Top 5 Detroit Day Trips: Your Ultimate Guide

So, you know, that itch to escape the city life of Detroit gets to everyone at some point, right? Very luckily, you don’t have to go too far to find cool little adventures that, you know, will make you feel like you’re a whole world away. That’s why, as a matter of fact, I put together this guide of the top 5 day trips from Detroit, perfect, too, if you’re trying to, you know, add a little fun to your weekend or just need, basically, a quick escape. These spots have got a little something for everyone: cool history, awesome scenery, and enough quirky charm, that, actually, they will keep you interested all day long.

1. Ann Arbor: College Town Charm

Ann Arbor is, like your typical college town with so much character that’s only about 45 minutes west of Detroit. You have probably heard of it. I mean, it is more or less, home to the University of Michigan, very beautiful. It’s really that place, that has, naturally, kind of a youthful and energetic atmosphere. But you know, it’s not only about the campus! You will want, by the way, to wander along Main Street, checking out the unique shops and bookstores, since they’re very neat. Very probably, you’ll want to swing by Zingerman’s Delicatessen for, maybe, a legendary sandwich. And, you see, if you’re into arts and culture, Ann Arbor has, in fact, tons of galleries and museums. This is what makes the place worthwhile! And, that, you know, you could check out the Ann Arbor Art Fair. As a matter of fact, the annual event held in July is actually quite huge and something that everyone looks forward to every year. In short, there is much to see.

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2. Frankenmuth: Michigan’s Little Bavaria

Ready for, like your trip to Germany without needing a passport? Because, Frankenmuth, that’s almost smack dab in the center of Michigan, has, really, got you covered. As a matter of fact, it is, like, an hour and a half drive from Detroit. Anyway, this town will welcome you with its Bavarian architecture and old world charm. That’s cool, I’m telling you.

But really, what Frankenmuth is extremely known for, very honestly, is Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland. It is, maybe, the world’s largest Christmas store, because it makes Christmas lovers lose their minds. Then you could take, maybe, a stroll across the Holz Brucke covered bridge. In other words, see the town by boat tour on the Cass River, alright? Then finally, get a taste of authentic German cuisine, like your bratwurst and pretzels, because those are a must.

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3. Hell, Michigan: A Devilishly Good Time

Honestly, seeking, you know, something a little quirky? Then maybe you will go to Hell. And, seriously, Hell, Michigan is an actual place. It is, like your, about an hour northwest of Detroit, because it’s got, obviously, a name that just screams for a visit. Clearly it’s kinda small, alright?, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on personality.

In Hell, like, you can, I mean, get “married in Hell,” buy a deed to an acre of Hell, because that is funny!, or grab an ice cream cone at the local creamery, naturally. There are many people to see there. During October, really, the town embraces its name with all kinds of, for example, Halloween-themed events. So, if you need a spot that’s offbeat and fun, Hell, MI might be, more or less, just what the doctor ordered, and I mean, what the devil ordered! So good to see the place sometime!

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4. Detroit’s Eastern Market: A Feast for the Senses

You are probably aware. But, anyway, for, like your day trip that doesn’t involve hours on the road, check out Detroit’s Eastern Market. Clearly, it’s one of the oldest and biggest public markets in the United States. So you can probably guess it has a lively vibe any time you visit!

I am telling you, the peak of the week to visit Eastern Market is, honestly, on Saturday, when tons of farmers and vendors show up and sell everything from fresh produce and flowers to local arts and crafts. It gets everyone excited! Really, take a stroll via the market’s sheds. Sample stuff from the food stalls, and then maybe take in the colorful murals which are always perfect for a, maybe, Instagram backdrop. Eastern Market is so much of what Detroit is: community-centric, filled with, like your creativity, and basically just a great time. You can enjoy shopping there.

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5. Holland, Michigan: Tulips and Tranquility

If you want a beautiful landscape that really shines, then check out Holland, Michigan. You’d have to know about it. However, Holland is on Lake Michigan’s shoreline, right? Clearly it has the most stunning scenery especially if you happen to visit during the annual Tulip Time Festival, and it’s typically every May.

When, you know, millions of tulips happen to bloom all through the town you’re bound to be amazed! Aside from that, it may be beneficial to see the iconic Big Red lighthouse at Holland State Park or maybe stroll through the cute downtown that really comes with Dutch-inspired architecture and boutiques. Really enjoy the beaches on Lake Michigan! You can actually visit a brewery there, too! So, like your blend of natural beauty and small town charm, this can be seen in Holland. Really, it gives a serene escape that you’ll never forget and definitely must have a place in your summer.

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