Explore Michigan this weekend without breaking your wallet! These Michigan destinations will cost you just one tank of gas or less.
Last night, as I pulled into Kroger to get gas, my teenage daughter excitedly pointed out that the gas station across the street had gas for three cents cheaper. I did some quick calculations in my head and realized that, thanks to my Kroger points, I’d end up saving nearly 20 cents a gallon by staying put. Kroger for the win!
The gas pump calculation over a few cents is the reality for many of us right now, but the good news is that if you are craving a last-minute fall adventure, Michigan is the state to make that happen. We calculated 15 destinations to enjoy across the state, using a central Michigan starting point that will only cost you approximately one tank of gas. Road snacks are extra, of course—pass the Michigan licorice!
1. Mackinac Island
Distance from Lansing: 660 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one full tank to reach Mackinaw City and back
Call me basic, but Mackinac Island is one of my very favorite places in the entire world. Not only do I feel a sort of pride over the Island as a born-and-bred Michigander, but my husband also proposed to me on Mackinaw Island, so it holds a special place in my heart. And as lovely as Mackinaw Island is during the summer months, it is most spectacular in the fall, so if you’ve never visited during autumn, it is an absolute must.
Mackinaw Island does not ever officially “close” for the year, but most downtown businesses and restaurants do shut down sometime at the end of October, when the temperatures and tourism start to drop. So if you want to have easier access to stores and shops, aim to visit before the month’s end. But if fewer crowds and Pure Michigan nature are what you’re after, any time is a good time to make the trip. One tank of gas should be enough to get you there and back from central Michigan—however, don’t forget to factor in the cost of the ferry ride, which has gone up in the past year.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Distance from Lansing: 410 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one tank
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is another Michigan must-visit destination that our family experienced for the first time recently. Once we were here, I understood the hype: the views and natural beauty are simply unparalleled.
I will tell you that despite the warnings about not climbing down the dunes or being faced with a $3,000 fine to “rescue” you, plenty of people did make their way down the dunes. And while I did not see any official rescue mission take place, I did watch an exhausted father give up halfway with his toddler son, only to have whom I imagine was his wife sprint ahead of him with another toddler, deposit that child safely up high, then go back down to save them. It remains one of the most impressive feats I have ever seen.
Rescue missions aside, while you are in the area, I also recommend a trip to Crystal Mountain Resort for a stay, spa trip, or seasonal activity, like skiing, golfing, or in the warm months, riding their mountaintop “coaster.”
3. The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
Distance from Lansing: 170 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one-half of a tank
Every year, children at our local school take a field trip to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, and every year, I am extremely jealous that I don’t get to go. (Side note: next year is totally my year!)
From central Mich., it’ll take about half a tank of gas to reach the museum and historic village, so it’s definitely worth the trip. I mean, where else can you see such foundational artifacts of American history, including the very chair Abraham Lincoln was shot in, the car JFK Jr. was riding in, the bus Rosa Parks refused to back down on, and, of course, the original Model T cars that changed the world.
If you happen to visit in October, Greenfield Village is also running seasonal Halloween weekends, when history really comes alive (sometimes in a spooky way!). And a pro tip: while technically you could do the museum and the village in one day, we definitely recommend that if you’re making the trip, you consider staying overnight to make the most of both attractions! Both the museum and the village can definitely be a full day of fun.
4. Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Distance from Lansing: 130 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: Around one-third of a tank
We visited the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids during the spring, but the botanical garden is open all year round. Visiting in the fall will grant you access to a colorful autumn array of flowers, including 8,000 mums, along with seasonal fall events.
My favorite parts of our time at the Meijer Gardens were the Japanese garden and the children’s garden. The Japanese garden was incredibly beautiful and serene—the cherry trees, bridge walkways, and the reflecting pools made me feel so peaceful. And my young children loved the hands-on children’s area, although I will warn you that some sections had a lot of water play, so that may prove challenging in colder months. Other highlights of the park include 158 acres, sculptures throughout to admire, a tropical conservatory (if I remember correctly, they had bananas!), and a bird exhibit.
5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Distance from Lansing: 680 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: One tank to get there
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore may be in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but you can still reach it in only about one tank of gas from Lansing. It’s arguably one of the most beautiful places in Michigan, and although I have driven through it many times, it remains on my own personal Michigan bucket list to visit.
There isn’t a lot “to do” per se in Pictured Rocks, but it is the place to be to experience the incredible beauty of “Up North” Michigan. There are waterfalls, breathtaking sandstone cliffs, hiking trails, and natural rock formations that look like someone hand-carved them. Depending on the weather and availability, one of the best ways to experience Pictured Rocks is via a boat cruise that combines sightseeing all that nature has to offer with specialty attractions and even cruise types (sunset cruise, anyone?).
6. Frankenmuth
Distance from Lansing: 120 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: One-third of a tank
The new Bavarian Blast waterpark in Frankenmuth, Mich., offers fun for both kids and adults, with 16 waterslides and the state’s first swim-up bar. (Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Frankenmuth is a town that has it all—massive indoor waterparks ideal for kids and adults alike, shopping, spa experiences, dining, wineries, breweries, novelty shops, and even the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s. Your exact itinerary for a trip to Frankenmuth will most likely vary widely based on the season. For instance, winter means chicken dinners, twinkling lights, and horse-drawn carriage rides, while summer will probably involve outdoor shopping and a cruise down the Belle Riverboat.
If you want my two cents about things to do in Frankenmuth, I highly recommend booking a stay at the newly renovated Bavarian Inn Lodge if you have kids. While the town is famous for the Splash Village waterpark hotel, the new Bavarian Blast waterpark can provide some novelty and brand-new attractions, like 16 waterslides and Michigan’s first swim-up bar that will be, well, a blast. You can book a night or two to stay at the hotel waterpark, book a day pass, or skip the water and take advantage of other activities like indoor putt-putt golf or the arcade.
If you’re in town sans kids, stay at the Marv Herzog Hotel—it offers a free nightly happy hour with wine and snacks, a relaxing and quiet ambiance overlooking the river, and a cozy feel that makes a lovely night away.
7. Holland & Windmill Island Gardens
Distance from Lansing: 190 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one tank of gas
Holland is a popular spring destination in Michigan for the annual Tulip Festival, but you can visit the Holland & Windmill Island Gardens through mid-October. During our time there, I remember it as a breezy, beautiful, wide-open island that felt like stepping back into the past. My kids also loved the historic carousel that was surprisingly fast and free to ride with admission.
Outside of the gardens, there is plenty to do in Holland, like strolling through downtown, checking out the sights of Lake Superior at the state park, touring museums and historic sites, and even ice skating in the outdoor ice rink during the winter.
8. Traverse City & Old Mission Peninsula
Distance from Lansing: 360 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: One tank
If there is one place that shows off the splendor of Michigan in the fall to its fullest potential, it is Traverse City. Just thinking about it makes me a little teary-eyed. It’s that gorgeous. There are so many ways to experience Traverse City: you can hop on a winery tour bus, make your own route, bike the wine trail, or even just stroll through the downtown and waterfront area. But no matter which path you choose, you’ll be greeted with truly breathtaking fall colors, rolling hills, and the waters of Traverse Bay.
Some of the places we have enjoyed in Traverse City include Chateau Chantal (be sure to book the tapas tour if it’s offered during your visit!), Mawby, and of course, the Grand Traverse Resort. Wine is a large part of TC, but I still have enjoyed each and every visit we have ever taken to Traverse City for the views and vibe alone. One of my favorite visits was simply strolling downtown and then enjoying a quiet cup of hot chocolate and tea with my husband at the downtown Horizons Books, which is open until 10 p.m.
9. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Distance from Lansing: 580 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one tank to get there
Getting into Tahquamenon Falls State Park is free with a Michigan Recreation Passport, so if saving money is a priority, this is one destination that delivers without a lot of dough. Plus, the park just completed a major renovation that added a new 1,100-foot accessible boardwalk to the Upper Falls.
Tahquemenon is home to two famous waterfalls: the Upper and Lower Falls. The Upper Falls are some of the largest in the entire eastern U.S., and both waterfalls are especially breathtaking, surrounded by fall colors. We visited Taquemenon when our kids were all very young, so the hike to the falls is surprisingly easy to get to, so don’t be afraid to make a family trip of it.
10. Detroit Institute of Arts & Cultural Center
Distance from Lansing: 180 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one-half of a tank
I have not had the pleasure of visiting the Detroit Institute of Arts, but it is home to some of the most beloved art collections in the country. Some famous pieces of work in the museum include Van Gogh, The Thinker, and historical as well as modern art by Michigan artists.
11. Grand Rapids Public Museum
Distance from Lansing: 130 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one-third of a tank
Our family has enjoyed visiting the Grand Rapids Public Museum on several occasions for a fun mini-adventure—we once even planned a spring break staycation around it. The museum has three floors, a vintage arcade that was a hit with my husband (and yes, we did show the kids how Tetris is played!), and fascinating artifacts and exhibits. Plus, you can end your time at the museum with a ride on the historic and restored carousel. There’s also plenty to do in Grand Rapids, from shopping to dining to exploring.
12. MSU
Distance from Lansing: About 10 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: Barely a dip in the tank
Anyone who lives in Lansing will be familiar with all of the free and low-cost options available at Michigan State University, but if you’re not from the area, let us inform you. The campus offers several free museums, including the Children’s Garden, the MSU Museum, and the Broad Art Museum. You could also simply tour campus and enjoy the famous MSU Dairy Store for some handmade Michigan ice cream.
13. Air Zoo
Distance from Lansing: 150 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: A little under half a tank
The Air Zoo in Portage is my hands-down, #1 recommendation for a mini Michigan adventure because it is such a fun destination for all ages. Truthfully, I don’t even like aviation that much, and I even had an absolute blast there. The Air Zoo is unique because, along with exhibits and displays, it has several full-sized indoor rides, including one that adults can ride with their children, along with indoor flight simulators. The whole experience is engaging and educational.
14. Great Wolf Lodge
Distance from Lansing: 300 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: Most of a tank
For families with kids ages 10 or under, Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is the place to be. I have always booked a Great Wolf Lodge getaway for our family once a year, and my pro tip is to wait for their sales—a few times a year they offer nightly stays for as low as $150ish/night. You might need to stay on a Sunday or weekday, but it’s well worth it because the waterpark is not just a fun water destination: the entire experience is built for families. There are dance parties and crafts and an indoor MagicQuest through the halls that remains one of my kids’ favorite memories.
15. Bottom Creek Brewery
Distance from Lansing: 200 miles round-trip
Approximate Gas Usage: About one-half of a tank
Bottom Creek Brewery is a new multi-million-dollar micro-destination in the tiny farm town of North Branch, Mich., that has been attracting buzz from across the state. The brewery is built on 500 acres of family-owned generational land full of grazing bison. The land was passed down in the 80s, and according to family members, they have been working hard to transform the site into a destination worthy to visit. Bottom Creek now includes an on-site brewery that makes small-batch beer, a full sit-down restaurant as well as a more casual “to-go” bar outside, and a gift shop.
You can find plenty of space to sprawl at the brewery, with walking and nature trails open to the public, a children’s play area, a pavilion, waterfront, and community gathering areas that often hold live music or entertainment. For the fall, the Brewery opened up a corn maze, and guests are invited to simply linger and enjoy the views (and brews).
