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When it comes to resorts, few states boast as many year-round spots as Michigan. While it may not have the mountains of Colorado or the beaches of California, Michigan does have a little of everything: Midwestern charm, impressive hospitality, tons of outdoor activities, and enough spa and wellness centers to keep you blissfully out of commission for a good chunk of time. Here’s our rundown of the nine most awesome resorts in Michigan for your next vacation.
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is located on 900 acres of pristine wooded wilderness in Northern Michigan, making it an absolute playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find three championship golf courses, a beach club with jet skis and kayaks available for rental, and snowshoe and cross-country trails during the winter time (check out our Introduction to Michigan’s National Parks for more ideas on things to do nearby). As far as accommodation, choose between the 17-story glass tower with a panoramic view of Lake Michigan, or a more rugged cabin experience. The resort is located near Traverse City, which is an excellent foodie town and close to the state’s wine country.
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Double JJ Resort
Double JJ Resort, located in Rothbury, is widely recognized for a few quirky reasons. First, each summer it plays host to Electric Forest, one of the Best EDM Festivals Across the Globe. It’s also home to one of the world’s few indoor water parks, so if you’re traveling with young ones, definitely keep this place in mind. And lastly, it has a very vintage western flare complete with a town hall, horse and buggies, and a vibe reminiscent of the gold rush era. The horseback riding is also touted by guests as one of the best experiences you can have at Double JJ.
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Drummond Island Resort
Drummond Island is a beautifully picturesque spot located on the northern fringe of Lake Huron just before the Canadian border. Summertime in Drummond Island is relaxing in a rocking chair on the banks of the lake, fishing, biking, sailing, skeet shooting, hiking, off-roading, and playing golf. Being a true four-season resort, come wintertime you’ll have options including sledding, ice skating, and tubing. It was also ranked the number one resort for snowmobiling. The lodge-style hotel accommodations have excellent first-class amenities all wrapped in a rustic north-woods theme.
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The Inn at Bay Harbour
For a prime example of how the midwest does luxury, look no further than the Inn at Bay Harbour. Decadent food, breathtaking views of the great lakes, winery tours, hotel rooms with fireplaces and private hot tubs — you get the idea. The lakeside resort is modern, but not overwhelmingly so. Bay Harbour is a place to leave your phone behind and unwind for a bit with top-class hospitality. It’s also been dubbed ‘America’s Summer Golf Capital’ by golf enthusiasts around the world.
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Crystal Mountain Resort
Crystal Mountain is a place for those who appreciate getting out of their hotel room more than hunkering down inside of it. For kids, they’ve got the Park at Water’s Edge, which is a kind of swimming-pool-meets-aquatic-playground-wonderland, a climbing wall, and an entire adventure course. Activities for all ages include mountain biking, an alpine slide (which we highly recommend), a disc golf course for those that find real golf a little daunting, and outdoor laser tag. The family-geared amenities carry over to the dining options as well, where you can opt for homemade take-out pizza or classic American fare at the Thistle Pub and Grille. It’s also one of the state’s best places for ski and snowboarders. While not as luxurious as the other gems on this list, the resort offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained on your Michigan vacation.
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Bavarian Inn Lodge
As the name suggests, visiting this spot in Frankenmuth feels like you’ve traveled to an old German village. With vintage European architecture and horse-drawn carriages, this Michigan resort appeals to the romantic in all of us. Come for the German beer, the indoor waterpark, the 40 boutiques and shops, and the food including schnitzels, sauerbraten, and golden chicken. The Bavarian Inn hosts lots of festivals, so consider lining up your trip with one of the fun themed weekends.
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Shanty Creek Resorts
Primarily known as a destination for skiers and snowboarders, Shanty Creek Resorts is a collection of three resorts spread across the state of Michigan. Its home bases lie in Summit Village, Cedar River Village, and Schuss Village, with each offering their own spread of attractions and amenities. Lodging options range from ski-in/ski-out condos at the foot of the mountain to modern condos located just steps from the golf course. If you’re looking for a wintertime resort in Michigan where skiing and alpine tubing are at an arm’s reach, this is your best bet.
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Treetops Resort
Treetops’ forté lies in the golf scene, but don’t write it off as simply that. Throughout the year, they offer tons of activities that few other resorts do. Wilderness sleigh rides? Check. Farm to fork dinners? Yup. Dog sledding? That’s an option too. And once you wind down, there’s a full-service spa and wellness center to work out the kinks in your back. If you need to spend some time away from the kids on the golf course or shredding down the ski mountain, there are babysitting services as well.
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Bayshore Resort
With the red roof, the striped interior wallpaper, and the classic wood paneling, visiting the Bayshore Resort in Traverse City is a bit like stepping back into the Victorian era. This resort is located within walking distance from restaurants, nightlife, and shopping districts in downtown Traverse City, making it a great option for those looking to keep an urban feel to their vacation. There’s a private beach which only really attracts visitors in the summertime, and they offer lots of add-on packages to make your stay really special — one of which is the romance package with chocolates and champagne. If that tickles your fancy, brush up on the Best Vacation Spots for Couples and treat your better to half to some impressive travel experiences.
The best vacation rentals for the lowest price