Top 5 Hidden Gems of Michigan

When one typically thinks of gems of Michigan, what comes to mind is Pictured Rocks, Turnup Rock, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Kitch-iti-kipi, or Porcupine Mountains, which thousands upon thousands of tourists flock to every year. In doing so, one may miss some hidden gems that are right there, either nearby these well-known destinations, or even closer to home.

1.) Fitzgerald Park – Grand Ledge, MI

Located just out of the main drag of Grand Ledge, Michigan is Fitzgerald Park, giving access to The Ledges of Grand Ledge. Unfortunately, this hidden gem is easy to miss in the park, as there is much else within the park to do. Still, when you adventure down the stairs or the hill, you will come to a trail that leads you to a bridge that brings you directly to the beautiful and colorful sandstone ledges of Grand Ledge along the Grand River. To learn more about The Ledges and to plan your adventure check out The Eaton County website.

2.) Les Cheneaux Islands – Les Cheneaux, MI

Les Cheneaux Islands is located 30 miles northeast of the Mackinaw Bridge and stretches across 12 miles of Lake Huron, consisting of 36 islands, some inhabited, some not. With these islands nestled so close to the mainland, the channels, bays, and coves stay quiet from the Great Lakes winds and storms, making the area perfect for sailing and boating. While this may seem like the ideal spot for boating, the islands have even more to offer; whether you plan to have a day trip or want to spend the weekend, there are a few different cabins and hotels to stay on some of the islands as you explore the area. To learn more about the Les Cheneaux Islands and to help plan your boating adventure, check out Pure Michigan’s page dedicated to the Le Cheneaux Islands.

3.) Hungarian Falls – Hubbell, MI

Hungarian Falls located in the beautiful Keweenaw can be found year-round west of Hubbell, Michigan, in Dover Creek, consisting of 3 waterfalls totaling about 150 feet tall, each unique in their own way. The two upper falls almost stacked on top of each other, each measuring approximately 25 feet tall, land in a small pool made of sandstone before moving on to the next. The lower falls measure about 100 feet tall into a gorge, making this one the most challenging set of falls to see. While no trails lead to the bottom of this set, many hikers can’t resist the sights to behold down in the valley’s base. To reach any of these waterfalls, you will need to take a hike through the woods with mining site ruins and picturesque cliffs; while the hike may be difficult for some, it is worth the effort and will not disappoint. To learn more and help plan your hiking adventure, explore the Keweenaw website, which has a page dedicated to the Hungarian Falls.

4.) Legs Inn – Cross Village, MI

This historic restaurant that has stayed in the family for over 90 years is one of a kind, located in Cross Village, Michigan. The restaurant overlooks Lake Michigan, and is built out of stone and custom woodwork throughout. It is one of a kind in its structure and its Polish food and history. Making a pit stop here will be one you will not regret, even if there is a long wait. While there is a limited time in the year to make a visit here, the food is excellent, and the sights are a must-see. To learn more and to plan this pit stop, check out the Legs Inn Website.

5.) Lakenenland – Marquette, MI

  • Picture of the entrance sign to Lakenenland Sculpture park. This sculpture, made of metal, has a deer standing on its back legs holding the sign on the left and a bear on its back legs holding the sign on the right.
  • Picture a metal sculpture of a skeleton motorcyclist riding through a ring of fire in the Lakenenland Sculpture park.
  • Image of a metal dog race finish line in Lakenenland Sculpture park.
  • Picture of the metal sculpture called Woodsy Warning in Lakenenland sculpture park. This sculpture features seven people, six holding logs, and one pointing at them with metal animals following them.
  • Picture one of the pavilions in Lakenenland Sculpture park, made from stone, wood, and metal. This pavilion also features a fireplace to warm up.

Lakenenland Sculpture Park is located just outside of Marquette, Michigan; the entrance is visible from M-28. This park is privately owned by Tom Lakenenland, but he keeps it open and accessible to the public. The park is 37 acres of beautiful Upper Peninsula woods filled with over 100 custom metal sculptures created by Tom, which are spread throughout the park. The sculpture park is accessible by walking or by driving, making his work accessible to everyone. This park also includes a playground, dog walk, picnic areas, two entertainment stages, two ponds, and more. Another wonderful thing about this park is that it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In fact, you may even catch Tom out working on a sculpture or working on other improvements to the park. If you do, don’t be afraid to say “Hi” – Tom loves to talk to visitors and is very welcoming. To learn more and plan your adventure to Lakenenland, check out their website.

Now that you have learned about these hidden gems, it’s time to get out and explore. After all, you may find another hidden gem no one speaks of, and you can make it your own personal getaway from civilization.

Leave a comment