The state of Michigan is 253,800 km² in size with abundant freshwater habitats, including lakes, streams, ponds, and rivers that are ideal for freshwater red algae from the order Batrachospermales. In addition, there are numerous herbarium records, but approximately 60% are more than 20 years old. Recent collections have been from a small geographic area and only a handful of specimens have associated DNA sequences that are often needed for accurate species identification. We surveyed broadly in the Upper and Lower Peninsula, revisiting previously sampled sites and exploring new localities. Freshwater red algae were collected from 19 sites that varied from small streams, rivers, and lake inlet/outlets with a corresponding range in water temperature, pH, and conductivity. Four genera were collected, Batrachospermum, Paludicola, Sheathia, and Virescentia, with species identifications verified with rbcL gene sequencing. The genus Sheathia was the most abundant (15 sites) and represented by two species, S. grandis and S. involuta. At seven sites, we found Batrachospermum gelatinosum, whereas Paludicola communis and Virescentia viride-americana were each collected once. Although these four genera have been previously known from the state, this study provided the first rbcL sequence for B. gelatinosum and P. communis in Michigan. At one location, we confirmed the presence of Virescentia viride-americana 30 years after it had first been collected, and likewise, we confirmed B. gelatinosum at another site 27 years later. Sheathia grandis was recently described from only two locations in nearby states. This study was the first report in Michigan and added considerably to the number of known locations. This research has yielded new records, species identification with DNA sequence, and expanded habitat information.