Having grown up just south of the Michigan border, I’ve spent countless weekends exploring the Great Lakes State’s backroads and hidden corners. When friends ask me where to go in Michigan, I usually laugh – how do you sum up a state with over 3,000 miles of shoreline, thousands of lakes, and landscapes that range from urban Detroit to the remote Upper Peninsula?
“Michigan is like several states rolled into one,” says Sarah Miller, a local tour guide who’s been showing visitors around for 20 years. “You can be walking through a buzzing city in the morning and watching the sunset over sand dunes by evening. The diversity here is what makes it special – from the forests up north to the farmland down south.”
While you could spend months exploring every corner of Michigan, most of us have to pick and choose our adventures. To help you plan your perfect Michigan road trip, here are 20 routes that showcase the best of what the Mitten State has to offer.
Mackinac Island Loop
Few Michigan road trips can match the charm of the Mackinac Island Loop. This 150-mile route circles the uppermost tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, taking you through classic lakeside towns before leading to the ferry that whisks you off to car-free Mackinac Island. The journey mixes scenic Lake Huron shoreline views with peaceful forests and historic lighthouse stops along the way. While most visitors focus only on reaching the island itself, taking the time to explore the coastal loop reveals hidden beaches, small-town fudge shops, and local fish markets that make the journey just as memorable as the destination. It’s a route that shows off pure Michigan at its finest – where Great Lakes culture and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Sleeping Bear Dunes
Just west of Traverse City lies Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile loop winding through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Like many scenic drives in Michigan, it offers views of forests and water, but this one takes you to spots you simply won’t find anywhere else in the state. Stop at overlooks perched 450 feet above Lake Michigan, where the blue water stretches to the horizon and you can spot the Manitou Islands in the distance. People come here to get their fill of nature, but what makes it special is how the road connects all the different landscapes – from beech-maple forests to sand dunes to lake views – into one easy-to-navigate experience. Thanks to the vision of Pierce Stocking, a local lumberman who built the first road here in the 1960s, visitors can experience the best of what northern Michigan has to offer without having to hike for miles.
Tunnel of Trees (M-119)
Nature lovers flock to the Tunnel of Trees along M-119 in northern Michigan, a 20-mile scenic road that winds from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. The narrow highway hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, passing through a thick canopy of hardwoods that create a natural archway overhead. In autumn, the route becomes especially popular as the maple, beech, and oak trees put on their colorful display, but the drive offers different charms in every season. Along the way, you’ll find small art galleries, farm stands, and historic markers that tell stories of the area’s Native American heritage, while several turnouts provide views of Lake Michigan’s blue waters below.
Lake Michigan Circle Tour
If there’s one Michigan road trip every traveler needs to experience, it’s the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. This 1,100-mile route traces the shoreline of Lake Michigan, taking you through four states as you loop around one of North America’s Great Lakes. The journey leads you past towering sand dunes, historic lighthouses, and laid-back beach towns that feel frozen in time. It’s a trip that can be done in a week, but I’d recommend taking it slow – two weeks gives you time to explore the small harbor villages, stop at local farm stands, and spend lazy afternoons on empty beaches. While summer brings the best weather, fall offers fewer crowds and a spectacular show of colors along the coastal forests.
Tahquamenon Falls Scenic Byway
Follow the winding path through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to experience the majestic Tahquamenon Falls, the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. The scenic byway takes you through dense forests and past rustic overlooks, leading to both the Upper and Lower Falls. Stop at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub near the Upper Falls for locally crafted beer and hearty meals, or pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many designated areas. During autumn, the route becomes especially popular as the maple and birch trees display their colorful leaves against the amber-tinted waters of the falls.
River Road Scenic Byway
Ever driven through a tunnel of golden maple leaves as they dance in the autumn breeze? That’s what awaits on River Road Scenic Byway, a 22-mile stretch that hugs the Au Sable River in northeastern Michigan. Following the gentle curves of the water, this peaceful route takes you past old-growth forests, hidden fishing spots, and historic logging sites that tell tales of Michigan’s lumber era. You can pull over at any of the rustic overlooks to watch kayakers paddle below, or spend an afternoon at one of the cozy riverfront picnic areas. Local tip: time your visit for October when the fall colors put on their best show, and don’t miss the Lumberman’s Monument, where you can learn about the brave river drivers who once steered massive logs down these waters.
Copper Country Trail
Experience Michigan’s rich mining heritage along the Copper Country Trail, a scenic byway that winds through the Upper Peninsula’s historic copper mining region. This 47-mile route takes you past preserved mine buildings, charming small towns, and ancient lava flows that created the area’s copper deposits. Stop at the Quincy Mine for an underground tour where you can learn about the life of 1800s miners, or visit the Delaware Copper Mine to see impressive rock formations. The route connects Houghton and Copper Harbor, with plenty of local diners and cozy inns along the way where you can grab a pasty – the traditional miners’ lunch that’s still a local favorite today.
Sunrise Coast (US-23)
Driving along Michigan’s northeastern coast felt like discovering a hidden gem when I first visited in 2019. The Sunrise Coast stretches 200 miles from Mackinaw City to Standish, following the shore of Lake Huron along US-23. Small lighthouses dot the coastline like sentries, while quiet harbor towns welcome visitors with fresh whitefish and local charm. The morning sun creates a special show here – hence the nickname – as it rises over Lake Huron’s waters, painting the sky in soft pinks and oranges. You’ll find yourself stopping often at the public beaches and wooden boardwalks, where the Great Lakes waves lap against the shore and seabirds wheel overhead in the cool Michigan breeze.
Grand Island Bay Shore Drive
Take a scenic drive around Grand Island Bay Shore, where Lake Superior’s turquoise waters meet towering sandstone cliffs. The 21-mile loop circles the entire island, offering plenty of spots to pull over and take in views of the bay and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Stop at Murray Bay Beach for a swim in summer, or explore the hiking trails that wind through maple and birch forests. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the rustic overlooks, where you might spot bald eagles soaring overhead or deer grazing in nearby meadows.
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
When friends ask me about Michigan’s wine country, I always point them to the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. Stretching along the coast of Lake Michigan, this 35-mile route connects over 25 family-owned wineries where you can sample locally-made Rieslings, Chardonnays, and ice wines. The trail winds through charming coastal towns like Suttons Bay and Northport, offering plenty of spots to grab lunch or browse local shops between tastings.
Old Mission Peninsula
Just 30 minutes north of Traverse City lies Old Mission Peninsula, a narrow strip of land that splits Grand Traverse Bay in two. Like other parts of northern Michigan, you’ll find wineries dotting the landscape and cherries growing in neat rows. But what sets this 19-mile peninsula apart is how it combines wine country with water views at every turn. As you drive along M-37, which runs straight up the peninsula’s spine, you’ll pass by more than 10 wineries, roadside fruit stands, and the historic Mission Point Lighthouse standing guard at the tip. Because of the peninsula’s unique position between the bay’s arms, the surrounding waters create a microclimate perfect for growing grapes, and you’ll notice local farmers have taken full advantage of this geographic gift.
Isle Royale Coastal Route
Ever spotted a moose wading through crystal-clear waters? It’s just another day on Isle Royale, Michigan’s remote island wilderness that sits like a jewel in Lake Superior’s vast expanse. This rugged coastal route offers a rare peek into one of America’s least-visited national parks, where wolves and moose roam freely through old-growth forests. From Rock Harbor to Windigo, the 45-mile trail hugs the shoreline, letting you hop between quiet coves and hidden beaches. You can camp under starlit skies, watch the northern lights dance across the water, and explore more than 165 miles of backcountry trails. The island’s network of historic lighthouses tells tales of Great Lakes shipping, while its clear waters hide hundreds of preserved shipwrecks, making it a paradise for kayakers and divers.
Woodward Avenue (Detroit to Pontiac)
Ever cruised down a street that helped put America on wheels? That’s Woodward Avenue for you, Detroit’s historic thoroughfare that runs straight through the heart of Motor City. Known as Michigan’s most famous street, this 27-mile stretch from Detroit to Pontiac was where Henry Ford test-drove his first horseless carriage and where the American Dream took shape one automobile at a time. Today, it’s home to the annual Dream Cruise, where classic cars parade down the avenue every August, drawing more than a million visitors. You can explore the avenue’s rich automotive heritage at spots like the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, grab a famous coney dog at one of the many diners, or check out the bustling entertainment districts that line this iconic road.
Huron River Drive
Hugging the curves of southeast Michigan’s most beloved waterway, my first drive along Huron River Drive came during autumn of 2019. This winding road stretches between Ann Arbor and Dexter, following the gentle flow of the Huron River through a corridor of maple and oak trees. Small parks and boat launches dot the route, while cyclists and joggers share the scenic byway with motorists. Delhi Metropark serves as a perfect midway point, offering riverside picnic spots and fishing areas where locals gather on warm afternoons. The road’s natural rhythm makes it feel less like a drive and more like a peaceful journey through Michigan’s river country, especially when golden hour casts long shadows through the tree canopy.
South Haven to Grand Haven Coastal Drive
Looking for a perfect Lake Michigan road trip? The coastal drive from South Haven to Grand Haven takes you on a 40-mile journey along the lake’s eastern shore. This route winds through charming beach towns, past historic lighthouses, and offers plenty of spots to stop and dip your toes in the water. The road hugs the shoreline, giving you endless views of Lake Michigan’s blue waters and sandy beaches, while connecting these two popular harbor towns known for their maritime heritage and summer festivals.
Copper Harbor Loop
Ever driven along Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline as bald eagles soar overhead? That’s just another day on the Copper Harbor Loop, a 47-mile scenic route through Michigan’s northernmost wilderness. This remote stretch of US-41 and M-26 winds through the Keweenaw Peninsula, where dense forests meet rocky cliffs and lighthouse-dotted shores. You can spot moose grazing in hidden meadows, explore abandoned copper mines that tell tales of the region’s mining heritage, or paddle a kayak along the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. Don’t miss Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, where costumed interpreters bring 1844 frontier life to life in preserved military buildings and barracks.
Grand Rapids to Holland Tulip Route
If you’re looking for a burst of color in spring, the scenic drive from Grand Rapids to Holland is pure magic. Following US-196 through the countryside, this 30-mile route takes you straight to Holland’s famous Tulip Time Festival, where millions of tulips paint the town in waves of red, pink, yellow, and purple. The Dutch-inspired architecture and windmills along the way make you feel like you’ve been transported to the Netherlands, right here in Michigan.