There are all sorts of important Michigan landmarks to discover. Unsurprisingly, thanks to its position amidst four of the five Great Lakes, the state was named for the Ojibwe word mishigami, meaning “large water” — and these waters factor into the many important landmarks the state has to offer.
Here are the top ten.
Top Landmarks in Michigan
Michigan Landmarks
Isle Royale
As beautiful as Lake Superior is from the shore — and it is beautiful — there’s an even more intimate way to experience this unique body of water. Tucked into the northern part of the lake, not far at all from Canada’s border, Isle Royale is a remote island with no permanent residents, but which does offer tent camping opportunities as well as a lodge.
The island is only accessible via ferry boats; you can take one from Copper Harbor or Houghton, Mighican, or Grand Marais or Grand Portage, Minnesota, and you’ll arrive in either Rock Harbor or Windigo.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
The port cities that connect to the island via ferry boats also offer options for dining and shopping. There are also many more wildernesses on the mainland to discover, such as McLain State Park or Grand Portage State Park on the Minnesota side.
Some of the best camping is found at Lake Fanny Hooe Resort & Campground.
Quincy Mine
Located in the Upper Peninsula near the towns of Hancock and Houghton, Quincy Mine actually refers to an extensive network of mines that were once used to pull copper from the earth. Also known as “Old Reliable,” this mine was used primarily between 1846 and 1945, though activities on a smaller scale continued through the 1970s.
Today, Quincy Mine is a museum experience open to the public, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with the mine experience on a guided tour.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Given its Upper Peninsula location, Quincy Mine is close to some unforgettable Michigan state parks, such as McLain State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, Baraga State Park and others.
Some excellent RV camping is available at City of Houghton RV Park.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Perhaps the most scenic stretch of Lake Superior coastline — though you can’t go wrong with any of it — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore encompasses 40 miles of the coast. It also includes more than 73,000 acres of the accompanying forests alongside the lake, which are criss-crossed with a network of over 100 miles of trails.
Characterized by the northern hardwood forests that are native to this area, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is also open to licensed hunters and fishers. It’s also great for those looking to day hike, backpack, cycle, swim and kayak.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Situated between the cities of Munising and Grand Marais, Pictured Rocks is near many other must-see UP attractions, such as the Wagner Falls Scenic Site, Muskallonge Lake State Park, and the wilds of Grand Island.
Beautiful RV campsites are waiting for you at Munising Tourist Park Campground.
Tahquamenon Falls
Known for its status as one of the largest waterfalls west of the Mississippi, Tahquamenon Falls measures a sweeping 200 feet across and cascades nearly 50 feet down into the Tahquamenon River below. It is ensconced in its very own state park — Tahquamenon Falls State Park, to be exact.
Along with the scenic falls themselves, this park also features about 50,000 acres of wilderness, perfect for hiking, both backcountry and developed camping, and a variety of paddlesports to be partaken in along the river.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Although quite remote and tucked deep into the woods, the beautiful scenery of Tahquamenon Falls is actually only about an hour and a half from the relatively big city of Sault Ste. Marie. It is equally close to Mackinaw, the gateway to the Lower Peninsula.
As far as camping goes, we recommend staying in the state park, so you can be surrounded by it’s beauty for the entirety of your trip.
Soo Locks
The city of Sault Ste. Marie is a special one in many ways — but not least because it’s the connection point between the United States and Canada, here in Michigan. Furthermore, it’s home to the unique feat of engineering that is the Soo Locks, originally constructed all the way back in 1855 to allow ships to travel between the lower Great Lakes and Lake Superior to the north.
Today, visitors can enjoy a trip not just to, but through the locks aboard one of the specially designed tour boats that take you on a ride right alongside the freighters.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Whether or not you’ve got your passport with you, Sault Ste. Marie is full of fun things to do, from restaurants and shops to art galleries and casinos. And it’s all just a stone’s throw from many of the most beautiful state parks in Michigan.
Camping can be found nearby at Kinross RV Park East.
Mackinac Bridge
Mackinaw City is the metaphorical bridge between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas — but the physical bridge is called the Mackinac, and it’s certainly a sight to see. This impressive suspension bridge spans more than 26,000 feet (just shy of five miles) long, making it the 24th-longest main span bridge in the world and the longest suspension bridge between anchorages in the Western hemisphere.
While driving over the bridge is an incredible experience regardless of which direction you’re going, if you’re really in the mood for a challenge, you could consider walking over its expanse — or running, if you’re really motivated.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Explore nearby Mackinaw City or make the journey out on the water (and back in time) to Mackinac Island, which is closed to motor vehicles and must be traveled either by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage. This area is also close to Wilderness State Park and the Sault Ste. Marie State Forest Area.
Wondering about lodging? We love Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island KOA Journey.
Alden Dow House
Alden B. Dow was known as one of the most iconic and impressive architects of the 20th century — so of course his stunning yet simple abode has earned its place on the list of National Historic Landmarks, which it’s had since 1989.
Located in the town of Midland, close to where the “thumb” of Michigan meets the rest of the mitten, the Alden Dow House is more than just a museum: it’s also an educational and research facility. Here, scholars and amateur architects and historians alike can all enjoy the primary source materials collected here or participate in specially-crafted, fun and informational events.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Midland has far more to offer art lovers than the Alden Dow House alone! Be sure to also check out what’s on stage at the Midland Center for the Arts, as well as the nearby Grace A. Dow Memorial Library.
When you’re finished exploring, set up camp at River Ridge Family Campground.
Norton Mounds
Like other parts of the midwest, long before white settlers got here, Native Americans called these lands home. Today, the Norton Mounds remain to remind modern-day visitors of the longstanding history of this place. Constructed by peoples who followed the Hopewell tradition, mounds played an important role in ceremonial and cultural events for ancient indigenous peoples.
The mounds were first excavated in the mid 1870s, and earned a place on the Michigan Register of Historic Sites in 1957 before being named a National Historic Landmark in 1965.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Close to the city of Grand Rapids, Norton Mounds is a quick day trip from the heart of this urban landscape, which offers plenty of restaurants, shops, museums and more to choose from. Other wilderness areas, such as Saugatuck Dunes State Park, Grand Haven State Park, and the Ionia State Recreation Area aren’t far away.
RV camping is available neary at Steamboat Park Campground.
Michigan State Capitol
This building’s iconic dome decorates downtown Lansing, Michigan, the state’s capital since 1847 (the first capital was Detroit). The Michigan State Capitol Building stands apart from other similar government buildings thanks to its soaring dome, which is actually made entirely out of cast iron.
Along with hosting the important discussions that help Michigan find its way to better policies and futures, the capitol building is also open to the public for tours and events. The capitol building has been on the National Historic Landmark list since 1992.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Downtown Lansing is a bright and vibrant community with many exciting attractions, such as the nearby African World Museum and Resource Center and the Herbert M. Rogers House. It’s also close to wilderness getaways such as Sleepy Hollow State Park and the Fort Custer Recreation Area.
Some of the best camping in the area can be found at Lansing Cottonwood Campground.
The Henry Ford
While Detroit as a whole has many important cultural and historical landmarks to visit, if you have to narrow your scope to just one, The Henry Ford — might be at the top of the list. This sprawling indoor and outdoor museum complex celebrates and informs visitors about the unique and important history of American Innovation, from Henry Ford to Thomas Edison and beyond.
Attractions and Camping Nearby
Just a short way from the heart of Detroit, The Henry Ford makes for a great addition to a city day visiting other must-sees like the Motown Museum. Be sure to grab a slice or three of Detroit-style pizza while you’re in town.
After a day of exploring, head to Walnut Grove Campground/Lower Huron Metropark to set up camp.
Planning an RV Trip to Michigan
As you can see, there are tons of great Michigan landmarks to see and the best way to see them is via RV. While you’re there, make sure to stay at some of the best campgrounds in the state, visit Detroit and the UP, and make time for the best state parks in the state.
