There's something enchanting about packing up your car, rolling down the windows, and hitting the open road as summer sets in. Michigan, with its sprawling shorelines, dense forests, and lovely small towns, provides a few of the most spectacular drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a long time local or planning your very first tour with the state, there's no shortage of picturesque routes to make this period memorable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When lots of people think of Michigan, they picture the lower half of the state. Yet the Upper Peninsula is an untapped gem for road trippers aiming to experience something raw and wild. Begin your trip by crossing the legendary bridge into the U.P., where forests extend endlessly and lakes shimmer under gold sunlight.
Take your time winding through M-28, a freeway that hugs the southerly edge of Lake Superior. The route takes you via picturesque towns like Munising, home to several of the most stunning waterfalls in the state. Make a rest stop to explore the coastline or venture out on a brief hike-- you'll discover that nature is always within arm's reach right here. The roadways are quiet, the views are calm, and the sense of retreat is real.
Cruise Ship the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, more seaside feeling, consider heading west towards Lake Michigan Beginning in the southwestern corner near St. Joseph and adhere to the Blue Star Highway north. This stretch of road uses sweeping lake views, rolling dunes, and comfortable lakeside areas that feel like they've been frozen in time.
Driving with areas like South Haven and Saugatuck, you'll discover how the energy changes with the landscape. Some communities buzz with art galleries and ice cream stands, while others invite you to decrease and appreciate a quiet beach at sunset. You'll likely catch looks of sailing boats in the distance and the scent of freshwater drifting with the air-- tips that this isn't simply a drive; it's a full-on summer season experience.
Experience the Rustic Charm of Northern Michigan.
Northern Michigan offers a blend of serenity and experience that feels tailor-made for journey. Begin your trip in Traverse City, a busy lakeside town surrounded by cherry orchards and vineyards. From there, steer toward M-22, a winding route that follows the contours of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is famous for a reason. It supplies postcard-perfect scenes at virtually every turn-- vine-covered hillsides, blue-green bays, and winding woodland roadways that unexpectedly open up to scenic views. Drop in communities like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time decreases and every corner has a story. It's the sort of course where you may not have a set strategy, and that's exactly the factor.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're desire something off the beaten path, head eastern toward Michigan's Thumb region. This area frequently gets ignored yet rewards travelers with silent countryside roads and charming 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 coastlines where the water glows in the late afternoon sunlight. There's a sense of nostalgia right here that's tough to find elsewhere, and the sluggish rate makes it simple to appreciate every moment.
Get ready for the Journey
Naturally, no trip is total without a reputable ride to obtain you there and back. If you're thinking of updating your car before hitting the trail, currently is a great time to take a look at a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Understood for its smooth drive and spacious inside, it's source perfect for lengthy hours when driving and spontaneous detours down breathtaking byways.
Before you go out, it's also worth getting in touch with a Detroit Chevy dealer to see to it your automobile is ready for journey. A fast check-in can give you satisfaction and maybe even trigger some new ideas for where to go next. If you're currently in the area, a relied on Chevy dealer in Detroit can aid with whatever from a routine tune-up to locating the best summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something without a doubt 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 shore, or discovering hidden treasures in the Thumb, Michigan offers a wide-open play ground for summer expedition.
Wherever your path leads, don't hurry. Turn up your preferred playlist, take the scenic path, and allow the road overview you. And for even more local traveling concepts and road trip motivation, make certain to inspect back regularly-- we're always upgrading with brand-new routes and destinations that make summer season feel like an open invitation.