The Best Michigan Routes for a Summer Road Trip

There's something magical about packing up your car, rolling down the windows, and hitting the open road as summertime embed in. Michigan, with its expansive coastlines, thick woodlands, and enchanting towns, offers some of the most breathtaking drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a longtime local or planning your first tour through the state, there's no scarcity of scenic courses to make this period remarkable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When the majority of people think about Michigan, they imagine the lower fifty percent of the state. Yet the Upper Peninsula is an untapped treasure for road trippers wanting to experience something raw and wild. Start your trip by crossing the iconic bridge right into the U.P., where forests stretch constantly and lakes shimmer under gold sunshine.
Take your time winding through M-28, a freeway that hugs the southern edge of Lake Superior. The route takes you via picturesque towns like Munising, home to some of one of the most sensational waterfalls in the state. Make a pit stop to discover the shoreline or endeavor out on a short walk-- you'll find that nature is constantly within arm's reach here. The roadways are quiet, the views are calm, and the sense of retreat is real.
Cruise the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, more seaside feeling, think about heading west towards Lake Michigan Start in the southwestern edge near St. Joseph and follow the Blue Star Highway north. This stretch of roadway offers sweeping lake views, rolling dunes, and comfy lakeside neighborhoods that seem like they've been iced up in time.
Driving through locations like South Haven and Saugatuck, you'll notice exactly how the power changes 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 peeks of sailing boats distant and the aroma of freshwater wandering through the air-- pointers 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 harmony and journey that really feels custom-made for road trips. Start your journey in Traverse City, a bustling lakeside town surrounded by cherry orchards and vineyards. From there, steer toward M-22, a winding route that follows the contours of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is well-known for a reason. It delivers postcard-perfect scenes at nearly every turn-- vine-covered hills, turquoise bays, and winding woodland roadways that instantly open to breathtaking sights. Stop in towns like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time slows down and every edge has a tale. It's the type of path where you may not have a set strategy, which's precisely the point.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're craving something off the beaten path, head eastern towards Michigan's Thumb region. This location usually obtains neglected but rewards travelers with peaceful countryside roads and enchanting harbor communities along Lake Huron.
Follow M-25 as it twists around the pointer of the Thumb. The drive between Bay City and Port Huron is populated with unanticipated finds: lighthouses, roadside farm stands, and silent beaches where the water glows in the late afternoon sunlight. There's a sense of fond memories here that's tough to discover elsewhere, and the slow-moving pace makes it very easy to enjoy every minute.
Prepare for the Journey
Of course, no journey is complete without a reliable experience to get you there and back. If you're thinking about upgrading your car before hitting the road, currently is a fun time to take a look at a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Known for its smooth drive and large inside, it's optimal for lengthy hours when traveling and spontaneous detours down beautiful byways.
Prior to you go out, it's additionally worth getting in touch with a Detroit Chevy dealer to see to it your automobile is ready for journey. A quick check-in can give you satisfaction and perhaps even spark some originalities for where to go next. If you're already in the location, a trusted Chevy dealer in Detroit check out this site can help with every little thing from a regular tune-up to discovering the perfect summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something undoubtedly freeing concerning finding new roadways and reviewing familiar ones with fresh eyes. Whether you're going after waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, catching a lake wind along the west coastline, or uncovering surprise gems in the Thumb, Michigan offers a wide-open play ground for summer expedition.
Wherever your path leads, do not rush. Show up your favorite playlist, take the beautiful course, and let the roadway guide you. And for more neighborhood travel concepts and road trip ideas, be sure to inspect back routinely-- we're constantly upgrading with new paths and destinations that make summertime seem like an open invitation.