Global Getaways at Michigan’s Destination Dupes

From Dutch tulips to Lebanese kanafeh, the Mitten State puts a one-of-a-kind spin on global traditions. 

Dutch-style buildings along a canal
Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

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“Travel here, not there” is a trend that’s been around for ages, but recently, the concept of “destination dupes” has taken over social media. The idea is that you can swap a distant, expensive or crowded destination for a place that’s much more within reach — and be rewarded by an experience that’s just as, if not more, fulfilling. The beauty of Michigan is that our state is filled with communities that are stewards of their international heritage, ushering modern travelers into Old World traditions. 

Travel to Holland Without Leaving Michigan 

A Dutch windmill in a field of tulips.
De Zwaan Windmill in Holland | Photo Courtesy of Pure MIchigan

If you recognize Holland, Michigan, it might be because of its unmistakable Dutch influences. Once inhabited by the Ottawa tribe, this city on the shores of Lake Michigan was established by Dutch Calvinist, the Rev. Albertus Van Raalte who led his followers from the Netherlands. The group intentionally held on to their customs, retaining their homeland’s language, crafts and farming traditions. 

What to do in Holland, Michigan:

  • Climb the five stories of De Zwaan, the only authentic Dutch windmill operating in the United States, and look out over 36 acres of the meticulously tended Windmill Island Gardens. 
  • Learn how wooden clogs are crafted and how to Klompen dance before watching artisans carefully glaze authentic blue-and-white pottery at the Wooden Shoe & Delft Factory.
  • Enjoy acres of tulips at Veldheer Tulip Gardens, which bursts into riotous colors between late April and early May.
  • Grab a decadent bite at deBoer Bakkerij at Dutch Brothers Restaurant, surrounded by the scents of klompen cakes, daily baked breads and handcrafted Danishes.
  • Time your visit to the Tulip Time festival in May, a beloved hometown tradition that dates back to 1929. Flower shows, art exhibits, parades and historic home tours are the highlights of this famous festival. 

Check out Pure Michigan’s Ultimate Travel Guide to Holland. 

Experience Arab American Culture 

Pieces of Baklava on a tray
Shatila Bakery in Dearborn | Photo Courtesy of Under the Radar: Michigan

Dearborn has the largest concentration of Arab Americans in the United States and holds the title of the first Arab-majority city in the country. When Ford Motor Company established its headquarters in Dearborn, waves of immigrants arrived from countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, carrying culinary, cultural and religious traditions over the decades.

What to do in Dearborn: 

  • Pay a visit to the Arab American National Museum to explore exhibits, workshops and performances dedicated to the Arab diaspora and the Arab American experience. The museum also curates Yalla Eat! culinary walking tours along East Dearborn’s Michigan and Warren avenues.
  • Dearborn is also home to the largest mosque in North America, the Islamic Center of America, renowned for its stunning architecture, spiritual services and educational workshops. 
  • You’ll have your pick of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, like the James Beard Award–winning plates at Al Ameer, global dishes at Oasis Middle Eastern Kitchen and Sahara Restaurant’s heaping portions of Lebanese favorites. 
  • For smaller treats, head to one of the cozy Qahwah House locations that specialize in aromatic Yemeni coffee, or shops like Shatila Bakery for fresh baklava or New Yasmeen Bakery for Middle Eastern sweets and snacks.

Learn more about Michigan’s Arab American communities. 

Discover Nordic Traditions in the Upper Peninsula 

A woman under a water feature in an outdoor pool during winter.
Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to the largest Finnish American population in the U.S., across Marquette, Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Known as the Sauna Belt (Keweenaw is considered the “buckle”), the region first began welcoming Finnish copper miners in 1864. To this day, you’ll spot Finland’s flag waving on the streets, resorts and hotels boasting Finnish saunas, and food from the homeland.

What to do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula:

  • Askel in Houghton County is home to the Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum, a restored 1896 homestead showcasing Finnish immigrant life. Explore original log buildings (including a sauna, of course!), a barn and a farmhouse to learn how families lived in 19th-century Michigan’s wilderness. 
  • Find comfort food at Suomi Home Bakery & Restaurant, including pannukakku (custard-like pancakes) with raspberry sauce, nisu (cardamom bread) or a pasty with authentic fillings.
  • The Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock celebrates Finnish heritage through art exhibits, craft workshops and language courses.
  • Experience an age-old wellness practice inside a Finnish sauna at Takka Superior on the shores of Lake Superior or at the gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula at Takka Portage. In Mohawk, Mount Bohemia Nordic Spa offers a panoramic Finnish sauna, outdoor cold plunge pool and more to rejuvenate the body and mind. 
  • As part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, Quincy Mine honors Finnish miners’ roles in the copper industry. Ride the historic tram and explore underground workings in this extensive set of copper mines. 
  • If you can align your visit with Heikinpäivä in late January, you’re in for a treat. This midwinter festival on the Keweenaw Peninsula is filled with Finnish storytelling, folk dances and a wife-carrying contest. 

Need more inspiration for affordable destination dupes? Learn how you can experience the world right here in Pure Michigan.