Free, or Almost Free, Michigan Vacation Ideas
Even though it may seem like summer is winding down, there’s still lots of travel time ahead. If you haven’t gotten out to enjoy what Michigan has to offer this season, now is the time. So, what if you want to save some cash this travel season? You can still have a lot of fun and not have to pay a lot to do it. There are a slew of great free Michigan vacation ideas, or almost free.
To start, doing a road trip is much less expensive than planning a big vacation far away, which requires an airplane ride. Venturing to a spot close to home can make for a cheap, affordable day trip. Whether you live near Grand Rapids, Detroit or in the U.P., you’ll find plenty of free, or almost free, things to do, that can help form a vacation. Here are some Michigan areas that you can visit for free, or very cheap.
The MSU Museum. The MSU Museum, aka the Michigan State University Museum, is in East Lansing, Michigan. It’s free admission for the public, although donations are accepted. The museum is one of the most well-known and largest university museums in America. Exhibits surround science, culture and natural history.
Mackinac Island State Park (or any state park). Visiting Mackinac Island can be pricey, but the Mackinac Island State Park offers some inexpensive amusement. Since no cars are allowed on the island, you have to pay to take the ferry to the island, but when you are there, you can enjoy its wonder for free. Take a bicycle ride around the island or walk around to enjoy its beauty. Also, many state parks offer inexpensive entry, or free entry with a pass.
Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you’re going to be near Traverse City, then Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must-visit place. As part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the dunes feature huge, beautiful sand dunes, sparking water and lost of nature.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Those near Grand Rapids should experience the beautiful Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, a botanical garden and sculpture park. It’s a low price for admission and offers a mix of art and nature.
Detroit Institute of Arts. Heading towards the Motor City? Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts regularly tops lists of the best art museum in the U.S. by a variety of national polls and outlets. Once inside, you’ll experience some of the world’s most prized art pieces. You’ll even see works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Monet. Also, general admission is free for members and residents of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. For everyone else, admission is still reasonable. Find some of my favorite Michigan vacation spots here.
