Drive Through Michigan’s Best-Kept Summer Secrets

There's something wonderful about packing up your cars and truck, rolling down the home windows, and striking the open road as summer sets in. Michigan, with its sprawling shorelines, thick woodlands, and enchanting small towns, provides some of one of the most breathtaking drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a long time neighborhood or planning your first excursion through the state, there's no shortage of beautiful courses to make this period unforgettable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When many people think of Michigan, they visualize 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 journey by going across the famous bridge right into the U.P., where woodlands stretch constantly and lakes shimmer under gold sunshine.
Take your time winding through M-28, a highway that hugs the southern edge of Lake Superior. The route takes you with picturesque towns like Munising, home to some of one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the state. Make a pit stop to check out the coastline or venture out on a short walking-- you'll discover that nature is always within arm's reach here. The roads are quiet, the sights are tranquil, and the feeling of getaway is real.
Cruise Ship the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, a lot more seaside feeling, consider heading west towards Lake Michigan Beginning in the southwestern edge near St. Joseph and follow the Blue Star Highway north. This stretch of roadway uses sweeping lake views, rolling dunes, and comfortable lakeside communities that feel like they've been frozen in time.
Driving via places 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 welcome you to slow down and appreciate a peaceful coastline at sunset. You'll likely capture glances of sailing boats in the distance and the aroma of freshwater drifting with the air-- reminders that this isn't simply a drive; it's a full-on summertime experience.
Experience the Rustic Charm of Northern Michigan.
North Michigan uses a mix of harmony and adventure that really feels tailor-made for journey. Begin your trip in Traverse City, a dynamic lakeside town surrounded by cherry orchards and vineyards. From there, steer toward M-22, a winding course that complies with the shapes of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is popular for a factor. It delivers postcard-perfect scenes at almost every turn-- vine-covered hillsides, blue-green bays, and winding forest roads that instantly open up to breathtaking views. Stop in communities like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time decreases and every corner has a tale. It's the kind of course where you may not have a set strategy, and that's precisely the factor.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're food craving something off the beaten path, head eastern toward Michigan's Thumb region. This location usually obtains overlooked yet compensates travelers with peaceful countryside roadways and enchanting harbor communities along Lake Huron.
Adhere to M-25 as it wraps around the pointer of the Thumb. The drive in between Bay City and Port Huron is dotted with unanticipated finds: lighthouses, roadside farm stands, and peaceful coastlines where the water shines in the late afternoon sunlight. There's a sense of nostalgia here that's hard to locate in other places, and the sluggish speed makes it simple to enjoy every minute.
Gear Up for the Journey
Obviously, no road trip is total without a reliable adventure to obtain you there and back. If you're considering updating your vehicle before hitting the trail, currently read here is a good time to look into a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Understood for its smooth drive and large interior, it's perfect for lengthy hours when driving and spontaneous detours down breathtaking byways.
Prior to you head out, it's additionally worth getting in touch with a Detroit Chevy dealer to see to it your vehicle awaits adventure. A fast check-in can provide you peace of mind and maybe even stimulate some new ideas for where to go next. If you're currently in the location, a trusted Chevy dealer in Detroit can aid with everything from a routine tune-up to finding the best summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something undeniably freeing regarding uncovering brand-new roads and revisiting familiar ones with fresh eyes. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, catching a lake wind along the west shore, or uncovering covert treasures in the Thumb, Michigan supplies a wide-open play area for summer expedition.
Wherever your path leads, do not rush. Turn up your favored playlist, take the beautiful route, and let the roadway guide you. And for even more regional travel ideas and journey motivation, be sure to examine back consistently-- we're constantly updating with brand-new routes and locations that make summer feel like an open invite.