Unforgettable Michigan Girls Weekend Getaway Ideas
Your closest friends, a bottle of wine over an incredible meal and the beauty of nature all around you – those are just some of the experiences that make Pure Michigan such an idyllic place to spend time together.
As you plan a well-deserved girlfriends escape any time of year, check out deals and packages on lodging, unique group experiences and more to make the most of your trip.
1. Mackinac Island
An icon in every way, Grand Hotel is also considered one of the top destinations for a girlfriends getaway. It’s easy to see with famed multicourse dinners, private receptions, wellness classes and a full-service spa. Or base your getaway at Mackinac House, a luxury boutique inn, and bike the island perimeter on the nation’s only highway that doesn’t allow cars. Experience some of the best waterfront dining and unique cocktails in Michigan at The Pink Pony at the Chippewa Hotel.
2. Mohawk
For a one-of-a-kind weekend that’s set against the wild Michigan landscape, plan a trip to the Nordic Spa at Mount Bohemia in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The spa specializes in hot- and cold-water exposure that rejuvenates the body and mind, followed by relaxation around a bonfire – or at the Log Cabin Bar. Hot-water options include an outdoor hot pool and Finnish sauna, and to cool off, jump in a cold pool or swim under a Nordic waterfall. The spa is open year-round, but winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland that makes the experience even more memorable. Mount Bohemia also offers some of the best downhill skiing in the state, including backcountry skiing and the highest vertical drop in the Midwest.
3. Bellaire
Get away to a small village in Northern Michigan with a happening vibe. Microbrew mecca Short's Brewing Company started it all, followed by Mammoth Distilling, Bee Well Mead and Cider and Hello Vino! Book a room at Shanty Creek Resorts for access to great golf and equally striking scenery—especially on fall weekends when chairlifts rise toward mountaintop vistas. They also offer a convenient shuttle service to town, where you can round out the weekend with hands-on art classes at The Flying Pig or cookie decorating at the award-winning Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery.
4. Auburn Hills/Detroit
With its 185 shops, everyone in the group will find a place to match their style at the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets. The fun SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium is right on-site with its 250 species and 12 interactive exhibits. After a day of shopping, venture into the state's hot spot, Detroit, for a concert, play, themed tour or spectacular dinner. There's always a trendy new restaurant opening in up-and-coming neighborhoods like Midtown and Corktown. For more entertainment, attend a professional baseball, football, basketball or hockey game in the heart of downtown, or test your luck at one of the city’s casinos.
5. Lansing
In the twin cities of Lansing and East Lansing, you'll get the perfect combo of a college town vibe and Capital City gravitas. There's fun in the surrounding countryside too including at Hilltop Views Farms, where goat yoga comes with happy hour and live music. The Potter Park Zoo offers book-ahead zookeeper encounters with a rhino, playful otters, regal lions and more. For interactive fun, reserve a cocktail-making class at American Fifth Spirits, within walking distance from the Radisson in downtown Lansing.
6. Petoskey
The Inn at Bay Harbor has one of the state's best water views, suite options that offer both privacy and late-night chatting time, afternoon high tea, on-site dining and a spa. Venture out for shopping in Petoskey’s Historic Gaslight District's galleries and boutiques. Or make the up-and-coming Petoskey Wine Region your outing theme. Be part of the high-end experimentation with some of the world's newest wine grapes while sipping unexpected cider and microbrew combos offered as well. Don’t forget to go Petoskey stone hunting in the area to bring back a well-earned souvenir from your getaway.
7. Frankenmuth
The authentic Bavarian heritage of Frankenmuth makes a trip here feel a bit like you've gathered your group and gone abroad. After you've browsed local downtown boutiques, take a wine and chocolate cruise on the Cass River, taste the flavors of traditional German beer at Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge restaurant and even get your Christmas shopping done at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store. After a day of shopping, wind down at Michigan’s oldest and “original” brewery, Frankenmuth Brewery, which was founded in 1862.
8. Michigan Ski Resorts
Michigan’s ski resorts are perfect for creating unforgettable memories with friends in the span of a weekend. There are more than 40 ski areas throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, and many offer ski-and-stay packages or lift ticket discounts to make the most of your trip. After hitting the slopes, warm up and enjoy après-ski with Michigan-made beer, wine and spirits at the resort lodge. If you prefer a slower pace, many resorts also have cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails to take in the beauty of the season together.
9. Newaygo
If you’re looking for a nostalgic and quiet vacation, Camp Newaygo offers girlfriends getaway weekends that may remind you of summer camp – only with massages and gourmet foods. Camp Newaygo's girlfriends getaways are held during fall and spring weekends and let you gather old friends (or make new ones). The outings are based in hotel-like dorm rooms and include hands-on art and outdoor fun, all on 100 acres near the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
10. Charlevoix
This Lake Michigan destination has drawn vacationers since the Victorian days, and history can be part of the fun. Take a global electric motorcar on an hour-long tour of the unique “mushroom houses” made of stone and thatched roofs by architect Earl Young, or tour century-old Castle Farms – once a model dairy farm (though you'll find other things to sip today with an on-site winery). For active fun, rent kayaks or paddleboards and venture onto Lake Charlevoix, Round Lake or Lake Michigan. Come harvest time, local farm markets overflow with picnic fare, and downtown shops, restaurants, festivals and galleries are exploration options year-round.
11. Saugatuck/Holland
Dare to take a journey across rolling lakeside sand dunes with Saugatuck Dune Rides Inc. – a combination history lesson, nature tour and roller coaster ride. Rent a beach house, take a hike to dune overlooks to catch a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan, and venture into town for unique shopping and cocktails. Nearby Holland, home to Holland State Park and famous Dutch heritage, is a worthy destination too; the city offers frequent girlfriends getaway weekends that feature deep discounts at downtown shops.
12. Drummond Island
If you and your friends are looking for an off-road adventure, Drummond Island has some of the best in the state. Michigan author Mardi Link made this a girlfriends getaway must with the story of her annual outing, “The Drummond Girls.” Take a guided ATV trip on the otherwise inaccessible backwoods trails, explore rare fossil ledges or head out with the Drummond Island Tall Ship Co LLC for a two-hour sail, stargazing cruise or private charter. Woods & Water Ecotours also offers kayaking rentals and guided adventure tours.
Get on the group chat and start planning your Pure Michigan girlfriends getaway this season and beyond. Bonding time, guaranteed.