by Backseat View
Michigan is one of my favorite states, with beach towns that rival the Caribbean, the fairytale island of Mackinac, the rock formations on Lake Superior, and the The Henry Ford Museum. I never expected to FALL in LOVE with Michigan, but I have.
This 10-day Michigan Road Trip begins in Detroit, winds through Wisconsin, and ends in Minnesota.
If you are looking for a family vacation that avoids the summer crowds and Florida heat and delivers some of the best views in America, Michigan delivers. My family expressed safety concerns over flying into Detroit, but the airport is outside the city and ranks as one of the safest airports in North America. Join me on a Michigan road trip for a peek into the best of Michigan!
The Henry Ford Museum
After a quick Hello to Detroit, we entered a world of past innovations called The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. The museum captured my heart and ignited my American Spirit. The Henry Ford stands equal to the Smithsonian museums with an impressive, educational walk-through history.
The presidential cars, trains, planes, and race cars leave you awestruck at every turn. Historical moments are collected for viewing, such as the chair Abraham Lincoln was shot in and Rosa Parks bus.
Greenfield Village
Next door to the museum, Greenfield Village invites you to stroll through 200 acres with 100 historic buildings. This is one of the neatest places I have ever visited, so don’t miss it! Stepping into Thomas Edison’s workshops and the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop inspires you to chase your great ideas.
Grab your tickets and hop on a Ford Model T or the steam train to ride by Robert Frost’s home, Noah Webster’s home, log cabin schools, or Liberty Craftworks
The Eagle Tavern offers a taste of historical recipes from the 1700s and is the perfect lunch stop.
Walking through four working farms and watching real artisans will ignite your American can-do spirit. Stroll the main street shops with an ice cream in hand, then cross the covered bridge to the Porches and Parlors section for famous American homes. After your stroll, the Cotswold Cottage invites you to rest in their garden and watch the windmill turn.
As you amble through American life, join the crowd for Vintage baseball.
Vintage Baseball
Greenfield Village has a Vintage 1876 Baseball team that plays baseball as it was meant to be played: FOR FUN. The band fills the air with music while Cracker Jacks and popcorn fill us with energy to cheer on our team. The umpire and game announcer wear top hats and fancy suits. The unique baseball outfits and grand gestures bring smiles full of delight. The calendar is full of fun vintage opportunities.
Due to a flight delay, we missed the Ford Factory Tour. The Ford Factory Tour allows you to watch the Ford F150 being made and has outstanding reviews.
The Membership pass was cheaper than daily tickets since we were visiting The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. We stayed at Hampton Inn near the Ford Museum.
The Ford House
I love the glamour and sophistication that encircles iconic people in history. The Continental Restaurant at The Ford House, a National Historic Landmark, on Lake St. Clair requires reservations. The Ford House, a 30-minute drive from the museum, is on 87 beautiful acres requiring tour tickets.
Day 2 was spent exploring The Henry Ford Museum, then dinner reservations at Ford’s Garage. I underestimated the time I would need, so give yourself two full days for the Ford area.
We did a half-day fishing trip for Muskie on Lake St. Clair, but I can’t recommend it. It is an elusive fish and we did not catch one.
Now, this Michigan Road Trip will travel four hours north to Empire, MI.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Day 3 begins at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, towering dunes, 35 miles of soft sand beaches, and tropical blue water.
I found paradise.
The dunes are the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world.
The dunes are spectacular, imposing, and impressive. I read that National Geographic awarded Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Point “One of the Top Beaches on Earth,” and Sleeping Bear was awarded “Most Beautiful Place in America” by ABC’s “Good Morning America,” so I placed it on the itinerary.
Honestly, I had doubts about Michigan’s beaches being as grand as Cannon Beach in Oregon, Papakolea in Hawaii, Carmel City Beach in California, or even 30A in Florida, but they are.
M22
I made the mistake of only one day here in this magical place with 13 hiking trails with jaw-dropping views to explore along the coastline. I wanted to spend a summer here in a house on Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor, surrounded by family-owned restaurants and unique shops.
M22 is similar to the famous 30A in Florida, and I fell in love.
I was shocked that the beaches and blue water rival that of a Caribbean Island, with perfect 80-degree weather. I had stumbled upon one of the nation’s best-kept secrets.
Empire Bluff Trail
Pay the $25 or use an America the Beautiful National Park Pass to begin the Sleeping Bear Dunes journey. Start the day with the 1.5-mile Empire Bluff Trail. Hike through an enchanting, shady forest to arrive 400 feet above Lake Michigan with epic views.
This is the best short hike in America.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Next up, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive of 8 miles travels through the forest and overlooks Lake Michigan’s stunning aqua-colored water. Lake Michigan Overlook has people climbing the 450-foot dunes, but it’s challenging. The dune is a cliff dive into the blue water. A rescue costs over $3,000, so just watch people struggle up the dune. It’s the perfect place to rest and soak in the awe and wonder of Mother Nature at her finest.
Be prepared to be amazed at every overlook deck. Overlook #9 is the best place for sunset. I struggled with the park map, so we stopped at all the overlooks. Campers and trailers are dropped at the entrance, making weaving through the forest easier.
Glen Arbor
The quaint Glen Arbor in the middle of the park is one of my favorite towns. Glen Arbor is home to the famous Cherry Republic, with all the cherry products imaginable. This is the largest cherry-growing region in the country. I enjoy treasure searching at stores and restaurants that are independently owned. Enjoy the day by grabbing an ice cream or donut and strolling the town admiring the flowers.
I always travel forward, with so many new places to experience, but Glen Arbor and M22 own a piece of my heart, so I shall return.
An area where natural beauty has yet to be sold out to commercialism is refreshing.
Pyramid Point
We moved on to hike the 1.2-mile round-trip part of Pyramid Point. After a climb through the forest, arrival at the bluff rewards views overlooking Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands.
Reaching the end of Sleeping Bear rewards visitors with the postcard-perfect town of Leland, complete with flowerboxes on each window.
Leland
Leland has classic storybook charm, reminding me of Seaside, FL. The most upscale of the M22 towns with flower boxes and character at every turn.
Everyone eats at The Cove in Leland. The Cove serves gourmet fresh food with fantastic historic Fishtown waterfront views. A slice of FRESH cherry pie is literally required as you dine under boats and next to propellers.
Fishtown
The fishing shanties, smokehouses, docks, and fish tugs are a rare glimpse into a historic Fishtown.
Lodging
- Deciding where to stay was determined by beach access.
- Empire has an empty, pristine beach, and beach sunsets are why I travel.
- The Lakeshore Inn, in Empire, is within walking distance of this slice of heaven.
- I wanted a few hours on Lake Michigan Beach Park in Empire.
- Glen Arbor, in the middle of the park, was my second choice.
- We explored the Sleeping Bear Dunes towns Empire (rustic), Glen Arbor (perfection, but hard to get a reservation), and then Leland, MI (perfection).
- Leland is 40 minutes from Empire, with the national park stretching between them.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes is 40 minutes from Traverse City.
- Traverse City is the most common, affordable place to stay when exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Mackinaw City
Day 4 begins with a 3-hour drive north to Mackinaw City to catch the Star Line Ferry and arrive on Mackinac Island. The St. Ignace departing area has free overnight parking. The most affordable way to explore Mackinac Island is a hotel in Mackinaw City and ride the ferry over for a day trip to Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is a bucket list dream for me, so we stayed on Mackinac Island at the Lake View Hotel for two nights, worth every dollar. I find places more magical before the daily crowds arrive.
Mackinac Island is a storybook enchanting dream complete with history, horses, and charming homes enveloped in the smell of fudge.
I had not dreamed big enough to grasp the wonder of Mackinac Island.
A town without cars is as enchanting as the magnificent horses trotting up the street.
The Grand Hotel
The Porch at Grand Hotel provides soul-settling views of Lake Michigan. I love the glamorous and iconic hotel that is The Grand. Dinner at The Grand is an event, so bring suits and your best dress and pose for the family photos. The Grand is easily one of America’s Best hotels.
When I return, I probably still won’t have enough money to stay here, but I will pay the visiting fee and pretend.
Mackinac Island, with its colorful Victorian and Colonial-style homes, was the highlight of my Michigan vacation.
Bike the Island
Day 5 begins with an early, peaceful, bike ride that circles the island’s coast before the day tripper crowds arrive. The cheapest bike rentals are the farthest from the ferry. Everyone rides bikes or takes a horse carriage ride to explore the island. The horses are the stars of the island, so get in line for a tour time.
Fort Mac
Visit Fort Mac for a history lesson with the best sweeping island views. Reenactments and cannon fires bring the fort to life. The Fort Mac Tea Room provides this view with your delicious lunch.
Pink Pony
When selecting restaurants, the ICONIC Pink Pony was my first choice. The Daily Meal awarded the Pink Pony “Best Top 10 outdoor dining restaurants in America”. We lined up early and enjoyed our pink lemonade dinning experience. It lives up to the HYPE.
The Sea Biscuit Cafe and Millie’s on Main were my next favorite restaurants. You can’t leave the island without fudge.
After the fudge, head over to Mission Point for mini-golf on The Greens of Mackinac with harbor views.
Mackinac Island captured my heart, and I treasured every moment strolling the prettiest island in the world.
The UP
On day 6, take the ferry back to Mackinaw City and drive an hour north to Tahquamenon Falls, located in the UP.
The UP (upper Michigan) is WILD, undefined, and full of adventures in the Great Outdoors. Get ready for bears, waterfalls, and the best food. Be prepared to fall in love with the beauty exposed in nature at every turn.
Heading into the UP means bringing a map because your phone will have serious coverage issues. We ended up lost for hours with my map reading skills. I debated an alternate plan of visiting the Garlyn Zoo and having lunch in Grand Marais, MI, that would have been easier to navigate.
We stumbled upon the most delicious lunch at The Inn Gastropub & Smokehouse. I have eaten barbecue across the country and did not expect the best-ever barbecue to be in the UP. The food is made fresh from scratch resulting in crowds.
Tahquamenon Falls
We had an hour-long visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The Upper Falls has a drop of 50 feet and is more than 200 feet across. There are lower-level falls, hiking, and fishing to provide entertainment for the weekend.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch
Oswald’s Bear Ranch is about 30 minutes from Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Oswald’s Bear Ranch is the largest in the US, with 240 acres, 40 bears, and no small cages. We walked around the large, natural habitats, fed apples to the bears, and petted a cub for only $40.
Lost in the UP
It’s supposed to be an hour’s drive from Oswald’s to Munising or Grand Marais, depending on the route, but without phone coverage, we were lost for hours in the UP. This is the perfect place to escape life and the law or disappear into the wild. The UP is comparable to Alaska in remoteness, and I was unprepared.
If the road you seek isn’t marked the day you visit, find the coast and follow it to town.
We visited the 12-mile-perfect beach near Grand Marais. Grand Marais also has the Log Slide overlook view. This beach is PERFECTION!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Our two-day base in the UP was Munising at a VRBO house on the lake. The Comfort Inn & Suites Munising Lakefront is the option I would choose on another trip. We came for the Pictured Rocks National Rocks National Lakeshore and the rock formations. Our Sunset Spray Falls Cruise with Pictured Rocks Cruises led us past sandstone cliffs with vibrant colors, waterfalls, sea caves, and beaches. Arrive an hour early to line up for the best seats on top of the boat, even if it’s pouring rain.
Chasing Waterfalls
Day 7 holds more waterfalls and secluded beaches than can be explored in a week. You can grab a map with all the waterfall options when you pay the entrance fee to Pictured Rocks. My favorites were Miner’s Falls and Sand Beach. Y’all, look at the crowd level the first week of July, with 80 degree weather on this one-mile beach. Over 300 waterfalls are scattered around the UP.
Lake Superior is wild and unpredictable.
We booked our Pictured Rocks cruise for the first day to have extra time to reschedule due to any weather events. I could have stayed a month on these beaches and hiking.
“I want to live in a LAND of Lakes where the GREAT waves BREAK & night RUNS into Day.” Lord Huron
Miner’s Golf
The best mini golf and award-winning ice cream are at Miner’s Golf. The course has rocks and adorable water areas, making it challenging and fun.
Bayfield, WI
Day 8 on the Michigan Road trip drives us five hours to Bayfield, WI. We explored the artesian, independently owned historic downtown Bayfield, Wisconsin.
The Bayfield Inn is the most popular place to stay in the center of town on Lake Superior. Seagull Bay is charming, budget-friendly, modern, and on the edge of town. The unique wall murals, kitchen designs, the outdoor areas, and the sweet owners made our stay perfect.
Sea Caves
There are several sea caves to explore kayaking from the beach with groups such as Apostle Islands Rustic Makwa Den. Make reservations because everyone in town is there to explore the caves.
Apostle Islands
Day 9 is a 4-hour boating trip exploring the Apostle Islands and kayaking Devil’s Cave. Gliding through rock formations with the splash of your paddle as the only sound brings a new definition to peace.
We chose Escape Excursions to tour the 22 islands, dramatic sea caves, and kayak Devil’s Cave without a crowd.
With boat access, sandstone cliffs, perfect beaches, and 50 miles of hiking trails are available. The sea caves were on my bucket list and worth every dollar to glide through their majesty.
Mall of America
After our boat tour, we drove 4.5 hours to the Mall of America in Minnesota. The Mall is four stories with over 520 stores and a theme park in the middle. The Mall of America is easily a weekend activity with the aquarium, mini-golf, movie theater, an entire restaurant floor, and limitless activities. The mall was bigger than I expected and was more walking than I wanted.
On day 10, the airport is just a few blocks from the mall. Hello, Delta!
For a shorter trip in and out of Detroit, turn the car around after Mackinac Island and drive the four hours back to the airport. Thank you for reading my Michigan Road Trip Guide!
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