VISIT MICHIGAN

When you head to Michigan for NASCAR weekend at Michigan International Speedway, you’re stepping into one of the most relaxed and naturally beautiful racing regions in the Midwest. The mix of friendly towns, lake country, and easy access to larger cities means there’s plenty to enjoy long before the engines fire up.

Many fans base themselves in Ann Arbor or Jackson. Both cities offer a lively, college-town atmosphere, but each with its own style. Ann Arbor’s downtown–especially around Main Street and State Street–has a great mix of cafés, craft beer spots, independent shops, and live-music venues. Jackson is quieter but full of character, with solid restaurants, historic buildings, and an emerging arts community.

If you’re after something calmer between race days, the area surrounding Brooklyn and the Irish Hills is ideal. This part of Michigan is known for its lakes and rolling terrain, giving you easy access to peaceful outdoor spaces. You can visit the Michigan Walk of Fame or unwind at Wamplers Lake and Lake Columbia, where you’ll find good spots for picnicking, paddling, or fishing.

Outdoor enthusiasts have a long list of options. Hayes State Park offers hiking trails and lake views just minutes from the track, and if you feel like driving a bit farther, Michigan opens up quickly. Detroit sits to the east with big-city culture, sports, and museums; Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids lie to the west and are known for breweries, galleries, and weekend events. If you have an extra day, the Lake Michigan shoreline–around Holland, Saugatuck, or Ludington–makes for a standout trip.

Families will also have no shortage of activities. Kids love the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, and the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Portage. Closer to the track, small attractions like mini-golf, nature paths, and lakeside beaches are perfect for filling in slower parts of the weekend.

Michigan’s food scene rounds everything out. Expect a lot of comforting, hearty dishes and plenty of places that focus on local produce. In Ann Arbor, favourites like Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Frita Batidos, and The Lunch Room draw fans every race weekend. Jackson visitors often head to Knight’s Steakhouse or Grand River Brewery. Around the Irish Hills, you’ll find casual diners, lakeside restaurants, and classic pizza places–easy choices for lunch or dinner before heading to the Speedway.

Whether you spend your downtime out on the lakes, exploring local towns, or enjoying Michigan’s easygoing countryside, the region offers a classic Midwest experience that pairs perfectly with the excitement of NASCAR racing at Michigan International Speedway.