Michigan road trips and hidden gems

The state of Michigan is packed full of adventure and you’ll find no shortage of hidden gems and road trip opportunities. Explore stunning sights throughout the state when you embark on a trip along the Thumb and Sunrise coast, the West side, and the scenic Upper Peninsula. COVID-19 Travel Alert: Please check government advisories before booking and traveling. Learn more here.

The Thumb and Sunrise Coast of Michigan is home to several iconic destinations. When you visit the Port Austin area after heading north from Lexington, you’ll find an extensive array of activities. At Port Crescent State Park, you can relax by a pristine 3-mile stretch of coastline perfect for swimming. If you venture out even farther into the water, you can visit Turnip Rock a fascinating natural wonder which can be reached via a scenic kayak ride. Throughout Port Austin, you can also immerse yourself in the local culture by taking in the numerous public art installations in the region.

Continuing the journey north past Oscoda, you’ll find Alpena, an East Coast city in Michigan that offers extensive opportunities for outdoor adventure . From Alpena, you can visit the Rockport State Recreation Area, where you’ll discover pristine views, coastal walking trails, and fossils dating back 400 million years. Make a stop at Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary to explore nearly 100 historic shipwrecks in Lake Huron, then strap on your boots and hike the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail

Your first stop on a road trip to the west side of Michigan is Baldwin. Baldwin is a quiet town, but you’ll also find several attractions here that will enhance any vacation experience. The Shrine of the Pines is especially alluring since it features an entire cabin with intricately carved furniture that looks as if it was grown rather than made. Then head 30 miles west to Ludington, which offers stretches of sandy beaches and several historic lighthouses. Don’t miss Ludington State Park, a hiker’s haven that’s been voted the best state park in the Midwest.

Head north and you’ll find yourself in Bellaire, one of the best places to try locally made craft brews. After sampling some suds, check out the 1,400-acre Grass River Natural Area, which features walking and birding trails. When you’re ready to move on, head west to Leland for your final stop. In Leland, also known as Fishtown, you’ll discover a quaint village with shops, restaurants, beaches, and fishing opportunities – the perfect place to soak up the Michigan summer.

One of the best places to start your road trip in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is Drummond Island. This island in Lake Huron is packed full of adventure. Known as the “Gem of the Huron,” Drummond Island is home to outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and golf. Scuba diving and snorkeling are available too, with 16 unique shipwrecks to explore. Some of them date as far back as the 19th century.

If you’re looking for relaxation by the water, you don’t have to stay around the coast of Drummond Island. You’ll find 36 lakes located inland on the 249-square-mile island.

Head west, and you can visit Escanaba, a beautiful destination for road trips designed for outdoor adventurers. Visit Kitch-iti-kipi, or Big Spring, the largest freshwater spring in the state. The waters are crystal clear, and you can see the trunks of ancient trees covered in minerals deposited over the years.

When you visit this area of northern Michigan, you can also explore the Hiawatha National Forest and its miles of hiking trails. Plus, you’ll find acres and acres of inland lakes perfect for boating and fishing.

At the end of your road trip, you’ll find Ironwood. This Michigan town is home to Copper Peak, which is the only ski flying hill located outside of Europe, though visitors aren’t actually able to ski down the hill at this time. It still offers stunning sights, however, so don’t hesitate to make the journey upwards. You can reach incredible heights that offer awe-inspiring views overlooking more than 2,500 square miles across 3 states on a clear day.

If you’re more interested in exploring the past, you can visit the Menominee Range Historical Museum. This establishment hosts more than 100 exhibits dating back to the 19th century that you can peruse showcasing what life was like back then.