Romantic Getaways in Michigan

For couples who want to have a romantic getaway, Michigan is the place to be. There are attractions that range from white sand beaches, sparkling lakes and quaint lighthouses to historic towns, museums and centers of art and culture. So if you are planning a romantic vacation, check out the following options in this state.

Mackinac Island

Perhaps the most romantic place for a couple to spend their Michigan vacation is a small island populated with nothing more than Victorian guesthouses, hotels and summer homes. This is Mackinac Island, tucked in between Michigan's Upper and Lower peninsulas on Lake Huron, and a perfect delight for vacationing couples who are looking to spend some quiet quality time with each other.  The island does not allow motorized vehicles, so visitors and locals alike must explore on foot, by bicycle or in a horse-drawn carriage. The island's ambiance is truly the perfect romantic weekend getaway. Taste home-made fudge or circle the island on a bicycle for two on your way to a historic hotel, where you'll stay in true Victorian style.

Michigan wine trail

Nothing spells "romance" like visiting a vineyard and opening a bottle straight from the source. Enjoy wine tasting and "wine trails" through Michigan's wine country, which stretches along the coast of Lake Michigan along the Lower Peninsula’s northern and central shores. Then there is the Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail as well as the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. A particular favorite of vacationing couples is the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City, is a vineyard and wine-making area perfect for a romantic date night or a whole weekend getaway outside of the city. Alternately you can check out wine festivals throughout Michigan during Michigan Wine Month in April.

Wilderness State Park

Couples who enjoy the pristine outdoors would do well to plan their romantic getaway at Wilderness State Park. Spread over 10,000 acres, the Park offers its visitors a variety of year-round recreational activities including 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, numerous trails and rustic cabins, Some of which are situated in the woods and some on the beachfront. Here you can enjoy each other’s company against the backdrop of unspoiled wilderness.  There is no electricity and other modern convenience so nothing can distract you from each other. Take a stroll on the beach or woods. Visit the local shops or dine in on some of their restaurants. Set up a bonfire and get cozy with your beloved under the stars.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Tahquamenon Falls makes for another scenic getaway where you and your sweetheart can bond amidst the quiet and solitude in the 38,000 acres of pristine wilderness. The park has a wide array of recreational activities ranging from camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing to wildlife viewing. The highlight of the Park though is the Tahquamenon River with its waterfalls. The Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi has a drop of nearly 50 feet, more than 200 feet across and a water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. Apart from the Falls, the area is home to miles of snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing pathways and could make for a great romantic getaway option in winter.  

Lake Michigan Shore

One of the most favored destinations in Michigan is the Great Lake with which the state shares its name. go boating on its pristine waters or taken in the scenic view of the lighthouse from the shore. At the end of the day you can set off for a romantic strolling with your special someone on its white sandy beaches and wind up by enjoying a spectacular sunset. Located along the Lake Michigan shore you can find small quaint towns which make for a perfect romantic getaway. Saugatuck is one such place - a picturesque harbor village with 19th Century architecture located on the eastern banks of the Lake Michigan; it is known for its artist colony and arts festivals. again on the west side of the Lake is Holland a little Dutch town is filled with shops, art galleries and festivals. In May, they hold a tulip festival which makes for a particularly romantic setting. Even at other times of the year, Couples who love the outdoors can have fun biking and walking the scenic trails for hours. Finally you can browse through the numerous shops selling different merchandise where you can pick up a trinket or an artwork for your loved one. With which, you can always remember your romantic trip to the Lake Michigan.

Marshall

if your idea of a couples’ is sneaking away to a quiet place steeped in the romance of the past, Marshall could make for a great choice, offering a unique small town experience rich in historic sites and cultural activities. Boasting a nicely restored 19th century historic district, Marshall was recently named by the National Trust as one of the "Dozen Distinctive Destinations in America". Best of all it is easily accessible being  Located just three hours east of Chicago and two hours west of Detroit.

Detroit

You can wind up your romantic Michigan trip by setting anchor at Detroit. though known for its auto industry, this capital city of Michigan actually has loads to offer to its couples. You and your beloved can kick off a romantic sight-seeing day at University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor. Next on the tour could be the Oasis Hot Tub Gardens also in Ann Arbor where each oasis is a garden from a different country. Here you can romance your sweetheart in your own private landscaped garden in the country of your choice. Or how about a lunch or dinner cruise aboard the Detroit Princess River Boat which often has special attractions for couples like a band, or a mystery dinner. Alternately you can bike around metro park and stop for a bite on the Nautical Mile in St. Clair Shores. If possible you can time your romantic Detroit trip with Arts & Apples – a festival held annually on the weekend following Labor Day in downtown Rochester’s 30-acre Municipal Park. Finally wrap up your day with a cozy dinner at any of the romantic restaurants in Detroit like Iridescence which apart from an exhaustive wine list, offers stunning views of the city of Detroit from atop the Motor City Casino and Hotel. Then there is the Bistro 555 with its intimate yet modern atmosphere or the Signature Grill which offers lovely riverfront scenery in downtown Detroit and delicious meals.  Other equally fantastic dining options could be the Rattlesnake Club Located right on the Detroit River with its amazing scenery as well as Howe’s Bayou, a popular Cajun restaurant with a great view of vibrant Ferndale, especially in the spring and summer months when you and your beloved can eat out on the street-side patio and watch the world go by.