A romantic weekend getaway in Michigan is pure bliss. You can choose a small, historic town where only pedestrian traffic is allowed; hit the snow-packed slopes an hour away from Detroit; or visit one of the 129 lighthouses and maritime museums that dot this mitten-shaped state’s shoreline. When Michigan is your vacation destination, you can sample some the state’s finest wines,cuisine, ciders, and fresh fruit orchards. Michigan vacation rentals range from cozy cabins to historic homes, so you can easily look forward to spending quality time with your sweetheart. Check out the top destinations in Michigan.
1. Mackinac Island
Spend dreamy time together on this romantic island, accessible only by ferry, private boat, small aircraft, or by snowmobile over an ice bridge in winter. Cars are prohibited on this tiny 3.8-square mile island, so plan on enjoying the fantastic harbor views on foot or in a horse-drawn buggy. History buffs enjoy touring the centuries-old Fort Mackinac where soldiers march and cannons fire in a reenactment of Colonial-era life. This island has more fudge shops than horses, so treat your sweetie to a sample of 29 flavors at Joann’s, or creamy peanut butter fudge from Mays. Share a wonderful meal at the casually sophisticated 1852 Grill Room.
Find vacation rentals in Mackinac Island
2. Traverse City
Sail back in time aboard the Tall Ship Manitou as it skims along the West Grand Traverse Bay on a tranquil summer’s day. Traverse City, under an azure-blue sky and surrounded by green rolling hills, makes for a mesmerizing and intimately enjoyable weekend. Food and wine pairings at local wineries are popular, and couples love learning the art of making wine at Wine Boot Camp. Fish for small-mouth bass on the Bay off Old Mission Peninsula, and pick up some great mementos at the old-time general store. The Pan-Asian fare and cocktails at the Red Ginger or the European-inspired bistro-vibe at Amical are great dining places for lovers.
Find vacation rentals in Traverse City
Find the perfect Michigan vacation rental on Tripping.com. Tripping.com is the world's #1 vacation rental search engine with over 10 million properties!
3. Marshall
Marshall is a real-life museum with over 850 structures dating back to the 1800s. Couples love to stroll the tree-lined streets and take in the romance, charm, and nostalgia of homes with stately columns, cupolas, sweeping wraparound porches, and gingerbread trim. Labor Day weekend is renowned for the Marshall Historic Home Tour that features musical entertainment, a juried craft show, and a Civil War Ball complete with costumes. In June and October, Marshall hosts the Fiber Arts and Animal Festival, and the Bluefest welcomes artists from all over the Midwest in July. For a cozy and romantic dinner for two, enjoy Zarzuela, featuring Spanish-Mediterranean fare, or head to Pasches, a Cajun-inspired seafood kitchen.
Find vacation rentals near Marshall
4. Frankenmuth
Share a Bavarian-inspired weekend as you take horse-drawn carriage rides through town with its flower-lined streets, German delis, and European-style windmills. Participate in the mid-June Bavarian Festival parade or the Michigan Bier Celebration. Oktoberfest is a given, but you can help a worthy cause and partake in the Crabby Clam and Lobster Fest that serves up king crab legs, lobster tail, chicken, and steam clams. Shop at the charming River Place, thenhead over to the Waterfall dock for a one-hour historical tour on the pretty, steam-driven Bavarian Belle riverboat. The Lorelei Lounge and Schnitzelbank Bier Garden is the perfect place for lively entertainment, or enjoy authentic bratwurst and schnitzel at Oma’s Restaurant.
Find vacation rentals near Frankenmuth
5. Allegan
This small south-central Michigan town is reminiscent of the 19th century with Civil War-era homes. The town has a gorgeous Waterfront Plaza where you can stroll the tree-lined, planked path around the lake. In September, enjoy the largest county fair in Michigan, and the annual Bridgefest celebrates the saving and restoration of the Second Street Bridge, the city’s beloved landmark. There’s plenty of fishing, boating, and swimming on Lake Allegan. Have a romantic dinner in a vintage space at The Grill House, where do-it-yourself steak grilling is the norm.
Find vacation rentals near Allegan
6. Saugatuck
Saugatuck offers a stress-free refuge, perfect for recharging batteries and fanning love’s romantic flames. USA Today named Saugatuck the best small coastal town for its miles of pristine beaches and shoreline dunes, drawn-out sunsets, charming downtown, and easy-going vibe. You can charter a romantic sail at All Seasun or Best Chance Too, or wander along the coastal dune trails birding or sunbathing at the Dunes State Park. Take one of the Hungry Village tasting tours and learn about the town’s history as a pie factory, or visit farm orchards and local wineries. Romantic music, elegant table settings, and superb food set the tone for a romantic evening at Bowdies Chop House.
Find vacation rentals in Saugatuck
7. Munising
Your cozy cabin rental is the perfect hub for your weekend getaway in Munising. You can hike, fish, boat, ski, and ice skate at the Hiawatha National Forest and Grand Island National Recreation Area. Hike the 15 miles of shoreline over 100 miles of scenic trails at the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Colorful sandstone cliffs tower up to 200 feet over the water, and the area abounds with wildlife. If you prefer to sit and relax while sightseeing, book a Pictured Rocks cruise. For a change of pace, take a glass-bottom shipwreck cruise at the Alger Underwater Preserve on the south shore of Lake Superior. Dance to live music or enjoy some stargazing on the veranda at the Duck Pond Eatery and Beer Garden, where fresh, just-caught whitefish tacos top the menu.
Find vacation rentals in Munising
8. Copper Harbor
The Village of Copper Harbor is the gateway to Isle Royale where pedestrian-only traffic makes this a safe refuge for visitors, moose, and wolves. Hunter’s Point Park is a great place to begin exploring scenic Keweenaw Peninsula as you wander the hiking paths. Be sure to stop by the Astor House Museum where you can find rare antiquities such as books, old coins, and copper mining equipment. Plan on a leisurely, relaxing, and sensuous couples’ massage at the Spirit of the North Wellness Center, then head to Harbor Haus to enjoy breathtaking views and savor a delicious, locally sourced whitefish meal.
Find vacation rentals near Copper Harbor
Ready to go? Check out these amazing Michigan vacation rentals on Tripping.com.