These are Michigan's most treasured views: 16 stunning scenic spots to visit

Yahoo

a day ago

Scenic views can be found all over Michigan. If you're looking for a peaceful moment, an opportunity to be awed or even the perfect Instagram photo, Michigan is packed with beautiful places to take in with your eyes — or your camera.
This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking -- and perhaps, underappreciated -- views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.
We've put together a list of 16 of the most treasured views in Michigan.
The selections are a mix of nature and architecture. Some locations are prime tourist attractions, while others are a little more out of the way. They are found throughout Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas with many highlighted by Michigan's lakes and waterways. Others shine when surrounded by Michigan's fall colors.
Michigan's immense beauty can't be completely captured in a short list, but these spots are some of the locations that stand out in the state.
[ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ]
Tahquamenon Falls is literally in Paradise ... Michigan. The most recognizable images usually come from the waterfalls at either the Upper Falls or Lower Falls, but the state park is nearly 50,000 acres.
The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and has a drop of nearly 50 feet. It's more than 200 feet across and has a maximum water flow of more than 50,000 gallons per second. The Lower Falls is located 4 miles downstream and consists of a series of five smaller falls cascading around an island that can be reached by a rented rowboat.
Miners Castle is one of the most famous landmarks along the Pictured Rocks shores, according to the National Parks service.
The rock formation was named by Englishman Alexander Henry's employee's when they were exploring the area for minerals in 1771.
You can find it about 5 miles east of Munising on Alger County Road H-58, then 6 miles north on Miners Castle Road.
It's the only cliff area in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore that's accessible by vehicle.
Kitch-iti-kipi is known as one of Michigan's more alluring attractions, according to the DNR.
Kitch-iti-kipi is that state's largest freshwater spring and it's name means "The Big Spring." The spring in located in Palms Brook State Park in Manistique.
Visitors love the spring's crystal-clear water with an emerald green bottom.
Among Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park's 60,000 acres in Ontonagon is the stunning Lake of the Clouds. The mountain lake is one of the amazing views at Michigan's largest state park.
It's the most photographed feature in the park, according to the Porcupine Mountains Ontonagon Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
When the leaves of the lush trees surrounding the lake change colors in the fall, visitors get a fresh take on the breathtaking view.
Michigan has more than 120 lighthouses, more than any other state in the country. They protect the state's coastline, allowing the Great Lakes to create a stunning backdrop when you're viewing them. You can almost feel history when looking at them since many have reached or are nearing 200 years old.
Some favorites in the state to visit are the Grand Haven lighthouses, Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington and Whitefish Point Light Station in Paradise.
Michigan's Mackinac Bridge, one of the state's most famous and iconic architectural marvels, connects the state's Upper and Lower peninsulas. The ivory and green suspension bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, over five miles.
Sightseers enjoy viewing the bridge from all angles. You'll see visitor photos next to the bridge, while crossing the bridge and even traveling underneath by boat.
Arch Rock is the most famous rock formation on Mackinac Island. The limestone rock forms an arch that is more than 50 feet wide. It's believed to be about 4,000 years old and hollowed out by splashing waves when water levels were much higher, according to the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.
Buy a photo: Purchase select prints of Arch Rock and other treasured views
While the formation is stable for now, don't wait a lifetime to see it. It's predicted erosion from wind and water will one day probably cause it to fall down.
Visitors can find it on the east side of the island on the shores of Lake Huron. The formation can be viewed from both the interior and perimeter of the island.
Looking down at the sand dunes and Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Empire is basically a rite of passage in Michigan.
The national park features miles of sand beach and bluffs that tower 450 feet above the lake.
While the park covers more than 71,000 acres and includes other unique natural features, it's the sand dunes that get the most attention.
A scenic drive on M-119 in Emmet County is perhaps best taken in the fall as the autumn colors of tree leaves enveloping the route offer a breathtaking view.
The dense woods create a canopy that's famous in the state.
The stretch is about 20 miles long and goes from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Be immersed by millions of tulips when they're in bloom during Tulip Time in Holland. The flowers are planted all around the city each year and generally begin blooming in late April and last through mid-May.
During that time, visitors can be surrounded by the brightly colored tulips.
Located on the west side of Detroit's Belle Isle, Sunset Point is a favorite spot of photographers.
Visitors can catch the sunset while taking in the Detroit skyline and Detroit River. It's a calming spot during both the evening and day.
Torch Lake in the northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan is known for its clear water that has a deep Caribbean blue color.
The lake is Michigan's longest at 18 miles and the second largest at 29 square miles.
Visitors especially love viewing the lake in the fall when the leaves of the trees surrounding the lake turn colors.
Turnip Rock, located in Lake Huron in Port Austin, is a favorite stop for kayakers and boaters.
Wave erosion sculpted the limestone rock formation's base and created a "unique, gravity-defying pillar," according to the Greater Port Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Turnip Rock is surrounded by shallow waters, sea caves and dramatic cliffs.
Famous sandstone ledges and ancient sedimentary rock outcroppings line the banks of the Grand River at Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge.
The rock formations are believed to be 300 million years old. The 78-acre park includes 3 miles of nature and hiking trails.
The park is located at 100 Fitzgerald Park Drive.
Opened in 2022, SkyBridge Michigan is a suspension bridge at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls.
Visitors take a chairlift and can then walk 118 feet above the Boyne Valley on the 1,200-foot timber-towered suspension bridge, which the Boyne Mountain website says is the world's longest.
The experience is especially popular in the fall when Michigan's fall colors are visible below the bridge.
Dow Gardens in Midland has 54 acres of woodlands, ponds, orchard and meadow.
Inside the forest is a 1,400-foot-long canopy walk that's 40 feet above the ground.
The canopy walk includes views of a forest pond from 25 feet up, a large cargo net 25 feet up in a grove of spruce trees and an orchard view with a viewing platform that has a glass floor and railings at 40 feet high.
The canopy walk is popular when Michigan's leaves change colors in the fall.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's most treasured views: 16 scenic spots to visit