Michigan Road Trip Ideas: Traveling the Great Lakes State!

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

This time of year, the shop sees plenty of vacationers passing through who are experiencing car troubles of one kind or the other. While we're sorry for these customers' troubles, it's always a pleasure to hear about their destinations and road trip adventures. It reminds us of how many beautiful places there are to visit right here on Michigan's West coast.

It also reminds us that pre-road trip repairs and maintenance can save vacationers unwanted headaches!

Ok, that was our sales pitch for this post.

It's the season of summer road trips, and veteran Michigan residents know that there's plenty interesting pavement to explore right here in our own backyard. Not only is Michigan home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the US, but many of these destinations are unknown to all but a few.

Personally, I prefer to avoid the vacationing crowds, traveling instead to remote, little-known places. Thankfully, I don't have to shell out the cash it would take to hop a plane or drive 1,000's of miles to find beautiful, unpopulated road trip destinations. With Michigan's abundance of natural lakes, state forests, white sand dunes and shorelines, why would you road trip in any other state?

This is a very, very short list of beautiful Michigan road trip destinations that aren't too far from our own backyard.

West Michigan Scenic Drive - My personal favorite, this meandering stretch of road travels along the coast from Muskegon to Silver Lake State Park. There are plenty of beaches and lighthouses along the way, but Silver Lake's white sand dunes take the cake. There's a breathtaking view of the dunes as you crest a hill on B-1 traveling North which never fails to amaze me.

Although the name of the road sometimes changes (Scenic Drive, Route B-15, Lakeside Drive), it's never hard to find - just keep Lake Michigan out your driver's side window! map link

Shrine of the Pines - As beautiful as it is unique, this destination is nestled in the heart of Michigan's Manistee National Forest, near Baldwin. Visiting the world's largest collection of hand-made pine furniture is a fantastic beginning or start to a trip through the dense wilderness of Manistee's many parks and hiking trails. map link

Harrisville, Northern Michigan (East coast) - Home of Iargo Springs, one of the most fascinating and little-known natural wonders in Michigan, this road trip destination lies on Michigan's East coast. A fantastic destination for a week long meandering road trip, the Widow's Watch bed and breakfast provides nearby lodging that is a treat in and of itself. map link

M-22 Highway, Leelanau Penninsula Drive - A popular and beautiful destination for road trips, Leelanau has everything you could want. From fudge shops and unique towns to serene fishing locations, M-22 is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the Lower Peninsula. map link

If you'd like to see more Michigan road trip destinations, or find tips for lodging, check out this link.

Did we miss a destination? Comment and tell us about your favorite Michigan getaway!