10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Michigan

Like it or not, your vacation (whether just around the corner or millions of miles away) probably didn’t actually happen if you don’t ‘Gram it. And that photo you’re posting? Well it better be eye catching.

Instagram has quickly become the inspiration we all turn to when planning our next trip. Because let’s be real, we all get some serious wanderlust just scrolling through our feeds. One of my favorite things to troll Insta for? Bright blue water, sandy beaches, endless forests, deep canyons and snow capped mountains (so many mountains) all found right here in the USA.

With awe-inspiring views and spectacular man-made monuments, Michigan is without a doubt one of our most photogenic states. (And y’all. That’s not me being biased. It’s a fact. Just ask GMA.) And Photogenic = Instagram Likes that we all desire.

Since I’m lucky enough to call the Mitten State home, I also know the best places to snap a picture perfect photo in our gorgeous state!

Alright my friends. Who is ready to make all your friends, family, social media followers jealous? Grab your filters (LOL JK none of these photos have filters) and get ready… today, I’m sharing the 10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Michigan!

The 10 Most Instagram Worthy Spots in Michigan 

Empire Bluffs Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Sleeping Bear Dunes were voted the Most Beautiful Place in America for a reason. (Which is why my Top 3 places on this list call the Leelanau Peninsula home!) But of all the gorgeous spots, the Empire Bluffs Trail is the one that has my whole heart. A peaceful walk through the woods that ends with this view? SIGN.ME.UP. This overlook is also one of the highest points on the lakeshore, so you will get an INCREDIBLE view! (See my original post on this hike here!)

Pyramid Point, Sleeping Bear Dunes. My other favorite spot in the Sleeping Bear Dunes is Pyramid Point. Again, you have to hike back to reach it but damn is it worth it! This trail is a bit harder to find than most, so usually, you’re only going to see locals on it. (Or people that have seriously done their research!) The view at the end is worth a million bucks. Not only do you see the sheer steepness of these dunes, but you’ll also see that oh so pretty Lake Michigan blue, and the islands! (Learn more about the Sleeping Bear Dunes and all my favorite places here!)

M 22, Manistee / Benzie / Leelanau / Grand Traverse Counties. Michigan’s Favorite Road is literally filled with towns and scenery so perfect that they look like they were made specifically for Instagram. Whether you’re shooing the classic road sign (see below!) or the adorable tiny towns that speckle the coast, you’re guaranteed to get the perfect shot! For more places I love along M22, click here!

Mackinac Bridge, Mackinaw City / St. Ignace. Name a more iconic landmark in Michigan… I’ll wait. But seriously, you know The Mighty Mac had to make the list! Whether you’re snapping from a lakeside park, on the bridge while driving over it, or under the bridge while on a ferry to the Island, a photo of this icon won’t disappoint!

Mackinac Island If you’re heading to the UP a trip to Mackinac Island is pretty much a must. This is easily my favorite spot in the entire UP… and not just because they sell fudge! Mackinac Island is SO picturesque that they’ve even filmed movies there! Take a stroll on the porch at The Grand Hotel for a super posh photo, drink up at The Pink Pony for a classic food and drink photo, and hike up to arch rock for the typical adventure shot. And whatever you do, rent bikes while you’re there. (Trust me. You’ll thank me later!) Learn more about Mackinac Island here!

The Pictured Rocks, Munising.

The Pictured Rocks just may be my favorite spot to hike in ALL of Michigan! And while some of their best kept secrets are only accessible by a solid two mile hike, SO many gorgeous views are ready and waiting for you just steps from your car! In fact, one of the prettiest views in our state (Miner’s Castle) is literally just steps from a parking lot. So your Instagram game can be strong without having to kill yourself to get the shot. BOOM.

The UP’s Waterfalls. Speaking of The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, it’s FILLED with beautiful waterfalls! In fact, the whole UP is! I bet you never thought you’d get a picture of you playing in a waterfall or standing by a super tall waterfall in Michigan, right?! Read about my favorite waterfalls across the UP here!

Detroit Landmarks. There also isn’t any way I could post this without representing the 3-1-3. Detroit gets A LOT of bad rep in the news. And whenever people not from Michigan think of Michigan, they think we all live on 8 mile. Detroit boasts 95% of our states most recognizable landmarks, gorgeous buildings (both old and new) and a sprawling skyline that will make your followers say “WOAHHHH THAT’S DETROIT?!” So whether you’re in town to see a concert, catch a game, or just to eat at an amazing restaurant… snap a photo. You won’t regret it!

Lake Michigan Lighthouses. Pick a lighthouse, any lighthouse. Anywhere along our Golden Coast you’ll find beautiful beacons of light that stretch out over Lake Michigan. They all look different, and are all so unique! Not only will the walk to the lighthouse make for a memorable summer day, but your picture will capture the essence that is “Summertime in Northern Michigan.”  Read more about some of my favorite lighthouses, here!

Lake Michigan Sunset. And what would this list be without the most CLASSIC Michigan photo of all? I may be biased, but I’m a firm believer that sunsets over Lake Michigan are the prettiest in the world. So choose a beach, grab a blanket and snuggle up for the perfect end to a perfect day on our Golden Coast.

Rain, Snow, Sleet or Sunshine, our great state is nothing but picture moments waiting to be captured.

So… did I miss any?! All you other proud Michiganders, what places did I miss?!

Alright guys, I’m finishing this as Trev is pulling our dinner out of the oven! It smells like Heaven. I’m ready to get snuggled in, eat a lot and watch The Office!

Have a fantastic Monday everyone! I’ll be back tomorrow… with a travel post that just might be very similar  to this one!

Xx.
Savannah