Michigan Landscapes Best Explored by Road

There's something magical concerning packing up your auto, rolling down the windows, and hitting the open road as summer sets in. Michigan, with its sprawling shorelines, dense forests, and lovely villages, uses a few of the most awesome drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a longtime local or planning your first tour through the state, there's no scarcity of breathtaking courses to make this period remarkable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When the majority of people think about Michigan, they imagine the lower fifty percent of the state. Yet the Upper Peninsula is an untapped treasure for road trippers looking to experience something raw and wild. Start your journey by crossing the legendary bridge into the U.P., where forests extend endlessly and lakes glimmer under gold sunlight.
Take your time winding via M-28, a highway that hugs the southerly edge of Lake Superior. The route takes you via picturesque towns like Munising, home to several of one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the state. Make a rest stop to check out the shoreline or endeavor out on a short walking-- you'll find that nature is constantly within arm's reach 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, 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 seem 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 decrease and appreciate a peaceful coastline at sundown. You'll likely capture glimpses 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 mix of tranquility and adventure that feels tailor-made for journey. Begin your journey in Traverse City, a busy lakeside community bordered by cherry orchards and wineries. From there, guide towards M-22, a winding course that adheres to the shapes of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is renowned for a factor. It supplies postcard-perfect scenes at virtually every turn-- vine-covered hillsides, blue-green bays, and winding woodland roads that unexpectedly open up to scenic views. Stop in communities like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time reduces and every edge has a story. It's the kind of route where you could not best site have actually a set plan, and that's specifically the factor.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're food craving something off the beaten path, head east toward Michigan's Thumb region. This area frequently obtains forgotten however awards explorers with silent countryside roadways and lovely harbor towns along Lake Huron.
Adhere to M-25 as it wraps around the tip of the Thumb. The drive in between Bay City and Port Huron is dotted with unexpected finds: lighthouses, roadside ranch stands, and quiet coastlines where the water glows in the late afternoon sunlight. There's a sense of fond memories right here that's hard to discover elsewhere, and the slow-moving speed makes it easy to relish every moment.
Get ready for the Journey
Obviously, no trip is total without a dependable adventure to get you there and back. If you're considering updating your automobile before hitting the trail, now is a fun time to take a look at a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Known for its smooth drive and large interior, it's ideal for lengthy hours on the road and spontaneous detours down breathtaking byways.
Before you go out, it's also worth getting in touch with a Detroit Chevy dealer to make certain your automobile is ready for journey. A quick check-in can offer you comfort 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 help with everything from a regular tune-up to discovering 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 expedition.
Wherever your path leads, do not rush. Turn up your favored playlist, take the picturesque route, and let the roadway guide you. And for more neighborhood travel ideas and trip inspiration, make sure to inspect back regularly-- we're always upgrading with new paths and locations that make summer feel like an open invite.