MichiganRoad Trips
By Sophie Boudreau
|Updated on July 07, 2023(Originally published July 01, 2023)
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Sophie Boudreau
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Road trips are a blast no matter where you’re headed, but there’s something undeniably special about exploring your own backyard. The next time you’ve got an urge to hit the road, consider checking out one of these awesome trips throughout the Great Lakes State. Here are ten of the best road trips in Michigan to take. Get those playlists and road trip snacks ready!
This trip will lead you through everything from a spooky psychiatric facility that’s long abandoned to Detroit’s famous Michigan Central Station. While it’s fun to observe these decaying structures from outside, please remember that trespassing is against the law — so enter at your own risk.
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Spread this trip out over a weekend to make sure you have time to explore and admire each and every lighthouse. Marvel at the bright beauty of Big Red at Holland State Park and snap pictures of the gorgeous lighthouse at Sturgeon Point. This is one of the best road trips in Michigan that will utterly charm you.
Take a look at this video of Big Red Lighthouse by @PatmanDroneography:
We all know that Michigan is home to some truly amazing waterfalls. When you follow this route, you’ll have a chance to explore the absolute best of the best. From Bond Falls to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, you’ll be blown away by the elegant yet fierce beauty of these natural wonders on this Michigan road trip itinerary.
Are you in the mood to be spooked? No matter what time of year, visiting these haunted spots in the Great Lakes State will certainly send shivers down your spine. Look out for ghosts at the Felt Mansion and head out at night for a chance to see the mysterious Paulding Light. This adventure is not for the faint of heart.
Take a look at this video by @user-ic8ys8gl8z:
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Ready to explore the best that Michigan has to offer in the way of natural beauty? It would take ages to see every gorgeous attraction in our state, but this road trip will give you a solid overview. Take a boat tour at Pictured Rocks, peruse Ann Arbor’s Nichols Arboretum, or run down the dunes at Sleeping Bear.
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If you’re charmed by quaint covered bridges, this is the perfect trip for you. From Frankenmuth’s Holz-Brucke Bridge to the Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan is home to some of the country’s most delightful bridges — and you’ll want to see them for yourself.
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This trip follows the Huron Shores Heritage Route, which covers 200 miles of shoreline along US-23. Stop in and stay a while at each town along the way — from Standish to Mackinaw City. The east coast of Michigan is sometimes forgotten in favor of the Lake Michigan shore, so take time out to appreciate the Mitten State’s other amazing coastline.
What could be more delightful than a tour of the state’s best small towns? We’ve got plenty of them, and they’re just waiting to be explored. Check out a variety of art galleries in Saugatuck, experience Bavarian charm in Frankenmuth, or venture northward to St. Ignace.
History buffs and urban explorers will enjoy this road trip, which takes drivers through a variety of abandoned towns that once played key roles in the copper industry during the 19th century. From Dollar Bay to Mandan, this ghost town tour will awake your inner historian and leave you with an eerie feeling.
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Set aside three days for this mouthwatering adventure, which will take you to some of Michigan’s most incredible eateries. No matter what type of cuisine you prefer, there’s something for you on this list — and once you check out these incredible restaurants, you’ll certainly be back for seconds. It's one of the most delicious Michigan road trips you can take.
So, there you have it: 10 of the very best road trips in Michigan to embark on in the upcoming year. All you need now is a loved one to fill the passenger seat, a map, and a full tank of gas (or a full EV charge). Adventure awaits you — now go explore!
Are you planning on taking any of these road trips through Michigan? Let us know in the comments below!
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Best Road Trip In Michigan
Jackie Ann|February 22, 2021
What are the most unique places to spend the night in Michigan?
Here are some of the most unique places to spend the night in Michigan:
- While touring the many majestic lighthouses in our state, sign up to be a volunteer overnight keeper at the DeTour Reef Lighthouse in the DeTour Passage of Lake Huron. Through the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, you’ll learn to perform basic duties around the grounds and sleep surrounded by some of the most astonishing views the state has to offer.
- In South Haven’s Maritime District, snuggle up in a cozy 1920’s era train caboose and enjoy amenities like a heated pool available through the managing Old Harbor Inn.
- If you love the water, The Sea Suites B&B is a floating inn on Kalamazoo Lake offering charming sleeping quarters for overnight guests.
What unique tours in Michigan can I take?
Here are some of the most unique tours in Michigan you can take:
- Embark on a tour of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail boasting over a dozen wineries along the lake’s shore. You don’t have to be a wine lover to enjoy this tour, there are plenty of activities affording travelers the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.
- If you are looking for a kayaking adventure, tour Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and explore the lakeshore caves along the way. There, Paddling Michigan offers kayak rentals and helpful tour tips.
What are the most thrilling attractions in Michigan?
For the most thrilling attractions in Michigan, check out the following:
- Journey to Marquette for cliff diving at Black Rocks and plunge into the cold and refreshing waters of the beautiful Lake Superior. Even if you can’t muster the energy to jump, the surrounding rock formations offer incredible views to observe the divers!
- In Thompsonville, Crystal Mountain Resort offers visitors an abundance of stimulating activities, like fat tire biking trails, snowshoeing, and an alpine coaster that winds through 1,700 feet of curved tracks.
- Take the family out for a day of challenging outdoor activities at The Adventure Park at West Bloomfield and explore ropes courses and platform walks providing unparalleled views of the lush wooded landscape.
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