Wander the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park to find lush botanical gardens, more than 300 sculptures, and a summer concert series. Grand Rapids lives up to its nickname of "Beer City USA" with 40-plus breweries.

Things to do:

• The city's downtown area has more than 150 restaurants and shops. Award-winning museums and an assortment of nightclubs and performance venues are located within walking distance of top-notch hotels.

• Grand Rapids has been named the best place in the USA to raise a family, and opportunities for all-ages fun range from a classic urban zoo to a dedicated children's museum.

Located on the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Marquette is a four-season destination offering epic outdoor activities. For those seeking an escape with small town charm, there are plenty of cultural experiences, live performances, and other attractions to enjoy downtown.
 
Things to do:

• Summers are warm and mild, perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and chasing waterfalls, while autumns are cozy and colorful with unbelievable hues from the fall foliage. 

• Winters may be chilly, but that means landscapes covered in snow, perfect for fat tire biking, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing.

Lansing is home to more than 60 festivals throughout the year. Mark your calendar for can't-miss events like the Lumberjack Festival, Lansing Pride, Frontier Days, and BluesFest. The always-evolving art district is worth the trip alone.

Things to do:

• Marvel at elaborate murals, marble statues, intricate woodwork, the impressive rotunda, and manicured grounds on daily tours of the Michigan Capitol Building.

• Greater Lansing prides itself on being a welcoming community for all travelers. The city was recently named one of the top cities in the USA for autism families and offers accessible attractions and outdoor activities.

This car-free island getaway is a can't-miss travel destination the whole family will enjoy. Bike, walk, or travel by horse to get around the island known for beautiful Victorian-era homes, historic forts, and a charming downtown overlooking Lake Huron.

 Things to do:

 • A perfect mix of luxury accommodation and Midwestern hospitality welcomes you to The Grand Hotel. Take time to relax on the world's largest porch, enjoy afternoon tea, or stroll around its manicured grounds.

 • Most visitors reach Mackinac Island by using one of the numerous ferry companies that provide seasonal rides from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace, the tourist-friendly towns found at each end of the Mackinac Bridge.

Head to this sweet hamlet to experience the best of small-town life, but don't be fooled: Frankenmuth caters to millions of visitors a year and has a rich history, great shopping, and tons of culture to explore. Don't miss deals at the world's largest Christmas store.

 Things to do:

 • With its deep Bavarian roots, this city looks like a German town and offers everything you'd expect from one, including cultural festivals and Bavarian shops, food, and architecture.

 • Stroll past the public gardens abundant with flowers, take a carriage ride through town, or glide along the Cass River on a passenger paddleboat to experience Frankenmuth's hospitality and charm for yourself.