Top Summer Road Trip Experiences in Michigan

There's something magical concerning packing up your auto, rolling down the windows, and striking the open roadway as summer sets in. Michigan, with its sprawling shorelines, thick forests, and charming small towns, provides a few of the most spectacular drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a longtime local or planning your first tour via the state, there's no scarcity of breathtaking courses to make this period unforgettable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When lots of people think about Michigan, they visualize the lower fifty percent of the state. Yet the Upper Peninsula is an untapped gem for road trippers looking to experience something raw and wild. Start your journey by going across the legendary bridge into the U.P., where forests extend endlessly and lakes glimmer under golden sunshine.
Take your time winding with M-28, a highway that hugs the southerly edge of Lake Superior. The course takes you with picturesque communities like Munising, home to several of the most stunning waterfalls in the state. Make a rest stop to explore the coastline or venture out on a brief hike-- you'll locate that nature is always within arm's reach below. The roads are quiet, the sights are peaceful, and the feeling of getaway is actual.
Cruise the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, extra coastal feeling, consider heading west toward Lake Michigan Beginning in the southwestern corner near St. Joseph and comply with heaven Star Highway north. This stretch of road uses sweeping lake sights, rolling dunes, and comfortable lakeside areas that feel like they've been frozen in time.
Driving with areas like South Haven and Saugatuck, you'll discover exactly how the power shifts with the landscape. Some towns buzz with art galleries and ice cream stands, while others welcome you to reduce and delight in a peaceful coastline at sundown. You'll likely capture glimpses of sailboats distant and the aroma of freshwater wandering through the air-- tips that this isn't simply a drive; it's a full-on summer season experience.
Experience the Rustic Charm of Northern Michigan.
North Michigan offers a blend of serenity and experience that really feels custom-made for journey. Begin your trip in Traverse City, a busy lakeside community bordered by cherry orchards and vineyards. From there, steer toward M-22, a winding route that complies with the contours of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is well-known for a reason. It provides postcard-perfect scenes at almost every turn-- vine-covered hills, turquoise bays, and winding forest roadways that instantly open to scenic views. Stop in communities like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time reduces and every edge has a story. It's the kind of route where you could not have info actually a set plan, which's specifically the point.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're yearning something off the beaten path, head east towards Michigan's Thumb region. This area often obtains forgotten however rewards travelers with peaceful countryside roads and enchanting harbor communities along Lake Huron.
Follow M-25 as it twists around the idea of the Thumb. The drive between Bay City and Port Huron is populated with unforeseen finds: lighthouses, roadside ranch stands, and peaceful beaches where the water shines in the late afternoon sun. There's a feeling of nostalgia below that's hard to locate somewhere else, and the slow speed makes it easy to relish every moment.
Prepare for the Journey
Of course, no trip is complete without a reliable experience to get you there and back. If you're thinking about upgrading your vehicle before hitting the trail, now is a fun time to check out a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Known for its smooth drive and large interior, it's excellent for long hours on the road and spontaneous detours down picturesque byways.
Before you head out, it's additionally worth connecting with a Detroit Chevy dealer to ensure your vehicle awaits experience. A fast check-in can provide you peace of mind and perhaps even spark some originalities for where to go next. If you're already in the location, a trusted Chevy dealer in Detroit can aid with whatever from a routine tune-up to locating the best summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something without a doubt freeing about uncovering new roadways and reviewing acquainted ones with fresh eyes. Whether you're chasing after waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, catching a lake breeze along the west coast, or discovering hidden treasures in the Thumb, Michigan provides a wide-open play ground for summertime expedition.
Wherever your path leads, do not hurry. Turn up your favored playlist, take the beautiful route, and allow the roadway guide you. And for even more neighborhood travel ideas and trip inspiration, make sure to check back on a regular basis-- we're always updating with brand-new courses and destinations that make summertime seem like an open invitation.