Discover Over 390 Miles of Hidden Gems on an I-75 Michigan Road Trip

Michigan residents and out-of-town visitors know that they can’t get far in Michigan without hopping onto I-75. Covering more than 390 miles of Michigan from north to south, I-75 is one of the state’s biggest roads and is known by some as “Michigan’s Main Street.”

Carving a path through 14 counties and two peninsulas and across three monumental bridges, an I-75 Michigan road trip allows residents and out-of-town explorers the chance to see the best of Michigan.

With such a long distance and so many cities dotted along the interstate, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that takes travelers north along I-75, starting in Erie Township and ending in Sault Ste. Marie just before the International Bridge leads into Canada. Also, this guide can be followed south.

Either way, it offers a chance for travelers young and old to see some of the best sites, eateries, and attractions that Michigan has to offer.

Getting to Know I-75

Michiganders can travel on I-75 for almost 400 miles without leaving the state, but this stretch is only a small part of I-75. In its entirety, the road is the second-longest north-south interstate in the United States after I-95 and the seventh-longest in the nation.

Construction on I-75 in Michigan began in 1957 near the Ohio State line and was completed in 1973 with a final section between Alger and Roscommon.

While it is an important Michigan thoroughfare, it also passes through six additional states, cutting through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia before ending in Miami Lakes Florida.

Traveling on I-75 in Michigan

Traveling from the Michigan-Ohio border to Sault Ste. Marie takes approximately 5.5 hours. But, driving straight through means that travelers of all ages miss the attractions, restaurants, and charm of the towns along the way.

As “Michigan’s Main Street,” travelers are always coming and going on I-75. Traffic increases during the summer, especially headed north as travelers are eager to escape the city and head “Up North” for beachside fun and the tranquility offered by quaint small towns.

Traveling during winter past snow-covered landscapes can be fun too, but travelers should check conditions before they begin, especially in the Upper Peninsula.

While exits near bigger cities like Saginaw and Detroit see an increase in traffic, wide swaths of the highway see less traffic flow, making for a relaxing drive heading north.

Names & Auxiliaries Along I-75 in Michigan

While the majority of travelers refer to this massive highway as I-75, the road has several other names.

Officially, the entire Michigan route is known as the American Legion Memorial Highway. Additionally, I-75 has five named sections, most of which are on the southern ends of the highway:

• The southernmost section from the state line is the Detroit-Toledo Expressway.
• The section through the southern and central parts of Detroit is known as the Fisher Freeway.
• After curving through downtown Detroit, I-75 is known as the Chrysler Freeway headed north.
• On either side of the Mackinac Bridge, I-75 is known as the Brown Freeway or the Williams Freeway.

There are four auxiliary highways on I-75 — smaller routes that connect to I-75 and pass through some of Michigan’s bigger cities:

• I-275 starts as a loop in northern Monroe County and connects with both I-96 and I-696 while serving the Detroit Metro Airport and part of Wayne County.
• I-375 is one of the nation’s shortest interstate routes and serves the area through downtown Detroit.
• I-475 serves areas of downtown Flint as I-75 continues through the city’s west side.
• I-675 takes travelers on a loop through Saginaw and is often used as an alternate route northward when that section of I-75 is under construction.

Best I-75 Stops in Southeast Michigan

Our almost 400-mile, south-to-north journey on I-75 in Michigan begins just north of the Michigan-Ohio border where travelers will be greeted by a Welcome to Pure Michigan sign.

The first exit on I-75 is Exit 2 for Summitt Street in Erie Township, and visitors can keep heading north for Monroe, which is roughly 20 miles from the Michigan welcome sign.

Monroe

The first big city drivers come upon on the I-75 journey is Monroe, a scenic little town on the shores of Lake Erie. The town is brimming with history and offers opportunities for relaxation and outdoor recreation.

The River Raisin National Battlefield Park commemorates the Battle of Frenchtown in the War of 1812. The park is a designated historic site and a state park. Visitors can learn about the conflict and the River Raisin Massacre, which happened in its aftermath.

Also, visitors can spend the day relaxing at Sterling State Park or touring the Monroe County Historical Museum, to learn about the rich history of the area.

Monroe Restaurants

Though it’s an early stop on the journey north on I-75, Monroe still has lots of good food options for travelers who might be looking to fuel up before digging into the meat of their travels:

• Monroe’s Original Hot Dog Stand
• Public House
• Erie Bread Company

RELATED: Travelers going up I-75 in July can pull off in Woodhaven to experience the fun of Uncle Sam Jam, which features live music, carnival rides, and more. For a bite, travelers can head 15 minutes north to Southgate and visit Mallie’s Sports Grill and Bar to attempt the 10-pound burger challenge.

Detroit

About 40 minutes north of Monroe, travelers headed north on I-75 will hit the Motor City. While I-75 may have a few different names coming in and heading out of the city, it takes visitors past hidden gems, well-known landmarks, a variety of eateries, and much more.

Sports fans can catch the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings, and Detroit Pistons in action at Ford Field, Comerica Park, and Little Caesars Arena respectively. All of them are close together and near many shops and eateries.

The possibilities for sightseers in Detroit are endless, even if some of them require taking a detour off of I-75 onto other major roads.

Those who seek outdoor fun can visit Campus Martius Park for fun events or just to relax. And, the award-winning Detroit Riverwalk is bustling with activity and offers something for everyone to see and enjoy.

Travelers who prefer indoor fun can explore historic and nationally renowned museums that are bursting with Detroit’s history. From art to music to history, there are plenty of possibilities to appreciate the history of the city and Michigan too.

Detroit Restaurants

Hungry travelers can find just about anything their hearts desire in Detroit, including cozy breakfast eateries, award-winning pizza, coney dogs, ethnic restaurants, and more. Some of our recommendations include:

• American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island
• The Hudson Cafe
•  Pietrzyk Pierogi

RELATED: Hamtramck is less than 15 minutes from Detroit. Here, visitors can discover the magic of Hamtramck Disneyland at the I-75/I-94 interchange.

Hazel Park

A hop, skip, and jump north of Detroit is Hazel Park — known by some as The Friendly City. Once the site of the famous Hazel Park Raceway, the city still offers plenty to do for residents and those passing through.

Skaters can visit Viking Ice Arena for both public and private skating. Visitors can call to reserve time slots for skating or hockey (equipment rentals are available) or drop in for open skates. The rink was sold by the city in July 2023, but the buyer has continued rink operations since then.

Hazel Park is close to Detroit, which was named the Best Pizza City in America in 2023, but it also has some rave-worthy pizza of its own. While Detroit has several good spots, many Michiganders have raved about Loui’s Pizza in Hazel Park, a beloved spot serving tasty pies.

Hazel Park Restaurants

As travelers continue their northern journey on I-75, Hazel Park has many great restaurant offerings aside from pizza, such as comfort bar food. Along with Loui’s Pizza, a couple of our recommendations include:

• Mabel Gray Kitchen
• Frame and FRAMEbar

RELATED: Travelers looking for a family-friendly attraction in Metro Detroit can take I-75 to I-696 in Royal Oak and stop at the Detroit Zoo for a fun-filled afternoon of animals and exhibits.

Auburn Hills

About a half hour outside of Detroit is Auburn Hills, a bustling Metro Detroit suburb known for its outlet stores, arts, and culture, as well as being the headquarters of many larger companies.

Travelers of all ages can learn about the wonders of the ocean at the SEA Life Michigan Aquarium. Located inside Great Lakes Crossing, there are more than 250 marine species and a variety of cool exhibits, including a touch pool. While you’re inside Great Lakes Crossing, spend some time shopping at your favorite retailers.

In the warmer months, visitors can explore the Clinton River Trail, a rail trail that extends for 16 miles in Oakland County. It’s just one block from downtown Auburn Hills and is ideal for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

Golfing enthusiasts shouldn’t pass up the chance to stop in Auburn Hills. Not only is there a TopGolf facility, but it’s also home to the famous Fieldstone Golf Club and the Evolution Sportsplex, a place where golfers can play all year long.

Auburn Hills Restaurants

After sightseeing and shopping, hungry customers can tuck in for a filling meal, noshing on everything from burgers to homemade soups to sandwiches, and more:

• Four Korners Restaurant
• Thai Rose Restaurant
• Family Table Cafe & Bakery

Best I-75 Stops in East Michigan

Flint

Continuing north, visitors heading out of Metro Detroit will soon arrive in Flint. The town known as Vehicle City is bursting with activity, including indoor delights, outdoor fun, affordable fun, and even spots for the best romantic getaways.

Movie buffs will enjoy a trip to the US 23 Drive-In Theater, one of the oldest and most popular Michigan drive-in movie theaters. Operating since 1951, it remains a popular seasonal destination that still shows double features.

The Flint Children’s Museum has delighted kids with interactive exhibits for more than 40 years. More than 40,000 families and kids visit the museum every year, and there’s always something new to see in its Discovery Zone space, which features a different experience every few months.

In the warmer months, a trip to Stepping Stone Falls is a great spot for a family outing. Located where the mouth of the Flint River meets Mott Lake, this is an ideal place for a picnic, stargazing, or just relaxing. The Flint River Trail, which runs right next to the falls, also offers room for walking, biking, and running. 

Flint Restaurants

As Flint’s arts and culture scene has grown in recent years, the city’s culinary scene has flourished with plenty of great restaurants to try. Here are a few of our recommendations:

• Hoffman’s Deco Deli & Cafe
• Dom’s Diner
• Blondie’s Food & Spirits

Best I-75 Stops in Mid-Michigan

Birch Run

Only about 20 minutes north of Flint, Birch Run is a great place on I-75 for travelers to make a pit stop, do some shopping, and grab a bite to eat.

Hungry customers can stop at Tony’s I-75 Restaurant for some of the most massive meals they’ve ever seen. The menu includes BLTs with a pound of bacon, massive slices of pie and cheesecake, half-pound burgers piled high with toppings, and much more.

Before or after a meal at Tony’s, travelers can visit the famous Birch Run Outlets for favorite items from famous brands, like Sketchers, Coach, Adidas, Bath & Body Works, and more.

Additionally, Birch Run is home to the Wilderness Trails Zoo, one of many awesome zoos and aquariums in the state. This seasonal zoo features more than 200 animals, a petting area, a reptile sanctuary, and more, making it a fun spot for a family outing.

Birch Run Restaurants

While Tony’s gets plenty of fanfare in Birch Run, travelers can stop for a good meal in several other places. Some of our recommendations include:

• Birch Run Deli
• The Comet Classic Diner & Creamery
• Fireside Lounge

RELATED: Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Little Bavaria, can be easily found off of Exit 144 and is the perfect detour for a Michigan day trip. It’s the home of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store; the Michigan Heroes Museum, a true hidden gem; plenty of shops and attractions to enjoy the holidays; and Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Zehnders, both famous for their family-style chicken dinners.

Saginaw

Just before crossing the Zilwaukee Bridge, I-75 travelers can head off the interstate to explore Saginaw. This city built on opportunity is bursting with activity and offers visitors plenty to do.

Residents and out-of-town visitors enjoy visiting the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History. It’s here where visitors can learn everything about the city’s rich history and marvel at the French-inspired architecture of this building, which was once a functioning post office.

Also, Saginaw has become known in recent years as Michigan’s mural capital. Colorful murals have helped create the Great Mural Project and transform the look of the city.

The Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House, and Gardens is the perfect spot to experience the authenticity and beauty of another culture. It’s known nationwide as one of the most authentic tea houses in the county and entreats visitors to sip tea, take a stroll through scenic gardens, and learn about Japanese traditions.

Saginaw Restaurants

Saginaw has some of the best dining spots in Michigan, offering a diverse array of options that’s great whether you’re stopping for a sit-down meal or grabbing a meal to go. Some of our recommendations include:

• Big Bill’s Bar
• Pasong’s Cafe
• Fralia’s

Bay City

Near the interchange for US-10, travelers can pull off I-75 on Exit 162 (there are two exits) and explore Bay City.

History buffs won’t want to miss the chance to tour the U.S.S. Edison, which is docked in town on the Saginaw River. This decommissioned naval destroyer is open seasonally and is a popular tourist destination during the summer.

Antiquing enthusiasts can visit Bay City year-round to peruse the city’s two biggest retailers, which operate side by side. Together, the Bay City Antiques Center and Bay Antique Center offer more than 60,000 square feet of space — enough to fill a city block — to customers who should plan on spending an afternoon, if not a whole day, shopping.

In the winter, Bay City has many great stores for shoppers to find the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. From jewelry to clothing to fun knick-knacks, these stores have something for everyone on holiday lists.

Bay City Restaurants

After a day spent antiquing or holiday shopping, visitors have no shortage of restaurant options to choose from. Some of our recommendations include:

• Latitude 43 Grill and Bar
• Coonan’s Irish Hub
• Vinny’s Uptown Grill

Best I-75 Stops in Northern Michigan

West Branch

Life tends to move a little slower in West Branch, and travelers looking for a break along their Michigan I-75 road trip can stop here for some relaxation.

Sometimes, the best things to be found on a long journey are a smile and a warm meal, and West Branch can offer both. One such place is Lumber Jack Food & Spirits, which has offerings like the Big Axe Burger and the Sawman’s Jacket. Plus, the restaurant is one of several spots in Michigan where travelers can see a statue of Paul Bunyan, the giant lumberjack.

Visitors can enjoy shopping in West Branch too, stopping at the outlets or admiring the Victorian appeal of downtown. And, the Rifle River Recreation Area, which sits about a half hour away in Lupton, provides year-round opportunities for recreation — mountain biking, paddling, fishing, camping, swimming, and more.

West Branch Restaurants

West Branch may be a little off the beaten path, but nonetheless, it’s home to several locally-owned eateries with the perfect meals to begin or end a day of travel. Some of our recommendations include:

• Tipsy Bear Bistro
• Buck’s Country Cookin
• The Highway Brewing Company

RELATED: A trip to Roscommon off of Exit 239 on one of I-75’s eight business loops is well worth it. The Au Sable State Forest is a magnificent old-growth forest; Forest Dunes Golf Club is one of many wonderful spots in the state to play golf; and the Michigan State Firemen’s Memorial is one of several spots where Michiganders can pay their respects on Veteran’s Day.

Grayling

Northern Michigan is full of overlooked small towns, including Grayling. For travelers who appreciate the beauty of Michigan, Grayling is the perfect place to escape to tranquility.

Pull off of I-75 and spend a day (or at least an afternoon) exploring the wonders of Wellington Farm USA. This complex celebrates living history and features a glimpse of older times when Michigan farms endured the hardships of the Great Depression.

In the fall, Grayling is one of the best spots in Northern Michigan to see the beauty of fall foliage. The surrounding area is home to thousands of acres of preserved land, including Hartwick Pines State Park, which is home to one of the state’s many old-growth forests.

Outdoor adventurers can visit the Au Sable River as well, which flows from Grayling to Lake Huron and offers chances to soak up nature, fish in the river, and kayak along the shoreline.

Grayling Restaurants

Before or after exploring Hartwick Pines or traversing the Au Sable, travelers can stop at Grayling restaurants for tasty grub and cold brews.

• Dead Bear Brewing Co.
• Gray Rock Pub & Grub
• Spike’s Keg O Nails

Gaylord

Located less than two hours north of Saginaw on I-75, Gaylord is the ideal “midway point” of Northern Michigan and the perfect spot to explore on a getaway.

Known by some as Michigan’s Alpine Village, Gaylord’s downtown offers plenty of space for walking and shopping. Downtown options include a chocolate shop, a hobby shop, a bookstore, and clothing shops.

The Call of the Wild Museum is a Gaylord’s hidden gem that includes a unique museum, a go-kart track, and a mini-golf course. The museum includes a dazzling array of taxidermy animals, and the auditory calls of the animals add something special to the experience.

Golf enthusiasts can take a detour off I-75 to play a round at Treetops Resort. This top-notch resort caters to golfers of all skill levels and offers five courses to play, including a par-3 course. It’s consistently voted one of the top spots in the state to play, and the views are incredible.

Gaylord Restaurants

As a gateway to all areas of Michigan on I-75, Gaylord has plenty of chain and locally-owned restaurants to refuel hungry customers on the go. Some of our recommendations include:

• Duck Blind Grille (seasonal)
• Logmark Bar
• Iron Pig

Cheboygan

Nestled a short distance from the Mackinac Bridge, Cheboygan is a year-round destination that offers a little bit of everything.

Travelers looking for first-hand outdoor experiences can take a detour off I-75 to explore the North Central State Trail, which passes through Cheboygan, and the North Eastern State Trail, which provides ample space for biking around Cheboygan and stretches down to Alpena.

Lighthouse enthusiasts are in luck because Cheboygan has two — the Cheboygan River Front Range Lighthouse is open for tours, and the Cheboygan Crib Light offers a beautiful photo op by the Cheboygan pier.

In addition, Nautical North Family Adventures offers Cheboygan visitors a chance to take amazing tours, passing by lighthouses and down the Cheboygan River while taking passengers to see shipwrecks. The wrecks are shallow enough that they can be seen in a glass-bottom boat.

The Cheboygan Opera House is one of many historic theaters in Michigan and is a wonderful place to watch theatrical performances, concerts, and more. Before or after a performance, visitors can spend time exploring downtown, stopping to visit quaint shops.

Cheboygan Restaurants

Cheboygan has restaurants to satisfy any taste bud, and visitors will love the variety of options they find as they explore the city. Some of our suggestions include:

• Cheboygan Brewing Company
• State Street Coffee Company
• Mulligan’s

Mackinaw City

The northernmost city in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan is a popular place to visit. The village has a rich history, is in an ideal location (close to the Mackinac Bridge), and is one of two ports where visitors can ferry to Mackinac Island.

The city offers plenty of places for outdoor recreation. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park is a spectacular year-round place to see the night sky and even glimpse the northern lights.

Thrillseekers can get a birds-eye view of Mackinaw City by parasailing with Mackinaw Parasailing. The customized boat allows parasailors to take off and land safely — all while enjoying the incredibly scenic views around them.

Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion is a unique year-round attraction that’s fun to visit, even in winter. This fully-automated haunted house uses state-of-the-art special effects and sound to scare all who dare to enter.

Mackinaw City Restaurants

Before crossing the bridge and after taking in some sights, travelers can refresh and refuel at one of many Mackinaw City eateries. Some of our recommendations include:

• Biere de Mac Brew Works
• The Lighthouse Restaurant
• The Hook Lakeside

Mackinaw Bridge

While it’s not a stop per se, I-75 continues over the Mighty Mac, the second of three monumental bridges along its route. It offers some of the most beautiful views in Michigan. Travelers can see Lake Michigan and Lake Huron on opposite ends of the bridge, and they can also catch a glimpse of Mackinac Island and the ferries coming to and from it.

Best I-75 Stops in the Upper Peninsula

St. Ignace

After 5 miles on the Mackinac Bridge, visitors can pull off I-75 into St. Ignace. This small, lakeside town serves as a gateway between Michigan’s peninsulas and offers plenty to do, as well as lots of natural beauty.

Because of its proximity to the Mackinac Bridge, travelers can pull off the road for magnificent views or go on a parasailing excursion to see the bridge in an entirely new way.

Winter visitors can visit Doc Holle’s Silver Mountain, a great resort for a day trip that offers snow tubing, sledding hills, and downhill skiing. Travelers are advised to check conditions before heading out, though.

Fans of roadside attractions can make time to stop at Castle Rock for a once-in-a-lifetime view. This towering rock formation stands nearly 200 feet above Lake Huron, and climbing to the top is rewarding with views as far as 20 miles on the clearest days.

RELATED: Another of Michigan’s Paul Bunyan statues is located at Castle Rock. This one features Paul Bunyan sitting with Babe behind a chainlink fence.

Visiting the Museum of Ojibwa Culture is a great addition to any bucket list too. The main museum includes various artifacts, photographs, and other examples of Ojibwa culture, as well as other structures on campus to offer insight into Ojibwa culture.

St. Ignace Restaurants

Hungry travelers can find several great restaurants in St. Ignace to enjoy a good meal. Some of our suggested eateries include:

• Lehto’s Pasties
• Mackinac Island Fudge Shop, Orginal Murdick’s Fudge, and Zak & Mac’s Chocolate House all offer freshly made fudge and other goodies.
• Clyde’s Drive-In (seasonal)
• Village Inn

RELATED: I-75 carries segments of all four of Michigan’s Great Lakes Circle Tours, including the Lake Superior Circle Tour. 

Sault Ste. Marie

The final stop on the I-75 journey after more than 350 miles of travel is Sault Ste. Marie. The Soo is Michigan’s oldest city and offers many aquatic and land-friendly activities to enjoy. Those who want to continue north can take the International Bridge into Canada, which links Sault Ste. Marie Michigan to Sault Ste. Marie Ontario.

No trip to Sault Ste. Marie is complete without seeing the Soo Locks. It’s hard to describe how enchanting the experience can be watching boats lower and rise in 21 feet of water as they navigate from the lower Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway to Lake Superior and vice versa. Soo Locks Park is a great place to see the locks up close, but they can also be viewed on boat tours and even on a kayak.

Lighthouse enthusiasts can take a short drive northwest of Sault Ste. Marie to see Iroquois Point Lighthouse, which offers sweeping Lake Superior views and a spot to see gorgeous sunsets.

And, history buffs won’t want to miss two Sault Ste. Marie sites. The Tower of History offers a panoramic view of the city, and the base of the tower highlights some of the city’s most famous missionaries. The Museum Ship Valley Camp is a floating museum with more than 100 exhibits that give insight into life on a freighter. The exhibits include one honoring the Edmund Fitzgerald, perhaps the most famous Great Lakes freighter.

Sault Ste. Marie Restaurants

At the end of your I-75 journey, Sault Ste. Marie offers a variety of options to satisfy hunger, including quaint cafes, breweries, and sit-down restaurants. Some of our favorites include:

• Karl’s Cusine
• Soo Brewing Company and 1668 Winery
• Superior Cafe

FAQs About a Michigan I-75 Road Trip

Start Planning Your Ultimate I-75 Road Trip in Michigan

A journey north (or south, if you prefer) along I-75 in Michigan can be unique, memorable, and special all at once. Whether you want to make the entire journey in one day or spread it out over time, it’s a way for travelers young and old to appreciate all that Michigan offers.

Along shorelines, through busy cities and quaint small towns, over bridges, and past breathtaking scenery, I-75 cuts a long and winding path that beckons travelers to get out and explore. I-75 has something for everyone to enjoy — from history buffs to sports fans to outdoor enthusiasts to foodies to people who just love Michigan and traveling.

So, gather your friends and family in the car, grab all the best Michigan road trip snacks, crank the radio, and let your journey begin! “Michigan’s Main Street” is waiting to be traveled and ready for you to go on an adventure.