9 Best Road Trips to Take in Michigan
The US state of Michigan offers some of the best road trip adventures for tourists looking to drive along beautiful areas and witness history and nature combined. With lots of features to observe or take in by vehicle, it is always a refreshing feeling to take a road trip and experience what is out there. For travelers wanting a humid continental climate and many cool stops in between, these are the best road trip encounters worth the itinerary!
Red Arrow Highway
Roadtrippers across Michigan may love the 21-mile Red Arrow Highway because it offers the best quaint vibes and coastal sightseeing pleasures around Union Pier, Lakeside, and Harbert, perfect for drivers headed to St. Joseph. Those who explore Lake Michigan will find cool art galleries, antiquities, and numerous beaches along the shoreline. Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is one of the most prominent stops in between, with welcoming vibes and Great Lakes surfing nearby in New Buffalo! The highway is also known for its splendid Weko Beach sunset points and campsite overlooks, which are all the more memorable for nature lovers.
Brockway Mountain Drive
A scenic 9.5-mile circular drive with Lake Superior beauty, Brockway Mountain Drive is ideal for mountain tourism and rough terrain drivers. Tourists can start west from Highway M-26, also known as Lakeshore Drive, and head east towards Copper Harbor for lakeside thrills and mountainous backdrops. Several nature sanctuaries along the trip, such as Upson Lake Nature Sanctuary, are convenient stops for a scenic hike. Along Brockway Mountain Drive, there will be 360-degree views and panoramic heights for photography of Lake Superior!
M-22 Scenic Highway
A marvelous road trip adventure, the 116-mile M-22 Scenic Highway is worth the trip with its nice distance starting from Manistee and ending in Traverse City. One of the primary villages that drivers can stop by first is Onekama, a leisurely community with sandy playgrounds, boating tours, and picnic comfort. For those seeking thrilling bluff views, Inspiration Point is a scenic turnout spot, offering climbers and hikers alike a unique perspective while driving past Arcadia; it is also a nice segue point into Frankfort and L'Chayim Delicatessen's breakfast meals!
Nearing the halfway point around Glen Arbor and Leland, Glen Lake is a commonly frequented spot for tourists who wish to take part in watersports or oceanic views. Travelers can drive further on into Northport and Suttons Bay before ending in Traverse City, with fishing culture around Village Cheese Shanty, Lake Michigan marina aesthetic, and brewery enjoyment at Hop Lot Brewing. Roadtrippers can finish their trip off at West End Tavern for a laidback dinner before heading back home.
River Road National Scenic Byway
A 22-mile historic highway that reflects upon the Au Sable River, this is a must-see for drivers. With various wildlife and plant habitats around, it is a definitive nature trip for any road trip fan. As it extends west from Lake Huron to the Huron-Manistee National Forests, travelers will first be able to take in the beauty of cross-country resorts and boating sights, all while later enjoying the unique beach areas around Oscoda and scenic winter slopes. The Lumberman's Monument is a typical end stop with the coolest historical campgrounds. It is also a favorite among drivers who love to absorb lookout scenery and boardwalk trails!
Tunnel of Trees Scenic Byway
A small-town vibe can be found in this 20-mile byway, as drivers can expect to see tree tunnels revealing fresh greenery and elegant beauty all on a two-lane road through M-119. The adventure starts at either Cross Village at the northern end, or Harbor Springs at the southern end. It consists of golf course sightseeing and colorfully aligned houses and estates all around the loop, making it quite family-friendly and enjoyable for all ages! The scenic coast of Lake Michigan is noteworthy as tourists can travel the coastline to experience the breezy ocean winds and some of the best nature sounds!
Scenic Route 31
A worthy contender for road trips, the 65-mile Scenic Route 31 is just perfect for peaceful shoreline tours and quaint resort community foundations. With Charlevoix and other smaller resort towns along the route, it is easy for drivers to feel immersed in hilly farmlands and Lake Michigan rural living while behind the wheel. The serenity and atmosphere around northern forests and Victorian charms make this adventure the best around! Wine enthusiasts may even want to participate in fall foliage photography and quick stops for leaf throwing around local vineyards, a common reason for road trips to take place in this region.
Lake Superior South Shore Scenic Highway
For those driving along this 42-mile highway in the Upper Peninsula, it is not difficult to find some of the best natural views. At the start of this route, find Hiawatha National Forest and its untouched vegetation that makes for a scenic stop. As Lake Superior touches the state, open views of the lake and Au Train River connection points are easily visible. This road trip follows M-28 from Marquette to Munising. Along the route, catch the sunset at Sunset Scenic View at Lake Superior and admire Grand Island.
Sunrise Coast
Travelers in the car who want sunrise splendors and Great Lakes beauty may find Sunrise Coast to be the best option for US-23 scenery. The 200-mile Lake Huron shoreline has Oscoda and Harrisville village communities around who love to wave at drivers. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a key landmark that can be witnessed while driving around this coast, and was first built in 1870 as a waypoint for navigators back in the day! While on the road, tourists can also easily discover the town of Standish, which follows the Huron Shores Coastal Water Trail, and is known to appeal to kayakers and canoers alike. Those driving on this route can be entranced by Au Gres River settlements and Modern Craft Wine, a popular locale stop for fruit-flavored wines.
M-134 North Huron Scenic Byway
Yet another Lake Huron option, those on the northern road may appreciate this route as it is great for birdwatchers and boating fans. The approximately 50-mile byway is rich with preserved habitats that come from the North Huron Birding Trail, as well as waterfowl that can be found right along the road as drivers pass by. The byway is also wonderful because of Les Cheneaux and Drummond Island's beauty, which makes it easy to see different alcoves, sandy beaches, and paddling stops at varying times. With 50 miles of road going through Hessel, Cedarville, DeTour Village, and Drummond Island on the way out, tourists will want to come back for more!
These road trip ideas are the best ones that any traveler can choose for a spectacular adventure in Michigan. With natural and historical factors to take in while cruising along byways or coastline pathways, there is nothing short of beauty and satisfaction. These options all around the "Great Lakes State" are guaranteed to bring travel success to anyone needing a new road trip itinerary!
