Are you struggling to dream up the perfect bachelor party for your groom? Don’t want to go where everyone else goes? Or are you looking for something different?
We’ve got the ideal spot for you. Michigan!
So it might not be an obvious choice, but we’re here to convince you that the USA’s 11th-largest state has a lot going for it (even if it is a staycation bachelor party).
Let’s look at what’s on offer and discover why Michigan is the place for an epic bachelor party.
Michigan is a step away from the typical bachelor party destinations such as Las Vegas and Miami. It is the perfect spot for grooms-to-be who prefer getting close to nature rather than living it up in a nightclub.
The state offers abundant forests and over 3,000 miles of waterfronts to explore. You can even consider renting a Getaway house to fully immerse yourself in the nature experience. So if your buddy enjoys camping, hiking, and outdoor pursuits, you’re onto a winner with Michigan.
That said, for those who want bright lights and beer, there are a few spots in Michigan that have an incredible – and often underrated – party scene.
So what’s on offer in this little state, tucked away in the north of the US? Here are our top ten bachelor party ideas in Michigan to inspire you.
Any place nicknamed “Beer City” has to be a great spot for a bachelor party, right? Grand Rapids received this moniker thanks to the 80 + craft breweries located there, including Founders Brewing Company – the world’s third-best brewery.
Visitors can participate in the Beer City Ale Trail and discover the many brewery tours, such as B.O.B’s and the Grand Rapids Brewing Company. You don’t have to worry about a designated driver, as Grand Rapids is an entirely walkable city.
For less alcohol-induced pursuits, you can go fishing in Grand River downtown or take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails around the city’s outskirts.
Detroit is the party capital of Michigan and is a perfect destination for sports fans who love hockey, baseball, basketball, and football. Book tickets to a game during the day, then head downtown in the evening.
Check out the Whiskey Parlor and The Skip. Both are excellent places to start the night. Try The Annex, Leland City Club, or Society for late nights and lasers. All are located in downtown Detroit and are within walking distance of each other.
Copper Harbor is the ultimate destination for winter bachelor parties. Mt Bohemia provides deep powder snow and is a mecca for snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts. Out of the snow season, the place is incredible for mountain biking, with trails to suit all levels of biking prowess.
For those more inclined toward gas power, you can hire ATVs and snowmobiles to explore the area quickly.
The tiny town offers many accommodation options and some decent eateries, such as Lake Effect Bar and Grill and the Pines Resort.
There’s plenty to discover on Lake Michigan. This 307-mile-long stretch of water is hugely popular with fishing enthusiasts. Treat your groom to a fishing party if your groom is such a person. What’s better than a boat, a rod, plenty of beer, and all your best buddies together?
Along the shore, there’s an extensive range of hotels, eateries, and bars, all with lake access, so you don’t have to worry about driving once you step off the boat.
Mackinac Island is a quick ferry ride from Mackinaw City. This little island is a vast state park that is 100% car-free. Here you can enjoy horse and carriage rides to get around. Or, hire bikes for the gang and spend a peaceful day exploring on two wheels.
Despite being such a quiet place, Mackinac Island has several decent drinking spots, such as Horn’s Bar, Mary’s Bistro Draught House (with over 50 craft beers on tap), and Pink Ponies for its live music and gigantic hot tub!
Saugatuck is on the mid-eastern shore of Lake Michigan. If you want to hire a boat and sail off into the sunset, this is the place. Retro Boat Rentals offers duffy, pontoon, retro, and donut boats. Makin’ Waves is another excellent place to rent boats and jet skis.
Then you can take your pick of bar and grill options in the small town. Wicks and Wally’s are two excellent options for craft beer, BBQ, and live music.
If you plan to get close to nature and crack a cool one around the campfire, then Munising is your place. Book an off-grid cabin in the woods with direct access to Lake Superior. Or pitch a tent in the Munising Tourist Park Campsite and then check out some shipwrecks in a glass-bottomed boat.
Grayling straddles the Au Sable River and is a thriving hub for outdoor pursuits. First, you and your crew can spend a leisurely day practicing your drive at the exclusive 18-hole Forest Dunes Golf resort.
Borchers provides kayaking a-plenty plus stunning riverside accommodation should you need it. And when it’s beer-o-clock, Paddle Hard Brewing has an excellent selection of beer and food to go with it.
Of course, this thriving college town will be a party hotspot and serve as a superb place for the groom to relive his youth.
Main Street is the heart of all the action, bursting with bars and clubs. Try Nightcap for cocktails, Ravensclub for delicious food, and Connor O’Neils for an Irish theme. If you fancy a laugh, then the Comedy Showcase is Ann Arbor’s most popular comedy club.
Music lovers will be thrilled to learn that Ann Arbor has a massive festival scene, with Festifools, the Summer Festival, and Edgefest among the biggest.
Lansing is up there with Detroit for what it offers bachelor parties. First up, get you and your crew on a Lansing party bus. With music, drinks on tap, and someone to drive your drunk self around all night, what’s not to like? If a party bus isn’t your style, perhaps a party limo is more your thing.
When you’re done with the bus, let off some steam by throwing a few axes around and going hell for leather in a go-kart.
Fabulous bachelor parties don’t have to be expensive or grand. It’s about getting your best buddies together and having fun. Plan a few activities but don’t “over-plan,” as this can be stressful and too regimented. Remember, keep it relaxed, and the fun will flow.
You must consider that most people have jobs and other commitments, so a bachelor party should last up to one or two days. Planning it over a weekend is best, as this is when most people are available.
It is standard practice for the best man and the groomsmen to pay for the bachelor party. However, if it is an expensive event, it is normal for all the guests to pay for their travel and accommodation. The exception is the groom, who will have all his expenses paid.
A typical bachelor party consists of drinking alcohol, heading to bars and clubs, and activities like karting, sailing, golfing, and skiing. However, bachelor parties can also be calmer, where the group will camp or hike for a weekend. It all depends on the groom and his preferences.
In the past, the bachelor party was held the day before the wedding. However, since bachelor parties have become more elaborate with plenty of alcohol, this day is only sometimes wise or practical. Therefore, it is common for bachelor parties to take place a month or several weeks before the wedding.
It’s not the obvious choice, but Michigan offers some excellent bachelor party options. The tricky part will be choosing which part of Michigan to visit!
At The Groom Club, we’re all about exploring all the possibilities for your wedding, including plenty of tips and advice for bachelor parties, including bachelor party costs. Ensure you follow us on social media so you never miss an article.
