate of the University of Michigan, so it only makes sense that he enjoyed returning to his home state.
3. Kid Rock
Once a Michigan resident (he grew up in Romeo), Kid Rock now lives in a replica of the White House in Nashville, Tennessee, which he spent 20 years building. However, he still likes to vacation in the Mitten State and has been spotted on more than one occasion entering The Grand Hotel in Mackinac—though he struggled a bit with the required dress code for dinner.
4. Bob Seger
Now in his 80s, singer and songwriter Bob Seger has been spotted hiding away from the public in the woods of Mackinaw Island, seeking privacy in his retirement.
5. Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard
Actress Kristen Bell (the voice of Anna in “Frozen,” as well as the star of the Netflix breakout hit, “Nobody Wants This”) and her husband Dax Shepard are known for their love of Michigan, and we love them for that.
Both Bell and Shepard grew up in Michigan, so the duo takes an annual vacation with their kids to introduce them to the state they are so fond of. Usually, that vacation takes place over the summer, so they can take Shepard’s boat on the water and try their hand at water skiing. (Sometimes, with disastrous results…)
6. Rick Harrison
According to one Redditor, Rick “The Spotter” of the TV show “Pawn Stars” was spotted himself on the Straits of Mackinac while vacationing with his family. We wonder if he found some treasures while he was there?
7. Paris Hilton
The glamorous star and mom of two enjoys spending time vacationing with her family in Traverse City. Her husband has family in the area, so he and Paris often make the trek over to Traverse City to visit them, especially in the summer when the lake (and ice cream shops!) are in full glory.
8. Jana Kramer
“One Tree Hill” actress and singer Jana Kramer proudly showed off her family’s trip to Mackinaw Island in 2023. Kramer and her then-two kids (she has since added a third!) posed at the top of Fort Mackinac and toured the butterfly house (a must-see!).
9. Mario Batali
The famous chef and writer loves Michigan so much that he spends his entire summer vacationing in his Northern Michigan lakehouse. He often posts picturesque scenes and mouth-watering meals with Michigan’s sparkling waters in the background. We’re only just a little bit jealous!
10. Vince Vaughn
The actor we all love to hate in movies like “The Break Up” has been spotted vacationing on Mackinac Island and even partying at the Pink Pony downtown, located at the Chippewa hotel.
11. Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber and his famous wife, Hailey Bieber, took the most Michigan of Michigan vacations by camping on their way up to Mackinac Island. The Biebs was spotted camping in Monroe County back in 2020 while he was on tour. Granted, this was pandemic times, so it’s possible he was camping to avoid the crowds and potential indoor exposures. But we like to think it was mostly to enjoy Michigan’s outdoor campgrounds.
Other celebrities who visit Michigan
While the stars we’ve mentioned often frequent Michigan, they don’t have an exclusive hold on the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The following celebrities have also been spotted visiting or vacationing in Michigan. Many, but not all of them, happen to hail from Michigan, so that probably helps in their decision to come back and visit.
- Jane Seymour (she’s often in town for Mackinac Island’s annual “Somewhere in Time” fall celebration)
- Ron Howard
- Tim Allen
- Jeff Daniels
- Gordon Ramsay (he filmed an entire show about Michigan’s “Yooper” food culture)
- Kate Upton
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