Michigan is a beautiful state with plenty to offer tourists and residents alike. Whatever you love, you're sure to find it here. Visitors come from all around the United States and the world to play, learn, eat well, and enjoy Michigan's four distinct seasons.

Coming from outside the US? Access to the USA is fairly easy for you as a tourist if you belong to countries such as New Zealand, the UK, or Europe, as you are eligible for the ESTA Visa, which stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. This access is particularly beneficial because it spares you all the hassle of doing lengthy paperwork, fulfilling formalities, and whatnot. Be sure to check visa requirements before planning your trip.

Here are four ways to experience the best of Michigan:

Outdoor Activities

With plenty of coasts, as well as inland lakes, Michigan is truly a water-lover's paradise. Michigan is home to many parks, forests, and lakes which offer plenty of opportunity for outdoor activities; popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, biking, and kayaking. 

You can also visit wine country along the sunset coast (with a special focus on Traverse City-area wineries) or enjoy a Detroit Tigers game. 

Some of the best parks in Michigan are located in the Upper Peninsula, where abundant wildlife and stunning scenery (such as Tahquamenon Falls) make for a memorable experience. Be sure to visit the Soo Locks, where ships can access the lower Great Lakes from Lake Superior, as well as Michigan's many parks, like Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or Hiawatha National Forest. Sleeping Bear Dunes, a National Lakeshore, has been voted the most scenic place in America. 

Driving across the Mighty Mac Bridge, which connects Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, is an activity in itself, at approximately five miles long.

Historical Sites

From lighthouses to mansions, Michigan is home to a wealth of historical sites which are worth exploring. 

Here are six interesting places to visit if you love history:   

1. Visit the Motown Museum in Detroit to see where it all started
2. Check out some of the world's largest collection of antique cars, as well as the bus that Rosa Parks made a stand in, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn
3. Visit one of the many historic sites in Detroit like Little Italy or Greektown, or stops along the Underground Railroad
4. See re-enactments at Colonial Michilimackinac; head across the water to Mackinac Island and travel through time with your stay at the Grand Hotel
5. Visit Windemere, Earnest Hemingway's cottage
6. Discover the National Museum of the Tuskeegee Airmen, Kalamazoo's Air Zoo, or more through the Michigan History Museum System, which features 12 museums and historic sites. 

Arts and Culture

Michigan has a rich cultural heritage that is on display in its many art galleries, theaters, musical performances, and museums. The state's history is reflected in the works of its painters, sculptors, and photographers, from the Impressionists to modern day artists. 

The Detroit Institute of Arts is a world-renowned museum that features works from all over history (including Diego Rivera's extraordinary murals), while the Warfield Theater in Detroit offers cutting-edge theater productions. Additionally, the Cranbrook Art Museum, Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum all offer striking exhibitions of contemporary art. Wherever you go in Michigan, you'll find plenty of art, culture, and music.

Shopping and Dining

Michigan has diverse dining options, from small towns to large. Whether you're looking for a quaint town with local shops (I'm looking at you, Fishtown) or a big city with all the glitz and glamour, Michigan has something for everyone. There are charming downtowns and waterfront restaurants. There are many cultural heritage dining options, from Native American restaurants to German and Dutch villages (in Frankenmuth and Holland, respectively) to Welsh pasties in the Upper Peninsula. Visit Traverse City in the summer to enjoy the National Cherry Festival!

Whether you're in the mood for ice cream at a roadside stand, fresh fruit grown along Michigan's sunset coast, or dinner at one of the state's Michelin-starred restaurants, there's sure to be an tasty meal in Michigan that will fit your needs. 

What are your favorite things to do in Michigan?