Things to do in

Michigan

Embark to an underwater world at SEA LIFE Michigan, the state’s largest aquarium. Marvel at over 250 species and 2,000 creatures including sharks, rays, green sea turtles, and more. Journey through the freshwater lakes of Michigan and all the way to the depths of the ocean. Meet the amazing creatures that live there.  Then, visit the Interactive Touchpool and learn what it feels like to pet a crab, urchin, sea star, and other rockpool creatures. Finish your adventure by strolling through the underwater Ocean Tunnel. Watch as thousands of tropical fish swim overhead.  SEA LIFE provides an interactive and fun journey for all ages into the diversity of marine life. Be inspired to play an active role in educational and conservation efforts.

Jump into the ultimate indoor LEGO playground and take flight on Merlin's Apprentice ride, blast skeletons on the Kingdom Quest ride, see your favorite characters on LEGO 4D Theater, and build epic LEGO creations alongside expert builders! After the ultimate building experience, come face to fin with over 250 species including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and more. Pet a sea anemone and finish your adventure by strolling through the Underwater Ocean Tunnel as thousands of fish swim overhead! Visit both attractions in the same day or come back withing 30 days to visit the aquarium.

Uncover what lies behind the glimmer of innovation of Detroit on a ghost walking tour. Go beyond a long list of accolades, from its days as “Motor City” to the founding of Motown Records, and explore a dark and seedy shadow world as you visit 8 haunted locations with a guide. Dive deep into the darkest and most haunted corners of the city. Meet your guide at the Alhambra Building, where the ghost of a 1905 arsenic poisoning lingers. From there, wind through 7 other historic, haunted locations. Scan the Grey Ghost Pub for its namesake spirit and hear the gripping story of Houdini’s death. Then, visit one of the most haunted masonic temples in the country. Learn about the violent crimes, riots, and tragedies that once plagued Detroit and lent it the tag of “Murder Capital of the US”.

Experience the spirit and history of Detroit on a self-guided audio tour. See the historical buildings and statues like The Guardian Building, Campus Martius Park, Penobscot Building, and more with the magic of an audio guide. You will receive the download instructions after booking. Download the app and start the tour with your mobile phone as your guide. Start your tour at a famous pizza shop on Broadway, and have a chance to grab a slice of pizza before spending some time in the city. See the golden era buildings and hear interesting stories of the city. Visit the famous like Joe Louis Statue, The Kern's Clock, Parkers Alley, etc. You'll hear stories about the artistic rise of the city and the inventors of the famous Detroit-style pizza. Stroll through the artistic alleyways of the city and discover the hidden gems and historic spots. Explore the city with a smartphone GPS navigated audio tour at your own pace and schedule.

Step into the shoes of a newly-minted detective, tasked by Commander Mahoney to solve a gripping case - "Murder on the streets of Ann Arbor". During this crime solving audio adventure, you'll visit each of the 10 locations marked on the map, either in person or virtually via the web version (included). You'll have the choice to experience the downtown area with the walking map, or go with the driving route on the outskirts of the city. Once you choose, the exact starting point will be revealed. *See images for route New for 2024, you'll also have the option of exploring the downtown area from your couch while playing the web version on any browser enabled device (PC, tablet, cast to Smart TV). You'll park or stop at each location, listen to the audio story and put your detective skills to the test by gathering clues and piecing together the evidence. At the end, you'll make your deductions and issue an arrest warrant. Your all around detective skills will be tested too, culminating in a Case Performance Score to gauge your sleuthing prowess. Suitable for solo detectives, dynamic duos, or groups of mystery enthusiasts, this game will have you immersed in an audio tale full of intrigue. The game awaits, detective – are you prepared to crack the case?

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Your expedition through Vicksburg National Military Park commences outside the Visitor Center near the northern entrance. As you delve deeper into the park, the weight of the American Civil War surrounds you. You’ll pass monuments like the Minnesota and Iowa Monuments, each telling tales of the soldiers hailing from these states. Along the way, you’ll hear about the leadup to this titanic struggle, as General Ulysses S. Grant marched inevitably toward Vicksburg. You’ll hear accounts of the Battles of Chickasaw Bayou and Arkansas Post, then stop at the historic Shirley House, the only wartime structure remaining in the park. Next, relive the fiery bombardment of the Grand Gulf and learn about the crucial role of Black soldiers in the Civil War. Then continue on to the awe-inspiring Ulysses S. Grant Memorial. From there, you’ll head to the Vicksburg National Cemetery, which serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. Rows upon rows of tombstones represent Union soldiers who gave their all. The cemetery's tranquility contrasts sharply with the ongoing narrative of Grant’s campaign, as you revisit the battles of Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hill, and the Big Black River Bridge. As the route steers you towards Confederate Ave, you'll encounter Stockade Redan and absorb the story of the daring first and second assaults on the Vicksburg defenses. With each turn, there's another monument or marker, like the Missouri State Memorial and the Louisiana Memorial, each adding a unique look at the participants in this sprawling siege. The final segments of your journey dive into the climax of the siege, the surrender, and the eventual aftermath and significance of this battle. Your expedition concludes just down the street from the Visitor Center where it began.

Whether you're a visitor or a local, you'll be surprised at the variety of attractions there are in Detroit. Take a trip through the city to learn about its diverse musical culture, its influence on the Motown genre, and the rich history of iconic sites, such as the Fox Theater and Fisher Building. Join your local guide on an informative journey through Detroit's less popular attractions and historical gems. Stop at locations such as the Fisher Building, Fox Theater, the Motown Museum, and the site of a recent Super Bowl, to hear the story behind each of them. Walk through the beautifully manicured Belle Isle, with its lush gardens and outstanding views of the city from the water. Explore how the city has influenced and increased the popularity of musical genres like Motown and techno, as well as jazz, hip-hop, rock, and punk.

Discover the natural landscape and history of Traverse City on a dune tour. Hike, climb dunes, and enjoy lunch on the shore of Lake Michigan. Learn about the region and see stunning views at Empire Bluffs. Take a short hike, then enjoy lunch on the soft sand beach of Lake Michigan, then head along scenic Pierce Stocking Drive. Stop at Glen Lake, Sleeping Bear, and the observation deck at Lake Michigan, and try to spot old shipwrecks. Try out your dune-climbing skills, or sit back and watch others walk, run, roll or somersault down. Learn about the historic village of Glen Haven where Schooners and Steamships operated in the 1800s. Visit the US life-saving Station where they attempted to save sinking ships. Head back along M-22, known as of the prettiest roads in Northern Michigan.

The image of Mount Saint Helen's will always be associated with the United States and the rest of the world. Life changed in an instant during the events leading up to the 1980 eruption, and the mountaintop's geography was permanently changed. Today, you may explore this distinct volcano and all the flora and wildlife that contribute to the remarkable reforestation initiative. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is open seasonally and is located on Johnston Ridge in the center of the 1980 blast zone approximately 8 km (5 mi) north of the Mount St. Helens summit. The Ridge was named in honor of David Johnston, the USGS volcanologist who was on duty at the USGS Coldwater II observation point during the May 18, 1980 eruption. He was one of 57 people who lost their lives in the eruption. The Observatory building houses seismic, deformation, and other monitoring equipment that relays data to the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory for analysis.

This rickshaw ride will take you through Downtown front Street, the Warehouse District, The GT Commons Area, the Open Space, and Clinch Park/Marina, and the Old Town, Along the way, your driver will share information on the areas’ attractions, the neighborhoods, the city’s architecture, and the food and beverage scene in Traverse City. This rickshaw ride through Traverse City is a great way to get an overview of the city and decide which parts you want to explore on your own later.