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Anne Erickson

Try Exploring This Awesome Michigan Cave

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Author Anne Erickson
Enter the cave in the woods

Michigan has a bunch of great vacation spots, but did you know that the state is also a prime place to find caves? It’s true. Many of Michigan’s tourist spots have caves, whether those are old mines or natural caves in the Great Lakes areas. That makes Michigan an extra cool spot to travel in the summer months, especially if you enjoy exploring. So, what’s an awesome Michigan cave to explore?

AZ Animals has put together a list of the best caves in Michigan. “Michigan is a hub for unique caves,” they state, adding that, “Most of the state’s caves occur in karst landscapes, where bedrock dissolves, creating underground draining systems and caves.” It’s truly an underground paradise in Michigan.

Before we get to No. 1, let’s give No. 2 some love. The No. 2 most awesome Michigan cave to visit on the list is Adventure Mine. This spot takes you back to the 1800s, when copper mining was all the rage. It’s located near Greendland, and the mining company gives underground tours, offering simply a hardhat and light. You’d better dress for it, though, because this is a real, active mining cage. According to AZ Animals, the easiest tour takes roughly 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, the hardest tour is six hours long. Yikes.

No. 1 on the list for the most awesome Michigan cave is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Caves. That’s not a surprise, since it’s one of Michigan’s most popular tourist spots. “Hugging the south shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks is famous for its dramatic cliffs painted in multi colors, sandstone formations, secret coves, and hidden caves along the water’s edge,” AZ Animals notes. You can kayak into this cave, which gives an extra adventure to the experience. You may even see waterfalls, too. Find the full list of the best caves in Michigan here and my favorite Michigan travel spots here.

6 Michigan Islands To Explore Other Than Mackinac

  • Isle Royale

    Isle Royale, one of Michigan’s five national parks, attracts around 17,000 visitors annually. This little island nestled in the heart of Lake Superior offers wildlife and outdoor fun. Despite its national park status, it remains uncrowded. In fact, Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country according to Michigan.org. But that’s due to its lack of accessibility. Most adventurers reach the island by taking a five-hour boat ride from the Upper Peninsula.

  • Beaver Island

    Beaver Island, the biggest island in Lake Michigan, is a nature lover’s paradise with plenty of activities to enjoy. The year-round population has around 600, and a significant portion of the islanders proudly trace their roots back to Ireland.

  • Les Cheneaux Islands

    Les Cheneaux Islands is a cluster of 36 small islands in Lake Huron, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These islands are a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The Les Cheneaux Islands are located just a few miles northeast of Michigan’s famed Mackinac Bridge, which connects the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

  • Drummond Islands

    Drummond Island, the second largest freshwater island in the United States, is home to 1,058 people. This island stands out for its closed-loop trail system, offering off-road adventures. Drummond Island has a diverse range of ecosystems. With over 13 distinct ecosystems, including six forest types, five swamp-marsh types, inland lakes and rivers, and cobble beaches, the island is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the richness and variety of its natural landscapes.

  • North & South Manitou Islands

    North and South Manitou Islands are two islands situated within an island chain that stretches northward towards the Straits of Mackinac. South Manitou, located approximately 16 miles west of Leland, covers a land area of 8.277 square miles. On the other hand, North Manitou Island lies to the north, about 12 miles from Leland, and has a larger land area of 22.346 square miles.

  • Belle Isle

    Located in the international waters of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park known as the “Jewel of Detroit.” With its stunning natural landscapes and historic landmarks like the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, it offers a perfect urban oasis and cultural retreat for visitors to enjoy.

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.

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