Surrounded by Great Lakes and embracing the tranquil culture that comes with life along the water, Michigan is the spot to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. The Mitten boasts 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers, 100 state parks, 13,400 miles of state-designated trails and pathways, and 6 Dark Sky Parks all primed for exploring. What’s more, being a four-season destination means unique activities are at play as each season shifts; waterfall climbing in the winter, forest bathing in the spring, sunrise beachside yoga in the summer, and hiking to take in spectacular foliage in the fall are some of the many wellness activities visitors can enjoy.
Spa Destinations & Resorts: Michigan is home to several award-winning spa resorts and retreats with a menu of offerings fit for first-time and veteran spa-goers alike. Resorts like Crystal Mountain, Shanty Creek, and Boyne Resort offer year-round packages and deals perfect for finding respite after hitting the slopes. Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island and others are equipped with full-service health and wellness accommodations including fitness classes, spa and salon services, a variety of treatment rooms, and not to mention incredible views of properties in all seasons.
Yoga & Meditation: Yoga and meditation studios across the state offer classes and packages at every level including but not limited to chiropractic and massage services, hot yoga, trauma-sensitive classes, facials, and other beauty services, cycling and paddleboard yoga, etc. Meditation retreats like The Higher Haven and EarthWell Retreat Center offer personal and group packages offered as single day visits or overnight stays, and include wellness activities like pond swimming, farm-to-table meals, wellness workshops, and spiritual development amongst Michigan nature.
Year-Round Outdoor Activities: More than 100 state parks are dotted throughout Michigan's lower and upper peninsulas contributing to the 20 million acres of forest in the state, meaning you're never too far from a trailhead. Spending 30 minutes per day amongst nature is proven to lower stress, improve attention, improve visual distance and much more, and Michigan is equipped with trails for every experience level and sport. The Clinton River Trail and TART trails are repurposed railroad pathways that are paved and amongst more metropolitan areas available for use year-round. For more rustic scenery, trails in and around the Porcupine Mountains, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and many more have paths that convert from hiking and biking in the warmer months to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking in the winter.
On the Water: In Michigan, you’re never more than 6 miles from a body of water or 85 miles from a Great Lake which makes the state a hotspot for watersports. Larger inland lakes like Torch Lake, Higgins Lake, Gun Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and more are dotted with SUP, kayak, and canoe rental businesses and visitors are always welcome to grab their own gear and push off from designated areas on rivers and lakes. Lakes like Lake St. Clair are world-renowned for their range of species and optimal fishing conditions year round given its average depth of 11-feet. Its proximity is also near Downtown Detroit and Belle Isle Park. Other popular fishing spots include the Au Sable River, Pere Marquette River, Lake Michigan, Manistee River, and more.
Photo Credits: Pure Michigan, Crystal Mountain