The rise of slow travel in Michigan

In order to seek a breathing opportunity from the rapid pace of daily life, travelers are increasingly attracting destinations that encourage relaxation and renewal. In 2025, Pure Michigan leans towards this growth trend, inviting visitors to stay away from the crowded itinerary and accept a meaningful, immersive experience.

“Entering into the travel experience is to slow down, not over-planning, and to go all out, may feel counterintuitive in today’s world, but slowing down can greatly enhance our travel enjoyment.”

For conference and event planners, this transformation offers unique opportunities to rethink company retreats, inspiring travel and team-building tours. Slow travel is increasingly in line with the concerns of work-life balance and mental health in today’s corporate landscape, providing a refreshing way to prioritize business gatherings that prioritize connections and intentions.

With its four-season landscapes, diverse agricultural tourism and vibrant cultural scenes, Michigan is an ideal destination for groups looking to embrace slow travel. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into an event or retreat:

• Taste local flavors: Enjoy farm-to-table dining, explore award-winning breweries, and visit craft breweries that emphasize Michigan culinary traditions.
• Reconnect with nature: Take advantage of Michigan’s bypasses next to more than 20 landscapes, 13,400 miles of designated trails, 11,000 inland lakes, and extensive freshwater coastline for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
• Celebrate culture: Participate in the state’s iconic seasonal festivals, such as the Dutch tulip time or the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City.

One of the most innovative elements of the Pure Michigan Slow Travel Program is its partnership with Aroma Labs to create four iconic scents: First Snow, Awakening, Fresh and Harvest. Each of these perfumes encapsulates the nature of Michigan’s season, reminding people of the power of slowing down and fully experiencing the destination without the time of year. These odors can be used as indoor sprays, rollers and balms, and are currently distributed with a wider launch scheduled later this year.

Michigan.org