Exploring the Shores and Forests of Michigan by Car

There's something enchanting regarding packing up your cars and truck, rolling down the home windows, and hitting the open road as summer sets in. Michigan, with its sprawling coastlines, thick woodlands, and charming small towns, offers some of one of the most breathtaking drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a long time regional or preparing your initial tour through the state, there's no shortage of breathtaking routes to make this season unforgettable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When most people think of Michigan, they picture the reduced half of the state. But the Upper Peninsula is an untapped treasure for road trippers looking to experience something raw and wild. Begin your trip by crossing the legendary bridge into the U.P., where woodlands stretch constantly and lakes glimmer under golden sunshine.
Take your time winding via M-28, a freeway that hugs the southerly side of Lake Superior. The course takes you with picturesque towns like Munising, home to a few of the most sensational waterfalls in the state. Make a rest stop to explore the coastline or venture out on a short walk-- you'll discover that nature is always within arm's reach below. The roads are quiet, the sights are calm, and the sense of getaway is real.
Cruise the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, more seaside feeling, think about heading west towards Lake Michigan Begin in the southwestern corner near St. Joseph and adhere to heaven Star Highway north. This stretch of road offers sweeping lake sights, rolling dunes, and relaxing lakeside communities that seem like they've been frozen in time.
Driving through locations like South Haven and Saugatuck, you'll discover how the energy shifts with the landscape. Some communities buzz with art galleries and gelato stands, while others invite you to reduce and take pleasure in a quiet coastline at sundown. You'll likely catch looks of sailing boats distant and the aroma of freshwater drifting through the air-- pointers that this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on summer season experience.
Experience the Rustic Charm of Northern Michigan.
Northern Michigan uses a blend of tranquility and journey that feels custom-made for trip. Start your trip in Traverse City, a dynamic lakeside town surrounded by cherry orchards and vineyards. From there, guide towards M-22, a winding route that complies with the contours of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is popular for a reason. It provides postcard-perfect scenes at almost every turn-- vine-covered hillsides, blue-green bays, and winding woodland roadways that instantly open to panoramic sights. Stop in towns like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time reduces and every edge has a tale. It's the type of route where you could not have actually a set plan, which's precisely the point.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're desire something off the beaten path, head eastern toward Michigan's Thumb area. This location often obtains overlooked yet compensates explorers with quiet countryside roads and captivating 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 unanticipated finds: lighthouses, roadside farm stands, and quiet beaches where the water shines in the late afternoon sunlight. There's a best site sense of nostalgia here that's difficult to discover in other places, and the slow pace makes it easy to relish every minute.
Get ready for the Journey
Certainly, no journey is full without a trusted trip to get you there and back. If you're thinking about upgrading your vehicle before hitting the road, now is a blast to look into a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Recognized for its smooth drive and large interior, it's ideal for lengthy hours on the road and spontaneous detours down scenic byways.
Before you go out, it's also worth getting in touch with a Detroit Chevy dealer to make sure your vehicle awaits journey. A fast check-in can provide you comfort and maybe even spark some new ideas for where to go next. If you're currently in the area, a trusted Chevy dealer in Detroit can aid with whatever from a regular tune-up to locating the ideal summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something undoubtedly releasing about finding brand-new roadways and taking another look at familiar ones with fresh eyes. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, catching a lake breeze along the west coastline, or discovering surprise treasures in the Thumb, Michigan offers a wide-open play area for summertime expedition.
Wherever your course leads, don't rush. Turn up your preferred playlist, take the picturesque route, and allow the road guide you. And for even more regional travel concepts and journey inspiration, be sure to examine back consistently-- we're constantly updating with brand-new routes and locations that make summertime feel like an open invite.