It is often said that there is nothing to do in Michigan. After living here for well, all my life, I can't help but point out how incredibly wrong that is. In fact, there are so many things to do in Michigan and so many places to visit that you'll have to block out time this summer just to try to visit the best places. Here are the best places to visit in Michigan this summer for you and your friends!

1. Grand Haven

I'm a little biased, because this is my hometown, but honestly it is one of the best places in Michigan. While in the winter it can be a little dreadful, in the summer it is perfect. A small town on Lake Michigan with several beaches, what could be better? Besides staying at the beach all day, visitors can walk the streets of downtown, which is right next to the water, watch the musical fountain at night, a water spectacle with lights set to music, or even go boating. Near Holland and Muskegon, Grand Haven is not a place that you will be bored in the summer.

2. Traverse City

If you're looking for a cute place to spend your time at this summer, this is the place in Northern Michigan is the place for you. The bays ensure that you can spend lots of time at the beach in the beautiful water. Visit the shops, wineries and restaurants for a few days and you'll never want to leave.

3. Sleeping Bear Dunes

If you're looking to be a little bit more adventurous this summer, make a trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Spend your day climbing the mountains of sand isn't only a work out, but a beautiful way to spend your day in the sun. Making it to the water might take a little while, but the view at the end is completely worth it. Make sure to take a full day to spend your time in the dunes to fully enjoy the beauty of it all.

4. The Upper Peninsula

No matte the place you visit in the UP, you won't be disappointed. There are so many beautiful places, you should really spend a week in the UP just to cover a minimum of the places you should visit. The Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior spans for acres and is a beautiful site. St. Ignace borders the straits of Mackinac and features lighthouse, hiking and fishing. Tahquamenon Falls State Park is the second largest of the Michigan State Parks and features waterfalls that you won't be able to stop staring at. The places to visit in the Upper Peninsula are endless and they're all beautiful.

5. Mackinaw Island/City

Yes, this is the place to get the best fudge ever, but it's also one of the most beautiful places to spend your time this summer. Taking a weekend trip to the island where there are no cars is refreshing to say the least. Take time to go biking around the Island, go hiking wherever you can, and visiting historical landmarks to make your trip the best it can be.