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Michigan contains a broad range of attractions and pursuits within its borders, whether urban, cultural, or outdoors. With over 11,000 lakes, 36,000 miles (57,936 kilometers) of rivers, over 150 waterfalls, 16 federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, and 3,177 miles (5,113 kilometers) of Great Lakes shoreline, Michigan’s outdoor recreation industry flourishes. The Great Lakes State leads the nation in the number of registered pleasure boats at nearly one million, thanks to having more shoreline than any other state except Alaska. Over 100 lighthouses exist along Michigan’s shores, many of which can be toured by the public.

The Great Lakes adjacent to Michigan are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. The Upper and Lower Peninsula regions are connected by the Mackinac Bridge, sometimes called the "Big Mac". Some noteworthy pursuits on the lakes include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and even surfing along the shore of Lake Michigan. Several islands are accessible, including the charming Mackinac Island, which does not allow automobiles, contains splendid Victorian architecture, and showcases the world’s longest porch at the Grand Hotel. Isle Royale National Park is an island archipelago on Lake Superior, and offers remote scenic beauty for visitors. Other remarkable National Park Service attractions include Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in the Lower Peninsula, which features the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world; the Keweenaw National Historical Park which preserves and interprets the region’s copper mining heritage; and the North Country National Scenic Trail, which traverses seven states. Also worth seeing are the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie, which connect Lakes Superior and Huron with the largest waterway traffic system in the world.

Michigan offers 97 state parks within its Department of Natural Resources, as well as six state forests. These outstanding public areas provide many opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, and many other leisure activities.

In addition to its amazing array of outdoor recreation opportunities, Michigan also boasts many museums and arts venues. Among these are the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the largest museums in the United State with over 600,000 square feet (0.056 square kilometers or 5.574 hectares) and over 100 galleries; the University of Michigan Museum of Art in Ann Arbor; the Flint Institute of Arts; and the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Gallery at Saginaw Valley State University, containing over 200 pieces in its sculpture collection. Michigan’s maritime heritage is preserved the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven, as well as the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise.

Performing arts venues include the Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea, which portrays Midwestern culture and the elaborate Fox Theatre in Detroit, the nation’s second largest theater, which plays host to many famous performers. Music fans will also appreciate the Motown Historical Museum, which showcases the outstanding musical talent that emerged from Detroit. Detroit is also home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1914, and the Grand Rapids Symphony, celebrating its 75th year.

Sports fans will appreciate the professional teams in Michigan, with the Detroit Lions for football, the Detroit Pistons for basketball, the Detroit Tigers for baseball, and the Detroit Redwings for hockey.

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