Michigan Backroads and Scenic Drives for Summer

There's something magical regarding packing up your vehicle, rolling down the home windows, and hitting the open roadway as summertime embed in. Michigan, with its expansive shorelines, thick forests, and enchanting small towns, offers several of one of the most awesome drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a long time regional or intending your very first excursion through the state, there's no shortage of picturesque routes to make this period remarkable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When most people consider Michigan, they picture the lower half 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 going across the famous bridge right into the U.P., where woodlands stretch endlessly and lakes glimmer under gold sunshine.
Take your time winding via M-28, a highway that hugs the southerly side of Lake Superior. The course takes you through picturesque towns like Munising, home to some of one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the state. Make a rest stop to check out the coastline or venture out on a brief walking-- you'll find that nature is constantly within arm's reach right here. The roadways are quiet, the views are peaceful, and the feeling of retreat is genuine.
Cruise the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, more coastal feel, take into consideration heading west toward Lake Michigan Beginning in the southwestern edge near St. Joseph and follow heaven Star Highway north. This stretch of roadway provides sweeping lake sights, rolling dunes, and comfortable lakeside neighborhoods that seem like they've been frozen in time.
Driving with places like South Haven and Saugatuck, you'll see how the energy shifts with the landscape. Some communities buzz with art galleries and gelato stands, while others welcome you to reduce and delight in a silent beach at sundown. You'll likely catch glimpses of sailing boats distant and the scent of freshwater drifting with the air-- suggestions that this isn't just a drive; it's a full-on summer season experience.
Experience the Rustic Charm of Northern Michigan.
North Michigan uses a mix of harmony and adventure that really feels custom-made for road trips. Start your journey in Traverse City, a bustling lakeside town surrounded by cherry orchards and wineries. From there, guide toward M-22, a winding route that adheres to the contours of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is well-known for a reason. It supplies postcard-perfect scenes at nearly every turn-- vine-covered hills, blue-green bays, and winding forest roadways that instantly open to scenic views. Stop in communities like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time reduces and every corner has a story. It's the kind of see it here path where you may not have an established strategy, and that's precisely the factor.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're food craving something off the beaten path, head east toward Michigan's Thumb area. This area often gets neglected however awards explorers with silent countryside roads and charming harbor communities along Lake Huron.
Follow M-25 as it wraps around the tip of the Thumb. The drive in between Bay City and Port Huron is populated with unforeseen finds: lighthouses, roadside ranch stands, and quiet beaches where the water shines in the late afternoon sun. There's a feeling of fond memories here that's difficult to locate in other places, and the sluggish rate makes it very easy to relish every moment.
Get ready for the Journey
Naturally, no road trip is total without a dependable ride to obtain you there and back. If you're thinking about upgrading your car before hitting the trail, now is a blast to take a look at a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Known for its smooth drive and sizable interior, it's suitable for long hours when traveling and spontaneous detours down beautiful byways.
Prior to you head out, it's also worth getting in touch with a Detroit Chevy dealer to make certain your car awaits adventure. A fast check-in can give you assurance and perhaps even spark some originalities 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 regular tune-up to discovering the ideal summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something undoubtedly releasing concerning discovering new roads and taking another look at familiar ones with fresh eyes. Whether you're going after waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, capturing a lake breeze along the west shore, or discovering covert gems in the Thumb, Michigan uses a wide-open play ground for summer season exploration.
Wherever your course leads, don't hurry. Turn up your preferred playlist, take the scenic path, and allow the roadway guide you. And for even more regional travel ideas and journey inspiration, make sure to check back routinely-- we're always upgrading with new routes and locations that make summertime feel like an open invitation.