Michigan Road Trip Ideas: 11 Best Road Trips + Itinerary
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Beth
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Is there anything better than embarking on a road trip? We think not, and if you happen to agree, you’ll be delighted to browse our list of unforgettable Michigan road trip ideas. Michigan is a vast state, and exploring it from your car will undoubtedly prove to be an adventure. From one-day road trips to scenic road trips and multi-day itineraries, there’s a road trip for everyone on this list. So gas up the tank, queue your favorite playlist, and prepare to have the drive of a lifetime.
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For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState's Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Whether you're leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can't forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.
1-Day Road Trip In Michigan
- Route: Blake's Big Apple > Wilderness Trails Zoo > Rosebush Farm Market > Waldeck Island Nature Preserve > Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm and Boutique > Garden Cafe at Pine Hill Nursery > The House on the Hill Bed and Breakfast
- Distance: 335 miles
- Trip Time: 6 hr driving time
On this gorgeous road trip, you'll be making your way through the scenic Michigan countryside. The route is dotted with family-owned businesses, kid-friendly attractions, and even a place to rest your head for the night. In short, you'll get to experience everything that makes rural Michigan so wonderful.
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3-Day Weekend Road Trip In Michigan
- Route: Fallasburg Covered Bridge > Ada Covered Bridge > Langley Covered Bridge > Holz-Brucke Bridge > Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge
- Distance: 624 miles
- Trip Time: 10 hr 45 min driving time
Isn't there something absolutely magical about covered bridges? This three-day road trip to Michigan's covered bridges is one that you won't soon forget. Michigan's covered bridges are historic, picturesque, and so much fun to explore. This road trip promises to offer you a newfound appreciation for these quaint structures.
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Sunrise Coast Road Trip
- Route: Standish > Au Gres > Oscoda/Au Sable > Harrisville > Alpena > Rogers City > Cheboygan > Mackinaw City
- Distance: 196 miles
- Trip Time: 3 hr 45 min driving time
There are few places dreamier than the Michigan coast. And we've devised the perfect adventure that will allow you the chance to savor the sights and sounds of Lake Huron. Along this Sunrise Coast road trip, you'll experience quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and nature at its finest.
M-22 Road Trip
- Route: Manistee > Arcadia > Frankfort > Empire > Glen Arbor > Leland > Suttons Bay > Traverse City
- Distance: 110 miles
- Trip Time: 2 hr 35 min driving time
Winding along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline and through the countryside, M-22 is a gorgeous 116-mile stretch of highway. This beautiful road trip will take you to some of the best towns and landmarks of M-22, renewing your sense of appreciation for the area's natural beauty, history, and charming locals.
Best Michigan Road Trip For Spring
- Route: Potawatomi Falls > Gabbro Falls > Manabezho Falls >Manido Falls > Bond Falls > Munising Falls > Miners Falls > Sable Falls > Tahquamenon Falls
- Distance: 375 miles
- Trip Time: 7 hr 48 min driving time
Spring is in the air and there's no better way to celebrate than embarking on a Michigan waterfall road trip! This particular route includes no fewer than 9 scenic spots, each more photo-worthy than the next. It's a long trip, so you'll definitely want to break up the drive wherever possible.
Best Summer Road Trip In Michigan
- Route: Fort Gratiot Light Station > Sturgeon Point Light Station > 40 Mile Point Lighthouse > Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse > Old Mission Point Lighthouse > Grand Traverse Lighthouse > Point Betsie Lighthouse > Big Sable Point Lighthouse > Grand Haven Lighthouse > Big Red Lighthouse
- Distance: 893 miles
- Trip Time: 18 hr 16 min driving time
You may not have known that Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state in the U.S. After taking this epic lighthouse road trip in Michigan, you'll be amazed by the beauty, history, and charm offered by these beacons. This is certainly a multi-day trip, but we assure you that each mile is worth it! Some of these incredible lighthouses date back to the 1800s.
Best Michigan Road Trip For Fall
- Route: Felt Mansion > Henderson Castle > Jackson State Prison > Historic Fort Wayne > Fayette Historic Townsite > Paulding Light > Mission Point Resort
- Distance: 1,059 miles
- Trip Time: 18 hr driving time
Fall is a spooky season, so why not embrace it by taking a road trip to the most haunted places in Michigan? For those who dare, this road trip includes some of the most terrifying, paranormal spots in the Wolverine State. From historic buildings to hotels and other places notorious for their ghostly encounters, this is one trip that may just keep you up at night.
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Best Winter Road Trip In Michigan
- Route: Mandan > Central Mine > Quincy Mine Smelter > Laurium > Dollar Bay > Lake Linden > Hubbell > Gay
- Distance: 107 miles
- Trip Time: 2 hr 25 min driving time
Are you fascinated by abandoned places in Michigan? If so, this is the trip for you! This haunting trip will take you to ghost towns and abandoned structures located throughout the Upper Peninsula. It's a great itinerary for winter because you won't really want to get out of the car to explore much, but rather drive through and imagine what once was.
Family-Friendly Michigan Road Trip
- Route: William C. Sterling State Park > Detroit Institute of Arts > Nichols Arboretum > Saugatuck > Ludington State Park > Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore > Mackinaw City > Tahquamenon Falls
- Distance: 668 miles
- Trip Time: 11 hr 50 min driving time
Are you planning a trip to Michigan with the kids? If so, we have the perfect adventure for you. This family-friendly road trip in Michigan includes all kinds of kiddo-approved destinations, ranging from parks to beaches and fun restaurants, too.
Road Trip to Michigan Landmarks & Natural Wonders
- Route: Nichols Arboretum > Turnip Rock > Tahquamenon Falls > Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore > Kitch-iti-Kipi > Sleeping Bear Dunes > Warren Dunes State Park
- Distance: 1,450 miles
- Trip Time: 26 hr driving time
Michigan is positively brimming with natural wonders, and you'll see some of the best of them on this natural wonders road trip. From sand dunes to emerald blue waters, this trip has no shortage of awe-inspiring views. It's a lengthy trip, and you'll want to factor in even more time to stop and admire each landmark along the way.
Road Trip to Best Small Towns in Michigan
- Route: Chelsea > Frankenmuth > East Tawas > St. Ignace > Charlevoix > Frankfort > Grand Haven > Saugatuck > South Haven
- Distance: 806 miles
- Trip Time: 14 hr 22 min driving time
Here in Michigan, we absolutely adore our small towns. If you haven't had the chance to explore these communities, this small town road trip is the perfect introduction. At each of these delightful towns, you'll be welcomed like a local. In fact, you may just be tempted to move to one of these charming locales!
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