10 Fun Things to Do in Michigan for Couples

Cupola Bar, Mackinac Island is known for its signature cocktails, expertly prepared by creative mixologists. Head right to the top of the Grand Hotel and take in amazing panoramic views from the huge windows running the length of the bar. Relax with delicious cocktails or share a bottle of wine and watch the boats and freighters moving along the Straits of Mackinac. Enjoy an incredible view over the landscaped grounds of the hotel and the picturesque island.

For a romantic date night, why not indulge in pre-dinner drinks in the bar whilst taking in a stunning sunset across the water? Listen to the soothing piano tunes as you soak up the laid-back atmosphere and snack on appetizers.

The Monarch Club is located inside the majestic, neo-gothic Metropolitan Building in the heart of downtown Detroit. You’ll love the mix of original, historic features combined with contemporary decor in this upscale cocktail bar. The indoor area has a laid-back, penthouse vibe and you can settle into the plush leather sofas and share a tasty charcuterie board, flatbread pizza, or truffle fries.

Venture outside to the rooftop to cuddle up and enjoy a cozy, romantic evening around a firepit. Take in magnificent views across the city as you try the bar’s cocktails and craft beers. Book well in advance via the website as it can get very busy, especially at weekends.

Motown Historical Museum celebrates the extraordinary legacy of the Motown Sound. Take a fascinating tour of Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, where Berry Gordy lived and founded the Motown record label. Visit the legendary Studio A, where chart-topping hits by Diana Ross & the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder were recorded.

You’ll get to sing and dance in the same spot where iconic Motown artists performed and explore a wide range of memorabilia, artwork, photos, and clothing. Be sure to check the website before visiting, as there are year-round events at the museum, including songwriter showcases and galas, as well as Motown carols and cocoa during the festive season.

Mackinac Island Ferry is a fantastic choice for some fun in Michigan if you love great scenery and being out on the water. Head to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and hop on a hydro-jet boat for a fast and thrilling ride across to Mackinac Island. Or choose the Mackinac Bridge tour, which passes under “Mighty Mac,” a stunning and enormous suspension bridge, for amazing, Instagrammable photos.

If you want a leisurely crossing, the classic ferry ride gives you spectacular, panoramic views of the Straits area from the open-air observation deck. Or for an original trip across the water, why not climb aboard a pirate ship and enjoy a swashbuckling daytime crossing or a unique evening cruise?

Saugatuck Dune Rides are a captivating way to explore western Michigan. Hop in a dune buggy and let your guide take you on an exhilarating tour of the sand dunes. You’ll speed along rugged, offroad trails, taking in the beautiful landscapes of lush, green hills and trees alongside miles of golden sand.

You’ll be enthralled by the local vegetation and nature, and you’ll even spot wildlife if you’re lucky. The dune rides are highly recommended for their drivers, who will delight you with their knowledge of the history of the area, as well as their fun anecdotes about buried ghost towns. Make sure you book online well in advance as these tours sell out quickly.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a stunning combination of art and nature in Grand Rapids. Take a romantic stroll along the meandering paths and admire the beautiful horticultural displays, as well as over 200 sculptures, including iconic pieces by Auguste Rodin and Edgar Degas. Watch a traditional tea ceremony in the serenity of the Japanese gardens, then snap pictures of the beautiful waterfalls and bonsai.

On summer evenings, locals love to gather for concerts in the picturesque amphitheater. Check the online calendar before arriving, as there’s a wide choice of music, including symphony orchestras, rock, blues, and country. You can even pre-order a chilled picnic for 2 to collect at the start of the event.

Greenfield Village is in Dearborn, just 14 miles (22.5 km) west of Detroit. This open-air museum sprawls over 80 acres and you’ll love seeing the homes and artifacts of the famous Americans who helped shape the country. Discover Thomas Edison’s laboratory where he invented the lightbulb and explore working farms to learn how methods have changed over the last 300 years. 

Enjoy an original train ride on an old steam locomotive and step back in time dining in a restaurant that serves delicious, historically influenced dishes using fresh, local produce. If you love watching artisans at work, you’ll be captivated by the glassblowers. Purchase hand-crafted glass objects and pottery in the delightful stores on the site for cherished souvenirs. 

The pretty town of Frankenmuth will delight you with its Bavarian-style architecture. When you arrive, it’s easy to imagine yourself in Germany, not 90 miles (145 km) north of Detroit. Sit back and relax in a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets and admire the quaint houses with their striking façades. Enjoy refreshingly cold German beer at one of the town’s many festivals and learn how to make pretzels.

Be sure to visit the town center on a Friday night in summer. You’ll be treated to entertainment from a host of street performers and musicians whilst you enjoy mouthwatering food. If you’re a couple looking for adventure, be sure to try ziplining at Aerial Park too.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a wonderful choice for couples who love the great outdoors and unique flora and fauna. Located on North Manitou Island, this huge expanse of sandy beaches, towering bluffs, and thick, lush forests is a nature lover’s dream. Visitors flock to this area for its staggeringly high sand dunes.

For exhilarating fun, climb to the top of the dunes and discover breathtaking vistas over Lake Michigan, then roll back down the soft sands. Hikers can explore a wide range of trails from gentle walks through fields of wildflowers to a strenuous climb across 3 miles (4.8 km) of dunes. You’ll find lots of shady picnic spots for a much-needed rest after all your activity.

SkyBridge, Boyne Falls is one of the most fun things to do in Michigan for couples. Cuddle up in the chairlift as you climb up Boyne Mountain and watch the skiers and snowboarders below racing down the slopes. At the top, experience the dizzying height as you walk across the timber bridge, taking in astounding views all around and beneath you.

You’ll find a food truck onsite, so you can snack on tasty treats around the firepit whilst catching a magnificent sunset. Book your tickets online before arriving, if possible, as you’ll save both time and money by reserving well in advance. And don’t forget to wear non-slip shoes, especially during rainy weather.