Although Michigan’s Great Lakes beaches draw a lot of couples and families, there is much more beauty to be found inland. These hotels and destinations, which range from the wineries of Traverse City to the small-town charm of Saugatuck, offer the ideal setting for romantic getaways in Michigan.
There are lots of wonderful romantic getaways in Michigan, whether your special occasion is Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a long weekend away without the kids.
Table of Contents
Here are 12 Romantic Getaways in Michigan:
Mackinac Island, a car-free island paradise in Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac, beckons couples seeking a unique and unforgettable escape. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Victorian-era architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere, it offers a charming step back in time.
What to Expect Romantically
Mackinac Island is a haven for romance. Horse-drawn carriage rides, leisurely bike rides for two along scenic trails, intimate picnics overlooking the Straits of Mackinac, and cozy evenings spent curled up by the fireplace in a historic B&B are just a few ways to create lasting memories.
Romantic Activities
Address: Mackinac Island, MI
Cost
The cost of a romantic getaway to Mackinac Island can vary depending on the time of year, the type of accommodations you choose, and the activities you participate in. Generally, expect to spend more during peak season (summer and fall). Budget-conscious travelers can find affordable options with some planning.
Nearest Area
Between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas is the Straits of Mackinac, where Mackinac Island is situated. The nearest city is Mackinaw City, located on the Lower Peninsula.
How to Reach
Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace on the mainland. Several ferry companies operate on the route, offering passenger-only and vehicle transport options (though vehicles are not allowed on the island itself). Ferry rides take approximately 20 minutes.
Additionally
Keep in mind that Mackinac Island is a seasonal destination. Most businesses and attractions are closed from December to March. Be sure to book your accommodations and activities well in advance, especially during peak season.
Lake Michigan in the Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers a haven for couples seeking an unforgettable romantic escape. Imagine scaling massive sand dunes hand-in-hand, feeling the cool breeze on your faces as you gaze out over endless blue waters. Envision cozy evenings nestled by a crackling fireplace, sharing stories and laughter after a day of exploring the park’s diverse landscapes.
Romance in the Dunes
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore caters to couples in a multitude of ways. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits:
Planning Your Romantic Getaway
Address: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 100 W. Front St., Empire, MI 49630
Cost: Entrance to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is free. However, there are fees for camping and some specific park facilities.
Nearest Areas: The park is located near the towns of Empire, Glen Arbor, and Leland. These charming towns offer a variety of lodging options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts.
How to Reach:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is easily accessible by car. The nearest major airport is Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), located approximately an hour’s drive away.
Traverse City, nestled on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, is a dream destination for couples seeking romantic getaways in Michigan. This vibrant city seamlessly blends the charm of a wine country escape with the beauty of a lakeside paradise, offering a cornucopia of experiences to reignite the spark.
What to Expect:
Romantic Activities:
Traverse City Address: Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Cost:
The cost of your romantic getaway will vary depending on your desired level of luxury. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Dining experiences can be tailored to your budget, with a variety of restaurants offering different price points. Activities can also range from free (like picnicking in the park) to splurge-worthy (like a hot air balloon ride).
Nearest Area: Traverse City is located in the northwestern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
How to Reach:
Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) offers convenient flight options from various locations. Alternatively, you can take a scenic road trip through Michigan’s beautiful landscapes to reach the city.
Petoskey is a charming city located on the shores of Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan. It’s a popular destination for romantic getaways, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, vibrant downtown, and abundance of outdoor activities.
Romantic Expectations
Couples can expect a relaxed and scenic escape in Petoskey. Imagine strolling hand-in-hand along the scenic waterfront, picnicking in a picturesque park, or cozying up by a fireplace in a historic inn. The city also offers a variety of unique shops, art galleries, and restaurants to explore together.
Activities for Couples
How to Reach Petoskey
Petoskey is located in northern Michigan, about a 4-hour drive from Detroit. The nearest major airport is Pellston Regional Airport (PLN), which is located about 15 miles from Petoskey. However, this airport has limited commercial flight options. Most visitors fly into Traverse City Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is located about 60 miles from Petoskey. From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle to Petoskey.
Cost
The cost of a romantic getaway to Petoskey can vary depending on your preferences. However, you can expect to spend around $100-$200 per night on accommodations, and $50-$100 per day on food. Activities can range from free (hiking and biking) to moderately priced (wine tasting tours).
Nearest Areas
Address
Petoskey, Michigan is located in Emmet County, Michigan. The exact address will depend on where you choose to stay.
Saugatuck bursts with small-town charm and artistic allure, making it a perfect romantic escape on Michigan’s scenic “Art Coast.” Bordered by Lake Michigan and Kalamazoo Lake, Saugatuck offers a relaxed pace, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant arts scene.
Romantic Expectations
Imagine strolling hand-in-hand through quaint shops and galleries, taking a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan, or picnicking on a secluded beach. Saugatuck’s atmosphere caters to romance, with cozy accommodations, delicious restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with your special someone.
Activities for Two
Where to Stay
Saugatuck boasts a variety of charming accommodations, from luxurious B&Bs and boutique hotels to cozy cabins and vacation rentals. The cost will vary depending on the type of accommodation and time of year, but you can find options to suit most budgets.
Nearest Areas
Saugatuck is located in Allegan County, Michigan. The nearest major city is Holland, Michigan, about a 30-minute drive away.
How to Get There
Saugatuck is easily accessible by car. From Chicago, it’s about a 2-hour drive. If you’re flying in, the nearest major airport is Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO), approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Saugatuck.
Frankenmuth, also known as Michigan’s Little Bavaria, offers a charming and unique escape for couples.
Romance in the Air: Stroll hand-in-hand through the Bavarian-inspired architecture, complete with colorful buildings and charming shops. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride for a fairytale touch.
Activities for Two: Indulge in a family-style chicken dinner, a Frankenmuth tradition. Explore Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store, any time of year. Take a boat tour on the Cass River for scenic views.
Location: Frankenmuth is located in Saginaw County, Michigan, about an hour north of Detroit.
Cost: Costs can vary depending on your preferences. Budget-friendly options include staying at a bed and breakfast and enjoying picnics in the park. Luxury stays at resorts and fine dining experiences are also available.
Nearest Areas: Frankenmuth is close to Flint and Saginaw, offering additional museums and cultural attractions.
How to Reach:
Frankenmuth is easily accessible by car. There is also a small local airport with limited flight options. Consider flying into Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and renting a car for the scenic drive.
Holland, Michigan bursts with color and charm, offering a unique and unforgettable romantic escape. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, the city boasts beautiful beaches, vibrant tulips in springtime, and a rich Dutch heritage that infuses its architecture, food, and culture.
Romance in the Air
Activities for Two
Planning Your Romantic Getaway
Where to Stay
Holland offers a variety of romantic accommodations, from charming B&Bs with fireplaces and romantic getaways in Michigan with private pool tubs to luxurious hotels with stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Cost
The cost of your romantic getaway will vary depending on your desired accommodations, activities, and dining choices. However, Holland offers a range of options to suit most budgets.
Nearest Areas
Holland is conveniently located in West Michigan, near other popular destinations like Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, and Kalamazoo.
How to Reach Holland
Holland is easily accessible by car or plane. The city is served by the nearby Gerald R. Grand Rapids’ Ford International Airport (GRR).
Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city, offers a surprising blend of urban energy and natural beauty. Couples will find a vibrant city center with world-class museums, craft breweries, and trendy restaurants alongside opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.
Romance in the City
Activities for Two
Grand Rapids Getaway Costs
The cost of your romantic getaway will vary depending on your desired level of luxury and the activities you choose. Here’s a general breakdown:
Where is Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids is located in western Michigan, approximately 30 miles east of Lake Michigan.
How to Get There
Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) offers convenient access to the city. Regular flights arrive from major hubs across the United States. You can also reach Grand Rapids by car via interstates I-96 and I-94.
Ann Arbor, consistently ranked as one of America’s most livable cities, offers a delightful escape for couples seeking a romantic getaway. This vibrant college town seamlessly blends youthful energy with historical charm, providing a multitude of experiences for you and your special someone.
Romance in the Air
Activities for Two
Ann Arbor at Your Doorstep
Ann Arbor is conveniently located in southeastern Michigan, just 40 miles west of Detroit. A variety of hotels and charming bed and breakfasts cater to all budgets and preferences.
Reaching for Romance
Ann Arbor is easily accessible by car or plane. Detroit Metro Airport offers numerous flight connections, and the city is well-served by major highways.
Romantic Getaway in Your Grasp
Ann Arbor’s captivating blend of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and charming ambiance promises a romantic escape you won’t soon forget. Make plans to stay now and make treasured memories with your special someone.
Detroit, a city on the rise, pulsates with a vibrant energy fueled by its artistic spirit, industrial heritage, and diverse neighborhoods. Once a center for American car manufacturing, Detroit has transformed itself into a cultural hub with world-class museums, trendy restaurants, and a burgeoning cocktail scene. For couples seeking a unique and exciting escape, Detroit offers a city break unlike any other.
Romantic Expectations
Romantic Activities
How to Get There
Detroit is easily accessible by air, train, or car. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) offers numerous flight connections from major cities across the US and internationally. Amtrak’s Wolverine service connects Chicago and Detroit, while Greyhound buses provide a more budget-friendly option. Getting around Detroit is a breeze with a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, the Detroit People Mover, and QLine streetcar.
Cost
Detroit offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxurious hotels to charming B&Bs. Dining options are plentiful, with everything from casual cafes to fine-dining establishments. Activities can be enjoyed for free or at a minimal cost, making Detroit a fantastic romantic getaway for budget-conscious couples.
Nearest Areas
Detroit is a great base for exploring other parts of southeastern Michigan. A short drive away is Ann Arbor, a vibrant college town home to the University of Michigan. For a dose of nature, head to Greenfield Village, a living history museum showcasing historic buildings and demonstrations of early American life.
Isle Royale National Park offers a one-of-a-kind romantic getaway Michigan experience unlike any other. Imagine paddling crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush forests, spotting moose and wolves in their natural habitat, and stargazing under skies untouched by light pollution. Here’s what you can expect for a truly unforgettable escape for two:
Romance in the Wild:
Romantic Activities:
Isle Royale National Park
Located in Lake Superior near Michigan’s border with Canada, Isle Royale National Park is accessible only by ferry or seaplane.
Costs:
Nearest Area:
The park is not located near any major city or town. The closest town is Houghton, Michigan, which is approximately 70 miles away by sea.
How to Reach:
Important Note: Isle Royale National Park is closed to visitors from November 1 to April 15 due to harsh weather conditions. Plan your romantic getaway Michigan accordingly.
Copper Harbor is a haven for couples seeking an escape into nature’s beauty. Located at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, Copper Harbor boasts stunning views of Lake Superior, lush forests, and charming small-town vibes.
Romantic Expectations
Romantic Activities in Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor’s Romantic Address: Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Cost
Nearest Areas
How to Reach Copper Harbor
Copper Harbor is accessible by car via US-41. Alternatively, take a ferry from Houghton or Isle Royale National Park to arrive directly in Copper Harbor.
-Michigan offers year-round beauty! Spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds. Summer is perfect for outdoor activities and beach relaxation. Fall boasts stunning fall foliage and cozy evenings by the fireplace. Winter offers a snowy wonderland for cuddling up by a fire.
-While some getaways are geared towards couples, there are plenty of family-friendly options too! Look for resorts with kids’ clubs or cabins with amenities like playgrounds. Consider destinations with attractions like amusement parks or zoos, offering fun for the whole family.
–From charming B&Bs with fireplaces to luxurious lakefront resorts and cozy cabins, Michigan offers romantic getaways for every taste and budget.
–Pack comfy clothes for exploring, layers for unpredictable weather, dressier options for evenings, a swimsuit if needed, walking shoes, and essentials like sunscreen and a water bottle. Add romantic touches like candles and a deck of cards, and adjust for the season with rain gear, warm layers, or winter gear.
–While private in-room pools are less common, Michigan offers romantic getaways with luxurious amenities like private hot tubs in cabins or jetted jacuzzi tubs in B&Bs. Consider these options for a relaxing and intimate experience.