✨ Why Michigan’s Hidden Gems Belong on Your Travel List

Michelle Laudermilk
Jul 12
3 min read

Updated: Jul 16

Four people sit on sandy dunes by a calm lake, under a cloudy sky. They face each other, engaged in conversation, creating a peaceful mood. — Imagine sharing a serene moment with friends, overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes, as the sun sets over the horizon.

“You don’t have to go far to go deep.” That’s something I’ve come to believe more strongly with every journey I take. And nowhere was that more evident than on my recent research trip across Michigan.

You don’t need to cross an ocean to find beauty, culture, or meaning. Sometimes, the most moving experiences are tucked into the places we least expect — places that don’t always make the top 10 lists but leave a lasting mark on your heart.

This is a love letter to those places — Michigan’s hidden gems — and an invitation to experience them with the same spirit of curiosity and connection that fuels every Founder’s Circle tour.

🗺️ What Counts as a “Hidden Gem”?

Let’s start with what we’re not talking about: this isn’t a roundup of Insta-famous photo ops or “secret” spots crowded with influencers.

To me, hidden gems are places that:

Surprise you with their authenticity
Slow you down enough to breathe and take it all in
Connect you with stories — of women, of community, of heritage
Stay with you long after you return home

These places matter more and more as we age — not because we want to do less, but because we want to feel more.

And for women over 50 who crave meaningful travel with like-minded souls, they’re the perfect setting for soulful connection.

🌆 5 Hidden Gems in Michigan That Inspired Me

Here are a few of the stops that stood out — not because they shouted the loudest, but because they whispered something real and beautiful.

1. Frankenmuth

A Bavarian-inspired town with a heart full of heritage — and yes, a real Oktoberfest. But beyond the lederhosen and beer steins, I found women-owned breweries, artisan bakers, and chefs keeping tradition alive in delicious and creative ways.

Perfect for: Travelers who love history with a side of schnitzel
Vibe: Cozy, festive, charming

2. Ludington

Maritime history meets small-town warmth. The harbor walk, lighthouse, and historic downtown made it feel like a time capsule — in the best way. Bonus: local guides who tell stories passed down for generations.

Perfect for: Curious souls who love slow coastal mornings
Vibe: Nostalgic, breezy, authentic

3. Grand Rapids Public Museum

A gem of civic storytelling. Thoughtful exhibits, easy access, and unexpected depth — plus a strong connection to women’s roles in the city’s history. It reminded me how museums can be gateways to identity, not just places to look at things.

Perfect for: Creative thinkers and lifelong learners
Vibe: Inspiring, accessible, layered

4. Traverse City Wineries

Farm-to-table isn’t just a trend here — it’s a way of life. I met female vintners, visited cherry orchards, and tasted the stories behind the soil. There’s a quiet kind of joy in sipping something that was grown just a few hills away.

Perfect for: Nature lovers, foodies, and slow sippers
Vibe: Earthy, elegant, sustainable

5. Holland’s Windmill Island + Walking Tours

Windmill Island is postcard-worthy, sure — but it was the stories shared by local women docents and the energy of Tulip Time that brought it to life. Walking the historic neighborhoods with a guide felt like time-traveling with a friend.

Perfect for: Culture lovers with an eye for detail
Vibe: Charming, floral, reflective

“You don’t have to go far to go deep.” These places invite you to experience Michigan with heart, not hurry.

👭 Why These Places Matter (Especially for Women 50+)

The women I travel with — and build tours for — aren’t just looking to go somewhere. They want to connect. Reflect. Grow.

These hidden gems offer:

Time to slow down and reconnect with yourself
Women-led experiences and businesses that amplify local stories
Room to breathe, journal, laugh, and learn — together

In other words, they embody the heart of the Founder’s Circle: connection, creativity, community.

🧭 How You Can Experience Them

In Fall 2026, I’m bringing together a small group of women to explore these hidden gems on the Taste of Michigan tour — a soulful, immersive journey built around food, storytelling, and seasonal magic.

Think community renewal in Detroit, Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth and vineyard dinners in Traverse City — with space for journaling, reflection, and shared meals along the way.