Michigan, as a state, needs no such introduction as it is one of the most famous states in the US. And whenever we think about visiting Michigan, we think about places like Detroit’s Motor City Legacy, the iconic Mackinac Island, or Lake Michigan. But there is more in Michigan than these well-known spots.
Various hidden gems in Michigan have received way less coverage as tourist destinations than they actually deserve. That’s why in this article, we’ve listed 15 underrated places to visit in Michigan, including restaurants, so that you can taste the authentic Michigan food as well.
Table of Contents
Indoor Hidden Gems in Michigan
1. Pewabic Pottery, Detroit
Location: 10125 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48214
The first indoor hidden gem in Michigan on this list is Pewabic Pottery. Now, you might be thinking that it will be just a pottery museum, but no, this place is not only a museum but also a historical landmark with an eye-catching building. This place was also added to the National Historic Landmark back in 1991.
Inside the building, you will see artwork that is more than 100 years old, which includes statues, ceramic art, handcrafted tiles, and the history related to it. Whether you are in the mood to purchase any of the souvenirs or want to window shop, this place won’t disappoint you. Some of the items in the gift shop can be expensive, while the art made by local artists can be affordable.
Lastly, the upstairs is the free museum, which is the best thing in this place. In that museum, you will learn about the history of the company, the founders, and much more. The staff is also really knowledgeable and can be helpful in case you have any questions during your tour.
Read More: 15 Underrated Tourist Spots in Duluth, Minnesota
2. Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Detroit
Location: 4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Another underrated fun place to visit in Detroit, Michigan, is the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, which is also known as MOCAD. If you are someone who likes visiting art museums, then this place should definitely be on your list.
This museum is housed in a former auto dealership, and the thing that makes this museum different from others is that it does not have a permanent collection but a range of rotating exhibits that keep the visitors engaged. The artwork inside is made not only by locals but also by artists from different regions of America, which gives the collections a new theme and look every time.
You will also see different art forms like sculptures, paintings, and photography, depending on the exhibit currently on display. There is also a cafe in the museum and a shop in case you want to purchase any kind of souvenir. In short, it’s a peaceful place to visit in Michigan with a relaxed environment.
3. R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing
Location: 240 Museum Dr, Lansing, MI 48933
Named after Ransom Eli Olds, a well-respected name in the American automotive industry, the RE Olds Transportation Museum in Lansing is going to be an exciting place to visit in Michigan.
As you enter the museum, you will see yourself surrounded by a range of automobiles. Ranging from classic to modern cars. Some of the vehicles on display are an 1899 Olds Motor Works Electric, a 1901 Oldsmobile Curved Dash, a 1911 REO Model H Truck, a 1930 REO Flying Cloud Sedan, and many more. The entire collection here consists of 50+ cars with an information plaque in front of each vehicle describing its historical significance.
Not only that, but you will also see different engines and hundreds of memorabilia, pictures, and documents related to the transportation and automotive industry.
Lastly, don’t forget to visit the in-house section solely dedicated to Mr Ransom Eli Olds, where you will learn more about his life and his contribution to the automotive industry.
Read More: 15 Off-The-Beaten Spots in Jackson & Jackson Hole
4. Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
Location: 1410 College Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686
For the next hidden gem in Michigan, we need to visit Traverse City’s Northwestern Michigan College. Here, you will see Dennos Museum Center, which is a fine art museum with a range of art on display for visitors.
The biggest highlight of this museum is the Inuit art on display. Apart from that, you will see this place perfectly decorated, from walls to display cases and pedestals; everything is perfect. Among the art forms, you will see drawings, sculptures, Inuit art, and paintings. On top of that, they also host various events and programs on different themes, which makes them even more unique.
5. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, Ann Arbor
Location: 434 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
The last indoor off-the-beaten place to visit in Michigan on this list is the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology in Ann Arbor. This museum is at the University of Michigan. Whether you are interested in history or not, you won’t regret visiting this site. This is such a cool museum with lots of interesting and rare relics on display.
Talking about relics, this museum has over 100,000 ancient relics from the civilizations of the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Near East, which range from preserved Roman frescoes and Egyptian mummies to ancient coins, jewelry, tools, and many more. Not to mention, they used these relics wisely, with 1500 permanent, while the rotating exhibit kept changing over time.
What made this museum even more unique was that they divided each section into a different gallery. If you are interested in the Egyptian mummy, go to the Egyptian gallery; if you are interested in ancient coins, then head to that specific gallery, and vice versa.
Outdoor Hidden Gems in Michigan
6. Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens, Grand Rapids
Location: 1750 E Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
The first outdoor hidden gem in Michigan on this list is Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens, which is in Grand Rapids. For those looking for a nature preserve to spend some peaceful time, this place is perfect.
This preserve spans over 100 acres, with 40 acres of area open for the public and the remaining 60 acres having restricted access. Among the public area, you will see walking trails and well-maintained greenery in the surroundings, along with wetlands and 13 ponds in the middle.
There is also a garden open for the public, where you will see over 40,000 plants and trees of over 200 species, which includes spring ephemerals and pollinator-friendly plants. Overall, this is a very peaceful place that offers a relaxed environment for everyone.
7. Huff Park, Grand Rapids
Location: 2399 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
The next off-the-beaten spot is Huff Park, which is also in Grand Rapids and just a short drive (7.5 miles) away from Calvin Ecosystem Preserve. This place is ideal if you want to spend some time among the greenery.
This park spans over 76 acres. There is also a 1.3-mile loop trail, which features an elevated boardwalk on top of the wetland. On an ideal day, it takes around 25-30 minutes maximum to complete the trail.
During the hike, there won’t be any hurdles, and you will see different wildlife and birds along the way. That’s why this place is a favorite for many hikers and bird watchers. There is also a playing field on the side, which is also an ideal resting point for many visitors.
8. Harbor View Nursery & Lavender Farm, Traverse City
Location: 17770 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686
If you are looking for a naturally beautiful and peaceful place to visit in Michigan with your family, then head to Harbor View Nursery & Lavender Farm in Traverse City. This farm is especially loved by families and is mainly visited by them as well.
This farm spans over 6 acres with 18 distinct lavender fields, where visitors can roam around freely. Along with that, in the farm shop, you can purchase different lavender products, which are freshly made on the farm, which include room sprays, body butter, dried fruits, jams, and much more. Lastly, you can purchase fresh lavender plants from the farm as well.
9. Bluebell Beach, Flint
Location: 5500 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Next, let’s head to Flint to visit the Bluebell Beach. This beach is a perfect spot for a family picnic, with lots of green areas and beachside areas.
This beach is located on the shores of CS Mott Lake, with a sandy area perfect for sunbathing and to view the serene lake flowing in front. Apart from the sandy beach side, the green area is equally worth noticing, which offers countless things to do there.
There is a walking trail area where you can see wildlife and have a peaceful walking experience, a splash pad, picnic tables, pavilions, and lastly, boating and fishing opportunities. It’s like an all-in-one place in Michigan, which you shouldn’t miss.
10. Pierce Lake Golf Course, Chelsea
Location: 1175 S Main St, Chelsea, MI 48118
The last place on this list is Pierce Lake Golf Course, which is a hidden gem golf course in Michigan and is in Chelsea. It is an 18-hole course, which is suitable for both professionals and beginners, with serene views of the course making the experience of playing here even better.
Not only that, but the availability of a pro shop, a snack bar with comfortable seating options, and great on-course facilities. The Pierce Lake in front also makes the place look beautiful. Overall, not only the golf but the overall experience of golfing here is a unique experience.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Michigan
11. Cork And Gabel, Detroit
Location: 2415 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
The first hidden gem restaurant in Michigan on this list is Cork and Gabel, which is in Detroit. Since this restaurant is a minute’s drive away from Michigan Central Station, most tourists like visiting this place to relax and to have a meal.
This restaurant has a very cozy and comforting vibe, and upon entering, you can feel it. The overall interior is also classy, with different small lighting and floor-to-bottom windows that let you view outside. As for the seating area, you also have the option of dining outside the restaurant.
On the menu, cinnamon rolls, doner kebabs, and Bolognese are among their specialties. Along with that, they also have options like crab cakes, wings, fries, soup, burgers, salmon, hot chicken, ravioli, vegan tortilla bowl, fish and chips, and many others. Lastly, they also offer different brunch and dessert items.
12. Freya, Detroit
Location: 2929 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
If you are someone who cares a lot about ambiance and likes to eat in modern and luxury-type restaurants, then Freya in Detroit will be a perfect place for you to visit.
Small and separate lighting on top of each table with elegant designs on the wall is really eye-catching and is undoubtedly the best part of eating in this restaurant. The service is also quick, which is a plus.
On the menu, their five-course is the main highlight, which is surely unique. However, the portions are not huge since it’s a fine dining restaurant. Apart from this, they also have mushrooms, lobsters, agnolotti, ravioli, agua chile, and many other options, which keep changing over time.
13. Capital City BBQ, Lansing
Location: 1026 W Saginaw St, Lansing, MI 48915
Now, let’s head to a different city to try something different. Capital City BBQ in Lansing is an underrated BBQ restaurant that should be on your radar whenever you are in Lansing.
This is not a very huge restaurant but is really well-maintained from the inside. Different paintings on the wall with LED TVs make the overall look inside the restaurant quite comfy.
Lastly, since it’s a barbecue restaurant, you will mostly find a barbecue-dominated menu with desserts complimenting the food in the end. They offer spring rolls, brisket sandwiches, barnyard sandwiches, Cuban sandwiches, macaroni & cheese, barbecue beef brisket, and many other items.
14. South Arm Cafe, East Jordan
Location: 101 2nd St, East Jordan, MI 49727
Now it’s time to visit a hidden cafe in East Jordan, Michigan, which, as a breakfast restaurant, deserves a visit. It’s a very simple yet inviting place from the outside.
And as you enter inside, you will see that simplicity in the ambiance as well. Since it’s a breakfast restaurant, the ambiance is pretty okay.
On the menu, you are going to have American breakfast options like cinnamon rolls, sausage gravy, pancakes, hashbrowns, different varieties of omelets, steak and egg, chicken wrap, soups, coffee, and some other options.
15. G’s Pizzeria & Deli, Kalkaska
Location: 502 N Cedar St, Kalkaska, MI 49646
The hidden gem restaurant in this list is G’s Pizzeria & Deli, which is in Kalkaska. As the name suggests, this restaurant is heaven for pizza and cheese lovers. The blue and white themed restaurant is not only eye-catching from the outside but on the inside as well.
The walls are filled with different paintings and souvenirs, making it look even better on the inside. On the menu, you are going to have different varieties of pizzas, meatballs, pizza pies, dip platters, wings, pretzels, and many others.
FAQ’s
1. What are the best cities to visit in Michigan?
Even though there are a lot of cities that are worth visiting in Michigan, but Detroit, Traverse City, Ann Harbour, Grand Rapids, Mackinac Island, Lansing, and Holland are among the best in Michigan.
2. What’s the best season to visit Michigan?
Summer and early fall seasons are ideally considered the best time to visit Michigan.
3. Is it safe to explore remote or lesser-known spots in Michigan?
Yes, Michigan is considered safe for travelers. However, if a remote place is not regarded as safe, then it’s better to avoid visiting that place.
4. Can I find good food and coffee near these lesser-known destinations?
Absolutely, there are a lot of cafes and restaurants close to almost all the destinations mentioned above.
