Top 4 Road Trip Destinations!

 

 

“Gear” up for summer travel plans
It’s officially summertime June 21st. The weather is ideal for walking around and even swimming in the lake. Want to get out of town, but not sure where you want to go? We have four suggestions for awesome road trips you can take right here in Michigan!

We’ve selected itineraries from multiple sources, but largely from onlyinyourstate.com. We’ve modified them to be ideal for those starting their trip in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan.

Our top 4:

Follow the Michigan Sunrise
Natural Wonders of Michigan
Michigan Lighthouses
Picturesque Small Towns in Michigan

“Sunrise Coast” Road Trip
Follow the Huron Shores Heritage Route covering 200 miles of shoreline along US-23. Each morning you’ll be treated to an awe-inspiring sunrise. Enjoy picnics, camping, and watching the sun rise!

1. Standish
Visit the Charity Island in Saginaw Bay. Canoe on the Rifle River. Visit historic sites, including cemeteries and the Michigan Central Railroad Station.

2. Au Gres
Enjoy the sunrise on Lake Huron. Take a walk through Au Gres City Park.

3. Oscoda/Au Sable
Enjoy the sunrise while standing on white sand beaches. Admire the lighthouses and hike along the Au Sable River. Visit a wildlife sanctuary. Bring your binoculars to spot birds from afar.

4. Harrisville
Attend an outdoor concert near Harrisville Harbor. Golf at Eagle Ridge Golf Course. Observe the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.

5. Alpena
Thunder Bay River is prime for kayaking and scuba diving. Explore some 200 shipwrecks on the coast of Lake Huron.

6. Rogers City
Enjoy Rogers City but also include a trip inland to see Ocqueoc Falls, the only waterfall below the bridge. Relax on the beaches along Lake Huron. Ride your bike along Anishanaabe Trail to appreciate historic lighthouse after historic lighthouse.

7. Cheboygan
This harbor town offers amazing shows at the Cheboygan Opera House. Hiking at Cheboygan State Park is another treat.

8. Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City offers picturesque views of the Mackinac Bridge and quaint shops Downtown.

9. Mackinaw Island
While not on the official “Sun Coast,” consider ending your trip with a trek to Mackinaw Island. Ride the ferry, enjoy the quaint shops, taste some home-made fudge, and rent bikes to bike around the island. It’s the perfect crescendo to an awesome trip!

What to drive
A Dodge Ram is a great choice of vehicle to take on the journey. You’ll have plenty of room to pack extra clothes, bathing suits, hiking boots, and more. The back of the truck has enough room for a couple to sleep comfortably. In other words, you’re all set!

Michigan’s Natural Wonders
Michiganders live among pristine beauty. Here are eight places that prove it!

1. Nichols Arboretum (Ann Arbor)
Explore Ann Arbor and hike trails with views of the Huron River.

2. Turnip Rock (Port Austin)
This lakeside community offers an ideal setting for kayaking.

3. Tahquamenon Falls (Paradise)
Don’t miss this waterfall!

4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising)
Take a boat tour or a hike for scenic views of nature.

5. Kitch-iti-Kipi (Manistique)
This pristine stream is the perfect place to contemplate.

6. Sleeping Bear Dunes (Empire)
Offering great views of the Lake Michigan, challenge yourself to see if you can walk up all the sand to the top! The view is worth it.

7. Warren Dunes State Park (Sawyer)
Enjoy the beach on Lake Michigan at Warren Dunes State Park.

What to drive
Drive a Jeep Wrangler. Whether you’re on the highway or roads less travelled, you’ll be good to go!

Michigan Lighthouse Trip
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state. So take advantage of it!

1. Fort Gratiot Light Station (2802 Omar St, Port Huron)
Begin your tour at the beginning with Michigan’s first lighthouse. This 85-foot lighthouse opened in 1825.

2. Sturgeon Point Light Station (6071 Point Rd, Harrisville)
Established 1869.

3. 40 Mile Point Lighthouse (County Park Rd, Rogers City)
Constructed in 1896.

4. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse (526 N Huron Ave, Mackinaw City)
Operation from 1890 until 1957, today visitors can still enjoy it, inside and out.

5. Old Mission Point Lighthouse (20500 Center Rd, Traverse City)
Constructed in 1870, today visitors can walk to the top of this lighthouse. Make yourself one of them!

6. Grand Traverse Lighthouse (15500 N Lighthouse Point Rd, Northport)
The place where Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay meet.

7. Point Betsie Lighthouse (3701 Point Betsie Rd, Frankfort)
This 1858 red-roofed lighthouse stands 36 feet tall.

8. Big Sable Point Lighthouse (5611 N Lighthouse, Ludington)
At 112 feet tall, this active lighthouse in Ludington is located in Ludington State Park.

9. Grand Haven Lighthouse (1001 Harbor Ave, Grand Haven)
Walk the pier to this 1905 lighthouse.

10. Big Red Lighthouse (2215 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland)
Holland’s Big Red Lighthouse is painted that unmistakable, bright red known to the Holland across the Atlantic. Walk the beach at Holland State Park.

There’s more
There are more lighthouses in Michigan. This is just a sampling to get you started. Take this trip, then do some research and take a trip next summer to see the ones you didn’t catch this time around!

Picturesque Small Towns in Michigan
We’re certainly lucky. Many people come from halfway across the country to vacation in Michigan, while it happens to be in our backyard.

So, why not go on a road trip to appreciate more of what Michigan has to offer? After all, we’re already here! Pack your bags, hop in your car, and be prepared to be taken back in time.

Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth showcases Bavarian architecture and is ideal for shopping, dining, and walking around.

Chelsea
Check out the local theatre, downtown shops, or attend one of many planned family events.

South Haven
Stroll along the beach, absorb the scenery, and check out the historic downtown.

Saugatuck
This waterfront community boasts art galleries and plenty of homemade fudge.

Grand Haven
Beachfront access on Lake Michigan paired with festivals and other events makes Grand Haven doubly worth the stop.

More picturesque towns
Can’t get enough of small, picturesque towns? Want a longer trip? Try this itinerary!

Frankenmuth
East Tawas
St. Ignace
Charlevoix
Frankfort
Grand Haven
Saugatuck
South Haven
Chelsea

Enjoy your weekend(s) in Michigan!

 

Contact us
Ready to buy a new vehicle to kick off summer right? Call or stop by Thelen Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today to pick up your keys!

Wishing you adventure and safe travel this summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Links:

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/unforgettable-road-trips-mi/

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/lighthouse-road-trip-mi/

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/natural-wonders-rt-mi/

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/sunrise-coast-mi/

http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/small-town-road-trip-mi/

https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/scenic-drives-michigan-summer-road-trips

https://www.tripping.com/guides/best-road-trips-in-michigan

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