Last week, we asked our Facebook fans and Twitter followers to name their favorite hidden gems in Michigan – whether it was a store, a restaurant or just a favorite place. The response was overwhelming and we collected some our favorite gems from around the state. Check out the list below and thanks to everybody that submitted a suggestion!
“The Wooden Spoon restaurant in Spring Arbor, MI!” – Jennifer Wisdom
“The Mitten Bar in Ludington” – Javier Ruiz
“Cornwell’s Turkeyville between Battle Creek and Marshall.” – Andria Aylor
“Mike’s Village Restaurant in Dimondale…I can smell the homemade bread now!” – Patty Moshkosky
“The Music House in Traverse City = Outstanding!” – Jenny Anspach Bruyette
“Charleviox has many hidden treasures whether its a private beach or an awesome whitneys oyster bar, they have a little of everything! 
” – Brooke Miller
“Elk Rapids – the town, the library, the marina, the beach/park. But don’t everyone go rushing there now.. my special spot!” – Martha Scherf-Pompa
“All of the many beautiful waterfalls…” – Leigh Powell
“Pentwater, Silver Lake, any of the state park campgrounds along Lake Michigan are beautiful. I love Michigan!” – Jackie Murray
“Looking at all the rocks at rainbow lodge on Lake Superior.” – Mark Richman
“Mr. C in St. Ignace! Best burgers in Yooper country:)” – Janine Scüb Shuey
“The Outback Lodge in Stanwood, MI. Awesome bed and breakfast with amazing owners and the BEST stuffed French toast I have ever had!” – Becky Jordan Rottenbucher
“Lumberman’s Monument scenic outlook, near Oscoda” – Sue DeCelle
“@PureMichigan hidden Gem is Harbor Country. drove past for 25 yrs on 94 Couldn’t believe what i missed. Decided to move here and LOVE it!” – @lakelifenb
“@PureMichigan My favorite hidden gem is Pentwater. Greatest beaches in the whole world.” – @BobCNatra
Lost Valley! (In Montague)- @KassyFinefaceLost
The intelligence and creativity of #Yoopers is an underappreciated hidden gem of Michigan – @EBooksUP
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Riffles Homestyle Northville Mi. Best home cooking in the low land..
Frankfort . . . Dinghy’s, Fusion, a small town theatre with first run movies, shopping and our absolutely wonderful beach. Plus just a short drive to Sleeping Bear!!
Thank you @EBooksUP for recognizing the “glue” that holds us together. It’s genetic!
Wetmore Landing is a quintessential slice of the UP – Rocky points with tall trees, beautiful sandy beach, some days – big fun waves (you’ll see surfers there). Head north out of marquette on hwy 550, pick up some provisions at Phil’s 550 store, then go a little farther north and spend a great afternoon at wetmore landing
seny michigan in the u.p
The Homestead in Glen Arbor, and the whole Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! It’s the “most beautiful place in America.”
Many of the small quiet lakes with no cabins, and pretty much anywhere along Lake Superior. Could sit and take it all in all day.
This pic looks like my parents front yard, as I’m sure it looks like every beach boardwalk down to one of our beautiful lakes! Anyone know where this is?
As for beautiful MI places….. just about everywhere I’ve been has been breathtaking. I really miss living in MI!
Chamberlin’s Ole Forrest Inn in Curtis. Great food and company with an incredible view overlooking Big Manistique Lake.
Our whole beautiful state if a hidden gem when it comes to all the bad national press and stereotypes of high crime and unemployment.
Isle Royale, N Manitou Island, Nordhouse Dunes, Pentwater.
Perhaps the word “prison” doesn’t bring pastoral scenes of waterfalls, forests and lakes. Jackson, however, has all of these plus its fascinating, popular Historic Prison Tours that take visitors through Michigan’s First State Prison (now Armory Arts Village) and to 7-Block, a fully intact, closed cellblock on the grounds of the functioning Jackson State Correctional Facilities. One can “do time” in Jackson, experiencing both prison and paradise. Jackson is a growing offering of Pure MI!