A Guide to the Great Lakes State
Michigan, the mitten-shaped Great Lakes State, is a popular destination for road trippers. With its diverse landscape including beaches, forests, dunes, and waterfalls, Michigan has something to offer travelers of all kids!
And with its many state parks, campgrounds, and world-class hotels, it's easy to find a place to stay and explore.
When to Go
The best time to road trip in Michigan depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in swimming and sunbathing, summer is the best time to go.
But, if you're looking for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, spring or fall are good options. Winter can be a beautiful time to visit Michigan, but it's important to be prepared for cold weather and snow.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Summer
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fall
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spring
⭐⭐⭐ Winter
What to See and Do
Here are some of the most popular road trip destinations in Michigan:
- Auburn Hills: This city is right on I-75, the state’s main highway, and is a shopping and entertainment destination. It's home to Michigan’s largest outlet mall some top attractions that you can’t find anywhere else in the state like SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, Peppa Pig World of Play, Rainforest Café and TopGolf.
- Detroit: Michigan’s largest city is known for its rich history, culture, food and festivals. Visitors will enjoy its many art museums, theatres, restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more.
- Frankenmuth: Frankenmuth is known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria" due to its strong German heritage. It's home to many German-themed shops, restaurants, and attractions including the world's largest Christmas store.
Read more: 13 fun things to do in Frankenmuth - Grand Rapids: This city is located in western Michigan and is known for its art museums, breweries, and festivals. Visitors can also enjoy the parks, hiking trails, and riverfront in Grand Rapids.
- Mackinac Island: This car-free island is located in the Straits of Mackinac, between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Mackinac Island is known for its old-world charm, beautiful scenery, historic buildings, and fudge shops.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: This national lakeshore is located on the Upper Peninsula and is known for its colorful cliffs and sandstone formations. Visitors can hike, boat, and camp at Pictured Rocks.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: This national lakeshore is home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world. Visitors can hike, swim, camp, and explore the many trails and beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
- Traverse City: This city is located on the Leelanau Peninsula and is known for its wineries, breweries, and cherry orchards. Visitors can also enjoy the beaches, shops, and restaurants in Traverse City.
Road Trip Destinations with Kids
Pile the little ones into the car and take them to these unique family attractions
- SEA LIFE Aquarium: Michigan's largest aquarium with over 250 species including sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, seahorses and more. Popular exhibits include the Underwater Ocean Tunnel and the Interactive Touchpool where you can pet sea anemones and sea stars.
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center: this family attraction is the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground with rides, character meet & greets, build zones, play structures and MINILAND where you can see dozens of Detroit-area landmarks built entirely out of LEGO bricks! Best suited for families with children ages 4-10.
- Peppa Pig World of Play: this indoor play center features 14 oink-tastic play areas, all lovingly inspired by the hit animated series. Your little piggies will explore Peppa's house, Miss Rabbit's Supermarket, Grandpa Pig's Train and more! Best suited for families with children ages 1-6.
Other family attractions:
- Rainforest Café
- Detroit Zoo
- TopGolf
- Round1
Road Trip Itineraries
Here are a few road trip itineraries for Michigan:
- The Gold Coast Road Trip: This road trip starts in New Buffalo and ends in Mackinaw City. Along the way, you'll visit the charming towns of Saugatuck, Holland, and Traverse City. You'll also stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
- The Sunrise Coast Road Trip: This road trip starts in Alpena and ends in Mackinaw City. Along the way, you'll visit the towns of Tawas City, Oscoda, and Cheboygan. You'll also stop at Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary and Presque Isle State Park.
- The Tunnel of Trees Road Trip: This road trip starts in Harbor Springs and ends in Mackinaw City. Along the way, you'll drive through the Tunnel of Trees, a scenic stretch of road lined with maple trees. You'll also stop at Mackinac Bridge State Park and Wilderness State Park.
- The Upper Peninsula Road Trip: This road trip starts in St. Ignace and ends in Sault Ste. Marie. Along the way, you'll visit the towns of Marquette, Munising, and Copper Harbor. You'll also stop at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Tips for Road Tripping in Michigan
Here are a few tips for road tripping in Michigan:
- Plan your route: Before you go, take some time to plan your route and identify the places you want to see. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid getting lost.
- Make reservations: If you're traveling during peak season, it's a good idea to make reservations for hotels and campgrounds in advance. This is especially important if you're visiting popular destinations like Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
- Pack for all types of weather: Michigan weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to pack for all types of weather. Be sure to bring rain gear, sunscreen, and a jacket, even if you're traveling in the summer.
- Take your time: Don't try to cram too much into your road trip. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. Make stops at small towns and family attractions. And be sure to leave time for relaxing and unwinding!
Michigan is a beautiful state with a lot to offer road trippers. With its diverse landscape, charming towns, and many attractions, Michigan is sure to please everyone.
