Work weeks seem to stretch on endlessly. Having a weekend getaway with your partner waiting in your back pocket can help you power through. While a weekend away can be expensive, there are plenty of destinations and activities in Michigan that won’t break the bank, but still offer a fun mini vacation for couples. Whether you’re looking to get outside and hit the hiking trails, get cozy lakeside, or wine and dine around the city, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a slew of fun things to do year-round.
Here are a handful of cheap weekend getaway ideas around Michigan, full of affordable activities and experiences to share with your partner.
Detroit
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The best thing about date nights in Detroit is that they can look different every single time. Steeped in history and culture, this Michigan city is more than its famous namesake-style pizza (though delicious). Located in the southeastern portion of the mitten-shaped state, it’s an urban destination where “budget-friendly” doesn’t mean boring. If museums, music, gastronomy, sports, art, and picnics in parks are part of your love language, then sign yourself up for Detroit.
Wandering Walks
What’s better than cheap? Free, of course. Exploring Detroit on foot will not only keep your wallet full, but it can also be romantic, so go ahead and hold hands while you take in the city sights. Head to The Belt, an outdoor art gallery curated by Liberty Street Collective. Works by a variety of artists decorate the alleyway between Broadway and Library Street, located in the center of the downtown district. Stroll the Riverwalk, a scenic 3-mile stretch from Rosa Parks Blvd. to the Belle Isle Bridge, popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners.
Museum Marvels
Detroit is loaded with museums. Dive into the city’s heritage and history, surrounding everything from Motown Music to the automobile. As the ‘Motor City,’ Detroit is known for being the heart of the automobile industry, with the top manufacturers producing cars there, so its no surprise that one of the best museums to visit as a couple is The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where you can peruse old and notable cars, and even ride in an actual Model T. Those interested in music history should check out The Motown Museum, which details how Detroit was the birthplace of this iconic style.
Fill Up at a Food Truck
Street food and food trucks are the best way to save money, but also to sample different cuisines from various chefs. With more than 80 food trucks in the city of Detroit, this is the perfect weekend activity for couples. Head to Cadillac Square or the Woodward Esplanade, April through October, or Eastern Market year-round.
Upper Peninsula
One of the most beautiful places in the entire state, the Upper Peninsula provides a beautiful backdrop for a romantic weekend away, particularly in the fall, when foliage blankets the region. Referred to as the ‘U.P.’ by locals, it’s a solid choice for couples who love spending time outdoors.
Road trip
A place like the U.P. is practically begging to be road-tripped. What better way to spend the weekend as a couple than taking in spectacular scenery and winding your way around by car? Visit breathtaking places like Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the iconic Crisp Point Lighthouse.
Stargaze
To experience the best of Michigan’s night sky, head to Copper Harbor on the edge of Lake Superior. Cuddle up under a million twinkling stars and keep an eye out for the northern lights within this International Dark Sky Reserve: pure magic.
Bond at a Brewery
The U.P. is a craft brewing hot spot and a fantastic way to spend a weekend together, checking out some of the top breweries. Brickside Brewery in Copper Harbor is a local favorite, Keweenaw Brewing Company in Houghton has a cute outdoor patio, and the southern Upper Peninsula’s Upper Hand Brewery hosts live music events. There’s even a brewery trail, so you can make a day of it.
Traverse City
If stunning beaches, wineries, and cherries sound up your alley, then a couple’s getaway to Traverse City might be calling. With Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in proximity, this lakeside hub gives couples the best of both worlds: city and nature. Catch a sunset on the beach, hike in the park, and sip local wine in ‘The Fresh Coast.’
Get Festive at the Cherry Festival
Known as the ‘Cherry Capital’ of the world, Traverse City is host to the National Cherry Festival every July. It’s a great excuse for an escape to Traverse City with tons of events, including an air show, giant cherry-themed picnic, and more.
Visit a Winery
Michigan is one of the lesser-known yet large wine regions in the country, and the Traverse City area has several gorgeous vineyards to visit on a weekend getaway. The Old Mission Peninsula wine trail is host to many gorgeous wineries, and one worth a visit is Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, with its garden, upper deck, and delicious varieties.
Kayak Bike & Brew
Get active with this 4-hour guided tour along bike trails and a paddle in the bay or on the river, stopping at a few breweries for the ultimate scenery and local craft brew taste. Kayak, Bike & Brew is a fun way to spend an afternoon in Traverse City with your partner.
Book affordable Jacuzzi room
Michigan state has a lots of romantic accommodations because of it’s diverse and calm nature. If you are traveler on a budget, you can find some very affordable rooms with private Jacuzzi in Traverse City. We found an amazing hotel with hot tub for couples that’s just 400 feet away from East Grand Traverse Bay – Cherry Tree Inn & Suites. You can book a romantic room with a view for around $100 per night.
Mackinac Island
Go car-free with a weekend in charming Mackinac Island, one of Michigan’s top destinations. From April through October, couples can travel to the island via ferry in under 30 minutes. There, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of weekend.
Hop on a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
At only 4 square miles, Mackinac Island can be explored on foot or by bike, but if you want to amp up the romance, hop on one of their famous narrated horse-drawn carriage rides for a laid-back, scenic tour.
Taste World-Famous Fudge
Get sweet with your sweetie. Chocolate is synonymous with romance, and Mackinac Island is the place to be for its iconic fudge. Visit the downtown shops for samples and watch the production process. Some of the top shops to check out include Kilwin’s, Joann’s Fudge, and Original Murdick’s Fudge.
Get Outdoors
Mackinac Island is the perfect place to get some fresh air, without breaking the budget. From free walking tours to natural attractions like Arch Rock in Mackinac Island State Park, it’s easy to find something that tickles your fancy. Historical landmarks, lighthouses, and rock formations are just some of the highlights. Alternatively, seeing the island from the water is another fantastic option, with kayak rentals and tours available.
Tips to keep it cheap
It might take a trip or two to get a hang of embracing budget-friendly travel, but keeping these tips and tricks in mind when planning your weekend escape in Michigan can help you get the most bang for your buck.
Book a hotel with breakfast included
One of the main costs of traveling is food. However, you can make your dollars go further if one meal is taken care of, and the easiest way to do that is by choosing a hotel that offers a free breakfast. While it might not be the most delicious breakfast you’ve ever had, it’ll save you money and fuel you for the day’s activities so that you can allot more of your funds towards lunch and dinner at places you really want to try.
Travel during the shoulder or off-season
Shoulder and off-season travel is highly underrated and a trick that many budget travelers should have in their back pocket, not just for the overall lower cost, but also because it weeds out the crowds that visit during peak season. While this doesn’t always work out (you probably don’t want to be in SE Asia during the height of monsoon season), it’s actually perfect for Michigan. While summer and fall might be the busiest seasons, consider November or March/April for shoulder season travel and mid-winter for off-season travel.
Choose lodging with a kitchen
If you’d prefer your accommodations to be something other than a hotel (cozy cabin, anyone?), booking something with a kitchen will help cut down costs. If you can shop at a local grocery store and cook your own meals, it’ll be much easier to stay within budget.
Pack your walking shoes
Many cities offer free walking tours, so take advantage of that and meet new friends while seeing the city. If you’re headed into the great outdoors, hiking is a fantastic way to explore your surroundings and bond with your partner without spending a penny.
Search for free activities
Besides walking, there are usually many other free activities available, such as live music in a park, festivals, and local markets. Nature lovers can enjoy birdwatching, bike riding, fishing, and stargazing together. Who said romance can’t be free?
