Fun and romantic Michigan getaways for couples

If you and your partner or spouse are from Michigan (especially if you’re in a small town in the middle of nowhere), you might be getting a bit bored with movie night or dinner at your local Carrabba’s… It’s time to be inspired with a whole new list of romantic getaways in Michigan that will make for an exciting weekend you both will enjoy! 

In this guide, you will find all kinds of fun things to do in Michigan for couples no matter what your interests are. There will also be date ideas that can be done during part of the day but that can also be extended into a whole weekend Michigan getaway if you have the time for it!

All of the romantic Michigan getaways are grouped by city so you can easily use the table of contents to read about date ideas in a particular city.  If you’re reading this during the longggg winter months, don’t worry, there’s even a whole section on indoor date ideas in Michigan that are perfect for this time of the year.

After reading this post I think you might just be surprised at how many fun and romantic getaways in Michigan there really are! Depending on where you live some of them may be a bit of a drive to get to, but hey, that will give you even more downtime in the car with your partner that will make your weekend Michigan getaway even more enjoyable – but please, put your phone down and make the effort to catch up or learn something new about each other!

Now let’s get into all the fun ideas so you can start planning your next romantic Michigan getaway! 

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Ideas by city to plan your next Michigan getaway

Take a Michigan getaway to Detroit

If you’re looking for some fun date ideas in Michigan take a weekend or day trip to Detriot, there are plenty of romantic restaurants, historic and Art Deco hotels, and unique experiences to be had as a couple in downtown Detroit.

Historic car cruise around Belle Isle

One of the most memorable things to do for couples in Michigan who are visiting Detroit is to have an experience that represents the Motor City, a private historic car cruise around the beautiful Belle Isle.  You and your partner can make yourselves comfortable inside an authentic Model-A Ford that is over 90 years old. Your driver will make stops at all of the scenic buildings and landscapes on the island and if you go on a nice day you’ll ride with the top down! 

3 Course Meal on the 71st floor of Michigan’s Tallest Skyscraper

If you are looking for the ultimate romantic fine dining experience that also has an impressive view make reservations at Highlands which is on the top floor of the GM Renaissance Center. I think finding a better dining experience in the whole state of Michigan will be a tall order. 

For around $80 per person, you will indulge in 3 different courses of your choice, there’s also the option to upgrade for $55 for wine pairings that match each course. I honestly feel like this is a pretty great price point for the quality of ingredients and the setting!

Note: You must make your reservations in advance for dinner and the 3-course option is the only choice on the menu. Walk-ins are only allowed to sit at the bar or at the first come first serve cocktail tables.

Take a Mediterranean cooking class

The neighboring city of Dearborn is home to the largest Arab American population in the U.S. for this reason authentic Mediterranean cuisine can be found all around the Detro Metro area. Booking a Mediterranean Inspired cooking class inside Chef Lynn’s historic home is a super fun date idea to do during your romantic Michigan getaway or day trip! 

She uses fresh herbs and ingredients from local markets to really make the dishes come alive. It doesn’t matter your skill level, since this is a private class you will work one-on-one with the chef so she will teach you or help to enhance the skills you already have. Depending on the time of year, dinner can be enjoyed on the patio with – alcoholic beverages are included!

Outdoor Luxury Themed Picnic Setup in Detroit

One of the fun things to do for couples in Michigan who enjoy being outside is booking a luxury picnic set up! This particular one in Detroit can be booked anywhere you want in the Detroit Metro area, they will come and set up everything for you, all you need to do is show up! How cute and romantic?! 

This is great if you have a specific place in the city that is special to you, however, if you are not from the area or aren’t particular the standard setup will be on the west side of the scenic Belle Isle. They can also make food based on different themes that you and your date will enjoy. If you want to take things up a notch higher you can even add to your experience with lights or a projector screen if booked at night!

Where to stay blocks

If you want some additional ideas on what to do and where to eat during your Michigan getaway to Detroit check out this Detroit weekend guide!

Spend your Michigan getaway in Traverse City

Traverse City, also known as the “Cherry Capital of the World”, is a popular city to visit for both singles, couples, and families but what are some specific date ideas you can do during your visit? Check out these fun and romantic Michigan getaways below for options that are both on land and out on the water.

Water date ideas to try on your Michigan getaway to Traverse City

Go on a Sailboat cruise in Traverse City

Out of all the fun things to do in Michigan for couples what could be more romantic than sailing in the Grand Traverse Bay? 

There are a few different sailboat tours to choose from on your couples getaway in Michigan:

Wine and Food Sunset Sail – You’ll have your choice of wine, beer, cocktails, or soda, and the light food served aboard isn’t any old food, it’s 100% sourced from local ingredients. This is a 3-hour cruise that first heads north towards Power Island. Since this boat is on the smaller side the guides really aim to be personable and share their knowledge of the Bay Area with you.

Wine or Whiskey Sailing from Traverse City – This whiskey sailing tour has a focus on cocktails that are made with handcrafted Mammoth spirits whiskey while the wine sailing tour will highlight the local wine from Bonobo winery. However, both cruises have additional offerings in case you and your partner have different tastes in alcohol! 

Learn to use an eFoil

If you don’t know already know, an eFoil is an electric-powered board equipped with a mast and wing. At certain speeds, the board will come up out of the water some and it’ll look like your levitating! If you’ve never done this before how much full would it be to do as a couple so you can laugh at each other while you learn to get the hang of it.

This 2-hour eFoil lesson is the perfect opportunity to do something unique together on the water! If you already have experience on an eFoil then just enjoy the timeframe cruising on the water.

On land fun things to do for Michigan couples visiting Traverse City

Wine tasting in Traverse City

If you and your lover are wine enthusiasts or are looking to become ones this could be the perfect romantic Michigan getaway to do over a weekend. The best area to go wine tasting in Michigan is by far in the Greater Traverse City area which includes both the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. This region is blessed with sandy soil, good drainage for rain, and a climate that is ideal for an extended growing season than many other places in the Midwest because of the lake climate.

Traverse City wines are known to be fruit-forward, well-balanced, clean, and crisp. The white wines have traditionally been the favorite of consumers but in recent years many of the Greater Traverse City area’s wineries have learned which type of reds to plant in order to turn them into world-class level wines! 

There are now almost 40 wineries in the region and some of the most popular to visit are Mari Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting Room, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, and Chateau Grand Traverse Winery. However, for variety and convenience, the best way to explore the region is on a winery tour!

Here are some of the best and most popular tours:

4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour on Old Mission Point – This tour stops at 3 wineries, this sunset tour will make for the most perfect setting on your romantic Michigan getaway. Spend time together sipping wine and watching the day come to an end with a brilliant northern Michigan sunset.

5-Hour tour of 4 Misson Point Peninsula Wineries – This tour visits many of the staple wineries in Traverse City so if you’ve never been to any of them this is a great choice to see the beautiful properties and try wines from the most popular wineries in the region.

5-Hour Leelanau Peninsula – The tour from Traverse city stops at 4 wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula including my personal favorite brand of Michigan wine, Leelanau Wine Cellars, which is sold at grocery and liquor stores all around the state. While they carry both dry and sweet wines I love sweet, so if you’re like me they have lots for you to choose from. Another unique stop on this tour is Sutton’s Bay Ciders which can be a nice break up from only tasting wine.

Biking tour of Leelanau

Biking is a fun activity in Michigan for couples, but specifically biking around Leelanau will give you great views of Grand Traverse Bay, farmlands, and vineyards.  Even if you’re not much into biking this specific guided tour uses e-bikes so the motor will take the work out of any tough inclines you may come across. 

Once you’ve made it to the end of the route with your guide which stops in Sturgeon Bay with your guide you can choose to use the bikes for the rest of the day (until close at 5) and explore the town. 

High-end snacks and a light meal are provided with local ingredients (turkey sandwich on artisan bread). Make sure to bring a backpack as there isn’t any store on the bikes for a water bottle.

Traverse city Rickshaw ride

While you’re in Traverse City on your romantic Michigan getaway a fun daytime activity is to take a private Rickshaw tour right around 5 different areas of downtown Traverse City. This slow-paced hour-long ride will allow you to sit back and relax with your partner and learn some new things about the city that you may not have already known.

Canoe Manistee River on a day trip or overnight campout

One of the more off-the-grid fun date ideas in Michigan is a hidden gem, a canoeing trip on the Manistee River in Mesick, Michigan which is 45 minutes south of Traverse City so if you are heading there coming from south for the weekend this activity would be a great day date on the way there.

Or you can upgrade this tour and camp overnight, either bring your own equipment and pay $20 for the site or $40 for the site, equipment, and food. The stops you make on the river can be customized based on you are your partner’s interests but some of the most popular choices are to swim in watering holes, sunbathe on the riverbanks, jump from a rope swing, go up sand cliffs, and learn about the local folklore. 

Mackinaw City & Mackinaw Island

Sunset ferry cruise under the Mackinaw Bridge

One of the most well-known things to do for couples in Michigan is to visit Mackinac Island by ferry but did you know there is a separate sunset ferry from Mackinaw City that goes underneath the Mackinaw Bridge?

I had been visiting Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island ever since I was a kid but had never done this tour up until a few years ago and it really is something special getting up close to such an impressive bridge as the sun sets in the background! The great thing is that the price for this activity is only $28/per person.

Note: This tour starts and ends in Mackinaw City and does NOT go to Mackinac Island.

Spend the night with a waterfront view on Mackinac Island

Booking a hotel for your romantic Michigan getaway is a pretty obvious idea but staying right on Mackinac Island will definitely be something to remember. A lot of people just visit the island for the day and take a late ferry back but waking up on the island will be a bit more exciting.

As a Michigander, it would be almost impossible not to know about the iconic Grand Hotel which is always THE place to stay. Yet, oftentimes it’s booked up and if not tends to become very expensive during peak season. 

So what are some other cozy and romantic places to stay on the island?

Here are some of my favorites:

Island House Hotel– The Island House is perfectly located right off the main street so it’s still easily walkable. It’s a waterfront right on the harbor so the view here is far from lacking. Additionally, there’s a pool and 24-hour front desk. Breakfast options are all à la carte. Prices range from $250-$500 a night. The sooner you book the better chance you’ll have at a lower rate.

Mission Point Resort – One of my favorite properties on the island because it sits on 18 acres of land that lead up to the water’s edge. This resort is truly magical. It has a putt-putt course (only one on the island), three restaurants with outdoor dining, and two coffee shops. You can also treat yourself to a day at their spa or salon! It’s not easily walkable to town but you can rent bikes from the resort. It is an exceptional deal for around $250/night!

Lake View Hotel – One of the few Mackinac Island hotels that you’ll be able to find priced under $200 a night. Lake View is right off the ferry dock on Main Street so you won’t have to travel far with your luggage. The decor is Victorian but it has been recently renovated so it feels fresh.  Indoor heated pool and a stone beach across the way for views of the Mackinaw Bridge and Round Island Lighthouse. 

Note: Not all rooms have a lake view so make sure to book accordingly to secure one. 

Pine Cottage B&B – A simple and charming room in a historical cottage for $250/night. All rooms have been updated for a clean and new feel with touches from the past. This bed and breakfast is located a few blocks from town to eliminate the noise and there is complimentary luggage pick up provided. 

Ann Arbor

Cozy up for the night inside Stone Chalet B&B

There are a lot of unique hotels and Airbnbs in Michigan but staying inside this cozy and historical A-frame hotel is a great option for a romantic couples getaway in Michigan. Stone Chalet B&B is located just a few minutes away from the Michigan Stadium so it’s in a great location to go to a weekend sporting event, check out the Kerrytown market, and eat at some of the downtown restaurants. For breakfast or brunch, the Northside Grill is a MUST.

Enjoy a romantic steak dinner at Webers Inn 

Eat, drink, and even STAY at Webers Inn, a steakhouse on the outskirts of Ann Arbor. There is live music nightly on the baby grand piano, sometimes there’s even a harp in the mix. Dining inside of the cozy and dimly lit A-frame dining room is truly a romantic date idea in Michigan that you should definitely visit at least once! Even better, if you can go on the date of your or your lover’s birthday, you’ll enjoy BOGO entrees with a valid ID.

Grand Rapids

Craft beer and tour of Founders Brewery

Visting Founders Brewing makes for a great weekend getaway in Michigan for lovers of craft beer! In Michigan, Founder’s beer is found pretty much any place that liquor is sold but if you’ve never been to their original brewhouse and restaurant in Grand Rapids you’ve been missing out. Their on-tap list is massive and organized by class levels 1,2, and 3 and their menu. If you want to learn more about the production process and history there is a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting that you can go on! The tour is one hour long and you must be 21+.

Lansing and Grand Ledge

Hike The Ledges and end the day with ice cream

Grand Ledge is just a 17-minute drive west of downtown Lansing. In Mid-Michigan, there aren’t a whole lot of places to hike that are more than simple flat trails but the Ledges in Grand Ledge are a bit more special. You’ll want to park at Fitzgerald Park because that is where the trailhead is.

Along the trail, you’ll see beautiful natural sandstone rock formations, streams, the Grand River, and a dam. Afterward, grab some ice cream cones from Lick-ity Split and walk down to Island Park, it is seriously so cute and romantic. There’s a bridge over the river, with ducks and geese that leads you past a gazebo and down to the “island”. This is a simple couples getaway in Michigan that can easily be done in a half or full-day trip if you’re coming from any of the bigger cities in Southern Michigan. 

River Dinner Boat from Downtown Lansing or Grand Ledge

An ideal date idea in Michigan that can make for the most romantic evening with your lover by your side as you cruise along the Grand River and dine aboard the Michigan Princess. This 3-hour activity is pretty affordable too at just $40/person including admission and food (drinks sold separately).

Their cruise schedule is themed and varies weekly so be sure to have a look in advance to choose a night that interests you. They also do lunch cruises and events on many of the major holidays such as Mother’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Departs from either Grand Ledge or Downtown Lansing.

Note: Both locations have different schedules.

The best seasonal things to do for couples in Michigan

Autumn Michigan getaway ideas

Free wine tasting at Uncle John’s Cider Mill

Check out the free wine tasting at Uncle John’s Cider Mill it’s one of the most fun things to do in Michigan for couples on a budget. Every year from the end of August – to the end of November you can head into the taproom and work your way through a generous amount of wine samples (If memory serves I want to say it was about 6 samples)! Wine bottles and cans of hard cider are available to purchase from there as well.

Before or after you can take the tractor to the pumpkin patch to take some cute couple pictures and choose your pumpkins, head into the main barn for fresh donuts and cider (if you’re lucky you can see the cider being made through the window), and check out the gift shop in the basement! 

Enjoy a Polish dinner then watch the sunset from Leg’s Inn

I personally feel like visiting Leg’s Inn in autumn is the best time for this Michigan getaway because the trees look so beautiful from the scenic bluff overlook that is on the backside of the restaurant. The fall colors in northern Michigan typically last until Mid-October. You can check out the Michigan color map that is updated annually for each area of the state so you’ll know when to plan your Northern Michigan getaway.

Note: Make sure to check before visiting because they close annually for the winter, usually at the end of October. 

Winter romantic Michigan getaways

Indoor fun date ideas in Michigan for couples in winter

Try Fowling, a Detroit invented sport

If you’re a competitive couple test your skills with an unlimited night of Fowling accompanied by some beers. If you’re not familiar, Fowling was born by a group of friends at a tailgate by crossing football and bowling. Pins are set up the same way as in bowling and players in pairs or teams (min of two) stand on the opposite sides and throw the football at the pins, whichever side knocks them all down first is the winner.

For just $10 a person you’ll have access to as many rounds as you want, it’s really great value! The original Fowling Warehouse is located in Hamtramck just 6 minutes outside of downtown Detroit. 

Motherland Cooking Xperience

In the winter months when the road condition are super bad planning any type of romantic Michigan getaway road trip just may not be ideal. Enter the Motherland Cooking Xperience which is done virtually!!! How cool is that? Once you book your experience you will be sent the ingredients in the mail that will be needed for the class. On the day of your date night, you’ll meet and be taught by your chef through facetime. This is also great for couples who are more introverted but want to try something new.

Outdoor Winter Michigan Getaways

Sip Hot Chocolate as you are pulled by Dogsled

In Northern Michigan there are a few different dog sledding options, it really depends on how much you are willing to spend and which type of dogsled experience you are looking for. There are options that last a couple of hours, day trips, and even authentic backcountry multi-day experiences where you’ll get to drive, take care of your own sled dogs and camp in a yurt (how cool, right!?). Some of the different tours even let you sip hot chocolate while your guide drives the dog pack.

In general, these experiences all tend to get booked up months in advance so make sure to do some research beforehand to choose an experience that fits you best. Some of the most popular tour companies are Shemhadar Dog Sled Adventures (3-mile ride, $700 for up to 4 people), Nature’s Kennel (many different packages), and Treetops Resort ($50).

Cozy up in Round Barn Estate’s igloos or hang around the fire

The Round Barn Estate is located in Saywer which is on the Lake Michigan side of the state just minutes from the Michigan border. This piece of property is beautiful all year long. During the summer you can enjoy the lush greenery and trail that connects the estate to the restaurant whereas in the winter you can dine inside the igloos or sip on some wine around the fire pit and admire the string lights in the evening. 

Ice Skating in downtown Grand Rapids

Rosa Parks Circle in Downtown Grand Rapids transforms into an ice rink in the wintertime. Rink reservations and skate rentals only cost $2/person so this fun date idea in Michigan is extremely budget-friendly!

If you are looking for some additional things to do in GR check out this list for your weekend in Grand Rapids here.

See the Ice Sculptures in Plymouth

The Plymouth Ice Sculpture Festival happens annually in downtown Plymouth over one weekend in February. This is one of the best fun date ideas in Michigan to do during winter. Cozy up with your partner in your warmest clothes and walk around the small town looking for sculptures together, you’ll also be able to watch live carvings in the main square, and after pop inside a cafe to warm up with some coffee or hot chocolate, end the afternoon at one of the local restaurants.

My Finding’s Tip: Make sure to play the ice sculpture bingo that will give you an entry to win gift cards from the participating businesses once you get a bingo.

Things to do for couples in Michigan during Summer

Drive-In Theatre

Sometimes a summer’s night just calls for an old-time experience at a drive-in theatre accompanied by drinks and a big box of buttered popcorn. There are a few different drive-ins scattered across Michigan but the most highly rated ones are Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre in Honor, the Capri Drive-In Theatre in Coldwater, the US 23 Drive-In Theatre in Detroit, and the Getty Drive-In located in Muskegon.

Go on a waterfall hopping adventure in the U.P.

For this particular couples getaway in Michigan, you may need more than just a weekend for this to be realistic, it will also depend on what city you are coming from. 

However, if you plan it around a long weekend or take a day or two off you should have enough time to explore some amazing waterfalls. If you want more information I have written a separate guide about the best waterfalls in Michigan and it includes a map for your convenience!  

I hope you’ve found some new and fun date ideas in Michigan no matter what time of the year it is! From Michigan getaways to the best cities in Michigan to fun day trip date night ideas, and seasonal romantic getaways in Michigan that you can take together as a couple your relationship is going to be a lot more exciting going forward!