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.
Local currency: US Dollar.
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Michigan.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Items
- Typical
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Michigan costs end-to-end.
Items traveller
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Purchase the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) if visiting multiple national parks — covers Sleeping Bear, Pictured Rocks, and Isle Royale
Michigan Recreation Passport ($12/year for Michigan vehicles) covers all state parks; non-residents pay $17/day
Visit Detroit in winter for dramatically lower hotel rates — 40-60% less than peak summer
Traverse City accommodation in September offers fall color at lower rates than July-August peak
Eat at diners and coney restaurants for authentic Michigan meals at $10-15
Grand Rapids' Frederik Meijer Gardens concerts offer great summer entertainment at mid-range prices
Use Flixbus or Greyhound between Detroit and Chicago from $15-25; Amtrak slightly more comfortable at $35-60
Detroit's Eastern Market on Saturdays offers fresh produce at farmer prices
Many Detroit-area museums participate in Bank of America's Museums on Us program (first weekend of month, free for cardholders)
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Walk the Detroit Riverwalk (3.5 miles along the Detroit River)
Browse Eastern Market Detroit on Saturday (free entry)
Detroit Institute of Arts (free for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb county residents; small fee others)
Walk Mackinac Island's perimeter road (8 miles by bicycle, bicycle rentals $8-15/hour)
Pictured Rocks — hike the Chapel Loop (no park entrance fee for trailheads)
Michigan lakeshore beaches (state beaches $17/vehicle entry or Recreation Passport)
Ann Arbor's University of Michigan campus and University of Michigan Museum of Art (free)
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum ($10 adult; free under 16)
Sleeping Bear Dunes Visitor Center (free; park entry $25/vehicle)
Tahquamenon Falls viewing platform (included in $17 vehicle pass)