Discover 24 Extraordinary Unique Places to Stay in Michigan

Michigan, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes, offers travelers a wide array of unique places to stay. From cozy treehouses nestled in the forest to historic lighthouses on the Great Lakes, the Mitten State has no shortage of extraordinary accommodations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the most unique places to stay in Michigan, ensuring your next vacation is truly one-of-a-kind.

Treehouse Retreats: Sleep Among the Leaves

For those seeking a magical escape into nature, Michigan’s treehouse retreats offer an unparalleled experience. These elevated accommodations provide a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

The Treehouse at Dragonfly Bend

Located in the Upper Peninsula, The Treehouse at Dragonfly Bend offers a secluded getaway surrounded by lush forest. This two-story treehouse features a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy living area, and a deck with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Fall asleep to the gentle rustling of leaves and wake up to birdsong in this tranquil retreat.

Treetops Resort Treehouses

Treetops Resort in Gaylord takes the treehouse concept to new heights with their luxury treehouses. These spacious accommodations are perfect for families or groups, offering multiple bedrooms, full bathrooms, and even hot tubs on private decks. Enjoy panoramic views of the golf course and surrounding forest while experiencing the thrill of sleeping high above the ground.

Lighthouse Stays: Illuminate Your Vacation

Michigan’s coastline is dotted with historic lighthouses, many of which have been converted into unique accommodations. These iconic structures offer a glimpse into the state’s maritime history while providing unforgettable views of the Great Lakes.

Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast

Perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior, the Big Bay Point Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast offers a truly unique stay. Built in 1896, this working lighthouse has been meticulously restored to provide comfortable guest rooms while maintaining its historic charm. Climb the tower for breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding wilderness.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, the Grand Traverse Lighthouse offers visitors the chance to be a lighthouse keeper for a week. Stay in the restored keeper’s quarters and experience life as it was in the early 20th century. This immersive experience includes duties such as raising the flag, conducting tours, and maintaining the grounds.

Glamping Getaways: Nature Meets Luxury

For those who love the idea of camping but prefer the comforts of home, glamping offers the perfect solution. Michigan’s glamping sites provide a unique blend of outdoor adventure and luxurious amenities.

Wild Cherry Resort Glamping

Situated on the Leelanau Peninsula, Wild Cherry Resort offers safari-style tents that redefine camping. These spacious accommodations feature king-sized beds, private bathrooms, and covered porches with stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay. Enjoy the serenity of nature without sacrificing comfort.

Sleeping Bear Retreat

Near the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Retreat offers luxurious yurts for a unique glamping experience. These circular tents are equipped with comfortable beds, heating, and electricity. Step outside to enjoy a private fire pit and easy access to hiking trails and pristine beaches.

Eco-Friendly Stays: Sustainable and Unique

For environmentally conscious travelers, Michigan offers several eco-friendly accommodations that provide unique experiences while minimizing environmental impact.

Earthship Hector

Located near Grand Rapids, Earthship Hector is a self-sustained, off-grid home built using recycled materials. This unique structure offers a comfortable stay while demonstrating sustainable living practices. Enjoy the greenhouse-like atmosphere, complete with indoor plants and natural temperature regulation.

Straw Bale Cottage

In the heart of Michigan’s Thumb region, the Straw Bale Cottage offers a cozy and eco-friendly retreat. Built using straw bale construction, this cottage provides excellent insulation and a unique aesthetic. Experience the charm of this sustainable building technique while enjoying modern amenities and beautiful rural surroundings.

Historic Inns: Step Back in Time

Michigan’s rich history is reflected in its many beautifully preserved historic inns. These unique places to stay offer a glimpse into the past while providing modern comforts.

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

No list of unique places to stay in Michigan would be complete without mentioning the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. This Victorian-era masterpiece, with its 660-foot porch (the world’s longest), has been welcoming guests since 1887. Experience the elegance of a bygone era with afternoon tea, croquet on the lawn, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Castle in the Country Bed & Breakfast Inn

Located in Allegan, the Castle in the Country Bed & Breakfast Inn offers a royal experience in rural Michigan. This romantic retreat features themed rooms, each decorated to represent different eras and styles. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts, private lakes, and hiking trails on the 65-acre estate.

Unique Urban Accommodations: City Stays with a Twist

Michigan’s cities offer their own unique places to stay, from converted factories to artistic lofts.

Shinola Hotel, Detroit

The Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit combines the city’s industrial past with modern luxury. Housed in a restored historic building, this boutique hotel features custom-made Shinola products, locally curated artwork, and a blend of old and new Detroit style.

The Factory, Grand Rapids

Once a furniture factory, The Factory in Grand Rapids has been transformed into stylish loft apartments available for short-term stays. Experience the city’s industrial heritage while enjoying modern amenities and a prime downtown location.

Waterfront Wonders: Lakeside Luxury

With over 11,000 inland lakes and bordering four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan offers an abundance of waterfront accommodations.

Boathouse Bed and Breakfast

Located on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, the Boathouse Bed and Breakfast offers a unique stay in a converted boathouse. Wake up to stunning lake views, enjoy private balconies, and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of waves.

Oden State Fish Hatchery Cabin

For a truly unique waterfront experience, consider staying at the historic cabin at Oden State Fish Hatchery. This renovated 1930s building offers comfortable accommodations right on the banks of the Oden Creek, perfect for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Underground Escapes: Subterranean Stays

For those seeking an even more unconventional experience, Michigan offers some truly unique underground accommodations.

Charlevoix Boulder Park Cottage

Known locally as the “Mushroom Houses,” these whimsical cottages in Charlevoix were designed by architect Earl Young. With their undulating roofs and organic shapes, these homes appear to grow right out of the ground. Stay in one of these fairy-tale-like cottages for a truly magical experience.

The Landmark Inn’s Bomb Shelter Suite

In Marquette, The Landmark Inn offers a one-of-a-kind stay in its Bomb Shelter Suite. Originally built as a Cold War-era fallout shelter, this underground room has been transformed into a cozy and unique accommodation. Experience a piece of history while enjoying modern amenities and the novelty of sleeping underground.

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Farm Stays: Rural Retreats

Experience Michigan’s agricultural heritage with a stay on a working farm.

Crane Dance Farm

Located in Middleville, Crane Dance Farm offers guests the opportunity to stay in a renovated 1880s farmhouse on an active organic farm. Help with farm chores, interact with animals, and enjoy farm-fresh meals for a truly immersive agricultural experience.

Blueberry Fields of Allegan

For a sweet escape, consider staying at Blueberry Fields of Allegan. This working blueberry farm offers cozy cottages surrounded by blueberry fields. During the growing season, guests can pick their own berries and enjoy the peaceful rural setting.

Floating Accommodations: Sleep on the Water

For a truly unique experience, consider staying on one of Michigan’s many waterways.

Boatel on Saugatuck’s Kalamazoo River

In the charming town of Saugatuck, you can stay on a renovated 1955 Chris Craft boat docked on the Kalamazoo River. This “boatel” offers all the comforts of a hotel room with the unique experience of staying on the water.

Houseboat Rentals on Torch Lake

Experience Michigan’s clearest lake from the comfort of a houseboat. Several companies offer houseboat rentals on Torch Lake, allowing you to explore this beautiful body of water while having all the amenities of home.

Winter Wonderland Stays: Embrace the Cold

Michigan’s winters offer opportunities for unique cold-weather accommodations.

Ice Hotel at Zephyr Lodge

While not a permanent structure, the Ice Hotel at Zephyr Lodge in Traverse City is built each winter, offering guests a chance to sleep in a room made entirely of ice. Bundle up in provided arctic-grade sleeping bags and experience a truly unique winter adventure.

Igloo Village at Treetops Resort

For a more comfortable winter experience, Treetops Resort offers heated, transparent igloos. Enjoy stargazing and winter views from the comfort of these cozy domes, complete with comfortable seating and dining options.

Artistic Abodes: Creatively Inspired Stays

Michigan’s vibrant art scene extends to its accommodations, offering stays in creatively designed spaces.

The Art House, Ann Arbor

In the college town of Ann Arbor, The Art House offers a stay in a living gallery. This unique bed and breakfast features rooms decorated by local artists, with rotating exhibitions and the opportunity to purchase the artwork on display.

Saugatuck’s Art Coast Cottages

Along Michigan’s “Art Coast” in Saugatuck, several cottages have been transformed by local artists into vibrant, one-of-a-kind accommodations. Each cottage offers a unique artistic experience, from bold murals to sculptural elements integrated into the living space.

Seasonal Unique Stays: Experience Michigan Year-Round

Michigan’s beauty transforms with each season, offering unique accommodation experiences throughout the year. Let’s explore some seasonal stays that showcase the best of Michigan in every season.

Spring Blossom Retreats

As winter thaws and spring blooms, Michigan’s famous cherry and apple orchards burst into a spectacular display of pink and white blossoms. The Traverse City area, known as the Cherry Capital of the World, offers several unique accommodations amidst the orchards.

Cherry Tree Inn & Suites: Located on the shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, this inn offers rooms with balconies overlooking both the water and nearby cherry orchards. In spring, guests can enjoy the breathtaking view of cherry blossoms while relaxing in luxury.

Chateau Chantal: This winery and inn on Old Mission Peninsula provides a unique bed and breakfast experience surrounded by vineyards and cherry orchards. Wake up to panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay framed by delicate cherry blossoms.

Summer Lake House Rentals

Michigan’s summers are perfect for lakeside getaways. The state’s numerous lakes offer a variety of unique rental properties that go beyond the typical cottage.

The Float House on Hubbard Lake: This architectural marvel appears to float on the water. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a minimalist design, it offers an unparalleled connection to the lake environment.

Lighthouse Point Cottage on Lake Superior: Located near Marquette, this renovated coast guard station offers panoramic views of Lake Superior. The property includes a private beach and the original lighthouse tower.

Fall Color Tour Accommodations

Michigan’s fall colors are legendary, and there’s no better way to experience them than staying right in the midst of the autumn splendor.

Tunnel of Trees Treehouse: Located along the famous M-119 Tunnel of Trees scenic route, this elevated cabin offers a unique perspective on the fall colors. Surrounded by maples and oaks, guests can enjoy the changing leaves from their private deck high in the canopy.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Yurts: For a more rustic fall experience, consider staying in one of the yurts in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. These circular tent-like structures offer comfort in the heart of one of Michigan’s most beautiful fall color destinations.

Winter Ski Chalets

Michigan’s winters transform the landscape into a snowy wonderland, perfect for ski enthusiasts. Many resorts offer unique ski-in/ski-out accommodations.

Crystal Mountain’s Bungalows: These slope-side tiny homes offer a cozy and unique way to enjoy Michigan’s ski season. Each bungalow features modern amenities and direct access to the slopes.

Boyne Mountain’s Chalet Edelweiss: This Austrian-inspired chalet brings a touch of the Alps to Michigan. With its distinctive architecture and prime location, it offers a truly unique winter stay.

Pet-Friendly Unique Stays

For many travelers, a vacation isn’t complete without their furry friends. Michigan offers several unique accommodations that not only welcome pets but make them part of the experience.

The Vineyard Inn on Suttons Bay: This pet-friendly inn is located in the heart of Michigan’s wine country. What makes it unique is its “Winery Hounds” program, where guests and their dogs can tour pet-friendly wineries together.

The Catfe Lounge & Guestrooms, Ann Arbor: While many are familiar with cat cafes, The Catfe Lounge takes it a step further by offering guestrooms above the cafe. Visitors can spend their days playing with adoptable cats and their nights in cozy, cat-themed rooms.

Willow Winds Farm Stay: This working farm in the Upper Peninsula welcomes both humans and their pets. Guests and their dogs can interact with the farm animals, creating a unique inter-species vacation experience.

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Accessibility-Focused Unique Stays

Traveling with disabilities shouldn’t mean sacrificing unique experiences. Several Michigan accommodations offer both distinctiveness and full accessibility.

The Accessible Treehouse at Howell Nature Center: This fully accessible treehouse allows guests with mobility issues to experience the joy of sleeping among the trees. Wheelchair ramps and specially designed interiors ensure comfort for all guests.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Accessible Viewing Deck: While not an overnight stay, this unique accessible viewing area in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. Nearby, the fully accessible Lake Michigan Camp/Resort provides comfortable accommodations.

Mission Point Resort’s Accessible Suites, Mackinac Island: This historic resort offers uniquely designed accessible suites that maintain the island’s Victorian charm while providing modern accessibility features.

Haunted Accommodations

For those seeking a spooky twist to their unique stay, Michigan has several reportedly haunted accommodations that combine history, mystery, and comfortable lodgings.

The Holly Hotel, Holly: This Victorian-era hotel, dating back to 1891, is renowned for its paranormal activity. Guests report sightings of ghostly figures, unexplained sounds, and other eerie occurrences. The hotel embraces its haunted reputation, offering ghost hunts and séances.

Henderson Castle, Kalamazoo: Built in 1895, this castle-turned-inn is said to be haunted by its original owners and other historical figures. Guests can book ghost tours or brave an overnight stay in one of the allegedly haunted rooms.

Whitney Restaurant and Ghost Bar, Detroit: While primarily a restaurant, The Whitney offers a unique overnight stay in its third-floor guest rooms. The 1894 mansion is reportedly haunted by its original owner, David Whitney Jr., and his wife. The aptly named Ghost Bar on the third floor is a popular spot for ghost hunters.

Culinary-Focused Stays

For food enthusiasts, Michigan offers unique stays that combine comfortable accommodations with exceptional culinary experiences.

The Inn at Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay: This luxurious inn on a working winery and farm offers a true farm-to-table experience. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, tour the creamery, and savor meals prepared with ingredients sourced directly from the farm.

The Beer City Bungalow, Grand Rapids: Located in the heart of “Beer City USA,” this unique rental property offers easy access to numerous craft breweries. The bungalow itself is beer-themed and includes a homebrew kit for guests to try their hand at brewing.

The Cookery at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms: Known for its cooking classes, Zingerman’s also offers overnight stays in its restored farmhouse. Guests can participate in cooking classes, enjoy farm-to-table meals, and wake up to gourmet breakfasts.

Educational Stays

Learning doesn’t have to stop when you’re on vacation. These unique accommodations offer educational experiences along with comfortable lodgings.

Dark Sky Park Cabins, Mackinaw City: Located in Headlands International Dark Sky Park, these cabins offer unparalleled stargazing opportunities. The park’s observatory and night sky programs provide a unique astronomical learning experience.

Ziibiwing Center Cultural Camp, Mount Pleasant: This unique program offers visitors the chance to stay in traditional Anishinabe lodgings while learning about Ojibwe culture and traditions. Participants engage in workshops, storytelling sessions, and traditional crafts.

Fort Mackinac Officer’s Stone Quarters, Mackinac Island: Step back in time with a stay in the restored 1780s stone officer’s quarters at Fort Mackinac. Guests can experience life as it was in the 18th century, complete with period furnishings and interpretive programs.

Wellness and Spa Retreats

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Michigan offers several unique wellness-focused accommodations.

Yoga in the Vines, Suttons Bay: This unique retreat combines yoga classes with vineyard stays. Participants practice yoga among the grapevines, enjoy wine tastings, and stay in cozy cottages overlooking Grand Traverse Bay.

Sundara Spa at Boyne Mountain: While Boyne Mountain is known for skiing, its Sundara Spa offers a unique wellness experience. Guests can stay in treetop suites and enjoy treatments inspired by Native American healing practices.

Lavender Hill Farm Retreat, Boyne City: This working lavender farm offers guest cottages surrounded by fragrant lavender fields. Visitors can participate in lavender-themed wellness activities, including aromatherapy sessions and lavender crafting workshops.

Budget-Friendly Unique Stays

Unique accommodations don’t always have to break the bank. Michigan offers several affordable options that are still out of the ordinary.

Curwood Castle, Owosso: This small castle, once the writing studio of author James Oliver Curwood, is now a museum that offers affordable overnight stays. Guests can sleep in the castle’s turret room for a royal experience on a budget.

Bay City State Recreation Area Yurts: For an affordable outdoor adventure, consider staying in one of the yurts at Bay City State Recreation Area. These circular tent-like structures offer a unique camping experience with basic amenities at a fraction of the cost of traditional accommodations.

Fishtown Shanties, Leland: These restored fishing shanties in the historic Fishtown district of Leland offer a unique and affordable way to experience Michigan’s maritime heritage. Simple but comfortable, these shanties provide a glimpse into the life of Great Lakes fishermen.

How to Book and What to Expect

Booking these unique stays often requires some advance planning. Many of these accommodations are small and book up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

For state park accommodations like yurts and rustic cabins, reservations can be made through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. Most other unique stays can be booked directly through their websites or via popular booking platforms.

When packing for your unique stay, consider the nature of the accommodation. Treehouses and yurts might require more rugged attire and gear, while historic inns might call for something a bit dressier for dinner.

Always read the property descriptions carefully. Some unique stays might have limited amenities or require a sense of adventure. For example, a lighthouse stay might involve climbing many stairs, and a farm stay could come with early morning wake-up calls from roosters.

Many of these unique accommodations offer experiences beyond just a place to sleep. Take advantage of any tours, classes, or activities offered to make the most of your stay.

Conclusion: Endless Possibilities for Unique Stays in Michigan

From treehouses and lighthouses to underground bunkers and floating hotels, Michigan offers an incredible array of unique places to stay. These extraordinary accommodations not only provide a place to rest your head but become an integral part of your Michigan adventure.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family-friendly vacation, or a solo retreat into nature, the Mitten State has a unique stay to suit your needs. By choosing one of these distinctive accommodations, you’ll create lasting memories and experience Michigan in a way that goes far beyond the ordinary.

As you plan your next trip to Michigan, consider stepping outside the box of traditional hotels and resorts. Embrace the opportunity to stay in a place that’s as unique and diverse as the Great Lakes State itself. With so many incredible options, your biggest challenge will be deciding which unique place to stay in Michigan to try first.

Remember, the joy of travel often lies in the unexpected and the extraordinary. By choosing one of these unique places to stay in Michigan, you’re not just booking a room – you’re embarking on an adventure that begins the moment you check in. So pack your bags, set your sights on Michigan, and prepare for an unforgettable stay in one of America’s most beautiful and diverse states.