Michigan

Michigan, the only state that is completely composed of 2 peninsulas, is a boating capital of the United States. The state has over 60,000 inland lakes and ponds, and the most freshwater coastline in the U.S.. Visitors to Michigan have tons of outdoor recreation options including water sports and winter skiing, as well as tons of opportunities for city-based entertainment in Detroit. The state is the 8th most populated state in the U.S., and it has the entertainment to prove it!

Before European settlement, Michigan was home to a number of Native American tribes, among them the Algonquians. European settlers arrived around 1668 where they settled at Sault Ste. Marie. In 1701, Detroit came onto the scene as a fur trading center for the French. The land was ceded to the British in 1763 and finally came into US possession in 1796. However, Mihgan wasn't admitted to the Union until 1837 when it became the 26th state.

Visitors to Michigan have tons of options for fun. If you're taking a vacation to Ann Arbor, there's plenty to see and do. On Thursdays, visit Historic Cobblestone Farm for a guided tour to learn about early life in Michigan. Visitors looking for a leisurely way to spend a beautiful day should visit Nichols Arboretum, where the trails are well maintained and the flowers are stunning. Also famous, but happening only in the spring, is the Ann Arbor Film Festival. Cinema-freaks shouldn't miss this! For some family fun try the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum which has over 250 interactive displays and exhibits!

If you're headed to Lansing, Michigan's capital city, there's some great historical locations as well as some classic family enjoyment. For history, don't miss the Turner Dodge House. Built in 1858 this historical building was home to the Turner Family, who helped create the City of Lansing. Visitors can also tour the Michigan State Capitol, a grand building. The Michigan Historical Museum also offers some interesting learning with all kinds of special exhibits featuring Michigan's historical importance.

There's also plenty to do with the family. Visit Potter Park Zoo to see Meerkats, red pandas, tigers, dazzling tropical birds and tons of other fun creatures. The zoo offers events like Big Zoo Party and Sundown Safari where visitors can celebrate with great food, or hunker down at the zoo for the night to see what wildlife is like when the lights go out! Impression 5 Science Center is another hot-spot for families. This is an inexpensive science museum where kids and adults alike get some hands-on experience to help understand the world around them.

Detroit, at the tip of Lake Erie, is Michigan's largest city is one of the top 20 most populated cities in the U.S. and is full of fun things for visitors to do. Visit Belle Isle, an island park in Detroit where visitors can do watersports, walk along the miles of trails, and see a great view of Detroit AND Canada! If you love music, the Motown Historical Museum is a fabulous attraction. Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and other amazing Motown artists recorded here. Visit this unique museum to see a piece of musical history.

For some cultural arts, visit Detroit Institute of Arts to see what some say is one of the best collections of art in the U.S. Everything from mummies to Monet is featured in this art collection containing over 65,000 pieces! There's a special area for African American Art which showcases over 400 pieces in a variety of media. Also famous is Fox Theatre Building, a 1920s movie palace and center for the performing arts. Still operational and absolutely stunning this theatre puts on Broadway shows, concerts and other special events.

For some solid sports fun, go see the Detroit Tigers play at Comerica Park, which is not only a ballpark but also a baseball museum and theme park! The park has huge tiger statues, a tiger carousel, and a Ferris wheel! A very cool stadium. And for some Casino fun, make sure to visit some of Detroit's key Casino/resorts!

Winter offers some great skiing and snowboarding in Michigan. Visit Cadillac, Traverse City, the Whitecap Mountains or any of their other great resort spots. Skiing is a favorite pastime and winter sport in Michigan, so there are lots of great spots where visitors can take day trips. In the summer, a lot of these same resorts offer golf and summer sports.

Whether you're planning to go skiing, sightseeing, or cruising on Lake Michigan, make sure the place you crash at night is the right fit for you. Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Lamp Post Inn - Starting at $54 a night this hotel serves an English breakfast. Complimentary Wi-Fi makes this a good spot for the social-networking bargain hunter.
Ramada Lansing Hotel - Starting at $68 a night this hotel is right by lots of great Lansing sights. Visit the Telephone Pioneer Museum which is also nearby. This hotel has a restaurant and limited room service as well as an indoor pool, a sauna and a fitness facility.
Detroit Regency Hotel - Starting at $70 a night this hotel is right in Detroit and inexpensive! The hotel has a restaurant and a complimentary continental breakfast. Plus – a casino shuttle!

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Comfort Inn and Suites Ann Arbor - Starting at $90 a night this hotel is located right near all of the sights you want to see! With an indoor pool and a spa tub, this hotel is a bargain!
Candlewood Suites and MSU - Starting at $105 a night this hotel is on the Michigan State campus. The hotel has a restaurant and outdoor pool as well as a fitness facility and an complimentary airport shuttle!
Hilton Garden Inn Detroit - Starting at $118 a night this Detroit hotel is right where you want to be in Detroit. The hotel has 2 restaurants and a bar, with an indoor pool, spa tub and limited room service.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Victoria Guest Haus - Starting at $139 a night this amazingly quaint guest house is close to lots of great sightseeing spots. This inn serves a breakfast, and has a library and laundry facilities, and a fireplace in the lobby. For the visitor who wants to see the sights and come back to a beautiful house at the end of the day.
Marriott East Lansing - Starting at $149 a night this hotel is very close to Michigan State University. The hotel has a restaurant and coffee shop, a bar, an indoor pool and a spa with a hair salon!
MGM Grand Detroit - Starting at $249 a night, this is the place to pamper yourself in Detroit. Close to Fox Theatre Building, glam up at the hotel for a night at the theatre. The hotel has 5 restaurants and a bar, with limited room service, and a full health spa! This is a 4.5 star property.