Michigan is the Great Lakes State, uniquely surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and offering 3,288 miles of freshwater shoreline — more than any other state except Alaska. From the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to the vibrant arts scene of Detroit, Michigan combines stunning natural landscapes with world-class cities, a rich automotive heritage, and a thriving food and craft beer culture.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Michigan cherries and cherry products
Dried cherries, cherry jam, cherry wine, and cherry chocolate from Traverse City area
Where: Cherry Republic (6026 S Lake St, Glen Arbor, MI 49636; and Traverse City downtown)
Motown records and music merchandise
Authentic Motown vinyl, CDs, and merchandise from the Motown Museum gift shop
Where: Motown Museum, 2648 W Grand Blvd, Detroit
Michigan craft beer
Take-home cans and bottles from Founders (Grand Rapids), Bell's (Kalamazoo), or any of 400+ Michigan craft breweries
Where: Founders Brewing: 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids; Bell's: 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo
Detroit-made goods
T-shirts, hats, and goods from Made in Detroit brand; Shinola watches (luxury Detroit-assembled brand)
Where: Shinola Store: 441 W Canfield St, Detroit; Made in Detroit: multiple Detroit locations
Petoskey stones
Fossilized coral stones found on Lake Michigan beaches; Michigan's state stone
Where: Rock and gem shops in Petoskey; Charlevoix; found on beaches near Petoskey
Michigan maple syrup
Locally produced pure Michigan maple syrup
Where: Eastern Market Detroit; any Michigan farmers market
Christmas ornaments from Bronner's
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth has 50,000+ ornaments from around the world
Where: Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, 25 Christmas Lane, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Eastern Market Detroit
Fresh produce, flowers, meats, artisan food, street art murals
Where: Detroit
Hours: Saturday 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (May-December); Tuesday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Traverse City Saturday Market
Michigan cherries, local produce, artisan crafts, maple syrup, honey
Where: Traverse City
Hours: Saturday 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM (May-October); Wednesday 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Fulton Street Market (Grand Rapids)
Year-round market; local vegetables, meats, baked goods, flowers
Where: Grand Rapids
Hours: Saturday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM (year-round); Wednesday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (May-October)
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Somerset Collection
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Twelve Oaks Mall
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Briarwood Mall
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM