The cap of this mushroom is about 7–9 cm (2.8–3.5 in) in diameter, gray, and has a cracked margin that is sticky when fresh.

Microscopical features and DNA sequence data are of great importance for separating this taxon from related species.

[3] In the original description there is no mention of a volva at the base of the stipe, one of the morphological characters separating Pluteus from Volvopluteus.

[5] Morphological revision of the type and DNA sequence data (based on Internal transcribed spacer sequences) obtained from the collection confirmed that this taxon belongs in the genus Volvopluteus, and that it is a separate species from all the other members of that genus.

[4] The cap of Volvopluteus michiganensis is between 7 and 9 cm (2.8 and 3.5 in) in diameter, more or less ovate or conical when young, then expands to convex or flat.

It can have low, broad umbo at center in old specimens; the surface is markedly viscid in fresh basidiocarps and covered with radially arranged fibrills; the cap is ash gray, similar to the color of Tricholoma terreum.

The gills are crowded, free from the stipe, ventricose, up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in) broad; white when young turning pink with age.