Unique Things To Do and Experience in Michigan

You may think you know Michigan, but there are many unique things to do and experiences in the Wolverine State that many have never heard of. Below, we list some of our favorite hidden gem experiences in Michigan that every explorer should consider!

Sail a Pirate Ship to Mackinac Island

Visiting Mackinac Island should be on everyone’s Michigan experience bucket list, and visitors can even make the trip to the island unforgettable! With no bridge, the only way to access Mackinac Island is by ferry, and one of the options for visitors is to choose the pirate ship ferry.

That’s right; visitors can sail on a recreated pirate ship to Mackinac Island’s bountiful shores. If you’re looking for a way to wow your children and family, it doesn’t get any more memorable than sailing on a pirate ship!

See the Hot Rods of the Woodward Dream Cruise

Whether you love old muscle cars, 1950s Americana, or just want to experience one of the biggest events in the state, visit Detroit in the summer for the annual Woodward Dream Cruise! The Dream Cruise is one of the biggest and best car shows in America and one of the largest events in the state as thousands descend on the Motor City to celebrate classic cars and Americana.

Car lovers and collectors come from all over the country for the Dream Cruise, so every year brings incredibly beautiful and rare classic vehicles and muscle cars. Even if you’re not a car enthusiast, the event is one of Michigan’s most unique things to do and experience!

Walk Among the Treetops in Midland

If you love to get surrounded by nature, there’s no better way to immerse yourself than by walking among the treetops at the DOW Gardens in Midland, Michigan! In the 54 acres of beautiful Michigan forest are numerous walkways and platforms for visitors to experience sights and sounds 40 feet above the forest floor.

The views are indescribably beautiful, and while you’re there, you can check out the nation’s largest canopy walkway in nearby Whiting Forest!

Learn Mystical History at the Museum of Magic

If you’re a lover of oddities and peculiarities, there’s perhaps no better place to visit than the Smithsonian of American magic in Marshall. The American Museum of Magic has delighted visitors with its extensive collection of magical artifacts and history for over 50 years and is still going strong today.

It’s a must-visit for amateur magicians, history enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a unique and fascinating experience!

Step Into the Prehistoric Past at Dinosaur Gardens

If you prefer learning about ancient history, you can enter the prehistoric past at the Dinosaur Gardens in Ossineke! In this 40-acre tract of Michigan forest land are trails that showcase massive replicas of dinosaurs—some as long as 80 feet and weighing over 60,000 pounds.

Visitors can stroll through the prehistoric forest to glimpse the lifelike replicas or even hit a few balls around them at the onsite putt-putt course. There’s even a fossil dig experience for those wanting to discover their prehistoric artifacts!

Whichever Michigan experience you choose from our list, we’re sure it’ll be an unforgettable adventure!