Explore the Best Places for a Girlfriends Weekend in Michigan

Michigan is a remarkable destination that offers a wide range of experiences for a memorable girlfriends getaway. Whether you’re seeking relaxation and pampering or outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options to suit every taste. From iconic locations to hidden gems, here are some of the best places to consider for your next Michigan escapade.

Discover the Magic of Mackinac Island

If you’re looking for a classic and luxurious retreat, Mackinac Island is the perfect choice. Experience the charm of the Grand Hotel, renowned for its multicourse dinners, private receptions, wellness classes, and a full-service spa. Alternatively, stay at the boutique inn, Mackinac House, and rent bikes to explore the island’s perimeter on the nation’s only car-free highway. Indulge in waterfront dining and unique cocktails at The Pink Pony at the Chippewa Hotel, adding an extra touch of elegance to your trip.

Embrace Nature at Mohawk

For an extraordinary weekend surrounded by the wild beauty of Michigan’s landscape, head to the Nordic Spa at Mount Bohemia in the Keweenaw Peninsula. This spa specializes in hot and cold-water therapies that rejuvenate both the body and mind. Immerse yourself in the outdoor hot pool or Finnish sauna, and then refresh yourself in a cold pool or under a Nordic waterfall. Winter transforms the region into a frozen wonderland, enhancing the experience. Additionally, Mount Bohemia offers exceptional downhill skiing, including backcountry skiing and the highest vertical drop in the Midwest.

Experience the Vibrancy of Bellaire

Escape to the charming village of Bellaire in Northern Michigan, where you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere and a plethora of unique attractions. Start your journey at Short’s Brewing Company, the microbrew mecca that started it all. Discover Mammoth Distilling, Bee Well Mead and Cider, and Hello Vino!, adding a touch of local flavor to your trip. Stay at Shanty Creek Resorts to enjoy fantastic golf and breathtaking views, especially during the fall, when the chairlifts provide a scenic route to mountaintop vistas. Wrap up your weekend with hands-on art classes at The Flying Pig or indulge in cookie decorating at the award-winning Ruthann’s Gourmet Bakery.

Uncover the Vibrancy of Auburn Hills/Detroit

In Auburn Hills, you’ll find the perfect blend of shopping and entertainment. Explore the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, boasting 185 shops that cater to every style. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, home to 250 species and 12 interactive exhibits. Venture into Detroit, a city on the rise, and discover its trendy new restaurants and exciting cultural scene. Catch a concert, play, themed tour, or enjoy a memorable dinner. Sports enthusiasts can attend professional games in the heart of downtown or try their luck at one of the city’s casinos.

Combine Culture and Adventure in Lansing

With its vibrant college town atmosphere and Capital City gravitas, Lansing offers the perfect blend of culture and outdoor fun. Begin with a visit to Hilltop Views Farms, where goat yoga is paired with happy hour and live music. Explore the Potter Park Zoo and book a zookeeper encounter to get up close with rhinos, otters, and lions. For a unique experience, reserve a cocktail-making class at American Fifth Spirits, conveniently located near the Radisson in downtown Lansing.

Enjoy Serenity in Petoskey

Indulge in tranquility by staying at The Inn at Bay Harbor, renowned for its breathtaking water views and privacy. This idyllic destination offers afternoon high tea, on-site dining, and a spa to ensure a rejuvenating experience. Explore Petoskey’s Historic Gaslight District, known for its charming galleries and boutiques. Alternatively, discover the up-and-coming Petoskey Wine Region, where you can enjoy tastings of the world’s newest wine grapes, along with unexpected cider and microbrew combinations. Don’t forget to go Petoskey stone hunting to find a unique souvenir and mark your getaway.

Step into Authentic Bavarian Heritage in Frankenmuth

Immerse yourself in the authentic Bavarian heritage of Frankenmuth, making you feel as though you’ve traveled abroad. Explore local downtown boutiques and embark on a delightful wine and chocolate cruise on the Cass River. Savor traditional German beers at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge restaurant and indulge in Christmas shopping at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store. Conclude your day by winding down at Frankenmuth Brewery, Michigan’s oldest and “original” brewery, providing a taste of history and tradition.

Hit the Slopes at Michigan Ski Resorts

Michigan’s ski resorts are a haven for unforgettable memories with friends. With more than 40 ski areas across the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, there are boundless opportunities for adventure. Enjoy ski-and-stay packages or lift ticket discounts to make the most of your trip. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, relax and enjoy après-ski at the resort lodge, indulging in Michigan-made beer, wine, and spirits. For those seeking a slower pace, many resorts also offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.

Relive the Magic of Summer Camp in Newaygo

Find nostalgic tranquility at Camp Newaygo, where you can enjoy a quiet and serene vacation reminiscent of summer camp, but with added luxury. During fall and spring weekends, Camp Newaygo hosts girlfriends getaways that provide the opportunity to bond with old friends or make new ones. Stay in hotel-like dorm rooms and participate in hands-on art and outdoor activities across the camp’s 100 acres, nestled near the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

Discover the Charms of Charlevoix

Charlevoix, a beloved Lake Michigan destination since the Victorian era, delights visitors with its rich history and unique attractions. Hop aboard a global electric motorcar for an hour-long tour of the famous “mushroom houses” designed by architect Earl Young, characterized by stone exteriors and thatched roofs. Explore the century-old Castle Farms, once a model dairy farm but now boasting its own winery. For outdoor fun, rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the beauty of Lake Charlevoix, Round Lake, or Lake Michigan. Throughout the year, downtown shops, restaurants, festivals, and galleries provide ample opportunities for exploration and fun.

Experience the Magic of Saugatuck/Holland

Take an exciting journey across rolling sand dunes with Saugatuck Dune Rides Inc., combining history, nature, and an exhilarating roller coaster experience. Rent a beach house, embark on a hike to dune overlooks to witness stunning sunsets over Lake Michigan, and explore the town’s unique shops and cocktail bars. Nearby Holland, known for its Dutch heritage and Holland State Park, offers frequent girlfriends getaway weekends with special discounts at downtown shops, making it an ideal retreat for friends seeking adventure and relaxation.

Embark on an Off-Road Adventure in Drummond Island

Drummond Island is the perfect destination for an off-road adventure with friends. Take a guided ATV trip, explore rare fossil ledges, or spend a day sailing with the Drummond Island Tall Ship Co LLC. Woods & Water Ecotours offers kayaking rentals and guided adventure tours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s natural wonders. Inspired by the famous annual outing chronicled in “The Drummond Girls” by author Mardi Link, a getaway to Drummond Island promises excitement and camaraderie.

Now that you have a taste of the incredible places Michigan has to offer, start planning your Pure Michigan girlfriends getaway. Create cherished memories and strengthen your bond while exploring the diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant communities that make Michigan a truly remarkable destination.

Note: All images in this article are courtesy of Pure Michigan.