There's something wonderful concerning leaving your cars and truck, rolling down the home windows, and striking the open roadway as summer sets in. Michigan, with its sprawling shorelines, dense woodlands, and charming small towns, offers a few of the most spectacular drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a longtime local or planning your first tour through the state, there's no scarcity of scenic routes to make this period unforgettable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When most people consider Michigan, they envision the lower half of the state. Yet the Upper Peninsula is an untapped treasure for road trippers looking to experience something raw and wild. Start your trip by crossing the iconic bridge right into the U.P., where forests extend endlessly and lakes shimmer under gold sunlight.
Take your time winding via M-28, a highway that hugs the southern side of Lake Superior. The route takes you via picturesque communities like Munising, home to a few of the most magnificent waterfalls in the state. Make a pit stop to explore the coastline or venture out on a short walk-- you'll find that nature is constantly within arm's reach right here. The roadways are quiet, the views are calm, and the sense of retreat is genuine.
Cruise Ship the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, much more seaside feel, think about heading west towards Lake Michigan Start in the southwestern edge near St. Joseph and follow the Blue Star Highway north. This stretch of roadway offers sweeping lake views, rolling dunes, and comfy lakeside communities that feel like they've been iced up in time.
Driving through locations like South Haven and Saugatuck, you'll see how the energy moves with the landscape. Some communities buzz with art galleries and ice cream stands, while others invite you to reduce and delight in a peaceful coastline at sundown. You'll likely capture peeks of sailboats in the distance and the fragrance of freshwater wandering via the air-- reminders that this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on summertime experience.
Experience the Rustic Charm of Northern Michigan.
North Michigan uses a blend of tranquility and experience that really feels tailor-made for trip. Begin your trip in Traverse City, a dynamic lakeside community bordered by cherry orchards and wineries. From there, guide towards M-22, a winding path that complies with the contours of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is popular for a factor. It provides postcard-perfect scenes at almost every turn-- vine-covered hills, turquoise bays, and winding forest roadways that suddenly open to breathtaking sights. Drop in towns like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time reduces and every edge has a tale. It's the type of route where you might not have actually an established plan, and that's exactly the factor.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're craving something off the beaten path, head eastern towards Michigan's Thumb area. This area typically gets overlooked but awards travelers with peaceful countryside roads and enchanting harbor communities along Lake Huron.
Follow M-25 as it twists around the idea of the Thumb. The drive between Bay City and Port Huron is populated with unforeseen finds: lighthouses, roadside ranch stands, and peaceful beaches where the water shines in the late afternoon sun. There's a feeling of nostalgia below that's hard to locate somewhere else, and the slow-moving rate makes it very easy to relish every minute.
Prepare for the Journey
Of course, no journey is complete without a reliable experience to get you there and back. If you're thinking about upgrading your car prior to hitting the road, currently is a great time to take a look at a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Known for its smooth drive and sizable interior, it's excellent for long hours on the road and spontaneous detours down picturesque byways.
Before you head out, it's additionally worth connecting with a Detroit Chevy dealer to see to it your automobile is ready for journey. A quick check-in can offer you assurance and maybe even stimulate some new ideas for where to go next. If you're currently in the area, a relied on Chevy dealer in Detroit can assist with whatever from a routine tune-up to finding the perfect summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something undoubtedly freeing concerning finding new roadways and revisiting acquainted ones with fresh eyes. Whether you're chasing after waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, capturing a lake breeze along the west coast, or revealing covert treasures in the Thumb, Michigan provides a wide-open play ground for summertime exploration.
Wherever your path leads, don't rush. Show up your favorite playlist, take the breathtaking path, and let the road learn more guide you. And for even more local traveling concepts and road trip ideas, be sure to inspect back routinely-- we're constantly upgrading with new paths and locations that make summer feel like an open invite.