Hostels in Michigan

Michigan is a midwestern state of the United States of America. Its name is derived from the Ojibwa's word "mishigamaa," which means "large body of water." The state borders four of the five Great Lakes. It also contains over 11,000 inland lakes. Its 96,716 square miles of land form two peninsulas. The five-mile long Straits of Mackinac separates the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula, which are connected together by the Mackinac Bridge.

Michigan is the automotive center of the U.S., containing three major auto companies. The state also produced about 11% of the U.S. military arms during World War II. Yet its tourists are drawn by a completely different reason; Michigan's land includes around 50% forest which attracts hunters, while the many lakes and beaches lure leisure vacationers. The Tulip Time Festival and National Cherry Festival are points of attraction as well.

If you are planning a budget vacation in this state, you will find Michigan hostels and hostel-type, economic lodgings spread throughout. Look for accommodations named "Inn" or "Lodge" to find a variety of Michigan's hostel-like lodgings. For $45 to $60 per night for two persons, you can expect a safe, clean place rated around 3 1/2 to 4 stars. With many choices available, you can easily locate the ideal hostel near points on your itinerary.

There is no shortage of sight-seeing activities for your itinerary. Many attractions all around the state have earned 5-star reviews from their many impressed visitors. Among those popular, well-enjoyed attractions are the John Ford Museum in Dearborn, the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore as well as Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Empire, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as well as the Miners Castle Rock in Munising, the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, the State Park in Ludington, the Silver Beach Carousel in Saint Joseph, and the Tahquamenon Falls and State Park in Paradise.

For one full day's activities, for example, you may wish to visit Greenfield Village in Dearborn, just outside Detroit. It is an outdoor museum of American history and includes the John Ford Museum. Across 80 acres, you will find 83 authentic historic structures as well as fun rides. Go see Rosa Park's bus, Thomas Edison's lab, the Wright Brothers' workshop, Abraham Lincoln's chair, Washington's bed, and Noah Webster's home where he authored the first American dictionary. Take a ride on a Model T, in a horse-drawn carriage, or on a train. There are plenty of onsite restaurants to choose from so you will have energy to continue walking all day. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes for this activity. At the end of the day, you will surely fall into your hostel bed utterly exhausted.

Handwritten by local expert for Michigan hostels Jakob Lombardi