Michigan doesn’t have to work hard to make its case for being a mighty American road trip destination.
The state is home to more beaches than the entire Atlantic seaboard, it’s bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, and more than half of the state’s land is blanketed by forest.
Toss into the mix some towering sand dunes, isolated lake islands, scenic byways, plus a dash of roadside allure (Covered bridges! Lighthouses! Kitschy historic downtowns!), and you have an indelible blueprint for a classic road trip.
Here are eight of our favorite Michigan road trips to get your motor running.
1. Driving around Michigan’s “Mitten”
Best road trip for exploring the Upper Peninsula
Detroit–Detroit; 987 miles
Pull on your best driving gloves; this road trip is the big one. Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is nicknamed “the Mitten” because of its distinctive shape. Threading along its outer edges on this epic drive takes in some of the state’s best natural scenery.
Heading out of Detroit and following the coast clockwise, you’ll skirt the extensive shorelines of Lake St Clair, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan, home to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the few protected lakeshore areas in the country and the perfect spot for outdoor adventures.
Road trippers who prefer cozy accommodations won’t need to stress. The route brims with lakeside villages and towns, including St Joseph, Tawas City, Harbor Springs, and Traverse City, all with attractions and charm that warrant a pause of a night or two. Once well-rested, finish off the journey by climbing the towering sand dunes at Warren Dunes State Park, standing at a whopping 240ft.
2. The Gold Coast
Best road trip for beaches and shoreline
Saugatuck–Mackinaw City; 366 miles
Appropriately named the Gold Coast, Michigan’s 300-mile western shoreline is a sun-kissed stretch of golden beaches and wind-whipped sand dunes. Together, the M-22 Scenic Drive and US-31 run the length of it, hugging the Lake Michigan coast from Saugatuck to Mackinaw City, home to an 18th-century French fort.
Along the way, this meandering stretch of road passes storybook orchards, snug harbors, Victorian mansions, and slow-paced beach towns.
Planning tip: For a summer dip, check out Oval Beach in Saugatuck and Fifth Avenue Beach in Manistee.
3. Michigan in the middle
Best road trip for seeing Michigan old and new
Detroit–St Joseph; 206 miles
While lengthy shorelines dominate travel adventures in this state, Michigan’s middle offers a cultural rewind of sorts, from modern-day Detroit to the charming town of St Joseph.
Begin in the storied metropolis of Detroit, a city that has rebranded itself in the last decade, emerging from economic decline with new vitality. Enjoy distilleries, breweries, cafes, galleries, and boutiques before heading west on I-94 to Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan.
Next, visit Battle Creek, featuring southwestern Michigan’s only natural history museum, before reaching St Joseph, where the famed Silver Beach Carousel twirls amid a bygone era of amusement.
4. Taking it slow in Harbor Country
Best road trip for a short shore drive
Michiana–Sawyer; 17 miles
For a taste of Michigan’s western shoreline, the charming beach towns that make up Harbor Country offer an adventure in miniature.
Along the route, golden sands, picturesque marinas, and quaint hamlets pepper the drive, highlighting the largest public beach in New Buffalo and Michigan’s most-awarded winery in Union Pier. You’ll also find antique shops, artsy boutiques, and fine dining amidst preserved Americana charm.
Planning tip: Although you can complete this short route in about 22 minutes, take your time for leisurely exploration.
5. Upper Peninsula lighthouses
Best road trip for lighthouse spotting
Munising–Escanaba; 513 miles
Michigan boasts more lighthouses than any other state, with 40 located in the Upper Peninsula. Most of these maritime towers, built in the 1800s, are open for tours.
Beginning with the Munising Range Lighthouses at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this counterclockwise adventure follows the peninsula’s edge, showcasing gems like Crisp Point Lighthouse and Point Iroquois Lighthouse.
6. River Road National Scenic Byway
Best road trip for nature
Oscoda–Hale; 26 miles
The River Road National Scenic Byway extends from Lake Huron into the Huron–Manistee National Forests, offering a chance to explore Michigan’s natural wonders. This family-friendly road trip takes in riverside campgrounds, scenic outlooks, and hiking trails along the picturesque Au Sable River.
7. Sunrise Coast
Best road trip for scenic views
Au Gres–Mackinaw City; 179 miles
While Lake Michigan typically steals the spotlight, Lake Huron presents a quiet charm for those exploring the Huron Shores Heritage Route. This road trip showcases wineries, lighthouses, and breathtaking sunrises.
Beginning in Au Gres, the journey stretches north along US-23 to Mackinaw City, with worthwhile stops at Tawas Point State Park and Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary.
8. Tunnel of Trees
Best road trip for forests
Harbor Springs–Cross Village; 16 miles
This scenic route, known as the Tunnel of Trees, is a narrow drive along a stunning bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, covered by a canopy of hardwood and evergreens.
In addition to spectacular forested vistas, the route features small-town charm with general stores, vineyards, breweries, and a wealth of historic diversions. Consider extending your trip with a stop in the quaint town of Petoskey or Wilderness State Park.
This article was first published on Aug 27, 2021, and updated on Apr 28, 2023.
