7 Michigan Road Trips to Bookmark for 2026
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Michigan road trips don’t have to be complicated to be memorable. Sometimes it’s a shoreline drive, sometimes it’s a quiet inland detour, and sometimes it’s finally committing to that big UP adventure you keep talking about.
If you’re already thinking ahead for new travel plans, consider this your reminder that some of the best trips are waiting right here in the Mitten. Save a few, share with a friend, and let future you decide which one happens first.
7. The Classic US-31 Lake Michigan Drive
Many Michigan residents and out-of-town visitors argue that Lake Michigan is the best of Michigan’s Great Lakes. For travelers who want to soak up the beauty of Lake Michigan in all its glory, a journey on US-31 is the perfect choice for your next road trip.
From the Michigan-Indiana border all the way to Mackinaw City, journeyers of all ages can travel along (or close to) the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline for over 350 miles, exploring small towns, and lighthouses, soaking up beautiful views, and having fun.
Keep reading: Take an Unforgettable Michigan Road Trip Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline on US-31
6. A Lake Huron Thumbcoast Road Trip
With 140 miles of coastline to explore and delight in, plus my newfound love for Lake Huron, planning a weekend road trip up the Thumbcoast was the answer to the call for adventure.
Keep reading: My Awesome Summer Road Trip Itinerary Up Michigan’s Thumbcoast
5. The UP Road Trip Everyone Should Take
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is like no other place on earth. Sandwiched between three of the greatest lakes in the world, it’s filled with peaceful forests, magnificent waterfalls, ancient rock formations, quiet and cozy towns, and miles and miles of shoreline — making it the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind road trip.
Keep reading: The ULTIMATE Summer Upper Peninsula Road Trip Guide
4. Road Trip Through the “Up North” of Southeast Michigan
Are you looking for an “Up North” experience without the long drive over the Mighty Mac? Less than a two-hour drive from most of downstate Michigan, there’s a perfect destination hiding in your backyard!
Just outside the Metro Detroit area in Livingston County, the Brighton Howell Area offers a scenic “Up North” vibe with plenty of options for outdoor recreation and vibrant downtown life. It’s less than an hour from Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor.
Keep reading: Road Trip Through the Scenic “Up North” of SE Michigan in the Brighton Howell Area
3. Michigan’s Iconic Tunnel of Trees Road Trip
Ranked one of the most scenic drives in the United States and an iconic, year-round destination in Michigan, the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route offers spectacular nature views, activities, and historical sites.
If you’re planning to drive the Tunnel of Trees this fall, winter, spring, or summer, be sure to start with our Ultimate Guide to the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Michigan Scenic Drive!
Keep reading: ULTIMATE M-119 Tunnel of Trees Michigan Road Trip Itinerary
2. Follow Michigan’s West Coast Lighthouses
If you’re craving a road trip filled with small-town charm, scenic drives, and lakefront moments that make you pause and breathe a little deeper, this one’s for you.
We’re heading up the Lake Michigan shoreline, tracing the west coast of Michigan from New Buffalo all the way to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Along the way? Towering lighthouses, charming downtowns, secret beaches, and a whole lot of really good food.
Keep reading: The Most Scenic Way to Explore Michigan’s West Coast? Follow the Lights.
1. The Most Scenic Stops Along Lake Superior
Have you ever stood in a place so stunning that it felt like a scene from a dream? Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, boasts some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in North America. From towering cliffs to hidden islands, this freshwater marvel has something to captivate every adventurer.
Keep reading: 9 Must-Visit Locations on Lake Superior With Stunning Views That Will Leave You Speechless
Explore a New Corner of Michigan
These routes are your reminder that some of the best travel adventures don’t require a plane ticket or months of planning. Pick a drive, turn up the music, and get out and explore a new corner of Michigan.