Michigan's 13 Most Romantic Getaways For Couples

The forests and lakesides of Michigan might be some of the most romantic places in the world. Bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, there are plenty of breathtaking getaways ideal for couples with a view of Lake Michigan, Huron, Superior, or Erie. There's also the forested interior of the state, which includes variations on outdoor adventure with log cabins, treehouses, and glamping locations that are just as cozy. 

The Great Lakes may not be on the same level as other places when it comes to romantic getaways like tropical resorts or European hotspots like Paris, but the region deserves more attention nonetheless. Don't forget the allure of outdoor sports in the winter months as well, when it's all about fun in the snow followed by cuddling with hot beverages in front of roaring fireplaces. Michigan hosts various ski resorts and lodges and picturesque wineries that are perfect for romantic getaways. Many of them also offer wedding, catering, and reception services for those ready to tie the knot. 

There are a lot of rural wonders among the parks and shorelines to compliment these picture-perfect Michigan towns. Couples can enjoy a peaceful wilderness or exciting city retreat, whatever is their heart's desire. These locations are also a convenient distance from memorable and exciting attractions that complement the whole amorous getaway picture, like carriage rides along historic streets, sunsets over long sandy beaches, and fine dining by the lakeside.

When you're looking for romantic escapes in Michigan, this location shows up at the top of all the search results. Chateau Chantal is located on the Old Mission Peninsula, includes a luxury bed and breakfast in addition to a winery, and hosts annual events like the Ice Wine Festival.

The venue is located about 14 miles north of Traverse City, so the setting is peaceful and rural but within an easy driving distance of the city's amenities. The design and layout of the winery is intended to be rural as opposed to urban, and includes walking trails and beaches next to East Grand Traverse Bay. Couples can spend quality time together while enjoying the scenic views and relaxed walks.

There's plenty to do on the Chateau's ample grounds, such as experiencing their own tasting room, but there are some alluring reasons to venture outside. The Harbor View Nursery & Lavender Farm (about 2.5 miles away) is one example, where, depending on the season, you can walk around lush lavender fields that are just as beautiful as the ones in Provence. The Chateau is also one of 10 properties listed on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. 

Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is a wilderness resort that is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lodge comes complete with cabins, two restaurants, and plenty of of breathtaking scenic beauty and fresh mountain air any time of year. It should be noted that these amenities are only available to guests staying at the lodge and the dining room, called the Tasting Post, is only available for private dinners. For a couple that wants to get away from it all and have a relaxed meal that's been meticulously curated in a romantic forest setting, this is the place for you.

The historic cabins date from the 1930s, cozy but not luxurious, and are equipped with all the modern amenities. A few are only one bedroom, intended only for couples, but there are also several cabins with two and three bedroom options as well for groups. Cabin 2 is the Honeymoon Suite, equipped with a wood fireplace and a hot tub to keep warm and cozy.

Guests are welcome to explore the verdant grounds during their stay, which include a golf course and outdoor activity center. When it's time to go exploring, the old growth forest of the Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary is less than 5 miles away.

For those sporty couples who enjoy golf or skiing, the Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort is one possible choice at time of year. Stay at the Mackenzie Lodge in a cozy room with a balcony with a king-size bed with the scenic views. This place is so romantic, it's touted as the ideal wedding venue, wrapping the ceremony, reception, and honeymoon into one convenient location.

Ski out of your lodging in the winter months or add on a golf package for your summer vacation. The heated outdoor pool and fire pit are available all year round, so couples can stay warm and active no matter when they visit.

It takes less than 30 minutes to drive from Cadillac, the closest urban center, to the mountaintop resort. More outdoor fun for you and your significant other is available at The Mackenzie Cross Country Ski and Mountain Bike Trail, which is right next to Caberfae Peaks, and is available for both winter and summer sports. The region is also ideal for mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but guests are advised that the trails are on federal land (in Manistee National Forest) and the trail is only connected to the resort in the winter.

The Old Mission Inn is designed and intended as a retreat for adults only, especially those looking for some peace and quiet. Each of the six rooms is designed with a romantic theme reflected in the name, such as Cupids Cove and the Vineyard Room. You might say this place is literally built for connecting with your beloved.

This urban retreat takes romance seriously and does not host weddings, reunions, or other large-scale events to interrupt your private time. The site includes a restaurant, the Mission Bay Cafe, which is only open to the public during part of the year but is always available for guests looking for a quiet, romantic meal.

The scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay from the Mission Point Lighthouse are less than 4 miles away, and getting there requires a scenic drive through the Old Mission State Park. A deep dive into the haunted history of Traverse City with a ghost tour while your loved one holds you tight is another idea for the amorous.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is 50,000 acres of forest, rivers, lakes, and the famous "root beer" waterfalls on the eastern side of the Upper Peninsula. This rugged and beautiful wilderness includes several options for romantic getaways if you'd rather curl up with a close friend in a rustic, natural environment. 

There are seven different places to stay throughout the park. The selection includes a modern lodge, rustic cabins, and campgrounds for both tents and RVs. There's also a boat launch near the Rivermouth Campground for those that have their own vessel and want to spend some romantic time on the water while you're there. Rowboats are also available for rental through the Lower Tahquamenon Falls Café & Gift Shop if guests want to explore the river shoreline and surrounding waterfalls. 

Speaking of boats, visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point for tales of tragedy and adventure on the waters of Superior, Huron, and Michigan. Experience the ghost stories and adventurous history of the lakes and hold your partner tight. A whole section is dedicated to the Edmund Fitzgerald, a Great Lakes freighter which sank on the Ontario side of Whitefish Bay in 1975.  

Tagged as "America's Freshwater Resort," The Homestead provides guests with sandy beaches in the summer and fresh powder in the winter. This is a large resort, offering several options for dining, sports, local tours, sightseeing, and romantic getaways for every budget.

Check the handy on-site search engine to find the perfect romantic accommodation from the extensive choices offered. For those guests taking the ultimate romantic plunge, The Homestead can provide a planning services and a venue for a wedding ceremony, including catering for the reception.

Guests can choose between hotel rooms, vacation houses, or whole villas while enjoying everything the location has to offer. There are a few restaurants throughout the site, offering guests a choice between cafes, fine dining, and casual meals. Cafe Manitou is the one located on the edge of Lake Michigan, giving visitors a sublime view of the lake, and this romantic lakeside restaurant is only available to guests of the resort.

As the quirky name implies, this restored, historic home is in a unique and friendly community. The Nordic Pineapple Bed and Breakfast hosts events like murder mystery nights and baking workshops in addition to being a peaceful, romantic retreat. 

Each room has a creative theme based on a style and color: Choose between The Purple Viking, The Blue Ram, the Green Duck, The Pink Pumpkin, and more. Couples can also enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the Barber Lounge and Benson Bistro, which is part of the main building and caters only to guests to preserve your privacy.

When it's time to venture outside, St. Johns is a small town with plenty to explore when it comes to art and architecture. Romance blooms on among the quiet streets and stately homes. The Art and Soul Gallery is only a 15 minute walk away through a safe and pleasant neighborhood, and the Paine Gillam Scott Museum, a historic landmark and restored building dating from 1860, is even closer. 

The grand piano and roaring fireplace set the tone for The Landmark Inn, the place to go for a refined, luxury-level romantic getaway. There are several rooms with king size beds and a view of Lake Superior, and a penthouse suite for those that really want to splurge.

The hotel is less than a mile from the Marquette Lighthouse, which has a museum and gift shop in addition to the breathtaking location. Visit in the autumn and enjoy the fall colors, making the environment even more romantic and photo-friendly. Even closer is the Marquette Regional History Center for those who want a deeper dive into the region's past.

Marquette is a cozy lakeside town that's great for a romantic getaway no matter where you're staying. The city is located on the southern shore of Lake Superior on the Upper Peninsula and has impressive views of Marquette Bay from virtually any angle. Turn west into a world of rocky waterfalls and verdant forests of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Situated on a 5-acre estate that includes a winery and a farm to table breakfast service, Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate still retains the look of a turn-of-the-20th century farmhouse but is fully restored with all the modern trimmings. Couples can spend a quiet vacation wandering the surrounding gardens and enjoying guided wine-tastings while staying in one of the inn's romantic, themed rooms — all named after famous wine regions.

For those looking for a romantic getaway for two, this venue offers a package that combines lodging and gourmet breakfast specifically for couples. South Haven, a town nicknamed "The Catskills of the Midwest" is less than 10 minutes away by car, and is a pleasant and picturesque lakeside city with some romance of its own. 

There are various places to visit in the city, including museums, lighthouses, and nature trails, all within walking distance of several downtown attractions. Check out the view of Lake Michigan from the South Haven Lighthouse, just off the expansive North Beach.

The National House Inn has been hosting guests in Marshall since 1835, making it the oldest operating hotel in the state and an ideal destination for couples that are interested in the history and heritage of the region. There are Friday and Saturday specials for lovers that are looking for a special weekend getaway in one of the Victorian-style rooms.

The 19th century architecture adds even more interest for a romantic getaway while enjoying the National Historic Landmark District. This location is easy to find just off the Marshall Roundabout, a distinctive landmark that includes the Brooks Memorial Fountain, a Greek Revival style water feature inspired by the Temple of Love in Versailles that dates back to 1930.

Browse the art and design on every street with just a casual walk around the neighborhood. On the northern side of the roundabout, visitors can find the Honolulu House Museum. It was built in 1860 by Abner Pratt, who served as a United States Consul to Hawaii, and is a combination of Italianate, Gothic Revival, and Polynesian designs. For lovers looking for magic, there's the American Museum of Magic a few blocks away.

Start a romantic getaway with a ride on ferry to a truly isolated location. Mackinac Island is located in the northwestern corner of Lake Huron, and there's no bridge from the Michigan mainland. However, you can get there by using either the Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry or the Arnold Transit Company ferry, which  depart from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. The schedule can be unpredictable in the winter months, and the ferries are walk-on only, so plan accordingly to avoid any transportation mishaps. 

Island House Hotel is located a short walk away from the ferry dock and offers visitors various rooms with a scenic view that overlooks Haldimand Bay. Guests can choose between scenic views of the harbor or Lake Huron in various historic, restored rooms. 

Other romantic attractions on the island include historic sites, golf courses, and exploring the lakeshore. A city tour in a horse-drawn carriage is a popular option for lovers, but there are also plenty of walking and cycling trails you can use to explore the island together. 

A historic winery and vineyard located in the Old Mission Peninsula, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is a romantic getaway also includes a lavender field, herb gardens, and flower beds. Every guest receives a complimentary bottle of wine and a cheese and charcuterie board to go with it, which is a nice treat to enjoy with your loved one while enjoying the view from the Upper Deck or the Lawn Bar.

Accommodations are provided at the Guesthouse, a renovated barn with a view of the East Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding vineyards. For those interested in the local winery culture, this venue is part of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, which consists of nine additional local properties.

Not everything on this scenic stretch of land in East Grand Traverse Bay is about crushing grapes. North of the estate is the Pyatt Lake: The Bill Carl's Nature Preserve, which protects a fragile, botanically-diverse ecosystem. Northwest of the estate is Bowers Harbor and a boat launch, along with the romantic lakeside ambiance of the Boathouse Restaurant.

There would have to be at least one choice for those daring lovers who prefer the excitement of the big city, and The Inn on Ferry Street offers guests the peace of a boutique hotel in the heart of Detroit's historic Midtown. The entire venue includes four renovated Victorian homes and a carriage house, and guests can rent a whole home as easily as a single room — whatever you want for a romantic getaway. 

Don't worry about urban noise in this upscale neighborhood that was owned and maintained by the Detroit Institute of Arts for about 30 years until the renovated buildings opened to hosting guests. This area of Midtown is artistic and elegant, with the nearest attractions being art galleries and museums as opposed to dance clubs, bars, or amusement parks. The Detriot Institute of Arts is just a block away, the Hellenic Museum of Michigan is on the same street as the institute, and the Detriot Historical Museum is just a five minute walk away on Woodward Avenue.

When visitors want to venture further into the big city, keep in mind that Detroit is also famous for two things humans love: cars and music. Fans of either understand their fierce attraction, so couples should make time for the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum and the Motown Museum.

The Pure Michigan website suggests many ideas for couples looking for a getaway. Travelers can peruse the whole website, which features whole lists of creative, exciting ideas for all kinds of different vacations found throughout the state, some of which can be tailored for couples in the mood for love. 

We wanted to highlight isolated, unplugged, and rustic locations close to the great outdoors. The wilder parts of Michigan are some of the most untouched and authentic areas in the country — perfect for lovers, friends, and deep human connections. These romantic locations have plenty of information on their websites regarding their scenic locations and amorous amenities. Other places we highlighted included convenient locales where couples could enjoy activities outdoors, cheers to their love at a wine tasting, or soak up local art and culture. 

Michigan has a reputation for historic or rustic locations, but there are also plenty of modern, luxury venues in the state, so whether you want to stay connected to the outside world or get away from it all (they don't call it a "romantic getaway" for nothing), you're sure to find something appealing in Michigan.