The best driving route around the Great Lakes: hit the road on this epic round trip from Chicago

Apr 14, 2022 • 7 min read

Husband and wife on road trip in van parked on side of road near ocean looking out

This road trip around the Great Lakes is a wonderful way to experience the best of the region © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

A happy marriage of open road and open water, of blacktop and blue swells, a looping tour of the Great Lakes – beginning and ending in Chicago – can take in five states, four of the lakes, and the birthplaces of two music legends.

As much country as it is town, this road trip delivers all the hazy, lazy romance of a beach holiday while staying firmly inland. Take your time, it's an epic journey.

Find beaches, art, and baseball on the drive from Chicago, Illinois to Toledo, Ohio 

Approximately 250 miles

Stick close to the Lake Michigan shoreline and it’s just 20 miles from downtown Chicago to the Indiana border. A handful more and you’ll be in Gary , a once-prosperous steel town that, though now heavily rusted, still has its fans – most of them musical. One of the few tended properties in a rundown neighborhood is the fenced-off two-bedroom bungalow at 2300 Jackson St. This was home to Michael Jackson and his nine siblings, and is where the Jackson 5 was launched. 

Gary is the western bookend of Indiana Dunes National Park , one of the country's newest national parks and a patchwork of beaches, marshland, prairie, scrub, and forest running for 25 miles alongside Lake Michigan. There you can swim, hike, go horseback riding, spot rare plants and birds, and bed down at Dunewood Campground.

Afterward, head east on Interstate 80, to Toledo , Ohio , at the western tip of Lake Erie . This former industrial metropolis is nicknamed "the Glass City" due to it making a lot of glass in its heyday. It was also something of a safe space for mobsters and bootleggers during Prohibition. More recently, Toledo has recovered its mojo, bringing in art lovers to visit the world-class  Toledo Museum of Art , sports fans who pack out the stadium to see the Toledo Mud Hens  (one of the oldest Minor League Baseball teams), and devotees of the Hungarian hot dog .

Waves lap the banks of Lake Huron; Great Lakes road trip

Stop for some great surf on your drive from Toledo, Ohio, to Bay City, Michigan

Approximately 340 miles

Before you head north up Hwy 23 to the university town of Ann Arbor, where you can fill up on experimental art, vegan cuisine and radical politics, make a detour to Luna Pier , a modest resort town just over the Michigan state line. Here be surfing. Yes, you can surf on the Great Lakes, and at any time of year, but you’re more likely to get the right blustery conditions to do so in fall, winter, and early spring. Lunar Pier has some of Lake Erie’s most popular breaks.

From Ann Arbor, pick up Interstate 69 at Flint and at Port Huron join Hwy 25, which clutches Lake Huron’s supremely scenic western shore – "the sunrise side" – all the way to Saginaw Bay. The coast is punctuated by quaint towns – Lexington and Ports Sanilac, Hope and Austin – and their beaches, lighthouses, marinas, and charter fishing.

Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is often referred to as "the mitten," and Saginaw Bay separates the thumb of that mitten from the rest of it. Bay City, the birthplace of Madonna, sits in the crook of that thumb. It’s one of the better spots for surfing.

The Bavarian-style town of Frankenmuth; Great Lakes road trip

Drive to Frankenmuth and onwards into Michigan's lower northwest for fresh fish and natural wonders

Approximately 360 miles to Mackinac Bridge

Before you head east across "the mitten" on Hwy 10, a visit to Frankenmuth , aka "Little Bavaria," is in order. The area was settled in the 19th century by Lutheran immigrants from Franconia, Germany, and the town – in its timber-framed architecture, beer and sausage festivals, and German spoken as a second language – has retained more than a flavor of the old country.

At the end of Hwy 10, on the east coast of Lake Michigan, is Ludington, one of the state’s best beach towns, with 28 miles of sandy shoreline, community beach bonfires, and a coal-fired car ferry to and from Manitowoc , Wisconsin. More salmon and trout are caught from Ludington each year than anywhere else, so hire a charter boat and get your catch prepped, broiled or poached at one of many local restaurants participating in Michigan’s Catch and Cook program .

A family walks along the lake shore with the Mackinac bridge in the background; Great Lakes road trip

Join Hwy 31, which skirts Lake Michigan for 366 miles and travels north to where the Lower meets the Upper Peninsula , or "the Yoop," via the five-mile Mackinac Bridge, an ethereally elegant piece of engineering that looks plucked from the pages of Greek mythology.

On the way, make time for the myriad virtues of northwest – that is, lower northwest – Michigan. Perhaps you'll stop by the vineyards, wineries and fine-dining establishments in and around Traverse City, a resort town producing 75 percent of the country’s tart Montmorency cherries. Or you could visit the Leelanau Peninsula, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne City and Petoskey, all places with beaches that are mobbed in high season, but still feel untamed and isolated.

Special mention must go to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Its steeply elevated bluffs – which help make up the largest freshwater dune system in the world – beech and maple woodlands and views of Lake Michigan at its most Mediterranean amount to a natural wonder. The Overlook , an observation point on the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive , gazes down on a 450ft near-drop. People are warned to not descend because few have the lung capacity to get back up. Surfers are welcome to chance their boards at the public beach in Empire , a candy-colored hamlet of weathered buildings Norman Rockwell could have painted.

The sun sets over the lake; the shore is littered with driftwood

Keep heading north into Michigan's Upper Peninsula for shipwrecks and ghost towns 

Approximately 325 miles

Nicknamed "the Deep North," heavily forested and formerly rich, the Upper Peninsula is a place of mystery and of ghosts. Hear some of their stories at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum , at Whitefish Point, west of Munising town. More than 6000 ships and 30,000 lives have been lost on the Lakes, in large part because they lack natural harbors in which vessels can wait out violent storms.

Keweenaw Peninsula , northwest of Marquette, a major port on Lake Superior , is likewise haunted. Native Americans were the first to mine copper in the area, some 7000 years ago, but it took the Ojibwe to sign a treaty in 1842 ceding their mineral-rich lands to the United States for the copper rush, which made more fortunes than California’s gold rush, to gain momentum. Almost all of the mines were shut down during the Great Depression, and relics of the industry – several ghost towns, the erstwhile opera house in Calumet – are all that is now left.

Girl and boy exploring rocks in Cave Point County Park on shores of Lake Michigan

Leave the Upper Peninsula behind for charming small towns and a stop in the cool city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Approximately 555 miles

From Keweenaw Peninsula bear south on Hwy 141 and you’ll be in Wisconsin in a couple of hours. Overshoot Green Bay and hang a left on Hwy 57 into Door County , a narrow spit of land – 75 miles long by 3 miles at its tip – that juts out into Lake Michigan. Mesmerizingly tranquil and comfortably affluent, every square inch of this "Cape Cod of the Midwest" seems to carry a divine stamp. It’s a storehouse of biological diversity. And its towns, such as Egg Harbor and Fish Creek , are stuffed with charm, independent stores, and artisanal bakers.

As a way of weaning oneself off the cozy joys of bucolic Wisconsin and easing oneself into the raw excitement of Chicago, Milwaukee , off I-43, makes the perfect transitional stop. Brew City continues to make beer, but it has diversified its appeal, transforming itself into an assuredly cool arts, music, and festival hub , and some of its neighborhoods , such as Bay View , south of the downtown area, are so hip it hurts.

From there, it’s back to the Chicago. But not without a carful of memories, a camera full of photographs, and a head full of beach hair.

You might also like: Top 7 day trips from Chicago    The best time to visit Michigan: a season-by-season guide    Save your money and spend time enjoying free things in Milwaukee   

This article was first published September 2019 and updated April 2022

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Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary: Travel Guide To Exploring The Region

Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary: Explore All 5 Great Lakes • Winetraveler

Experience the splendor of each of the five Great Lakes (Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario) with this ten-stop ~1,300-mile road trip. The Great Lakes, massive freshwater lakes that almost appear to resemble the ocean based on their sheer size, are certain to amaze. This road trip starts in Chicago, Illinois, takes you north up Wisconsin and into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, continues around the peninsula, and then down Michigan, along the northern coastline of Ohio, northeasterly to Niagara Falls, and ends in Toronto.

IN THIS GREAT LAKES ROAD TRIP GUIDE:

  • Travel Tips
  • Stop 1: Chicago
  • Stop 2: Milwaukee
  • Stop 3: Green Bay
  • Stop 4: Munising / Lake Superior
  • Stop 5: Mackinac Island / Lake Huron
  • Stop 6: Bay City / Lake Huron
  • Stop 7: Detroit
  • Stop 8: Sandusky / Lake Erie

Stop 9: Niagara Falls

  • Stop 10: Toronto / Lake Ontario
  • …and more

Great Lakes Road Trip Map and Itinerary

Travel Tips and Practicalities

Fly into the Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to start this road trip and fly home via the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (assuming you’re ending the trip in Toronto). Finding flights should be easy as both are large airports. If you’re flying home via a USA airport, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) and Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) are two options. You can  view current flight deals here  and additional hotel options here for any of the destinations we mention below.

Renting a car to navigate this journey will be the most efficient (unless you’re a local or driving long distance), but be prepared for a probable one-way fee. If the fee for dropping off in another country is excessive, consider returning the car in New York and then find other modes of transportation to Toronto and Niagara Falls.

Stop 1: Chicago, Illinois – Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan sunset view from the beach

Chicago, set on the banks of Lake Michigan, is an excellent starting point for this road trip. Since this trip is centered on savoring in the Great Lakes, make time to at least walk along the Navy Pier that stretches out over Lake Michigan. Maybe even take a cruise out onto Lake Michigan, and try at least a few of Winetraveler’s selection of must-visit wine bars in Chicago.

If you give yourself more time in this energetic city, soak in the city’s legendary architecture by taking a cruise down the Chicago River and/or strolling down Chicago Riverwalk. Tickets for the cruise can be purchased here . Stroll around Millenium Park, and make it to the iconic modern art sculpture, the Cloud Gate (better known as “The Bean”). Don’t go to Chicago without trying at least one deep-dish pizza from favorites such as Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and/or Pizzeria Uno.

Soar high up above the city by riding the elevators to the observation floors on the 103 rd floor of the Willis Tower f/k/a Sears Tower (Skydeck Chicago) and the 94 th floor of 360 Chicago (still colloquially referred to as the John Hancock Center).

From Skydeck Chicago, glass cube ledges extend over 4 feet from the edge of the building. It may be a little intimidating to step onto the glass floor from over 100 floors high, but the bird’s-eye view is unique and quite an experience.

The 360 Chicago offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan along with skyline city views. From 360 Chicago, engage in the tilting experience whereby you step onto a glass-enclosed balcony with a moveable platform that tilts downward over the edge of the building for a brief moment. Alternatively or additionally, grab a pricey cocktail at the Signature Lounge on the 96 th floor. While the drinks are on the pricer side, the admission is free and the views are unforgettable (planning to reopen for service on April 9, 2021).

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile is a great hotel for families located in the heart of many of Chicago’s finest attractions. It’s only about ~0.7 miles west of the Navy Pier. The Allegro Royal Sonesta , with an old-style boutique feel, is also a lovely stay within walking distance to many sites.

If you’re hungry for a bratwurst and/or are looking for a lively atmosphere to watch a sports game, stop in at Brat Stop in Kenosha on your way to Milwaukee. Brat Stop has been around since 1961 and is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

While in Kenosha, satisfy your craving to try Wisconsin cheeses with a stop at Tim and Tom’s Cheese Shop . The store displays many refrigerators full of a variety of Wisconsin cheeses, along with sausage, cheesy popcorns, condiments, and more. If you have ever wanted a foam cheese hat or other fun items, you may be in luck here.

Drive ~90 minutes to Milwaukee. 

Stop 2: Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Lake Michigan

Milwaukee is a beautiful city situated along Lake Michigan. Stroll along the lake and around the expansive parks with open fields. Immerse yourself in museums, such as Discovery World (plans to re-open on March 27, 2021), the Harley-Davidson Museum, and the Charles Allis Art Museum (still appears to be closed as of the time of this writing, but hopefully will re-open by the time of your trip). The Milwaukee County War Memorial serves as a memorial to honor Wisconsin’s men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces. Posters along the walls contain pictures of fallen soldiers with notes paper-clipped from loved ones.

Drive ~1 hour 45 minutes to Green Bay.

Stop 3: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Green Bay has many options for the whole family, from Lambeau Field, Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, the National Railroad Museum, botanical gardens, a wildlife sanctuary, an amusement park, a zoo, and much more. Try some wines at the nearby Ledgestone Vineyards & Winery (in-person visits by reservation only until at least Spring 2021).

Winetraveler Tip: Door County is only ~45 minutes from Green Bay. Explore Door County with Winetraveler’s: How to Spend a Few Days in Door County Wisconsin .

For those traveling with kids, the Tundra Lodge Resort Waterpark & Conference Center  has an indoor waterpark and arcade. There’s an on-site restaurant and the lobby features large wooden timbers and a 45-foot stone fireplace. The Lambeau Field is visible from the hotel and is only a 6-minute drive from downtown Green Bay.

Lake Michigan will be visible during a decent portion of the drive. You will pass into Michigan, and through the Escanaba River State Forest and the Hiawatha National Forest. The state of Michigan touches four of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.

Drive ~3.5 hours to Munising.

Stop 4: Munising, Upper Peninsula of Michigan – Lake Superior

 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore at sunset along Lake Superior

To experience Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Superior, getting onto the water is a must. The rocky cliffs stretch for 15 miles along the shoreline. Take a cruise along the incredible rocky shore to admire the brilliantly colored cliffs, sea caves, and pristine beaches. The most popular cruise is ~2.5-hours which takes you ~32 miles roundtrip. Book your cruise here . The size of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of 31,700 square miles, amazes many travelers. To put its size in perspective, it’s approximately the size of Austria or South Carolina.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the shores of Lake Superior.

The options for outdoor enthusiasts (seasonally dependent in some instances) include hiking, fishing, and hunting (with licenses), kayaking, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. The National Park Service’s website lists numerous hiking trails of varying lengths.

The Holiday Inn Express Munising – Lakeview , located up on a hill on the shorelines of Lake Superior, offers balconies featuring stunning Lake Superior views. Before retiring to bed, relax on the balcony with a glass of wine and listen to the waves crash against the shore while the light of the moon shines down into the lake. The Duck Pond is a cute little restaurant, just over 2 miles from the hotel, with delicious food and many local beer options.

The Mackinac Bridge connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. It is ~5 miles long and is one of the world’s largest suspension bridges. Lake Michigan is to the west of the bridge, and Lake Huron is to the east.

Drive ~2 hours down the Upper Peninsula, and continue southward down the iconic and spectacular Mackinac Bridge and to Mackinaw City. From Mackinaw City, take a ~16-minute ferry to Mackinac Island.

Stop 5: Mackinac Island, Michigan – Lake Huron

Be swept away by the charm and history felt at every step on the small Mackinac Island. The fact that no cars are permitted enhances the charm. Modes of transportation include horse-drawn carriage rides, bicycles, and walking. Walk around the island, admire the old-style homes, old churches, tour the Fort Mackinac, shop, dine, and don’t forget to try the fudge. While in Mackinaw City, taste local wines at Mackinac Island Winery .

Stay overnight in Mackinaw City and/or Mackinac Island. If you stay in Mackinaw City, the Best Western Plus Dockside Waterfront Inn is located along the shore of Lake Huron, lakefront balconies are available, and the hotel is within walking distance to the ferry to Mackinac Island. For those staying overnight on Mackinac Island, the historic and elegant Grand Hotel  is an icon.

Drive ~2.5 hours to Bay City. If time management isn’t pressing, drive along US 23 Heritage Route along the Lake Huron shoreline (which would extend the trip by about 100 minutes).

Stop 6: Bay City, Michigan – Lake Huron

Rock islands standing out of Lake Huron

Stroll in and out of boutique shops, pretty churches, many parks, over the river via the scenic Saginaw Pier, and walk along Saginaw River via the Riverwalk Trail in the charming Bay City. Ship enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys ships should visit the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship and/or reserve a sailing experience onto Lake Huron aboard the schooners Appledore IV or Appledore V.

The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bay City – Riverfront , on the Saginaw River, is conveniently located in the historic downtown area and across the river from the Veterans Memorial Park. The romantic Historic Webster House Bed and Breakfast  offers classic elegance.

Drive ~1 hour 40 minutes to Detroit.

Stop 7: Detroit, Michigan

Make time to explore Detroit, as it is about the halfway point between Bay City and Sandusky. The famous Detroit Zoo, a zoo that extensively uses exhibits without bars, is a great stop. The zoo is home to giraffes (that you can feed!), grizzly bears, polar bears, seals, gorillas, anteaters, rhinos, penguins, wolves, kangaroos, and so much more. The Arctic Ring of Life has a 70-ft. tunnel that passes under a pool for polar bears. Lucky travelers will see a polar bear swim overhead. Seeing a seal swimming is much more likely.

Drive ~2 hours to Sandusky.

Stop 8: Sandusky, Ohio – Lake Erie

Sandusky, situated on the shores of Lake Erie, is best known for the Cedar Point Amusement Park. Cedar Point’s Hotel Breakers  is a luxury hotel located along a soft sandy beach at the shores of Lake Erie and right next to the Cedar Point Amusement Park (plans to re-open in May 2021) and Cedar Point Shores water park. Walk along the beach, the boardwalk, go to the amusement park, sunbathe at the beach, and go swimming. Watch the sunset below the rollercoasters.

Drive ~4.5 hours to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. If time permits, stop overnight in Cleveland and/or many other places along the Erie shore en route to Niagara Falls.

Niagara falls at a distance

Niagara Falls, the collection of three breathtaking waterfalls that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the US state of New York is spectacular. It’s the world’s fifth-largest waterfall by flow rate. There are many lovely hotels boasting fall-view rooms. The Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel and Spa  is a great option. The views of the falls from the rooms are incredible. At night, changing colors of lights project the falling water. Snuggle up with your special someone in your room with a glass of wine and listen to the roaring sound of the waterfalls while watching the night show.

Winetraveler Tip : For those who don’t mind the cold, consider planning your visit during the winter. Many things will be closed for the season, including the Maid of the Mist, but you might get a great deal on a falls-view room.

Easily turn your Niagara stay into a wine tasting vacation with Winetraveler’s Niagara Escarpment (New York) & Buffalo Itinerary: Top Wineries, Restaurants & Hotels .

Drive ~90 minutes to Toronto.

Stop 10: Toronto, Ontario – Lake Ontario

Toronto, a lively city, with much to explore is right along the shores of Lake Ontario. Ride the elevator up to the 114th floor of the CN Tower for floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Ontario, as well as the city. The 113th floor has a small segment of windows on the floor brave tourists can stand, sit, and walk across.

Ripley’s Aquarium is right next door and a great family place. The Casa Loma , a gorgeous gothic-style castle, is not to be missed. Scope out great food and drinking spots while in the city, and of course, Winetravelers should try Ice Wine .  

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto  is essentially right across the street from the CN Tower. The Rogers Centre, CN Tower, the railroad museum, Lake Ontario, and Ripley’s Aquarium are all visible from the hotel. The CN Tower is lit up at night with lights that change colors.

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Ellie's Travel Tips

Great Lakes Road Trip: The Ultimate Itinerary

Posted on Last updated: July 29, 2023

Ready for an adventure in Traverse City that will take your breath away? Look no further than the Great Lakes Road Trip! Picture this: five interconnected freshwater lakes, each more stunning than the last, forming a region of awe-inspiring beauty. From sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, this road trip offers a diverse range of landscapes just waiting to be explored. Don’t miss the chance to hike along the Mackinac Bridge and explore the beauty of Saginaw Bay.

But it’s not just about nature’s wonders; the Great Lakes region, including Saginaw Bay and Mackinaw City in Michigan, is also home to vibrant cities like Detroit bustling with life and culture. Along your journey, you’ll have the chance to discover charming towns and iconic landmarks in these areas that will leave you in awe.

The Great Lakes Road Trip awaits – are you ready?

Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary

Planning the Perfect Great Lakes Itinerary

Research and plan your route to maximize your time and experiences..

So, you’ve decided to embark on a great lakes road trip, starting in Duluth and ending in Traverse City. That’s fantastic! But before you hit the open road, it’s crucial to do some research and plan your itinerary. After all, you want to make the most of your time and create unforgettable experiences along the way. Don’t forget to mark Traverse City as a must-see map stop on your drive.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the various destinations around the Great Lakes region for your road trips. From bustling cities like Chicago and Toronto to charming small towns like Traverse City and Mackinac Island, there is an abundance of places waiting to be explored. Consider what interests you the most – whether it’s vibrant city life, outdoor adventures, or historical landmarks – and tailor your route accordingly. Don’t forget to include a map stop in Duluth and visit Sturgeon Bay along the way.

Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, use a map stop to dive deeper into each town. Look up popular attractions, local events, and hidden gems that might not be well-known but are worth a visit. Take note of any specific activities or sights that catch your eye so that you can include them in your itinerary. Make sure to plan your stops accordingly, considering the hour and minutes it will take to get from one destination to another.

To maximize your time on the road trip itself, consider factors such as the driving distances between locations and traffic conditions. While it’s tempting to cover as many miles as possible, remember to allow for enough minutes in each place to truly immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere without feeling rushed. Stay mindful of the map stop and make the most of your journey.

Consider visiting during summer for optimal weather and outdoor activities.

When planning a road trip in Duluth, timing is everything – especially when it comes to breakfast. The summer months (June through August) offer the best opportunity to enjoy pleasant temperatures and a wide range of recreational opportunities within minutes of Duluth. Stop by our map stop to find the best breakfast spots in town.

During this time of year in the US, you can soak up the sun on beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan or Lake Erie in Duluth. Enjoy water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding amidst stunning natural landscapes. Hiking trails come alive with vibrant colors, and national parks in Duluth offer breathtaking views. You can also indulge in fishing, boating, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge. Don’t forget to make a map stop for breakfast!

Apart from the weather, summer brings a vibrant energy to the Great Lakes region. Festivals and events in Duluth are in full swing, showcasing local culture, music, and cuisine. From food festivals celebrating fresh seafood to art fairs displaying unique creations, there is always something happening that will enhance your road trip experience. Make sure to stop by a map stop for breakfast before exploring all that Duluth has to offer.

Allocate enough time to explore each destination thoroughly.

One of the keys to a successful great lakes road trip is allowing yourself ample time at each destination on the map. While it may be tempting to cram as many stops as possible into your itinerary, rushing through places will only leave you feeling unsatisfied and exhausted. Make sure to plan for a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.

Instead, embrace a slower pace and allocate enough time to truly immerse yourself in the wonders of each location. Take leisurely walks along scenic waterfronts or explore charming downtown areas filled with boutique shops and cozy cafes. Engage with locals and learn about their stories and traditions – they often hold hidden insights that guidebooks might miss. Don’t forget to include a map stop at Lake Superior, one of the great lakes in the US.

Remember to stop and eat during your journey around Lake Superior. Leave room on your map for spontaneous detours and extra days in places that capture your heart. These unplanned moments often become cherished memories long after the road trip ends.

Take advantage of local resources for recommendations on attractions and accommodations.

While guidebooks and online research provide valuable information when planning a great lakes road trip, don’t underestimate the power of local knowledge. Once you arrive at your chosen destinations, tap into the expertise of locals who can offer insider tips on must-see attractions and hidden gems off the beaten path. Additionally, having a map handy will help you navigate and ensure you don’t miss any important stops along the way.

Strike up conversations with friendly residents at local cafes or seek recommendations from hotel staff who know their cities like the back of their hands. They can suggest lesser-known spots that showcase the true essence of each destination – from quaint family-owned restaurants to breathtaking viewpoints that aren’t listed in guidebooks. Don’t forget to consult a map for directions to the stops around Lake Superior.

Consider visiting eat visitor centers or stop tourism offices upon arrival. These resources are often filled with brochures, maps, and knowledgeable staff who can provide up-to-date information on events, attractions, and accommodations. They might even offer discounts or special deals that can enhance your road trip experience without breaking the bank.

Pack essentials such as comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera.

Now that you have your itinerary and map planned and are ready to stop at each destination, don’t forget to pack the essentials for a great lakes road trip. Here are a few must-haves to ensure you’re fully prepared for whatever adventures come your way.

  • Comfortable Shoes: When you eat your way through the map, stopping at various locations, it’s important to have comfortable footwear. Opt for sturdy walking shoes or sneakers that will keep your feet happy throughout the journey.

Great Lakes Road Trip to Chicago

Chicago: Beaches, Art, and Baseball

Chicago is a city that offers an incredible variety of experiences for visitors. From miles of sandy beaches along Lake Michigan’s shoreline to world-class art museums and thrilling baseball games, there are plenty of opportunities to eat, stop, and explore the city using a map.

Enjoy Miles of Sandy Beaches

Chicago may not be the first place that comes to mind to eat, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the city’s stunning coastline along Lake Michigan. With miles of sandy beaches, Chicago provides the perfect summer escape to stop and relax.

One of the most popular beach spots in Chicago is North Avenue Beach, a must-stop destination. Here, you can stop and soak up the sun while enjoying breathtaking views of the city skyline. The beach also offers various activities such as volleyball courts and bike rentals, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. So don’t miss the chance to stop by and enjoy all that North Avenue Beach has to offer.

If you’re looking to eat in a more laid-back atmosphere, head over to Oak Street Beach. This hidden gem is nestled between high-rise buildings and offers a tranquil setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Relax on the soft sand or stop to take a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan’s crystal-clear waters.

Immerse Yourself in World-Class Art

Art enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise when exploring Chicago’s renowned museums. The Art Institute of Chicago stands out as one of the finest art museums in the United States. Visitors can eat and stop at this cultural institution, which houses an extensive collection spanning thousands of years. It showcases masterpieces from around the globe.

As you eat and stop wander through its halls, you’ll come face-to-face with iconic works like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” and Georges Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte.” Take your time to appreciate each brushstroke and immerse yourself in artistic brilliance.

For those looking to eat contemporary art experiences, visit The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Located just steps away from downtown Chicago, MCA hosts cutting-edge exhibitions that push boundaries and challenge traditional notions of art. From thought-provoking installations to experimental performances, this museum is a must-stop for modern art enthusiasts.

Catch a Baseball Game

Chicago is a city that breathes baseball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking to stop for an authentic sports experience, catching a game at either Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field is an absolute must.

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is a nostalgic and charming place to stop and eat. As you step into the stadium, you’ll be transported back in time to the golden era of baseball. The atmosphere is electric, with passionate fans singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh-inning stretch.

On the South Side of Chicago, you’ll find Guaranteed Rate Field, where the Chicago White Sox play their home games. This modern ballpark offers state-of-the-art amenities and fantastic views from every seat. Join in on the cheers and chants as you witness America’s favorite pastime played at its finest.

Indulge in Iconic Chicago Cuisine

No visit to Chicago would be complete without savoring its iconic cuisine. Eating deep-dish pizza and hot dogs are culinary staples that have become synonymous with the city’s food culture.

Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s are two legendary establishments that locals swear by. Sink your teeth into layers of gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and buttery crust for a taste sensation like no other.

For hot dog lovers, Portillo’s is an institution not to be missed. Sink your teeth into their famous Chicago-style hot dog piled high with toppings like mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickles, sport peppers, and celery salt – all served on a poppy seed bun. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

Explore Millennium Park’s Famous Cloud Gate Sculpture

No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Millennium Park. At the heart of this urban oasis lies the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean.” This iconic stainless-steel structure has become a symbol of the city and offers a unique photo opportunity.

As you walk around The Bean, marvel at its reflective surface that distorts and mirrors the surrounding skyline.

Indiana Sand Dunes Road Trip

Indiana Dunes National Park: Natural Beauty and Recreation

Indiana Dunes National Park is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. From awe-inspiring sand dunes to lush forests, this national park in Indiana promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Indiana Dunes National Park’s sand dunes and forests.

Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking landscapes that await you at Indiana Dunes National Park. Towering sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a picturesque backdrop against the clear blue waters of Lake Michigan. As you hike through these rolling dunes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stunning vistas at every turn.

The park boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail for everyone. These scenic paths offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan, allowing you to soak in the beauty of one of North America’s Great Lakes while being immersed in nature.

Hike scenic trails that offer panoramic views of Lake Michigan from towering dunes.

One highlight of your visit to Indiana Dunes National Park is undoubtedly the opportunity to hike along its magnificent trails. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an adventure through diverse ecosystems, ranging from tranquil forests to sandy beaches.

For those seeking a challenge, the 3 Dune Challenge is a must-do. This demanding trail takes you up three towering sand dunes, rewarding your efforts with breathtaking vistas overlooking Lake Michigan. Feel the thrill as you conquer each ascent and revel in the sense of accomplishment when reaching the summit.

If you prefer a more leisurely stroll, opt for one of the shorter trails like Cowles Bog Trail or West Beach Trail. These paths wind through lush woodlands teeming with wildlife, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting along the way.

Engage in various recreational activities such as swimming, kayaking, or birdwatching.

Indiana Dunes National Park isn’t just about hiking; it also offers a plethora of recreational activities to keep you entertained. Cool off on a hot summer day by taking a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. The park’s pristine beaches provide the perfect setting for swimming and sunbathing, allowing you to relax and unwind amidst nature’s beauty.

If you’re up for an adventure on the water, grab a kayak and paddle along the shoreline. Explore hidden coves, discover secluded beaches, and marvel at the unique rock formations that dot the coastline. Kayaking offers a different perspective of the park and allows you to get up close with its natural wonders.

For those with an interest in ornithology, Indiana Dunes National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers. With over 350 species recorded within its boundaries, this area attracts bird enthusiasts from all over. Grab your binoculars and spot colorful migratory birds as they make their way through this important stopover site during their annual journeys.

Picnic amidst picturesque landscapes while enjoying the sounds of nature around you

Take advantage of Indiana Dunes National Park’s scenic picnic areas to enjoy a delightful meal surrounded by nature’s serenity. Spread out your blanket on lush green grass or find shade under towering trees as you indulge in delicious food with family and friends.

As you savor your meal amidst picturesque landscapes, listen carefully to the symphony of sounds around you. The chirping of birds, rustling leaves, and gentle waves crashing against the shore create a soothing ambiance that enhances your dining experience. It’s an opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature while creating lasting memories.

Delve into the park’s rich biodiversity by spotting rare plants and wildlife species.

Indiana Dunes National Park is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for rare and unique flora that thrive in this ecosystem. From delicate wildflowers to towering trees, each plant contributes to the park’s vibrant tapestry of life.

Wildlife enthusiasts will also be delighted by the chance to encounter various animal species. Keep your camera ready as you may spot white-tailed deer gracefully roaming through the forests or catch a glimpse of a red fox darting across a meadow. The park is also known for its diverse bird population, making it a haven for avian enthusiasts.

Lake Michigan Road Trip

Exploring Lake Michigan’s Shoreline: From Milwaukee to Traverse City

Wander through milwaukee’s historic third ward district.

Milwaukee, located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, is a vibrant city that offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. One of the must-visit areas in Milwaukee is the Historic Third Ward district. This neighborhood seamlessly blends old-world charm with trendy shops and restaurants, making it a perfect starting point for your Great Lakes road trip.

As you wander through the streets of the Historic Third Ward, you’ll be captivated by its unique architecture and rich history. The area was once an industrial hub but has since transformed into a lively arts and fashion district. Explore the numerous boutique shops that line the streets, offering everything from local designer clothing to handmade crafts.

When hunger strikes, indulge in the culinary delights offered by the district’s diverse array of restaurants. Whether you’re craving gourmet cuisine or looking for a casual bite to eat, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds here. Don’t forget to sample some local craft beer while you’re at it – after all, Milwaukee is known as the “Brew City” for a reason!

Visit Holland: A Charming Town with Dutch Heritage

Continuing north along Lake Michigan’s shoreline brings you to Holland, Michigan – a town renowned for its Dutch heritage and picturesque beauty. Every spring, Holland comes alive with vibrant colors during its annual Tulip Time Festival. Stroll through rows upon rows of blooming tulips and immerse yourself in this delightful celebration of Dutch culture.

Apart from its tulips, Holland offers much more to explore. Take a leisurely walk along Windmill Island Gardens and admire De Zwaan, an authentic Dutch windmill dating back to 1761. Step inside this iconic landmark to learn about its fascinating history and enjoy panoramic views from atop.

For those interested in history and art, visit Nelis’ Dutch Village, a living museum that recreates the Netherlands of the 1800s. Experience traditional Dutch architecture, watch wooden shoe carving demonstrations, and even try your hand at cheese making. It’s an immersive journey into Holland’s past that both adults and children will enjoy.

Discover the Stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

No Great Lakes road trip would be complete without a visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Traverse City. This natural wonder stretches along Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline and offers breathtaking views of towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

Embark on a hike through the dunes to fully appreciate their grandeur. As you ascend to the top of one of these majestic sand mountains, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas that stretch for miles. Don’t forget to bring your camera – this is a photographer’s paradise!

After exploring the dunes, cool off with a refreshing swim in Lake Michigan or simply relax on one of its sandy shores. The beaches here are some of the best in the region, providing ample opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, or building sandcastles with your loved ones.

Explore Grand Rapids: A Haven for Craft Beer Enthusiasts

As you make your way back south along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, make sure to stop by Grand Rapids – a city known for its vibrant craft beer scene and thriving arts community. With over 80 breweries scattered throughout the city and its surroundings, Grand Rapids has rightfully earned its reputation as “Beer City USA.”

Take a brewery tour and sample an array of unique brews crafted by local artisans. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and everything in between, there’s something for every beer enthusiast here. Many breweries also offer delicious food pairings to enhance your tasting experience further.

Beyond beer, Grand Rapids boasts an impressive art scene. Visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where you can admire stunning outdoor sculptures set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens. The city is also home to several art galleries and museums, showcasing a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums.

Admire Picturesque Lighthouses Along Lake Michigan’s Shoreline

As you drive along Lake Michigan’s shoreline during your great lakes road trip, keep an eye out for the picturesque lighthouses that dot the coast. These iconic structures not only serve as navigational aids for mariners but also add charm and character to the landscape.

Mackinac Island Road Trip stop

Mackinac Island: A Step Back in Time on Lake Huron

Discover the victorian charm and horse-drawn carriages.

Welcome to Mackinac Island , a picturesque gem nestled in the sparkling waters of Lake Huron. This car-free island takes you on a delightful journey back in time with its enchanting Victorian charm and horse-drawn carriages. As soon as you step off the ferry from Mackinaw City, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a bygone era during your great lakes road trip.

Imagine strolling through streets lined with impeccably preserved 19th-century buildings, adorned with colorful flowers cascading from window boxes. The island’s captivating architecture will transport you to a simpler time when life moved at a more leisurely pace. Take your time to explore the quaint shops and boutiques that offer unique treasures and souvenirs.

Uncover History at Fort Mackinac

One of the highlights of visiting Mackinac Island is immersing yourself in its rich history. Make sure to visit historic Fort Mackinac, perched high on a bluff overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. This well-preserved fort played a strategic role in American history during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.

As you wander through the fort’s grounds, knowledgeable guides dressed in period costumes will regale you with fascinating tales of military life from centuries past. Explore the barracks, officer’s quarters, and artillery displays while gaining insights into this pivotal chapter of American history.

Embrace Nature’s Beauty on Scenic Trails and Coastline Walks

Mackinac Island offers an abundance of natural beauty waiting to be discovered. Rent a bicycle or take a leisurely stroll along one of the island’s many scenic trails that wind through lush forests and offer breathtaking views of Lake Huron. Feel the gentle breeze caress your face as you meander along tree-lined paths surrounded by nature’s tranquility.

For a more coastal experience, embark on a walk along the island’s shoreline. Marvel at the crystal-clear waters of Lake Huron as they lap against the sandy beaches. The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore will soothe your soul as you immerse yourself in the island’s serene ambiance.

Indulge in Famous Fudge and Culinary Delights

No visit to Mackinac Island is complete without indulging in its world-renowned fudge. Treat yourself to a delectable assortment of flavors from one of the island’s many charming shops. Watch as skilled confectioners meticulously craft each batch, using time-honored recipes that have been passed down through generations.

In addition to fudge, Mackinac Island offers a delightful array of culinary delights. From fresh seafood caught in nearby waters to locally sourced ingredients that enhance every dish, you’ll find an abundance of options to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Whether you choose to dine in a cozy waterfront restaurant or savor a picnic on one of the island’s scenic overlooks, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Soak in Breathtaking Views from Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf

Prepare to be awestruck by Mackinac Island’s natural wonders—Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf. These iconic landmarks offer panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Head towards Arch Rock, where nature has sculpted an impressive limestone arch standing 146 feet above Lake Huron. Gaze out over the vast expanse of water below and marvel at nature’s artistry.

Another must-visit spot is Sugar Loaf, a towering rock formation rising dramatically from Lake Huron’s depths. As you stand atop this geological wonder, take a moment to soak in the awe-inspiring vistas stretching out before you—a perfect blend of sparkling blue waters merging with endless skies.

Mackinac Island beckons you to immerse yourself in its timeless allure. Whether you’re exploring the island’s historic sites, savoring its culinary delights, or simply basking in the beauty of Lake Huron, this enchanting destination promises an unforgettable journey back in time. So hop on a ferry, leave your worries behind, and let Mackinac Island cast its spell upon you.

Lake Superior sunset on road trip

Discovering the Upper Peninsula of Lake Superior: Cliff Shorelines and Wilderness

Marvel at pictured rocks national lakeshore ‘s dramatic cliffs along lake superior’s shoreline..

Imagine standing at the edge of a breathtaking cliff, gazing out at the vast expanse of Lake Superior. This is exactly what awaits you at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The towering sandstone cliffs that line the shoreline are an awe-inspiring sight to behold. These majestic formations have been sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, creating a natural masterpiece that will leave you speechless.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Pictured Rocks during your great lakes road trip, take a scenic boat tour along the coast. As you cruise through crystal-clear waters, you’ll be treated to up-close views of the vibrant sandstone formations. From Chapel Rock with its iconic tree growing atop it to Miner’s Castle with its impressive turrets, each cliff has its own unique charm. The colors are simply mesmerizing – from deep reds and oranges to striking blues and greens – as if nature itself has turned these rocks into an artist’s palette.

Immerse yourself in nature by hiking through pristine forests and cascading waterfalls.

The Upper Peninsula is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities to connect with nature. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the many trails that wind through pristine forests and alongside cascading waterfalls. One such gem is Tahquamenon Falls State Park , home to one of Michigan’s largest waterfalls. As you hike through this enchanting park, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and serenaded by the soothing sounds of rushing water.

The highlight of Tahquamenon Falls State Park is undoubtedly the Upper Falls, where thousands of gallons of water cascade over a 200-foot-wide precipice every second. The sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder will leave you in awe. For a more secluded experience, venture further into the park to discover the Lower Falls. Here, you can rent a rowboat and paddle along the river, immersing yourself in the peacefulness of the surroundings.

Visit Tahquamenon Falls State Park, home to one of Michigan’s largest waterfalls.

No great lakes road trip to the Upper Peninsula would be complete without a visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Located in Paradise, Michigan, this natural wonder is sure to leave a lasting impression. As you approach the park, you’ll be greeted by dense forests teeming with wildlife. The air is crisp and fresh, invigorating your senses as you step out of your car.

Make your way to the main attraction – the magnificent Tahquamenon Falls. This awe-inspiring waterfall spans over 200 feet across and drops nearly 50 feet into the river below. The sheer power and beauty of this spectacle are truly captivating. Take a leisurely stroll along well-maintained trails that offer breathtaking views of both the upper and lower falls. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike down to the riverbank for an up-close encounter with nature’s raw power.

Experience true solitude while exploring remote areas like Isle Royale National Park .

For those seeking solitude and untouched wilderness, look no further than Isle Royale National Park . Located in Lake Superior off Michigan’s northwest coast, this remote island offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace. With no roads or vehicles on the island, getting there requires taking a ferry or seaplane from either Houghton or Copper Harbor.

Once on Isle Royale, prepare for an adventure unlike any other. Explore pristine forests filled with towering trees and vibrant wildflowers. Hike along rugged trails that lead to hidden coves and secluded beaches where you can dip your toes in Lake Superior’s crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for wildlife sightings – from moose and wolves to foxes and otters, the island is teeming with fascinating creatures.

Cleveland Ohio cityscape on water roadtrip

Cleveland and Buffalo: Vibrant Cities on Lake Erie

Explore cleveland’s cultural scene.

Looking for a road trip that combines vibrant cities with stunning lake views? Look no further than the Great Lakes region, where you’ll find the perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Start your adventure in Cleveland, Ohio, a city known for its thriving cultural scene.

One must-visit attraction in Cleveland is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Immerse yourself in the history of rock music as you explore exhibits dedicated to legendary artists and iconic moments. From Elvis Presley to The Beatles, this museum showcases the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll and its impact on popular culture.

If art is more your style, head over to the Cleveland Museum of Art. With an extensive collection spanning thousands of years, you can admire works from renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Take your time strolling through the galleries and let the masterpieces inspire you.

Delve into Buffalo’s Architectural Heritage

Continuing your great lakes road trip along Lake Erie, make a stop in Buffalo, New York. This city is not only famous for its chicken wings but also boasts a rich architectural heritage. One architectural gem you shouldn’t miss is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House.

Step back in time as you explore this Prairie-style masterpiece designed by one of America’s greatest architects. Marvel at the intricate details and innovative design elements that have made this house an icon in American architecture. Guided tours offer fascinating insights into Wright’s vision and his influence on modern design.

Savor Delicious Cuisine

No road trip is complete without indulging in some mouthwatering cuisine along the way. In Cleveland, make sure to visit West Side Market, a food lover’s paradise since 1912. Here you’ll find an incredible variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many vendors and savor the flavors of Cleveland.

Buffalo, on the other hand, is synonymous with its famous chicken wings. Head to one of the city’s iconic chicken wing joints and experience the true taste of Buffalo. Whether you prefer them mild or blazing hot, these crispy wings are sure to satisfy your cravings. Pair them with a cold beverage and immerse yourself in the local sports culture.

Enjoy Lake Erie’s Waterfront

As you make your way along Lake Erie during your great lakes road trip, take some time to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you. In Cleveland, visit Edgewater Park for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Feel the breeze off the lake as you walk along sandy beaches and take in panoramic views of downtown Cleveland.

In Buffalo, don’t miss out on Buffalo Harbor State Park. This waterfront park offers a perfect blend of nature and urban charm. Take a relaxing walk along the marina or rent a kayak to explore Lake Erie from a different perspective. With picturesque views of downtown Buffalo, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and soak up the serene atmosphere.

Catch Live Performances

Both Cleveland and Buffalo have vibrant performing arts scenes that cater to all tastes. In Cleveland, head over to Playhouse Square, one of the largest theater districts in the country outside of New York City. From Broadway shows to ballet performances and concerts, there’s always something happening here.

Buffalo boasts its own historic theater district centered around Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Step inside this beautifully restored venue and be transported back in time with its stunning architecture and opulent interiors. Catch a live performance ranging from touring Broadway productions to classical music concerts.

The Great Lakes road trip offers an incredible mix of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and natural wonders. From exploring museums dedicated to rock ‘n’ roll history in Cleveland to immersing yourself in Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece in Buffalo, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to create unforgettable memories along the shores of Lake Erie.

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Great Lakes road trip stop at Niagara falls

Niagara Falls: Majestic Wonder between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario

Witness the awe-inspiring power of niagara falls from various viewpoints..

Niagara Falls is undoubtedly one of nature’s most magnificent creations. Standing at the edge of the falls, you can feel the raw power and beauty that this natural wonder possesses. From every angle, you are treated to a breathtaking spectacle that will leave you in awe. Whether you choose to view it from the American side, take a Great Lakes cruise by, or venture across to Canada, there are numerous vantage points that offer different perspectives on this majestic display.

On the American side, head to Prospect Point Observation Tower for an up-close and personal encounter with the falls. As you ascend to the top, prepare yourself for a jaw-dropping panorama of cascading water and mist-filled air. The observation deck provides an unparalleled view of both American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, allowing you to witness their thunderous descent firsthand.

For a unique perspective, take a stroll along Luna Island. This small piece of land sits between Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, offering an intimate encounter with these powerful forces of nature. Feel the mist on your face as you stand just yards away from where millions of gallons of water crash down each second.

If you cross over to Canada, don’t miss out on Queen Victoria Park. This beautifully landscaped park allows visitors to enjoy unobstructed views of Horseshoe Falls while surrounded by vibrant floral displays. Find a spot on one of the park benches or spread out a picnic blanket as you marvel at the grandeur before your eyes.

Take a thrilling boat ride on the Maid of the Mist to get up close to the falls.

To truly experience Niagara Falls in all its glory during your great lakes road trip, embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Donning your iconic blue poncho, prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the falls. As the boat navigates the swirling waters, you’ll feel the mist on your face and hear the thunderous roar of the cascading water.

The Maid of the Mist takes you as close as possible to both American Falls and Horseshoe Falls, allowing you to witness their immense power from an entirely different perspective. You’ll be in awe as you witness millions of gallons of water crashing down before your eyes, creating a spectacle that words simply cannot do justice.

This iconic boat tour has been operating for over 150 years, providing visitors with an up-close encounter with Niagara Falls like no other. It’s a thrilling experience that will leave you with lifelong memories and a newfound appreciation for nature’s grandeur.

Explore Niagara Falls State Park and enjoy scenic hiking trails and picnic areas.

Niagara Falls State Park is a true gem nestled amidst the natural wonder of Niagara Falls. Spanning over 400 acres, this park offers visitors an abundance of recreational opportunities while showcasing stunning views of the falls. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on one of the park’s scenic trails to immerse yourself in its beauty.

For a leisurely stroll, choose the easy-grade trail along Three Sisters Islands. This picturesque pathway takes you through lush greenery and provides magnificent views of all three falls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Take your time to savor each step as you soak in nature’s splendor.

If you’re seeking more adventure, opt for the Great Gorge Railway Trail. This moderate-level hike winds along the Niagara River Gorge, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. Marvel at towering cliffs, observe unique flora and fauna, and revel in nature’s tranquility away from bustling crowds.

After exploring the trails, find a cozy spot within Niagara Falls State Park for a delightful picnic surrounded by natural beauty. Spread out a blanket near Luna Island or choose one of the designated picnic areas scattered throughout the park. Indulge in a leisurely lunch while listening to the sounds of rushing water and feeling the gentle mist on your skin.

Experience the vibrant nightlife and entertainment options in Niagara Falls, Canada.

When night falls, Niagara Falls transforms into an enchanting wonderland filled with vibrant lights and pulsating energy. Head across the border to Canada and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere that awaits you.

Begin your evening by exploring Clifton Hill, a bustling street lined with restaurants, attractions, and entertainment venues. This vibrant strip is often referred to as “the street of fun” for good reason. From arcades and haunted houses to wax museums and mini-golf courses, there’s something for everyone here. Let your inner child run wild as you indulge in games, laughter, and endless excitement.

For those seeking a more refined experience during their great lakes road trip, Niagara Falls offers an array of wineries where you can savor exquisite wines produced from locally grown grapes. Take a guided tour through picturesque vineyards or opt for a wine tasting session to discover new flavors and expand your palate.

Ontario sunset on lake

Road Tripping through Canada: Watertown, NY to Ontario

Cross the border into canada at thousand islands bridge near watertown, new york..

Ready for an exciting adventure? Hop in your car and get ready to cross the border into Canada during your Great Lakes road trip! Starting from Watertown, New York, you’ll make your way to the Thousand Islands Bridge. This picturesque crossing is not only a gateway to Canada but also offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and its countless islands.

As you drive across the bridge, take a moment to soak in the beauty surrounding you. The emerald waters below and lush greenery on both sides will leave you in awe. It’s like stepping into a postcard!

Drive along scenic routes like Ontario’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail or Trans-Canada Highway.

Once you’ve crossed into Canada, it’s time to hit the road and explore all that this beautiful country has to offer. One option is to follow Ontario’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, which stretches over 3,000 kilometers along Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. This scenic route will take you through charming towns, stunning beaches, and vibrant cities.

If you’re up for a longer journey, consider driving on the Trans-Canada Highway. This iconic road spans across the entire country and offers diverse landscapes along the way. From rolling hills to majestic mountains, each province has its own unique beauty waiting to be discovered.

No matter which route you choose, be prepared for jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. You’ll witness sparkling blue waters, towering cliffs, and dense forests that make every mile worth it.

Visit charming Canadian towns like Kingston, Toronto or Niagara-on-the-Lake along your journey.

One of the highlights of any great lakes road trip through Canada is exploring charming Canadian towns along your route. Take a detour from your main drive and venture into places like Kingston, Toronto or Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Kingston, known as the “Limestone City,” is a historic gem with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture. Stroll along its waterfront, visit Fort Henry to learn about Canada’s military past, or simply enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this picturesque town.

Next up is Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a vibrant metropolis that offers something for everyone. From iconic landmarks like the CN Tower to world-class museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this bustling city. Don’t forget to indulge in some delicious food from diverse cuisines while you’re here!

Another must-visit destination is Niagara-on-the-Lake, located near the famous Niagara Falls. This quaint town is known for its wineries, charming shops, and beautiful gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through its streets, sample local wines at vineyards, or catch a play at the renowned Shaw Festival Theatre.

Explore Toronto’s iconic landmarks such as CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum.

When you find yourself in Toronto during your Great Lakes road trip, make sure to explore some of its most iconic landmarks. The first stop on your list should be the CN Tower – an architectural marvel that dominates Toronto’s skyline. Take an elevator ride up to one of its observation decks for panoramic views that will leave you breathless.

Afterward, head over to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Canada’s largest museum of art, culture, and natural history. With collections spanning millions of years across various disciplines, it offers a fascinating journey through time and different civilizations.

Whether you’re interested in ancient artifacts or modern art exhibitions, the ROM has something for everyone. It’s a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration waiting to be explored.

Immerse yourself in Canada’s rich history by visiting Fort Henry or Casa Loma.

During your Great Lakes road trip through Canada, take some time to delve into the country’s rich history. Two notable places that offer a glimpse into Canada’s past are Fort Henry and Casa Loma.

Located in Kingston, Fort Henry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 19th century. Step back in time as you explore this well-preserved fortification, complete with military demonstrations and interactive exhibits. Learn about the lives of soldiers stationed here and gain insight into Canada’s military heritage.

In Toronto, you’ll find Casa Loma – a majestic castle that will transport you to another era. Built in the early 20th century, this architectural masterpiece boasts luxurious interiors, stunning gardens, and breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Green bay wisconsin

Green Bay and Bay City: Charming Towns on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron

Experience football fever in green bay at lambeau field, home of the green bay packers.

Are you ready to dive into the heart of football frenzy? Look no further than Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Lambeau Field stands tall as a shrine for die-hard fans of the Green Bay Packers. This historic stadium is more than just a sports venue; it’s an emblem of pride and tradition. As you step foot into Lambeau Field, you’ll feel the electric atmosphere that has been captivating fans for decades.

Imagine being surrounded by seas of green and gold as passionate Packers supporters cheer on their beloved team. The energy is contagious, making every game day a memorable experience. From the iconic Lambeau Leap to the thunderous roar of the crowd after a touchdown, attending a game here is like stepping into another world.

But don’t worry if you can’t catch a live game – there’s still plenty to do in Green Bay! Take advantage of its stunning waterfront along Green Bay itself. Whether you’re an angler looking for your next big catch or simply want to relax on a boat while enjoying the picturesque scenery, this area offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Enjoy outdoor activities like fishing or boating on Green Bay’s waterfront

Green Bay’s waterfront provides not only breathtaking views but also thrilling adventures for nature enthusiasts. If fishing is your passion, grab your tackle box and head out onto the sparkling waters. With an abundance of fish species such as walleye, musky, and smallmouth bass, anglers are bound to have an exciting time reeling in their prized catches.

For those seeking a different kind of aquatic adventure, why not hop aboard a boat? Cruise along the bay while basking in the warm sun and feeling the refreshing breeze against your skin. Whether you’re captaining your own vessel or joining a guided tour, exploring Green Bay’s waterfront by boat is an experience like no other.

Discover maritime heritage at Bay City’s Saginaw Riverfront with its tall ships and museums

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich maritime heritage of Bay City, Michigan. Located on the banks of the Saginaw River, this charming town boasts a vibrant riverfront that showcases its seafaring history. As you stroll along the boardwalk, you’ll encounter majestic tall ships gracefully gliding through the water, their sails billowing in the wind.

To delve deeper into Bay City’s maritime past, visit one of its fascinating museums. The Bay County Historical Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s nautical legacy through exhibits featuring ship models, artifacts, and interactive displays. Meanwhile, the Saginaw Valley Naval Ship Museum allows visitors to explore the USS Edson, a retired naval destroyer that served during the Vietnam War.

Explore unique shops and restaurants in downtown Green Bay or Old City Hall Historic District in Bay City

Both Green Bay and Bay City have something special to offer. In downtown Green Bay, you’ll find a delightful mix of boutique shops and local businesses waiting to be explored. From trendy clothing stores to quaint gift shops filled with one-of-a-kind treasures, there’s no shortage of unique finds here.

Meanwhile, in Bay City’s Old City Hall Historic District, history blends seamlessly with modern charm. This revitalized area is home to an array of specialty shops where you can discover handmade crafts, vintage goods, and artisanal products. After indulging in some retail therapy, satisfy your taste buds at one of the district’s cozy restaurants offering delectable dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Attend festivals celebrating local culture such as Green Bay’s Artstreet or Tall Ship Celebration in Bay City

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture of Green Bay and Bay City by attending their lively festivals during your Great Lakes road trip. Green Bay’s Artstreet festival is a celebration of creativity that transforms the downtown area into an open-air gallery. Stroll through the streets adorned with captivating artworks, listen to live music performances, and engage in interactive art activities.

In Bay City, the Tall Ship Celebration takes center stage, drawing visitors from near and far to marvel at majestic tall ships docked along the riverfront. This four-day event offers a unique opportunity to step aboard these magnificent vessels, interact with crew members, and learn about maritime history firsthand. The festivities also include live entertainment, food vendors serving delicious treats, and captivating fireworks displays.

road trip around the great lakes

Unforgettable Memories of the Great Lakes Road Trip

The Great Lakes Road Trip is an adventure like no other. From the stunning beaches and vibrant cities to the breathtaking natural beauty, this journey offers a plethora of unforgettable experiences. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights along the way:

A well-planned itinerary is crucial for making the most of your Great Lakes Road Trip. By mapping out your route and identifying must-visit destinations, you can ensure that every moment counts.

The Windy City welcomes you with open arms. Spend your days lounging on beautiful beaches, exploring world-class art museums, and catching a baseball game at Wrigley Field. Chicago truly has something for everyone.

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Indiana Dunes National Park. With its towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, it’s a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and beach lovers alike.

Embark on a scenic drive along Lake Michigan’s shoreline from Milwaukee to Traverse City. Marvel at picturesque lighthouses, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in charming lakeside towns along the way.

Transport yourself back in time as you step foot on Mackinac Island. With its horse-drawn carriages and Victorian charm, this car-free island is a true gem on Lake Huron.

The rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula awaits you as you explore Lake Superior’s shores on your Great Lakes road trip. From awe-inspiring cliff shorelines to untouched wilderness areas teeming with wildlife, this region is an adventurer’s dream.

Experience the vibrant energy of cities like Cleveland and Buffalo on the shores of Lake Erie. Dive into rich cultural scenes, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and soak up the lively atmosphere these cities have to offer.

No Great Lakes Road Trip would be complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. Witness the sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder as millions of gallons of water cascade down from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

Crossing the border into Canada opens up a whole new world of adventure. From charming towns like Watertown, NY to exploring Ontario’s stunning landscapes, you’ll discover hidden gems at every turn.

As you near the end of your journey, make sure to stop by Green Bay and Bay City. These charming towns on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Remember that this road trip is all about creating memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

What is the best time to embark on a Great Lakes Road Trip?

The best time for a Great Lakes Road Trip is during the summer months when you can enjoy pleasant weather and take advantage of outdoor activities along the lakeshores.

How long does it typically take to complete the entire road trip?

The duration of the road trip can vary depending on your pace and how much time you want to spend in each destination. On average, it takes around two weeks to cover all major highlights.

Are there any camping options along the route?

Yes, there are numerous camping options available throughout the Great Lakes region. From state parks to private campgrounds, you’ll find a range of choices to suit your preferences.

Can I bring my pet on the road trip?

Many accommodations and attractions along the route are pet-friendly, but it’s always best to check in advance. Make sure to plan accordingly and bring all necessary supplies for your furry friend.

Are there any must-try local dishes during the road trip?

Absolutely! Each destination along the Great Lakes Road Trip offers unique culinary experiences. Don’t miss out on trying Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Michigan’s famous pasties, and Buffalo wings in their birthplace.

Is it possible to rent a car for the road trip?

Renting a car is an excellent option for exploring the Great Lakes region. There are several car rental companies available at major airports and cities along the route.

What safety precautions should I take during the road trip?

It’s essential to practice safe driving habits, follow traffic rules, and be aware of weather conditions during your journey. Make sure to have emergency supplies like water, snacks, and a first aid kit readily available in case of unforeseen circumstances.

The Family Voyage

The Ultimate Michigan Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days In The Great Lakes State

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Offering access to four of the five Great Lakes, so much space that you’ll never feel crowded and glorious weather all summer, a Michigan road trip is the perfect getaway! But with plenty of things to do and see spread across the state’s two peninsulas, it can be tricky to put it all together.

Thanks to the help of some expert locals, we were able to craft the best Michigan road trip itinerary for our family trip. I’ve shared all our details below (including some things I would skip or change) so that you can get started planning your own amazing Michigan summer vacation!

Quick Overview

Days 1:  Arrive in Detroit or Grand Rapids Days 2-3:  Northern Lower Peninsula Days 4:  Mackinac Island Days 5:  Eastern Upper Peninsula Days 6-8:   Munising Days 9-10:   Houghton

You can use this itinerary as a general guide, but feel free to modify it to suit your needs. It would be easy to expand this to a two week summer road trip itinerary by continuing south to Chicago at the end for a few days before you return home, as we did. Chicago offers much better flights than the small airports in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan anyway!

If you’re pressed for time, consider taking Houghton off the itinerary and departing from Marquette (45 minutes from Munising) or Green Bay (3 hours from Munising).

Of course you can always reverse the order of this Michigan road trip itinerary if it’s more convenient for you.

Michigan Road Trip Logistics

great lakes road trip map

  • Our family did almost exactly this itinerary, departing from our home in Columbus Ohio. We did it as a loop, heading down to Chicago for several days after leaving Michigan. It would have been slightly faster to double back and head down via the Lower Peninsula – but where’s the fun in that? For those who live outside of the area, you’ll want to price out several combinations of flight and rental car options. The most convenient airport to start you off is Grand Rapids, followed by Detroit. If you choose either of those, you’ll probably need a one-way car rental and can look at dropping off and flying back from Houghton (CMX), Marquette (MQT) or even Green Bay (GRB). Alternatively, it’s easy enough to do the whole road trip as a loop beginning and ending in Chicago – you’d just have one long day of driving on either end.
  • The first part of this itinerary is pretty fast-paced, and that’s in part because the Upper Peninsula is the star of the show but it’s far from most decent sized airports. One option to minimize short stays is to drive straight from the Detroit or Grand Rapids airport to Mackinaw City (4 hours) the day you arrive and start off with two nights on Mackinac Island. You could then extend your time in the eastern UP to two nights to explore slower.
  • I strongly recommend that you book far in advance if you’re planning a summer trip to Michigan. I locked down all of our accommodations eight months in advance but there were still some places where our options were limited because we were late to the party.
  • To save big on your accommodations, grab this credit card ASAP. We got it after we had already booked our hotels but it would have covered two of them and saved us a lot of money!
  • Many areas of the Upper Peninsula are remote and quite undeveloped. There are pockets – especially along Lake Superior – where you won’t have cell phone service. I recommend that you use the Google Maps app to download the map above for offline use, which you’ll need to do when you have WiFi. Alternatively you may want to have a map like this one available to you. We had a paper map with us in one of our guidebooks but unfortunately there were some inaccuracies.
  • If you’re driving your own car, bring a cooler and ice packs to keep a supply of water, snacks and lunch foods on hand. We did lots of picnic lunches, as restaurants are sometimes sparse and almost always more expensive than they would be elsewhere. We opted to book hotels that included breakfast for simplicity and to start our days faster, but you can also throw in some yogurt, cereal and shelf-stable milk if you plan to stay in vacation rentals.
  • Each State Park charges is $11 per car for admission. We chose to buy the $39 non-resident annual pass at the first State Park we visited to give us flexibility and contribute to the upkeep of these beautiful sites. If you’re planning a Michigan roadtrip on a budget, you can map your itinerary to decide what’s right for you.

10 Day Michigan Road Trip Itinerary

Time to get into the details of our 10 day Michigan summer road trip itinerary!

1 Day in Detroit (or nearby)

great lakes road trip map

Most people embarking on a Michigan road trip will start in the Lower Peninsula, with Detroit being the typical starting point thanks to the presence of the state’s largest airport. To get your bearings once you fly in, spend the night in Detroit or the nearby college town of Ann Arbor.

If you’re arriving early enough in the day and prefer to focus more time on the charming hamlets further north, you can skip this part and drive straight north – it’ll take you about four hours from Detroit to Petoskey or one of the nearby communities along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Things to do in Detroit

  • The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation – This neat museum has a little bit of everything, from Presidential limousines and the actual bus Rosa Parks refused to leave to an exhibit focused on math and illusions.
  • Ford Rouge factory tour – Want to see how cars are made? Sign up for a Ford factory tour! Production only occurs on weekdays before 2pm (earlier is better) so time your visit accordingly.
  • Motown Museum – Learn all about the history of Motown and see where the hits were made! We’ve tried to go twice and been foiled both time – be sure to reserve your tickets when they become available three weeks in advance.
  • Enjoy Ann Arbor – Stop into quaint Ann Arbor to explore its vibrant, hip Main Street. If you’re really lucky you’ll be there for the Ann Arbor Art Fair , which is the largest juried art fair in the US. We had a great time and bought some fun art from a variety of artists! Don’t miss lunch at Zingerman’s Deli , and consider calling in your order the night before to avoid long lines at this deservedly iconic spot.

Where to stay in Detroit

  • Near The Henry Ford: The Henry, Autograph Collection or Hampton Inn Dearborn
  • Downtown Detroit: Detroit Foundation Hotel
  • Ann Arbor: Exhibit A2

2 Days in Northern Lower Peninsula

great lakes road trip map

If you’re looking to start off your Michigan vacation with some relaxation, head to the northwest edge of “the Mitten” to kick things off. Folks here refer to Lake Michigan as “big lake” but routinely enjoy plenty of activities on the numerous small lakes dotting the region.

Things to do in Northern Lower Peninsula

Your time here doesn’t need a huge to-do list to be honest. Depending on where you stay, you could easily pass a few days lounging on the beaches of Lake Michigan, kayaking on a smaller lake (since the big lake is too rough) and enjoying ice cream and slices of Americana in the many cute towns around the area like Petoskey, Charlevoix and Harbor Springs.

In case you prefer some more specific adventures check out thse fun things to do in the area:

  • Boyne Mountain – This ski resort transforms into an adventure center in the summer, boasting zip lines, the “world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge”, chairlift rides, horseback riding and more.
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – This picturesque Federally protected land is a favorite of many in the region. There are incredible 450 foot high bluffs and plenty of dunes to run around on and slide down.
  • Torch Lake – You’d be forgiven for seeing photos here and thinking it’s the Caribbean thanks to the crystal clear shallow waters. There’s no real beach here though, you’ll want to enjoy the lake either by boat or swimming near the sandbar where the water is warmest.

Where to stay in Northern Lower Peninsula

Exactly where to stay depends on what you want to do, how far in advance you book and whether you prefer a hotel or a vacation rental (but note that many of these have a one week minimum in the busy summer season). Your drive time to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace will also depend on where you stay in this area.

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Petoskey – While there’s no great view here, it’s conveniently located for access to the adorable towns of Petoskey, Charlevoix, Harbor Springs and more.
  • Inn at Bay Harbor – The most luxurious property in the region, with an amazing lakeside location, spa, golf and more.
  • Stafford’s Bay View Inn – Sweet b&b right on the lake filled with a combination of homey yet classy charm.
  • Torch Lake vacation home – If you’re excited about the warm, turquoise waters of Torch Lake or Sleeping Bear Dunes, grab this vacation home that’s just a 5 minute walk from the shore! It’s also a quick drive to the town of Bellaire, which has plenty of shops and restaurants.

Restaurants around Northern Lower Peninsula

There are a million restaurants in the area to try, but my biggest tip would be to pick spots by the water for the evenings (and bring a sweater).

  • Barrel Back Restaurant – Great views and good food on Walloon Lake. This is on the second floor, so if you can get a window table you’ll be warm while enjoying the scenery!
  • Pier Restaurant – Dockside dining in Harbor Springs, with an emphasis on locally-caught fish and seafood.
  • Symon’s General Store – Perfect lunch stop for custom deli sandwiches in Petoskey, either to eat at the picnic tables in the adjacent park or to take to nearby Petoskey State Beach.
  • American Spoon – This Michigan fruit preserve company has stores located in many towns along the Michigan coast, but if you go to their Petoskey location (next to Symon’s) you can enjoy those preserves made into delicious gelato!

1 Day on Mackinac Island

great lakes road trip map

Many Michiganders look to Mackinac Island (pronounced “Mackinaw”) as a way to step back in time. The island has been a sacred gathering space for the local Indigenous communities since long before French fur traders arrived in the 1600s. Without a bridge to connect Mackinac to the mainland ever , much of the island’s historic character has been maintained.

Access remains by boat and on-island transportation is restricted to horses, bikes, occasional mobility scooters for those with physical challenges, and personal snowmobiles in the winter. Even golf carts are (supposed to be) relegated to golf courses.

You’ll reach the island by ferry, and can take either Star Line or Shepler’s. I’ve heard recommendations for both and I really don’t think it matters which one you take, though Shepler’s is a little less expensive. Both companies offer departures from Mackinaw City (Lower Peninsula) and St. Ignace (Upper Peninsula) – if you get to the area early in the morning, you may opt for St. Ignace so that you’re crossing the Mackinac Bridge in low traffic.

You’ll save a few dollars by purchasing in advance online if you’re positive about your departure location, and if you’re visiting as a group or family look for the 3-4 packs of tickets for real savings. Shepler’s offers free day parking at both ports but you’ll have to pay for overnight parking with both companies at both locations.

great lakes road trip map

Some visitors opt to bring their own bikes to Mackinac Island on the ferry, which is understandable because rentals are $50-60 for 4 hours! For most visitors just biking the loop with some stops (more info on that below) 2-3 hours should be sufficient. But if you’re bringing your own bike or trailer prepare to pay around $20 for its ferry ticket in addition to yours.

Since we had several weeks worth of gear in our van and only planned for one night on the island, we each brought a backpack for our overnight needs. The front desk of the Chippewa Hotel was kind enough to store them for us while we went biking.

Things to do on Mackinac Island

  • Bike around Mackinac Island – There’s a perfect 8 mile loop around Mackinac Island that brings you to stunning rock formations, beautiful stone beaches, historic sites and more. It’s a can’t-miss activity if you’re physically able! We spent just over two hours looping the island, including leisurely stops in several places, trekking up the steep stairs to Arch Rock and getting ice cream at British Landing. There are several rental companies right at the dock when you get off the ferry and they’re all about the same. We found a wide selection of high-quality adult and kids bikes, plus trailers and tag-a-longs for younger kids (or less confident riders). Be sure to dip your toes in Lake Huron!
  • Mackinac Island carriage tour – If you aren’t able to cycle or prefer not to, hop on a carriage operated by the world’s largest horse and buggy livery! The scenic carriage tours visit many of the island’s main attractions including Arch Rock, the Grand Hotel, the butterfly conservatory and Ford Mackinac. At the Fort this tour offers a “hop-on hop-off” option, which is the only way to visit For Mackinac without climbing a massive hill.
  • Fort Mackinac – Perched high above the harbor, the 18th century Fort Mackinac still stands sentinel over the town below. It was constructed during the American Revolution and much of it remains largely as it was. There are plenty of fascinating things to do here in the span of an hour or two: attend one of many demonstrations throughout the day including cannon firing, check out the infrastructure that supported soldiers’ daily lives and even read the stories of officer’ families who were stationed there over time.
  • Mackinac town historic sites – When you purchase a combo ticket for For Mackinac, you’ll also have access to several historic buildings in the town below. There are interesting for the stories they tell as well as demonstrations of life on the island during and shortly after the colonial period. We enjoyed both the blacksmith demonstration as well as the cooking demonstration.
  • Butterfly House – We didn’t have time to visit either of the butterfly conservatories on Mackinac Island, but yes there are two! Based on recommendations I’ve received, I’d head to Butterfly House if time allows. It offers 1800 square feet of tropical gardens housing myriad butterflies and other interesting insects and is located just east of town – you’ll be only a block away as you head out to cycle around the island’s loop.

Where to stay on Mackinac Island

It can be tricky to find places to stay on Mackinac Island for just one night in the summer! Many properties have a two night minimum because it’s peak season and the island has strict zoning laws so you won’t find many true vacation rentals.

  • Pontiac Lodge – If you plan to spend 2 nights on Mackinac Island, consider the much-loved Pontiac Lodge. It’s in the heart of town, walking distance to plenty of restaurants, shops and sites.
  • Mission Point Resort – This b&b on the outskirts of town looks lovely and offers a variety of room sizes, and without the fanciness of The Grand Hotel. But it still doesn’t come cheap, so be sure to check prices before you commit.
  • Sunset Condominiums – We stayed at this “condotel” right near Woods Restaurant and let’s say that it wasn’t our favorite place. Despite not being cheap (compared with non-Mackinac pricing) it really wasn’t great. No AC (or working bug screens), paper thin walls, very tired furnishings… but the upside is that it was one of the only places on the island I could book for one night, even eight months in advance.

Restaurants on Mackinac Island

great lakes road trip map

You’re unlikely to find much “budget” dining (or anything else) on Mackinac due to both its popularity as a tourist destination as well as the expense and logistical challenges of island life.

  • The Pink Pony – This 75 year old restaurant is so iconic that it’s basically the first thing you’ll see as you pull into the harbor, with the pink umbrellas fronting the Chippewa Hotel coming into view. It offers solid food and refreshing drinks. It also offers long lines (particularly when there’s a yacht race coming on to the island) so you might consider putting your name down as soon as you arrive on Mackinac and then going to do something else – we went for a bike ride around the island after storing our larger backpack with the helpful front desk at the hotel. Don’t miss the gift shop and free fudge samples as well!
  • Woods Restaurant – This lodge-like outpost of The Grand Hotel sits on the far side of the island near Sunset Rock. Attire is a little less formal than at the Hotel itself (since you’ll either be trekking on dirt roads or riding in a horse-drawn carriage to get there) but you’ll still find ladies in dresses and some men in summer suits. We dined on the patio, which is lovely and charming. The food at Woods Restaurant is good but not life-changing (which you might expect at the price point). I would say it’s a “go for the experience” type of restaurant. Apparently there’s a duck pin bowling inside to enjoy while you wait but our otherwise excellent server didn’t mention it to us or our kids. Speaking of kids, in addition to a children’s menu they can do a child portion of some main dishes if you arrive early enough. If you plan to dine at Woods Restaurant, be sure to call a few days in advance to reserve a table at your preferred time. We opted to eat on the early side and then enjoy the sunset afterward (though the typical Michigan cloud cover didn’t oblige).
  • Doud’s Market – If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to get food on Mackinac Island, Doud’s is a good choice. There’s an ample selection of snacks, breakfast and even pizza. If you visit their “Market & Deli” location near Shepler’s ferry they have sandwiches as well. We popped in and grabbed yogurt and muffins to eat while we waited for a morning ferry back to the mainland and it worked out perfectly.

1 Day in the Eastern Upper Peninsula

great lakes road trip map

Once you cross the “mighty Mac” (aka Mackinac bridget), the largest single-span suspension in the western hemisphere, you’ll arrive in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Many people blast through this area and head straight to Munising, but I think it offers enough fun things to do that it’s worth staying the night.

Things to do in the eastern Upper Peninsula

  • Tahquamenon Falls State Park – This is the star of the show! These are the biggest waterfalls in Michigan and some of the largest in the eastern half of North America (though we’ve seen some very impressive ones in Niagara Falls , Finger Lakes and Quebec in the last year as well). The Upper Falls can be viewed from an accessible viewing area above or from a viewing platform that’s down a length set of stairs – but worth the walk if you can do it. We spent most of our time at the Lower Falls and you probably will too! Put on your swimsuit or water-friendly clothes and shoes and prepare to get wet. Lower Tahquamenon Falls is a great place for sure-footed adventurers to feel the cascades up close. You can either rent a rowboat or take the boardwalk out to the island in the middle of the river, where you’ll find visitors of all ages splashing and having fun. Do be careful, as there are some slippery patches of stone. One of the first things you’ll probably notice is the color of the water: it’s a rich brown, earning the site the nickname “Rootbeer Falls”. Just know that the water at Tahquamenon Falls is clean enough to swim in! The color is caused by tannins from nearby tree bark leeching into the water.

great lakes road trip map

  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – This fascinating, well-done museum shares the tragic histories of some of the thousands of ships that have met their end in this treacherous part of the Great Lakes region. The experience is equal parts memorial, story-telling and an opportunity to learn about marine archeology. You can easily spend several hours exploring the complex, which also includes the historic lightkeeper’s quarters which share the human side of the site. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the entire museum, including a video about the SS Edmund Fitzgerald.

great lakes road trip map

  • Whitefish Point – Right behind the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is the beautiful beach at Whitefish Point. It has a nice sandy stretch and then a rocky entry as is typical of Lake Superior beaches. This is the perfect place to practice your stone skipping! I recommend wearing a swimsuit or water-friendly clothing along with some sort of water-friendly footwear, as it’s a shame not to enjoy the relatively warm shallow water here.

great lakes road trip map

  • MI Dog – This awesome sled dog training facility is the perfect place to go if you’re on a Michigan road trip with kids! Owner Laura Neese is a long-distance musher and she opens her kennel up to visitors in the summer. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about dog sledding and the close relationship between a musher and her team, and also cuddle some adorable husky puppies! We visited another small kennel in Alaska with the kids and it turns out they even know each other. We had originally planned to visit a roadside animal attraction in Newberry, but read some upsetting information on how the animals are treated. If that’s on your radar, please be sure to research it thoroughly.

Where to stay in the eastern Upper Peninsula

I’ll be totally honest that we didn’t like where we stayed in Newberry, but everything in Paradise was booked eight months in advance or required a multi-night stay.

  • Tahquamenon Suites Lodging – Simple but clean accommodations in an excellent location in Paradise! Just 15 minutes from both the falls and Whitefish Point. This hotel does have a two night minimum, so it’s only an option if you’re planning a slower pace in this area.
  • Americas Best Value Inn Tahquamenon Country – If you’re just staying one night in the eastern UP, congrats… this is where you’ll be staying unless you decide to camp. It was “fine” but not a place we would have voluntarily stayed for a second night.

3 Days in Munising

Miners Castle in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising Michigan during golden hour

Munising is one of the major highlights of the Upper Peninsula. There are so many things to do in Munising itself and in the surrounding area that you could easily extend your visit here to a fourth day.

We spent our arrival day and all of the following day exploring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the next day in and around Manistique and then visited the sites in and around Marquette en route to our next stop. That UP itinerary worked very well!

Get more details: Awesome Things to do in Munising MI: A Road Tripper’s Guide

Things to do in Munising

great lakes road trip map

  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – These iconic rainbow-hued sandstone cliffs are the biggest draw to Munising and should be at the top of your Upper Peninsula bucket list!
  • Sand Point beach – Sand Point offers warm water and beautiful sunsets, plus a convenient location close to town.
  • Pictured Rocks boat tour – To get a close up look at the cliffs, take a trip with Pictured Rocks Cruises . If the weather looks good, I recommend taking the last classic cruise that’s before the sunset cruise for brilliant colors and views in both directions.
  • Kitch-iti-kipi – The “big cold spring” at Palms Book State Park is stunning! As you go across on a rope-propelled raft, you’ll see fish and wreckage below all the way to its 40ft depth. Plan to leave Munising first thing in the morning, as the drive is just under an hour and lines get long after lunch.
  • Manistique – This cute town near Kitch-iti-kipi offers a warm, calm Lake Michigan beach at ThompsonRogers Roadside Park. You can visit the lighthouse in town as well.
  • Lakenenland – Awesome privately owned but publicly accessible sculpture garden. Artist Tom Lakenen transforms scrap material into large-scale, interactive art. Wear your good walking shoes because you’ll be getting a lot of steps in!
  • Marquette – For a totally different vibe, head to this quirky college town for lunch and a stroll on your way to Houghton. It’s also home to the iconic red Marquette Harbor Lighthouse.
  • Sugarloaf Mountain – One of the best hikes in the Upper Peninsula. It’s about a 1.5 mile loop, but covers around 1,000 feet of elevation (some of that is on graded trail and some is on stairs). I’d rate it “moderate” and family-friendly. The views from the top are simply stunning!

Where to stay in Munising

  • Holiday Inn Express Munising – Lakeview – We stayed here and it was excellent! If you book a balcony room (as we did) you can actually see Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from you room. There’s a huge indoor pool, a lovely patio looking out to Lake Superior and rooms for up to six people!
  • Roam Inn – If you’d rather stay in town, consider Roam Inn. It’s upstairs from the excellent Tracey’s restaurant, which is the perfect place to enjoy a high-end dinner while admiring the colorful sky over Lake Superior. Roam Inn offers rooms for two or four people.

Restaurants near Munising

  • Tracey’s – As I mentioned above, this is the place to be for fine dining in Munising. Be sure to reserve a patio table shortly before sunset and grab a cocktail while you wait for your dinner to arrive.
  • Pictured Rocks Pizza – Grab a top-quality pie to go and enjoy it as the sun goes down at nearby Sand Point beach. If it’s already dark, you can take advantage of their large turf patio to hang out on a summer evening over pizza and a soda.
  • Frosty Treats – Fantastic sundaes in the heart of Marquette!
  • Clyde’s Drive In – Burger lovers will have a great time at the Manistique outpost of this UP favorite. The food is delicious, fresh and affordable. There’s even a “Jr. Burger” for those with a smaller appetite, which ran us $3.45 in 2023.

2 Days in Houghton

great lakes road trip map

Houghton is as far north as you’ll stay on this Upper Peninsula Michigan road trip, and it’s so far north that my cell phone welcomed me to Canada while we explored the Keweenaw Peninsula!

If you’re able to add an extra day to your Michigan summer itinerary, consider doing it here and taking a day trip to Isle Royale National Park – you can go by seaplane directly from Houghton or by ferry from Copper Harbor (there’s also a ferry from Houghton but it’s far too long to be practical for a day trip).

Get more details: 6 Unforgettable Things to do in Houghton, Michigan

Things to do in Houghton

great lakes road trip map

  • Quincy Mine tour – This is an excellent tour of a massive copper mine complex, but it also gives you a fascinating look at the Keweenaw Peninsula’s rise and fall over the 20th century. This site is part of the Keweenaw National Historical Park, and you’ll see the impressive above-ground facilities in addition to taking a lengthy walk in the mine. Best for kids 8+.
  • Adventure Mining Company – This is another option for a mine tour near Houghton Michigan, but with optional “thrill” experiences for teens and adults.
  • Chutes and Ladders playground – Massive climbing and slides playground along the waterfront in downtown Houghton.
  • Brockway Mountain Drive – This scenic road between Silver River Falls and the village of Copper Harbor offers great scenic lookouts that don’t require any hiking. Just keep your eyes peeled for the very obvious places to stop.
  • Agate Beach – This pretty spot just west of Copper Harbor is the perfect place to go hunting for agates and other beautiful rocks.
  • Astor Shipwreck Park – This lovely beach park is just outside the bounds of Fort Wilkins Historic State Park. It’s an awesome place to relax and enjoy views of the Copper Harbor lighthouse as you wrap up your epic Michigan roadtrip!

Of course there are also tons of hiking trails in the area if you’re looking for active exploration!

Where to stay in Houghton

  • Hampton Inn & Suites Houghton – We had a solid stay at this hotel, though there’s not a whole lot that sets it apart other than a generous breakfast spread in a really pleasant room (which isn’t always the case with simple chain hotels).
  • Holiday Inn Express Houghton-Keweenaw

Restaurants near Houghton

  • Harbor Haus – A delicious dinner in Copper Harbor for the last night of your Michigan UP road trip! It’s not cheap, and you’ll want to make a reservation a few days in advance.
  • Milly’s Hancock – Great pizza spot in Hancock
  • Keweenaw Co-Op Market & Deli – Perfect lunch stop thanks to their awesome sandwiches at the deli counter in the back

What to Pack for a Michigan Road Trip

great lakes road trip map

There are a few things you’ll definitely want to pack for a summer road trip in Michigan. We brought these and found them very helpful!

  • A paper map  – Some of these areas, particularly Upper Peninsula, don’t have great phone service. I suggest downloading maps to use offline in the Google Maps app, but also bringing  this paper map  as backup.
  • A cooler  – This route covers about 1,000 miles so there are plenty of days when you’ll wind up driving around mealtime! We were really happy to have  this adorable (and effective) cooler  and  these serious ice packs  (2 of the XL size) with us for picnic lunches, quick hotel breakfasts and snack breaks. Everything stayed cold when we needed it to and the cooler has enough organization to consolidate paper plates, utensils, paper towels and even a bottle opener. We also brought collapsible silicone containers , which were helpful for snacks, blueberry picking and even sandwiches.
  • Summer clothing (mostly)  – We were able to get away with almost exclusively summer clothes. In addition, we each brought one pair of jeans, one pair of hiking pants, a long sleeve t-shirt and a fleece or sweatshirt. Thankfully it’s a pretty easy trip to pack light for.
  • Water-friendly shoes – While I’m personally not a fan of Keens, something along those lines is ideal footwear for a summer trip to Michigan. Once you leave the lower peninsula, most of the beaches have rocky entries and you’ll really appreciate having something protecting your feet. If you like Keens, you may be able to use them as your only footwear!
  • Bug repellant – We had fewer bug challenges than we feared, but in general you’ll find plenty of mosquitos in northern Michigan. Bring insect repellant wipes for easy application when you know you’ll be outside for a long time.
  • National Parks passport – The perfect way to remember your Michigan road trip is by getting stamps in your National Parks passport ! Opportunities include Pictured Rocks, Sleep Bear Dunes, Isle Royale, Keweenaw NHP and more. Just bring your passport inside any visitors center and use the provided stamps.

Still planning? Pin this for later!

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Our Wander-Filled Life

Great Lakes National Parks: Our Itinerary

Last Updated on June 21, 2021 by Bonnie

Over the past several years, we’ve been on a mission to visit all 50 states before our 10th anniversary. And, of course, as many national park sites as we can along the way! After trips to New England and the Pacific Northwest, the time finally came to visit the Great Lakes national parks. This was a trip we had been looking forward to for quite a while and, thankfully, it did not disappoint!

In all, we visited 20 national park sites in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. We spent almost 6 weeks in June and July on our Great Lakes road trip with our RV. Unfortunately, we did not make it to all of the sites that we wanted to and we had to return home early to get some much-needed repairs on the camper.

The East Channel Lighthouse sits on Grand Island to safely guide ships to the mainland.

I have to say, the Great Lakes region sure does have variety. Here you’ll find historic sites, battlefields, lakeshores and even a remote island. There really is something for everyone!

If you’re looking to visit the Great Lakes national parks, along with a few additional sites, this road trip itinerary will get you there.

(Disclaimer: When we link to places you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes which earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Nashville, TN – 1 night

Since we live just outside of Atlanta getting to the Great Lakes area takes some time. We chose to break it up a bit and stayed in Nashville for our first night. This also gave us a chance to hook up the camper to electricity, cool the refrigerator cooled, buy some groceries and otherwise prepare the camper for a summer on the road.

Read all of our campground reviews here.

This process would be a lot easier if we didn’t live in a condo in a downtown area. Still, an easy start to a long summer road trip is not a bad thing.

Nashville Shores campground

We stayed at the I-24 Campground just south of Nashville and that was a good spot for one night. The campground itself is reasonably nice, though there did seem to be a good number of long-term or permanent residents. Overall, there did not seem to be too much junk piled up, though, so it really wasn’t too bad.

This was good for an overnight stay and we would certainly stay here again. I doubt it is anywhere we would stay for more than a night or two, though. If you are looking for a place to stay for several nights in Nashville, we recommend Nashville Shores .

Read more about things to do in Nashville.

Lincoln City, IN – 3 nights

For our visit to the two sites in southern Indiana, we camped at Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City. Other than some very uneven campsites and oddly placed water hookups, it is a nice campground. We would have preferred a place with sewer hookups, but options were extremely limited in this area. Despite having to drive about 30 minutes to Walmart to get a longer water hose, we enjoyed our stay, especially its proximity to the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

Lincoln Boyhood Home NM, one of three Indiana National Parks

From the state park, it’s an easy one-mile hike to the national memorial across the street. We spent the morning touring the visitor center, the historical farm and hiking a few trails. About half a day is enough for the Lincoln Boyhood NM.

George Rogers Clark National Historical Park is located in Vincennes, which is a little more than an hour’s drive from Lincoln City. The site sits on the Wabash River and includes a small visitor center, a towering memorial with an exhibit inside and a good size park. You’ll need an hour or two to watch the introductory film, tour the memorial and enjoy the park. 

George Rogers Clark NHPark, one of three Indiana National Parks

If you have more time in Vincennes, I’d suggest you check out Grouseland, the home of President William Henry Harrison. 

Read more about the Indiana National Parks.

Lebanon, OH – 4 nights

From southern Indiana, we headed to Ohio, which is home to 8 National Parks sites and 2 affiliated sites. We spent 3 days in the Dayton/Cincinnati area visiting 4 of these sites. We based ourselves at the Lebanon/Cincinnati KOA. The campground was a typical KOA with plenty of campers and activities on the weekend. Thankfully, the weeknights were a bit more peaceful.

The parlor in the Taft House

In Cincinnati, you’ll learn more about the 27th President and the 10th Chief Justice at the William Taft NHS. There’s plenty more to do in Cincinnati if you have the time. Alas, our summer was packed with just visiting the park sites so we did not have time for any additional stops.

In Dayton, the Dayton Aviation Heritage NHP remembers Wilbur and Orville Wright and Paul Dunbar. There are several different sites within the park. Be sure to visit the Wright Brothers bicycle shop and the field where they tested and perfected the world’s first airplane. Paul Dunbar, a gifted African American writer, is honored at the house he shared with his mother.

A recreation of the Wright Brothers' 1902 glider.

Also a part of the Dayton Aviation Heritage NHP is the Museum of the US Air Force, located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This is an interesting stop for anyone, but particularly those with an interest in flight and military aircraft. We spent several hours here and easily could have spent more time.

Just east of Dayton is the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument. Young served with the Buffalo Soldiers, was the National Park Service’s first black superintendent and the highest-ranking African-American officer in the US Army during World War I. When we visited, in the summer of 2019, the park was still very new, with tours being done by appointment only. Be sure to check their web site or call ahead if you plan on visiting.

This was the home of Colonel Charles Young, one of the first black graduates from West Point and a commander of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Our final stop in this area was the Hopewell Culture National Historical Park in Chillicothe, about an hour southeast of Dayton. The earthen mounds of the Hopewell people are recreated and the visitor center tells the history of the Native Americans who once lived in this area. An hour or two is probably enough time for a visit. 

Read more about the Ohio National Parks.

West Branch State Park (Ravenna, OH) – 5 nights

For our visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and other sites in the Cleveland area, we camped at West Branch State Park, just east of Ravenna. I have to say, this was one of the nicest state park campgrounds we have ever camped at. Our site was almost perfectly level and surrounded by trees, providing privacy. The bathrooms were immaculate and there were even washers and dryers. 

Station Bridge in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the few Great Lakes National Parks.

The drive to Cuyahoga Valley NP was a bit long, but it was worth it for such a fantastic campground. Cuyahoga Valley is not a traditional “National Park,” but there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. It certainly is worth at least a day. You could easily spend two days if you want to ride the train and do several hikes or bike the Towpath Trail.

Read more about visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The First Ladies National Historic Site is an interesting site with rotating exhibits. While I enjoyed our tour of the McKinley home, the exhibit itself was a bit underwhelming. The house tour takes about an hour. You can view the current exhibit while you wait on your tour.

The Ida Saxton McKinley home

Our final day in this area was spent visiting the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, with a quick stop at the David Berger Memorial on the way. The tour of the Garfield house is interesting and takes about an hour. You can spend another hour or so watching the film and looking through the exhibits.

Toledo, OH – 3 nights

For the final few sites in Ohio, we stayed just west of Toledo. Honestly, the campground we stayed at was one of the worst we’ve been to, so I won’t recommend it. I do remember seeing a couple of campgrounds just east of Toledo that probably would have been better options. 

Pathway to the memorial statue at Fallen Timbers National Battlefield Park.

In this area, you can visit Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis (a very new park site) and River Raisin National Battlefield Park in a single day. River Raisin is a very small park in Monroe, MI, which is just north of Toledo. An hour is certainly enough to tour this park as there is very little here beyond a small visitor center and a couple of interpretive signs.

When we visited in the summer of 2019, Fallen Timbers was not fully developed. Indeed, the visitor center was not even complete when we were there. We did see a few hiking trails, but the weather was not great on the day we visited so we skipped them. Our visit lasted less than an hour. Hopefully, more will open in the coming months and years.

Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial

The highlight of this area is Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, located on the small island town of Put-in-Bay in Lake Huron. I’d liken the town to the “Key West” of the Great Lakes. While the national park itself will only take an hour or two to visit, you could easily enjoy a weekend or longer hanging out in town and checking out all the bars and various attractions. This is certainly a place that would be a fun getaway for a family or group of friends.

Check out our guide to the Ohio National Parks.

Indiana Dunes State Park – 3 nights

From Ohio, we headed back to Indiana for Indiana Dunes National Park, which at the time was the most recent park to earn the “National Park” designation. In fact, most of the signage still said Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. While I hope that the designation change brings more awareness to the park, the truth is that it didn’t really feel like a “National Park” to us. 

Trail to the beach along Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes National Park.

We enjoyed a few hikes; the Cowles-Bog Trail, in particular. Additionally, the Century of Progress homes are certainly unique. Still, the surrounding steel mills and power plants are a bit jarring. The history of the park and the preservation of the area really does highlight the struggle between conservation, growth and politics. 

In terms of camping, the campground at Indiana Dunes State Park is one of only a handful of options and may have been the only option for an RV. Since the state park is located within the boundaries of the national park, it sure is convenient. And, yes, the state park is worth a visit. In fact, I’d argue the state got the “better” land.

Read more about Indiana Dunes National Park.

Empire, MI – 3 nights

Continuing north along Lake Michigan, our next stop was Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I have to say, of the three National Lakeshores, this was probably our favorite! We enjoyed driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and hiking the dunes right on the lakeshore. One day is enough to see the highlights of the park. You could spend a second day if you really want to do more hiking on the dunes, explore the nearby islands or spend time on the beach.

The sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

While in the area, you should also visit Traverse City, less than an hour east of Sleeping Bear Dunes NL. We spent one day walking through downtown and visiting just a couple of the many breweries, wineries and distilleries in the area. Traverse City really is a great town and well worth a visit!

Read our full guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City.

St. Ignace, MI – 3 nights

While not a part of the National Park Service, no trip to Michigan would be complete without a visit to Mackinac Island. This tiny car-free island is a haven for those wanting to get away and relax. Without cars, there are plenty of hiking trails and a relaxed pace of life. 

Interestingly, Mackinac Island was actually the second National Park, established by Congress in 1875. Ultimately, the land was given to the state with the agreement that it would remain public land and, indeed, the vast majority of the island is a state park. 

Shops and restaurants line Main Street on Mackinac Island

In nearby St. Ignace, where we camped, you’ll find the Father Marquette National Memorial. This affiliated NPS will only take you a couple of minutes to view, but if you’re in the area, you might as well stop.

The campground at Straits State Park provided adequate accommodations for us, even if we didn’t have water or sewer hookups. 

Read more about a day trip to Mackinac Island.

Munising, MI – 3 nights

Continuing through the upper peninsula of Michigan, your next stop is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. While there are some great viewpoints and hiking trails here, the best way to truly see the namesake “pictured rocks” is from the water. If you don’t have your own boat, hop on a Pictured Rock Scenic Cruise and enjoy the voyage.

The namesake pictured rocks of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

The sunset cruise is our recommendation, as that is when you’ll get the best light. Just be sure to arrive early so you can get a seat along the railing with unobstructed views. 

We camped at the relatively new Pictured Rocks RV Park, which was fabulous. The large sites and clean bathroom more than made up for the lack of trees or other amenities. 

Check out our guide to visiting Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Keweenaw Peninsula, MI – 2 nights

From Munising, continue west to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where you’ll find the Keweenaw National Historical Park and two of three access points for Isle Royale National Park. 

Sunset on Lake Superior

We camped at Sunset Bay Campground near Allouez. The campground was ok, especially considering the lack of options in the area. If I had it to do over, I’d probably stay somewhere else, though. The layout just wasn’t great and the mosquitoes were the worst I’ve ever experienced but I’ll admit, the sunsets were spectacular. That did make up for some of the other conditions.

The Keweenaw NHP preserves the history of copper mining on the peninsula and consists of 21 partner sites. We visited the Quincy Mine and the Central Mine.

Quincy Mine No. 2 Shaft Rock House

You can catch the ferry to Isle Royale in Houghton (near the southern end of the peninsula) or at Copper Harbor (at the northern tip of the peninsula). If you’re planning on staying at the lodge, taking the ferry from Copper Harbor is your best option. If you’re looking to take a kayak or canoe with you (or just want a nice ship), then Houghton would be a good option. Just be aware that the ferry from Houghton takes about 7 hours for the journey. 

If you just want to do a day trip to Isle Royale, then take the ferry from Grand Portage, MN (see below).

Isle Royale National Park – 1 night

Isle Royale National Park is the least visited “National Park” in the lower 48 states. It’s also the most revisited, per capita and for good reason. I am fairly certain I said, “Yep, we need to come back for a longer stay” before we even got off the ferry. Seriously, the natural beauty and solitude you find here are almost unparalleled. 

The rugged coast of Isle Royale National Park.

If you’re looking to do some backpacking, this is the place. For those a little less adventurous, the lodge is comfortable, if not glamorous. There are a few day hikes that you can easily do with just a one night stay. For those with more time, you could explore for days.

It’s gorgeous and it’s quiet. And there’s moose, which you are likely to see. There are also wolves, which you are not likely to see. 

Moose near Rock Harbor Lodge at Isle Royale National Park.

Seriously, I am really looking forward to coming back and backpacking for a few days to enjoy more of this island park and its serenity.

Yes, they have overnight parking for cars and RVs right at the ferry!

Read more about Isle Royale National Park and the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Copper Harbor, MI – 1 night

Following a long ferry ride back to the mainland, we were exhausted. Initially, we thought we’d take advantage of the late sunset and drive a couple of hours. By the time we got back, though, we were exhausted and started searching for a campground in Copper Harbor.

Our campsite at the Lake Fanny Hooe Resort and Campground. Note the connections!

Thankfully, we were able to snag a site at the Lake Fanny Hooe Campground, which was a huge blessing! The campground was great and would make a good base for a couple of days of relaxation before and/or after a trip to Isle Royale. 

Drummond, WI – 3 nights

Our next stop was Drummond, WI for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. I’ll admit, Drummond is not really the ideal place to stay as it is about an hour away from Apostle Islands. Unfortunately, I forgot we’d be there over July 4 weekend and waited too late to make reservations. Drummond Lake Campground was the closest place I could find that I could actually make a reservation.

Sea stacks in the Apostle Islands.

While the drive was a bit long, the campground was fantastic and I highly recommend it if you’re ok with the drive. 

Apostle Islands NL is made up of 21 islands and one small stretch on the mainland. Basically, if you really want to see the highlights of the park, you’ll need to get out on the water. We chose to do the Grand Tour, which takes you past most of the bigger island and to Devil’s Island, one of the most scenic spots in the park. 

If we ever visit again, I’d love to explore some of the islands more or perhaps even do a kayak tour.

Read more about visiting Apostle Island National Lakeshore.

Grand Portage, MN – 2 nights

Heading to Minnesota, our next stop was Grand Portage National Monument, in the far north of the state, just a few miles from the Canada border. The park tells the story of the natives and the French fur traders heading west and it was here that they had to portage their goods 8 miles to the next waterway. 

The park offers a couple of hikes and a recreated trading post.

Overlooking the Great Hall and kitchen at Grand Portage National Monument.

For those doing a day trip to Isle Royale NP, this is where you’ll want to catch the ferry. Be forewarned, there is little to nothing here, including cell service. Be sure to obtain all necessary gear well before arriving in Grand Portage.

Read more about visiting Grand Portage National Monument

Other Parks in the Great Lakes Region

Our original Great Lakes national parks itinerary had us continuing on to Voyageurs National Park before turning south to head back home. Unfortunately, as we prepared to leave Grand Portage, we realized that somewhere along the way we obtained some fairly significant damage to the camper. Grudgingly, we had to abort the rest of our plans and head straight to a repair shop in Duluth.

Our campsite at West Branch State Park near Ravenna.

As expected, the damage was not minor and not something that could be fixed easily or quickly and, thankfully, we were able to get a temporary fix so that we could make it home. From Duluth, we spent 3 days driving home without any sightseeing along the way. We did, at least, get to enjoy a fabulous dinner at freight house in Paducah, KY to celebrate our 9th anniversary.

Our plan was to spend 5 nights at Voyageurs Sunrise Resort, which would give us 4 days to explore the park. Then, we’d head to Town & Country Campground near Minneapolis. From Minneapolis, we planned to visit the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area and the St. Croix National Scenic River. 

We haven’t yet figured out when we’ll actually make it to these parks, but we know we will one day!

Final Thoughts on our Great Lakes National Parks Itinerary

We’ve considered a visit to the Great Lakes region for many years and I’d like to say that we’re sorry we waited so long, but the truth is that we’ve loved all of the other places we visited as well. That said, there is something special about the Great Lakes and it is a region that everyone should explore!

This Great Lakes national parks itinerary worked well for us; in fact, there is very little that I would change if doing it again. While there were a few parks that were underwhelming (Keweenaw NHP and River Raisin NBP), the others more than made up for it. 

Grant and Bonnie hiking on Isle Royale National Park.

Isle Royale NP is more than worth all of the time, effort and money that it takes just to get there. Sleeping Bear Dunes NL provides a scenic getaway on Lake Michigan. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial is a unique historic site nestled on one of the most unique islands in the area.

Whether you are a national parks geek like us or are just looking to explore the region, this road trip itinerary to all the Great Lakes national parks is a great way to spend six weeks.

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you just can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

If you're looking to visit the Great Lakes national parks, our six-week itinerary takes you to all of the sites in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan plus a few more.

4 thoughts on “Great Lakes National Parks: Our Itinerary”

Great article. I live in Traverse City, and I just need to say, spend more than one day at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore! Explore the trails and relax on the beaches! Sail down a warm shallow river in a Kayak or in an inner tube. Although if you do only stay a day, it’ll be less crowded!

Thanks, Diane! We completely agree. We wish we had planned more time for the area.

This is a great article. Super helpful. My husband and I are planning a trip in that direction this summer. We will be mostly around Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, but plan on hitting some National Parks too. We are also thinking about stopping in Toledo to see Lake Erie, so I liked what you had to say about that. We will only have 2 (3 tops) weeks for this trip and we will be visiting relatives too. I appreciate your reviews on the different parks and different RV parks. We won’t be bringing our RV (we have a 5th wheel) on this trip because it will take longer, but I hope to be back with the RV. Did you happen to go to the Shipwreck museum in Paradise MI?

Thanks so much, Mary!

We did not visit that museum but it looks really awesome! It always seems that you find something cool to visit after you go somewhere, right?

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Stories on adventure, and travel, and real life, 11 stops on your dream great lakes road trip: hidden gems and must-sees.

The Great Lakes hold 21% of the world’s freshwater , create their own weather patterns, and have some of the most unique geology in the entire Midwest. These lakes are home to two American national parks, and three national lakeshores, and countless waterfalls. When it comes down to it, the Great Lakes are the one of the world’s most underrated spots for outdoor recreation, and a well-kept secret.

Hi there, a newer version of this blog exists.

I grew up in the area, and worked as a sea kayaking guide in the Apostle Islands sea caves . Now, I’m lucky enough to live on Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore. After exploring this area for years, here are the best hidden gems to add to your Great Lakes Road Trip:

Stop One: Sleeping Bear Dunes

There’s no better place to start off your dream road trip than Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , just south of Traverse City. Sleeping Bear is known for massive sand dunes over Lake Michigan, incredible sunsets, and hiking. The lakeshore also has spring wildflowers, dark skies, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Sleeping Bear Dunes is the perfect starting point for your dream Great Lakes Road Trip. My favorite part of Sleeping Bear? That tropical-looking water.

For a hard hike, check out the Dune Climb, Manitou Islands, or Alligator Hill. For handicap accessible spots, check out the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive.

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Stop Two: Torch Lake and the Grass River

Next, head north to an overlooked section of Michigan, the Chain of Lakes. This is a great spot to hide from the busy summer tourism season, tackle some more intense hikes like the Jordan River Trail , paddle on flat water, and spot wildlife. After, stop by Short’s Brewery for some Michigan beer and food! My favorite meal is the White Pepper Sandwich paired with a flight of whatever is on tap.

Looking to see river otter? Head over to the Grass River Natural Area and hike the Sedge Meadow Trail, a true Michigan hidden gem. The Grass River Natural Area has handicap accessible trails, as well as an adaptive trail for the visually impaired.

great lakes road trip map

Stop Three: Tahquamenon Falls

One of the largest waterfalls this side of the Mississippi, this iconic river drops nearly 50 feet at the Upper Falls. Tahquamenon Falls is a must-see on your Great Lakes Road Trip. Tannins from trees stain the water reddish brown, and in the winter large ice formations build around the falls. The state park offers a variety of hiking trails varying in length from 1 to 8 miles, with several handicap accessible trails to the Upper Falls.

great lakes road trip map

Stop Four: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Tucked away in Munising, Michigan, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is home to sandstone cliffs towering over Lake Superior, some of the most iconic views in Michigan, and at least seven waterfalls. The Pictured Rocks is a must see section of the Lake Superior shoreline, with beautiful kayaking and hiking, and an important stop on any Great Lakes Road Trip.

Hike along the 10.5 mile Chapel-Basin Loop to get the best taste of the cliffs including waterfalls, beaches, and the only section of trail in the park where the cliffs can be seen from land.

Both the Munising Falls Trail and Miner’s Castle Trail are handicap accessible and can easily be accessed from near the Munising Falls Visitors Center.

Stop Five: The Keweenaw Peninsula and Copper Harbor

From Munising, head north along Superior to Copper Harbor, Michigan. Check out the mountain biking trails, incredible white sand beaches like Bete Grise, and cutest brewery in Michigan, Brickside .

To watch the sunset, enjoy the Brockway Mountain Scenic Drive .

great lakes road trip map

Stop Six: Bond Falls

Deep in the Upper Peninsula woods and off the beaten path, Bond Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in Michigan. It’s a quick and easy hike out to both the upper and lower falls, with multiple viewing platforms for different angles of the falls. Bond Falls is a must-see on any Great Lakes Road Trip.

Bond Falls is considered fully wheelchair accessible.

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Stop Seven: Potato River Falls and Copper Falls

As you enter the Wisconsin Northwoods, be on the lookout for hidden waterfalls. Copper Falls State Park is a wildly popular hiking system and for good reason– the park is home to three large waterfalls and countless smaller cascades. A half-mile of the trail, including that which features Brownstone and Copper Falls, is wheelchair accessible.

While Copper Falls is likely to be crowded in summer months, Potato River Falls is tucked away in the woods. With a dramatic upper and lower set of falls, this hidden gem is worth the detour.

Potato River Falls

Stop Eight: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

One of the dreamiest kayaking destinations in the world, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is home to Lake Superior sea caves, 21 islands, and incredible beaches and shoreline. These big lake gems belong on just about every bucket list.

Book a sea kayaking trip with Lost Creek Adventures , or cruise with Apostle Islands Cruises (handicap accessible).

In Bayfield, visit Maggie’s for flamingo-themed fun and the best sweet potato fries of your life.

Stop Nine: Amnicon Falls

Amnicon Falls is an off the beaten path Northwoods gem that will have you feeling like you stepped out of a fairytale. Walk through the forest along the Amnicon River, and pass through a covered bridge above the falls. Visit in the early morning or camp at the campground near the falls to experience the area at sunrise. This park offers a handicap accessible trail as well as picnic area.

great lakes road trip map

Stop Ten : Two Harbors, MN

Head north of Duluth, Minnesota to begin the North Shore section of your Great Lakes road trip. Around Two Harbors, visit Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche State Park. Looking for a challenge? Head out to backpack the Superior Hiking Trail for several days.

Much of Gooseberry Falls is accessible by wheelchair, as is the guided tour of Split Rock Lighthouse in Split Rock State Park. The Two Harbors Light, pictured below, is also handicap accessible.

great lakes road trip map

Stop Eleven: Grand Marias, MN

Continue along the North Shore to the small town of Grand Marais, MN. Visit Cascade River State Park for beautiful waterfalls, and hike the Superior Hiking Trail to Pincushion Mountain Overlook. In the morning, stop for coffee at Java Moose , and watch the sunrise at the Grand Marias Light (Artist’s Point).

For handicap access, visit Grand Marais Harbor, or head up to Grand Portage to see High Falls on the Pigeon River.

Grand Marais is the perfect spot to end your Great Lakes Road Trip, with countless trails to explore and waterfalls to stumble upon.

Bonus: Isle Royale National Park

Looking for more adventure? Head up to Grand Portage, MN and take the ferry over to Isle Royale National Park for wildlife, world-class backpacking, and beautiful wilderness.

Looking for the best hikes, paddles and hidden gems of the Upper Midwest?

Check out my book, Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide . Let me help you find not only the best adventures for your skill and comfort level, but also semi-secret photography spots, countless waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, intrepid canoe routes near Traverse City, Michigan, hidden sea caves, and some of the best campsites the region has to offer.

great lakes road trip map

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5 thoughts on “ 11 Stops on Your Dream Great Lakes Road Trip: Hidden Gems and Must-Sees ”

Maddy, I really find your blog interesting. My wife (of 51 yrs) and I have been to all 50 states and all the US national parks with visitors centers, and nation monuments that were established prior to 2006. The only exceptions being Guam, American Samoa, and the Us Virgin Islands. We have been to several places referenced in your blog. All of our traveling has been completed prior to my age, 75, and my disabilities caught up to me. Now that I’ve given you too much info, here’s my request. When writing about places to visit, will you include in your notes any handicap access. I realize that most of the places aren’t suitable for accommodation but some must. Thanks, Frank

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Absolutely I will include that! Thank you for letting me know, I can add that in! Thanks for reading!

Hi Frank, I just edited this blog to include handicap access and I will make sure to include that in the future as well. Thanks so much for your suggestion! Almost all of the places on this list offer an accessible option! Thanks for writing in / reading, and happy traveling! – Maddy

Just keep going Maddy! From Armenia to the Moon! Thanks to my distant friend Taylor for connecting me. Your generation is already doing a good job to take care of this world which needs a lot of taking care of.

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The World on my Necklace

The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

Our Summer Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Our Summer Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary

This post was written in June 2021 as I was preparing to go on a Great Lakes Road Trip. I hope it inspires you to do your own Great Lakes Road Trip!

I know I have briefly mentioned in my recent travel recaps that we are planning a big Great Lakes Road Trip this summer, but I wanted to share more about our plans as we would love any travel recommendations you guys have!

Our grand plan is to drive around the Great Lakes, following the shoreline on the U.S. side as much as possible. Anything after that on the East Coast will be a very welcome bonus and we have ideas, but no set plans – except for Philly, which is one of the cities in the U.S. that is at the top of my bucket list.

We’re thinking a little something like this route for the Great Lakes, but stopping at a lot more places than you can see mentioned on the map below. 

Great Lakes Road Trip map

I have been wanting to do a big Great Lakes Road Trip for years, ever since I first visited the area back in 2013. One of my weird travel goals is to swim in all five Great Lakes, and I have already swum in Lake Ontario and Lake Michigan so only three more to go. (Update 2023: I have now swam in four!)

We obviously won’t be able to visit the Canadian side on this trip but I think it will still be an amazing road trip, and I have been lucky enough to visit a couple of places on the Canadian side already, including the Bruce Peninsula, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Georgian Bay at Tobymory on a Great Lakes Road Trip in Canada

Hopefully, in the future, I will be able to do a big Canadian Great Lakes Road Trip too.

I really don’t know how long it will take us to drive from Grand Portage, Minnesota to the Thousand Islands in New York State hugging the lake shores, but I’m thinking somewhere between 6-8 weeks as we want to stay awhile in places we like, especially in Chicago which is one of my favorite cities. I wouldn’t want to drive I am while there so chartering a bus with friends to tour the city would be super fun.

After that, I definitely want to visit Philly because I have never been before, then we aren’t exactly sure. Maybe Washington D.C., maybe New York City, maybe we will make it all the way down to Florida to visit Dry Tortugas and the Everglades…who knows.

We have so many ideas and I think a plan will evolve as we go. We might be working an event in South Carolina in early October so that will determine things a bit too. 

Highline in New York City

I don’t want to feel rushed and I will have work to do as we travel as well so we will just see how we go. I also want to allow some chilled-out days and rain days so we want to keep it as flexible as we can.

One of the big goals of this trip will be to visit some new-to-us states and National Parks, so I definitely want to visit every National Park around the Great Lakes and East Coast that I haven’t been to including Voyageurs, Isle Royale, Cuyahoga Valley, Shenandoah, and New River Gorge. 

The states I want to go to on this trip for the first time are Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware. After this trip and if I hit up all these states, I will only have one state left to visit: North Dakota.

Milwaukee is on our Great Lakes Road Trip itinerary

Along the way I am definitely looking forward to going to some cities I haven’t been to before, like Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Cleveland , as well as revisiting ones we love – I can’t wait for Deep Dish and lake swimming in Chicago, and I really hope we will have time to revisit NYC and D.C.

I’m also planning on doing lots of hiking in State and National Parks, visiting some of the lake islands, exploring some cute small towns, trying local delicacies, delicious food, and craft beer, and just generally getting more of a feel for life around the Great Lakes and different parts of the East Coast.

Downtown Chicago

I can’t wait!

We are planning on hitting the road at the beginning of July (not long now!) and our first stop with be Lawrence and Kansas City where we will be spending July 4th with friends, then we’ll be working the Kansas City BBQ Festival for a few days. From there it will be up to the Great Lakes Region via Iowa.

So, this trip should definitely keep us busy for a few months!

I’m excited to take Brownie, our new RV, on the road and to jump right into boondocking and RV life. Our test run to LA where we lived in Brownie for nearly six weeks went well, so I think we are ready! 

Toby will be working hard over the next couple of weeks doing some fixes on Brownie – there have been issues with backfiring, and we still need to pass emissions to get our permanent plates – then hopefully we will be all ready to hit the road.

If we can’t get Brownie ready in time – this is the worst-case scenario – we will have to take Casper instead, but I really hope we can get everything ready.

Hollywood RV Park

If all goes well, we won’t be getting back to Colorado until sometime in late October to mid-November. But who knows what will happen? I’m kinda sad to be leaving Colorado for so long and to be missing fall there, but fall on the east coast is amazing too so I can’t really complain. 

Fall colors in Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Colorado

So that’s our vague road trip/life plan for the next few months. I’ll be updating you all with what we get up to along the way in my monthly travel recaps, and I’m hoping I will have time to write some new content about the different places we will be visiting on our trip as well.

Please let us know if you have any tips or places we should visit in any of the areas we are planning on going – we would love travel suggestions. Even if it’s just a brewery or a great place to eat – tell us!

See you on the open road!

If you liked this – check out some of my related posts:

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  • Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary To See the Best of the State
  • The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga
  • The Ultimate Ten Day Rocky Mountain Road Trip
  • Our 6-Month Travel Itinerary: Oceania and Asia
  • Summer in Alaska Itinerary

Ultimate Great Lakes Summer Road Trip Itinerary

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hello stranger midwest adventure

February 20, 2021

The Great Lakes hold  21% of the world’s freshwater , create their own weather patterns, and have some of the most unique geology in the entire Midwest. These lakes are home to two American national parks, and three national lakeshores, and countless waterfalls. When it comes down to it, the Great Lakes are the one of the world’s most underrated spots for outdoor recreation, and a well-kept secret.

I grew up in the area, and worked as a sea kayaking guide in the Apostle Islands sea caves. Now, I’m lucky enough to live on Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore. After exploring this area for years, here are the best hidden gems to add to your Great Lakes Road Trip:

Stop One: Sleeping Bear Dunes

There’s no better place to start off your dream road trip than  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , just south of Traverse City. Sleeping Bear is known for massive sand dunes over Lake Michigan, incredible sunsets, and hiking. The lakeshore also has spring wildflowers, dark skies, and some of the best beaches in the world.

Spring at Sleeping Bear

Sleeping Bear Dunes is the perfect starting point for your dream Great Lakes Road Trip. My favorite part of Sleeping Bear? That tropical-looking water.

For a hard hike, check out the Dune Climb, Manitou Islands, or Alligator Hill. For handicap accessible spots, check out the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive.

Stop Two: Torch Lake and the Grass River

Next, head north to an overlooked section of Michigan, the  Chain of Lakes.  This is a great spot to hide from the busy summer tourism season, tackle some more intense hikes like the  Jordan River Trail , paddle on flat water, and spot wildlife. After, stop by  Short’s Brewery  for some Michigan beer and food! My favorite meal is the White Pepper Sandwich paired with a flight of whatever is on tap.

Looking to see river otter? Head over to the  Grass River Natural Area  and hike the Sedge Meadow Trail, a true Michigan hidden gem. The Grass River Natural Area has handicap accessible trails, as well as an adaptive trail for the visually impaired.

Stop Three: Tahquamenon Falls

One of the  largest waterfalls  this side of the Mississippi, this iconic river drops nearly 50 feet at the Upper Falls. Tahquamenon Falls is a must-see on your Great Lakes Road Trip. Tannins from trees stain the water reddish brown, and in the winter large ice formations build around the falls. The state park offers a variety of hiking trails varying in length from 1 to 8 miles, with several handicap accessible trails to the Upper Falls.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maddy ✨ Adventure & Outdoors (@maddymarq)

Stop Four: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Tucked away in Munising, Michigan, the  Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore  is home to sandstone cliffs towering over Lake Superior, some of the most iconic views in Michigan, and at least seven waterfalls. The Pictured Rocks is a must see section of the Lake Superior shoreline, with beautiful kayaking and hiking, and an important stop on any Great Lakes Road Trip.

Hike along the 10.5 mile  Chapel-Basin Loop  to get the best taste of the cliffs including waterfalls, beaches, and the only section of trail in the park where the cliffs can be seen from land.

Both the Munising Falls Trail and Miner’s Castle Trail are handicap accessible and can easily be accessed from near the Munising Falls Visitors Center.

Stop Five: The Keweenaw Peninsula and Copper Harbor

From Munising, head north along Superior to Copper Harbor, Michigan. Check out the mountain biking trails, incredible white sand beaches like Bete Grise, and cutest brewery in Michigan,  Brickside .

To watch the sunset, enjoy the  Brockway Mountain Scenic Drive .

Stop   Six: Bond Falls

Deep in the Upper Peninsula woods and off the beaten path, Bond Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in Michigan. It’s a quick and easy hike out to both the upper and lower falls, with multiple viewing platforms for different angles of the falls. Bond Falls is a must-see on any Great Lakes Road Trip.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pure Michigan (@puremichigan)

Bond Falls is considered fully wheelchair accessible.

Stop Seven: Potato River Falls   and Copper Falls

As you enter the Wisconsin Northwoods, be on the lookout for hidden waterfalls.  Copper Falls State Park  is a wildly popular hiking system and for good reason– the park is home to three large waterfalls and countless smaller cascades. A half-mile of the trail, including that which features Brownstone and Copper Falls, is wheelchair accessible.

While Copper Falls is likely to be crowded in summer months, Potato River Falls is tucked away in the woods. With a dramatic upper and lower set of falls, this hidden gem is worth the detour.

Stop Eight: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

One of the dreamiest kayaking destinations in the world, the  Apostle Islands National Lakeshore  is home to Lake Superior sea caves, 21 islands, and incredible beaches and shoreline. These big lake gems belong on just about every bucket list.

Book a sea kayaking trip with  Lost Creek Adventures , or cruise with  Apostle Islands Cruises  (handicap accessible).

In Bayfield, visit  Maggie’s  for flamingo-themed fun and the best sweet potato fries of your life.

Stop Nine: Amnicon Falls

Amnicon Falls  is an off the beaten path Northwoods gem that will have you feeling like you stepped out of a fairytale. Walk through the forest along the Amnicon River, and pass through a covered bridge above the falls. Visit in the early morning or camp at the campground near the falls to experience the area at sunrise. This park offers a handicap accessible trail as well as picnic area.

Stop Ten :  Two Harbors, MN

Pincushion Mountain Sunset

Head north of Duluth, Minnesota to begin the North Shore section of your Great Lakes road trip. Around Two Harbors, visit Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche State Park. Looking for a challenge? Head out to backpack the  Superior Hiking Trail  for several days.

Much of Gooseberry Falls is accessible by wheelchair, as is the guided tour of Split Rock Lighthouse in Split Rock State Park. The Two Harbors Light, pictured below, is also handicap accessible.

Stop Eleven: Grand Marias, MN

Continue along the North Shore to the small town of Grand Marais, MN. Visit  Cascade River State Park  for beautiful waterfalls, and hike the Superior Hiking Trail to Pincushion Mountain Overlook. In the morning, stop for coffee at  Java Moose , and watch the sunrise at the Grand Marias Light (Artist’s Point).

For handicap access, visit Grand Marais Harbor, or head up to Grand Portage to see  High Falls  on the Pigeon River.

Grand Marais is the perfect spot to end your Great Lakes Road Trip, with countless trails to explore and waterfalls to stumble upon.

Bonus: Isle Royale National Park

Looking for more adventure? Head up to Grand Portage, MN and take the ferry over to  Isle Royale National Park  for wildlife, world-class backpacking, and beautiful wilderness.

Looking for more?

Check out my book Hidden Gems of the Northern Great Lakes: A Trail and Paddling Guide for the best hikes, hidden waterfalls, and paddling routes in the Upper Midwest!

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8 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in the Great Lakes Region

Home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, North America is mother to The Great Lakes , some of the most powerful and breathtaking bodies of fresh water known to man. If you are looking to take a scenic drive, the Great Lakes are the best choice. Hop in your car, plan your next hike or get on your motorcycle because the adventure of your lifetime awaits. 

The Bruce Trail & Niagara Escarpment: Highway 6 North

Tiffany Falls waterfalls on the Niagara Escarpment in the rain in Ancaster, Ontario, via Reimar / Shutterstock.com

This route takes you on an adventure from Lake Erie , across Lake Ontario into the depths of Lake Huron in a single road trip. This trip along Highway 6 North mimics the experience of hiking The Bruce Trail, a 900 km trek that brings you along the UNESCO protected, Niagara Escarpment, through the miles of rock cliffs where the highways run and ends at the grotto caves, shipwreck sites and emerald green waters of Tobermory, Ontario. Starting in Niagara Falls , this trip captures the essence of The Great Lakes, bringing you stragiht to the Niagara Escarpment, the headwaters of five major river systems, adorned with Eastern White Cedars, the oldest trees in North America. This trip can be done in its entirety by foot, bicycle or car.  

The Canadian Shield & Indigenous Culture: Trans Canada Highway 17 North

Symmetrical reflections of the sky, trees, and Canadian shield rock islands in the surface of a river

Start your journey from Lake Huron to Lake Superior through Northern Ontario by getting on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry in Tobermory, Ontario and setting sail for the abundant lands of Manitoulin Island , home of famed Canadian Indigenous Artist, Carl Beam. Visit recognized spaces of Indigenous Heritage such as Shingwauk Residential School, Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation and the Agawa Pictographs located alongside the edges of Lake Superior. Finish your tour by getting on Highway 17 North and drive through the Canadian Shield along Lake Superior to see locations of paintings by The Group of Seven and iconic Canadian statues such as the giant Loonie in Echo Bay and a massive sculpture of Winnie the Pooh in White River, the birthplace of Walt Disney’s much loved cub.

Ontario’s Superior Country & The Group of Seven: Highway 17 North to Highway 61

The group of Seven Trail, via

This route takes you along the edges of Lake Superior by following along Ontario’s Superior Country on Highway 17 North from the “Coldest City in Canada,” White River, Ontario, through the secluded sandy beaches of Pukaskwa National Park to the Canadian landmark, Sleeping Giant rock formation in Thunder Bay. Ending with a drive down Highway 61 to Northeastern Minnesota watching the waves crash against the rocks in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, this route can be broken up into several days as you sit and view the scenic Canadian locations created by the famous landscape painters, The Group of Seven. 

Lake Superior & Apostle Island Sea Caves: Highway 61 to Highway 13 to Highway 2

Kayakers enjoy the Apostle Island National Sea Caves, via Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

This scenic drive will take you around the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, through Duluth, one of the most underrated travel destinations of the midwest. Ending with world class views of the picturesque waterfronts of Lake Superior of the Ashland lakeshores and a visit to the sea caves at the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, this road trip provides an in depth experience of all that the Western tip of Lake Superior has to offer. Explore the Superior Hiking Trail at Chequamegon National Forest to get up close and personal with wildlife like white tail deer, gray fox and eagles at Hawk Ridge and enjoy the scenery as you drive over the Aerial Lift Bridge which can be quite an experience as it can be lifted to allow for 135 feet of clearance for water traffic. 

Hiawatha National Forest: Highway 41 South to Highway 2

Small Cottages on Grand Island, Hiawatha National Forest

This route will bring you from harbourfront to harbourfront, through the wild and scenic forests and dramatic shorelines that the ports of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan have to offer. Start off your trip by checking out the shipwrecks spread over 10 miles of Lake Superior shoreline in Marquette, Michigan and then head down Highway 41 to Escanaba , Michigan to explore the lively foliage and home to Little Bay du Noc, a perfect place to get out of the car and check out the history of the area. The trip from Marquette to Escanaba is distinguished by the forested shores of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and is the perfect drive to take in the phenomenon of changing leaves that takes place in the fall where landscapes go from dense green to bright yellow, vibrant red and calming orange. This road trip is the best option if you are looking to explore land and great lakes.

Mackinac Island & Upper Peninsula: Highway 23 to Highway 25

Bustling streets of downtown Mackinac Island during tourist season, via Michael Deemer / Shutterstock.com

This route takes you down the entire eastern coast of Lake Huron avoiding all interstates, along the Heritage Route 23 which travels 200 miles up the Lake Huron Shoreline and the Pure Michigan Historic Byway. The trip begins in Mackinaw City, Michigan, where you can drive over the innovative suspension bridge and take a ferry to Mackinac Island, the Victorian community where all motor vehicles are banned. It continues through Cheboygan to Alpena and ends with Standish. Enjoy the views of Lake Huron while driving down Highway 23 through a historical waterfront journey along Lake Huron with cities that boast over 40 heritage locations along the coastline. Skip over to Highway 25 and take a ride around “the thumb” of Michigan with the most places to stop spread across one highway. This trip has views of rolling pastoral landscapes on one side and waterfront views on the other, hugging the entire eastern coastline of Lake Huron, delivering one of the most scenic and captivating road trips on the Great Lakes.

South Shore & Waterfront: Route 6 to Highway 20 to Route 5

Aerial View Of Lake Erie Costal Town, Geneva On The Lake Ohio

Running along the south shore of Lake Erie, this trip provides an up close and personal drive across the lakeside with glimpses of ports, piers, mansions. This 115.3 mile route from Toledo , Ohio to Cleveland, Ohio could be completed as a day trip and will fill an afternoon with scenery for miles. Take in the beautiful history while observing the opportunity to go fishing all year round at these waterfront cities. This route is user friendly and can provide hours of waterfront fun for people on bicycles, motorcycles and more. This trop is an excellent chance to get outside and see the Great Lakes for an afternoon.

Great Lakes Seaway Trail: US Route 20 to HWY 5

Old house of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, via

This 518 mile drive covers the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, a byway in the scenic northeastern United States which covers a large section of Great Lakes Eerie, Lake Ontario and the St.Lawrence River. Starting in the State of New York, make your way through Pennsylvania to Buffalo and Niagara Region to get the best scenic views that the Great Lakes has to offer. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail starts off at the Presque Isle State Park, french for “almost an island” where you can visit thirteen different sandy beaches and the city of Dunkirk, a historical site that holds a strong connection to Lake Eerie. It ends with a trip to the end of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, in the town of Messina. The changing seasons makes The Great Lakes a tough trip to beat and you can keep going back, but your trip will never be the same, there will always be something new to see.

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All the Great Lakes

All the Great Lakes

You can open all our routes inside the Roadie app to use them as templates for your own planning.

Standing on the coast of either of the Great Lakes makes you truly understand how massive these bodies of water are. Go on a road trip to experience each of the five lakes in person, a looped route taking you across six states in the Midwest and plenty of natural wonders to discover along the way.

All the Great Lakes

Top travel destination in Illinois, set on the coast of Lake Michigan. Known for tourist attractions, beaches, shopping, entertainment, and nightlife.

38 mi • 47 min

Indiana Dunes National Park

Hiking trails over scenic dunes offering sweeping views of Lake Michigan.

19 mi • 29 min

Old Lighthouse Museum

Historic lighthouse built in the 1850s. Museum exhibits artifacts from ship wrecks in Lake Michigan and other maritime relics.

< 1 mi • 2 min

Michigan City

Coastal city in Indiana on the banks of Lake Michigan popular with tourists.

Uptown Center for the Performing Arts

Venue cultivating the creative scene in Michigan City. Frequently hosts various cultural events.

291 mi • 4 h 30 min

Major city in Ohio with exciting activities for visitors, for sporting games to art to other events.

83 mi • 1 h 58 min

Lake Erie Islands

Series of islands in Lake Erie. Home to a wildlife center and visited by more than one million people every year.

81 mi • 2 h 1 min

Edgewater Park

Extensive shoreline in Cleveland on Lake Erie. Popular destination for swimming, boating, and has a dog beach.

3 mi • 8 min

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum

Museum with exhibitions celebrating the accomplishments of the greatest musicians in rock and roll.

167 mi • 2 h 41 min

Angola on the Lake

Lakeside town with lots of vacation rentals, tourist activities, and more.

2 mi • 6 min

Lake Erie Beach Park

Shallow water beach with views of surrounding bluffs.

24 mi • 34 min

New York State’s second-largest city full of exciting things to do

20 mi • 26 min

Niagara Falls State Park

Large waterfall situated on the US-Canada border. Offers boat tours into the mist, oak behind the falls, and aerial tours in a helicopter.

Old Falls St

Three-block stretch of activities for families visiting Niagara Falls.

479 mi • 7 h 28 min

Bay City State Park

State park preserving the wetlands on the coast of Saginaw Bay.

20 mi • 23 min

Saginaw Art Museum

Art museum that has a world-class art collection.

15 mi • 18 min

Bay City Hall

Former city hall converted into a restaurant hall with lots of unique cuisine options.

146 mi • 2 h 24 min

Traverse City

Popular for outdoor activities on Lake Michigan including visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes

Grand Traverse Pie Company

Famous pie shop often featured in the local National Cherry Festival.

124 mi • 2 h 10 min

Mackinac Island

Michigan island retreat, known for its historical hotel and locally-made fudge.

GRAND HOTEL

Iconic hotel on Mackinac Island.

9 mi • 15 min

McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site

Historic lighthouse looking over the strait.

2 mi • 7 min

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Tour inside this historic lighthouse from 1889. See artifacts from its early days shining over the Straits of Mackinac.

126 mi • 2 h 6 min

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Scenic landscape on the coast of Lake Superior. It has ancient rocks protruding from the lake, and other natural formations.

43 mi • 58 min

Hiawatha National Forest

Woodlands near the coast of Lake Superior. Popular destination for outdoor recreation like hiking, cycling or using off-roading trails.

62 mi • 1 h 25 min

Lake Superior port city with a university and popular skiing destination.

218 mi • 3 h 55 min

Sturgeon Bay

Scenic drives passing through Sturgeon Bay or visit dining and attractions in coastal Wisconsin city.

< 1 mi • 1 min

Door County Maritime Museum

Museum established in Cana Island Lighthouse. Exhibits cover local maritime history.

14 mi • 23 min

Whitefish Dunes State Park

State park preserving sand dune landscape on the coast of Lake Michigan.

16 mi • 23 min

Peninsula State Park

One of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin. Stretched on Green Bay coastline with lots of outdoor activities.

208 mi • 3 h 22 min

Mars Cheese Castle

Wisconsin is known as a cheese capital and this venue showcases why!

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Great Lakes Circle Tour

The initial impetus for the creation of this website was the 2014 Great Lakes Coastal Trails Conference held on May 15–16, 2014 in Saugatuck, Michigan. The content and focus of this website will continue to grow and change over time. The navigation tools provided, including the menus across the top of each page, should help you navigate through the website. More content and new information is always in the planning. Please check back regularly to see what has been added!

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World of Waterfalls

Explore The World One Waterfall At A Time

Great Lakes Road Trip

Our 15-day itinerary covering lake superior, lake michigan, and lake erie in the states of minnesota, ontario, wisconsin, michigan, ohio, indiana, and illinois.

This was one of those seize-the-moment trips where we had an opportunity to make a last-minute trip to explore the Great Lakes area at a time when the Fall Colors should be in the process of intensifying.

Given the long driving distances, we necessarily had to make it at least a two-week trip.

Great Lakes 2-Week Autumn Itinerary

So even though it was pretty last-minute in terms of when we made the bookings, I did spend quite a bit of preparation time to plan out our route.

Here are the highlights and logistics from this trip through Big 10 Country…

Trip Highlights  ♦ Trip Advice ♦  Travel Itinerary  ♦  Best Places to Stay ♦ What to Bring -->

Midwest USA 2015 Trip Map

Trip Highlights

great lakes road trip map

Willow Falls – this was my waterfall introduction to the Great Lakes area as it sat just across the border on the Wisconsin side after driving east of Minneapolis. It featured a satisfying wide multi-tiered cascade as well as a steep path to an overlook to take in the changing fall colors around this waterfall.

great lakes road trip map

Minnehaha Falls – this waterfall was very easy to visit as it sat smack within the city limits of Minneapolis. The park itself had a bit of a festive atmosphere because it seemed like my visit coincided with some kind of party or festival that was going on.

great lakes road trip map

Mall of America- this was the very first thing that Tahia and Julie did on our Great Lakes Trip, and they (especially Tahia) had a blast while I was out waterfalling. It was one of the things we sold Tahia on about this trip as it featured amusement park rides as well as plenty of shops and restaurants (as you would expect in a mall). So imagine her excitement when she finally got to experience what she was anticipating!

great lakes road trip map

Big Manitou Falls – even though we had to contend with unseasonable fog during our visit, this impressively tall waterfall was a nice stop for us on the way up to Thunder Bay. We also checked out the nearby Little Manitou Falls not much further downstream.

great lakes road trip map

Kakabeka Falls – we went out of the way to experience this big waterfall, which felt a bit off the beaten path for a waterfall of this size! It also gave us an excuse to experience other highlights along the North Shore of Lake Superior en route, which we’re also listing as a trip highlight further on in this page!

great lakes road trip map

High Falls on the Pigeon River – This was actually a waterfall that was shared between Canada and the USA. It was certainly the most impressive of the series of waterfalls we saw on the Pigeon River, and it was well-worth the effort to experience this waterfall from both sides.

great lakes road trip map

High Falls of the Baptism River – This was one of the waterfall excursions we made the time to do while doing the drive along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. We were quite impressed with its volume and size, which was something we totally didn’t expect.

great lakes road trip map

Gooseberry Falls – This was perhaps the most popular and most impressive of the waterfalls on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. What’s shown in this photo is just a couple of the waterfall’s three main drops, which we took in with a loop hike.

great lakes road trip map

Eclipse – An unexpected surprise of this trip was that it just so happened to coincide with a lunar eclipse, where we managed to catch a glimpse of the blood-red moon from the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth before clouds got in the way. It was worth staying up late though I was definitely feeling groggy on the following morning.

great lakes road trip map

Bond Falls – this was one of the larger and graceful waterfalls that we encountered while crossing through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (or UP), which was the state’s more naturesque side.

great lakes road trip map

Agate Falls – Also not far from aforementioned Bond Falls was this attractive waterfall, which required a little bit of a hike on a non-sanctioned trail to get the view you see here. It was a great recharger for us as we then continued on the long drive towards the heart of the UP at Munising.

great lakes road trip map

Miner’s Castle and Miner’s Falls – close by the town of Munising was this excursion that allowed us to not only experience the impressive Miner’s Falls, but we were also able to drive up to this overlook of Miner’s Castle, which was an impressive formation while also allowing us to see a blowhole shooting out water against the choppy waters of Lake Superior.

great lakes road trip map

Spray Falls – I had to work a bit with an eight-mile hike to reach an overlook of this scenic wonder, where a gushing waterfall spilled right into Lake Superior. It was one of the more immersive ways to experience the Pictured Rocks scenery on Lake Superior’s southern shores, which also featured some small caves as well as access to beaches.

great lakes road trip map

Pictured Rocks Cruise – Given high winds on the day before that resulted in unsafe boat touring conditions, we actually had to wait until the following afternoon (when we still had a long drive ahead of us) before we could make another attempt at experiencing the signature attraction of the UP – the Pictured Rocks. Indeed, the colorful rocks, jagged cliffs, and waterfalls made our afternoon cruise well worth the wait (even if it meant less time for us to experience Tahquamenon Falls, which we’ll get to later on)…

great lakes road trip map

Tahquamenon Falls – This was the premiere waterfall of the UP as it had a wide flow and some height to go with it. Reminiscent of a Great Lakes version of Cumberland Falls , we were able to get close to this falls as well as get a frontal view of it with some hikes to take it all in. There was also a Lower Tahquamenon Falls to keep us around a little while longer to bask in such scenery.

great lakes road trip map

Mackinac Island – This island had no motor vehicles and a certain colonial charm that seemed hard to reproduce elsewhere. It also featured a natural arch, gardens, and plenty of fudge shops. We certainly had a relaxing time whilst here as it was one of the more memorable and unique experiences of our tour of the Great Lakes.

great lakes road trip map

Smores over Pit Fire at Lake Huron – Even though it was windy night on the shores of Lake Huron, we still managed to cook some Smores over a pit fire, which definitely brought smiles to the family (especially Tahia). While most of the trip to this point was one scenic excursion after another, this intimate moment allowed us to just relax and enjoy each others’ company.

great lakes road trip map

Sleeping Bear Dunes – We actually made a long day trip from Mackinaw City to Traverse City and back so we could experience these impressive dunes near the shores of Lake Michigan. Tahia definitely had fun running around in the extensive field of soft sand, and the scenery was drew plenty of camera clicks from us.

great lakes road trip map

Cleveland – Even though this city has had the unfortunate reputation of being “the mistake by the lake”, we actually found it to be surprisingly charming. During our visit, the city was undergoing a lot of construction to really re-do the downtown area, but we could totally tell that it possessed “good bones” as Julie likes to say as it featured historical buildings, a happening downtown section, a rock and roll Hall of Fame (probably having something to do with how “Cleveland Rocks!” got coined), and some surprising waterfalls in close proximity.

great lakes road trip map

Paine Falls – with the onset (though still too early for the full explosion) of Fall colors, this was one of the more intimate and picturesque waterfalls that we encountered while making our brief tour of Ohio. Such scenery was a total surprise to us given how close it was to the city of Cleveland.

great lakes road trip map

Lanternmans Falls – With this waterfall, it was more about the ambience of a mill, a covered bridge, and forested surroundings. It definitely felt colonial even though we were very close to Youngstown, Ohio.

great lakes road trip map

Indianapolis – The downtown part of this city also surprised us with a bit of impressive buildings and a Veteran’s park that was reminiscent of a kind of miniature National Mall in Washington DC. It contrasted the surprising waterfalls we encountered not too far west of the city.

great lakes road trip map

Chicago – This was one of America’s great cities (right up there with New York, in my mind) as it was chock full of sights and a happening foodie scene. We not only got to go up the Sears Tower, but we also walked around the river, checked out the bean, and overall just savored the energy of this dynamic city that also seemed well-served with public transportation.

great lakes road trip map

Maggie C. Daley Park – Last but not least, this giant free playground area was a huge highlight for Tahia. While I was busy watching both Tahia and the city’s impressive skyline in the distance, Julie went to a fine art museum nearby. Who knew that there could be three-story slides mazes, and all sorts of apparati for the kids to enjoy without even paying an admission fee!

Trip Advice

The main reason for the timing of our trip was to aim for the Fall Colors. On that front, it was a bit hit and miss as we apparently showed up maybe a couple of weeks too early for the big explosion of Fall Colors. That said, there were other lessons learned from this trip, and here they are…

Taking Advantage of Rewards: This trip turned out to be one of our cheaper trips that we’d ever done of this duration mostly because we took advantage of a bunch of rewards. For starters, we used our Delta SkyMiles on the flight to Minneapolis (MSP), which probably saved us over $700 per ticket! We also took advantage of hotel points at one of the Holiday Inns (IHG) as well as a few Hyatts (where it really paid off for us in downtown Chicago).

Beautiful Weather: I generally like it on the cool and crisp side, which was perfect Autumn Weather as far as I was concerned. It made the hikes comfortable, it made the leaves change color, and it also seemed to keep the bugs at bay. As far as weather was concerned, we only had to deal with rain in Cleveland and some unseasonable fog whilst driving the North Shore of Lake Superior. Other than that, we enjoyed plenty of sunny days.

Uncrowded: I wasn’t sure if our timing had anything to do with this or if it had more to do with the fact that much of the Lake Superior area was pretty remote to begin with. Whatever the case, we only had to deal with crowds to a limited extent in spots like at Gooseberry Falls. But it never felt like a crush. And when it did get busy like in Chicago, that fed more into the city’s ambience and energy. Indeed, the scenery and Nature in the Great Lakes area are unsung attractions, and thus we were able to get the maximal enjoyment from all that peace and quiet.

Too early for Fall Colors: I guess it’s hard to truly plan a trip in advance to land smack during the Fall Colors explosion, but such is the fleeting and fickle nature of this natural phenomenon. Maybe if we did this trip two weeks later, we might be able to capture more juxtapositions of Fall Colors with waterfalls. But I’d imagine this changes from year to year, and it’s all dependent on a bunch of factors though the predominant one is when the cold weather starts kicking in.

Car Seat: We actually forgot to bring our five-point-harness car seat that we had been using quite a bit in our travels over the past two years. However, we knew that Minneapolis was the headquarters of Target so we figured we could buy a cheap child seat or booster in there, and it would still be cheaper than renting out a child seat for two weeks at somewhere around $10-$15 per day.

So that’s what we wound up doing, but we were only able to find a booster seat for Tahia. And it turned out that it didn’t work that well for her on this trip (she was too petite for it to be effective). So we were kind of stuck with it and we definitely had to watch what she was doing, especially if she wasn’t sitting right. Similarly, I had to really watch my driving to minimize the chances of her getting injured.

At the end of the trip, we found a Target near Chicago, where we could return the booster since it wasn’t working too well for us.

Travel Itinerary

great lakes road trip map

Day 1: Fly from LAX to Minneapolis

Overnight: hyatt place minneaplis airport (minneapolis, minnesota, usa).

We flew using our Delta Skymiles, which actually saved quite a bit of money. Once we got the rental car, then, we divided-and-conquered as Julie and Tahia went right into the Mall of America while I visited Willow Falls and Minnehaha Falls .

great lakes road trip map

Day 2: Drive from Minneapolis to Thunder Bay

Overnight: holiday inn express (thunder bay, ontario, canada).

This was a long day of driving that included stops to Big Manitou Falls , Little Manitou Falls , High Falls on the Pigeon River , and Kakabeka Falls . We probably could have squeezed in more roadside stops but thick fog prevented us from getting any of the desired lake views en route.

great lakes road trip map

Day 3: Drive from Thunder Bay back south to Duluth

Overnight: comfort suites canal park (duluth, minnesota, usa).

This long drive headed pretty much back the way we came before stopping for the night in Duluth. Along the way, we stopped for Kakabeka Falls , the Canadian side of High Falls on the Pigeon River , Middle Falls on the Pigeon River , High Falls on the Baptism River , and Gooseberry Falls . In the night time, we tried to stay up late to watch the full moon turn red due to the lunar eclipse.

great lakes road trip map

Day 4: Drive from Duluth to Paulding

Overnight: running bear resort (paulding, michigan, usa).

On this day, we cut across Northern Wisconsin into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Along the way, we visited Potato River Falls , Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls , Superior Falls , and Bond Falls .

great lakes road trip map

Day 5: Drive from Paulding to Munising

Overnight: holiday inn express munising-lakeview (munising, michigan, usa).

On this day, we drove into the heart of the UP while visiting waterfalls along the way. Among them were Agate Falls , Munising Falls , Miners Falls with Miners Castle, and Wagners Falls . We were supposed to do a Pictured Rocks cruise on this day, but high winds meant it was unsafe to do such a tour so they cancelled all tours on this day.

great lakes road trip map

Day 6: Drive from Munising to Paradise

Overnight: magnuson grand hotel (paradise, michigan, usa).

We had to delay our drive from Munising to Paradise as a result of yesterday’s Pictured Rocks Cruise cancellations due to high winds. So that afforded me the morning to do Spray Falls before we finally got to do the coveted Pictured Rocks Cruise. Then, on the way to Paradise, we visited the impressive Tahquamenon Falls before it got dark.

great lakes road trip map

Day 7: Drive from Paradise to Mackinaw City

Overnight: clearwater lakeshore motel (mackinaw city, michigan, usa).

We began the day with a morning visit to Lower Tahquamenon Waterfalls while waiting for the fog to subside. Then, after checking into Mackinaw City, we took a boat ride to Mackinac Island, where we spent most of the day.

great lakes road trip map

Day 8: Day trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes by Traverse City

This day was dominated by a long out-and-back drive to the Sleeping Bear Dunes near Traverse City. It also was the first day of the trip without a waterfalling excursion so by the time we finally made it back to our accommodation, we then spent an after-dinner evening cooking Smores by the fire on the shores of Lake Huron.

great lakes road trip map

Day 9: Long drive from Mackinaw City to Cleveland

Overnight: hyatt regency cleveland at the arcade (cleveland, ohio, usa).

This was a day dominated by a very long drive across the length of Michigan into Ohio. If there had to be a day of rain, this was it since we were pretty much sitting all day in the car. Once we got to “The Land”, we then briefly checked out the downtown area as well as the attractive Arcade within the Hyatt.

great lakes road trip map

Day 10: Waterfalling in the morning, then exploring Cleveland the rest of the day

During the morning, we drove out to Paine Falls , Lanterman’s Falls , and Brandywine Falls . In the afternoon, we checked out more of downtown Cleveland (including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

great lakes road trip map

Day 11: Drive from Cleveland to Indianapolis

Overnight: hyatt regency indianapolis at state capitol (indianapolis, indiana, usa).

We made the long drive from Cleveland then overshot Indianapolis to visit Upper Cataract Falls and Lower Cataract Falls . We then spent the afternoon and evening checking out the downtown scene in Indianapolis.

great lakes road trip map

Day 12: Drive from Indianapolis to Chicago

Overnight: hyatt centric the loop (chicago, illinois, usa).

This was yet another long driving day as we cut through Illinois towards the only waterfall we’re aware of in the state of Illinois at Cascade Falls Unfortunately, it wasn’t flowing. We then spent the rest of the evening in downtown Chicago.

great lakes road trip map

Day 13: Chicago

Finally, we got to enjoy a day without driving. That said, it was a full day of activities as we let Tahia play at Maggie C. Daley Park, we checked out the famous bean, then spent the majority of the day in the city’s downtown.

great lakes road trip map

Day 14: Chicago

This was another day at leisure in Chicago, where we went up the Sears Tower, then checked out some museum before letting Tahia have one more go at the Maggie C. Daley Park.

Day 15: Fly home to Los Angeles

On this day, we drove early to the airport, then returned the rental car, and finally caught our flight back home.

Best Places We’ve Stayed At

great lakes road trip map

What to Bring

Canyoneering shoes and neoprene socks:.

great lakes road trip map

Trekking Poles / Hiking Sticks:

great lakes road trip map

Related Trip Reports

great lakes road trip map

“Waterfalling The Heartland” (Great Lakes around Lake Erie and Lake Michigan – October 3, 2015 to October 9, 2015)

great lakes road trip map

“Lake Effects” (Great Lakes around Lake Superior, USA – September 25, 2015 to October 2, 2015)

Waterfalls included in this itinerary.

Cascade Falls is a seasonal 45ft waterfall in the dells downstream of Deer Park Lake in Matthiessen State Park west of Chicago in the north of Illinois.

Cascade Falls

Upper Cataract Falls is a 45ft waterfall on Mill Creek that is one of two waterfalls in the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area west of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Upper Cataract Falls

Lower Cataract Falls is an 18ft waterfall on Mill Creek that is the more accessible falls in Cataract Falls State Recreation Area near Indianapolis, Indiana.

Lower Cataract Falls

Paine Falls is a 25ft tall 80ft wide waterfall with foliage that changed color during our Autumn visit in a city park in Painesville east of Cleveland, Ohio.

Paine Falls

Lantermans Falls (Lanterman's Falls) is a 20ft waterfall on Mill Creek next to a mill and covered bridge that gave me Sleepy Hollow vibes near Youngstown, Ohio.

Lanterman’s Falls

Brandywine Falls is a 60ft year-round waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park that once supported an industrial village between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.

Brandywine Falls

Lower Tahquamenon Falls is a 20ft waterfall split by an island with opportunities for boating, hiking, and playing around it near the Upper Tahquamenon Falls.

Lower Tahquamenon Falls

Spray Falls is a rare permanent 70ft waterfall spilling directly into Lake Superior near Munising and the Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Spray Falls

Tahquamenon Falls (Upper Tahquamenon Falls) is a 48ft tall 200ft wide tanin-laced well-known waterfall on the Tahquamenon River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Upper Tahquamenon Falls

Agate Falls is a 40ft tall 80ft wide waterfall on the Middle Branch Ontonagon River flowing under a former railway bridge in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Agate Falls

Munising Falls is a 50ft waterfall reached by a short hike from Munising, the town serving the Pictured Rocks National Seashore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Munising Falls

Miners Falls (Miner's Falls) is a well-flowing 60ft waterfall reached on an easy 1.2-mile round-trip hike near Munising and Miner's Castle in Pictured Rocks NS.

Miners Falls

Wagner Falls is a 20ft multi-tiered waterfall that is convenient and thus popular, especially with Fall colors and that it's by the town of Munising, Michigan.

Wagner Falls

Potato River Falls is a series of waterfalls near Gurney, Wisconsin, reached by short maintained walks - one to an overgrown overlook and another to the river.

Potato River Falls

Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls are 30ft and 40ft waterfalls on the Tyler Forks of the Bad River seen from lookouts on the loop walk near Ashland, Wisconsin.

Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls

Superior Falls is a 60ft regulated waterfall on the Montreal River and is thus a rare interstate waterfall shared between the states of Wisconsin and Michigan.

Superior Falls

Bond Falls is a 50ft tall 100ft wide waterfall on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River in the western side of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (or UP for short).

Middle Falls of the Pigeon River

The High Falls of the Baptism River is a 100ft waterfall surrounded by native forest in Tettegouche State Park near the North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota.

High Falls of the Baptism River

Gooseberry Falls is a series of 3 waterfalls on the Gooseberry River dropping 90ft towards the North Shore of Lake Superior near Two Harbors, Minnesota.

Gooseberry Falls

Big Manitou Falls is an easy-to-visit 165ft waterfall on the Black River within Pattison State Park near Superior, Wisconsin, near the Minnesota state border.

Big Manitou Falls

Little Manitou Falls is a 30ft easy-to-visit tall waterfall spanning the Black River up to 1.5 miles upstream of Big Manitou Falls near Superior, Wisonsin.

Little Manitou Falls

High Falls is a 120ft waterfall on the Pigeon River, which also happens to be a transnational waterfall the river defines the Canada-USA international border.

High Falls of the Pigeon River

Kakabeka Falls is a giant 40m split waterfall on the Kaministiquia River and one of the biggest falls around Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Kakabeka Falls

Willow Falls is a 45ft tall 100ft wide waterfall on the Willow River near Hudson, Wisconsin (near the Minnesota border), revived after a dam removal in 1992.

Willow Falls

Minnehaha Falls is a 55ft waterfall on Minnehaha Creek draining into the Mississippi River in a park setting within the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Minnehaha Falls

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Great Lakes Road Trips

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Northwest Michigan Coast

Northwest Michigan Coast

Grand Ole Music

Grand Ole Music

Niagara Falls Lake Ontario

Niagara Falls Lake Ontario

Finger Lakes

Finger Lakes

Northern Ohio

pacific coast highway roadtrip

Route 66 - Northern Illinois

Route 66 - Northern Illinois

Green Bay and Door County

Green Bay and Door County

Route 66 - Eastern Missouri

Route 66 - Eastern Missouri

Route 66 - Southern Illinois

Route 66 - Southern Illinois

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains

Cincinnati to Columbus

Cincinnati to Columbus

Hudson Valley

Hudson Valley

North Shore Scenic Drive

North Shore Scenic Drive

Copper Country Trail Scenic Byway

Copper Country Trail Scenic Byway

Illinois and Indiana State Capitals

Illinois and Indiana State Capitals

Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive

Upper Peninsula Scenic Drive

Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway

Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Lake Superior South Shore Scenic Highway

Lake Superior South Shore Scenic Highway

Watertown, NY to Canada Scenic Highway

Watertown, NY to Canada Scenic Highway

Adirondack Trail Scenic Drive

Adirondack Trail Scenic Drive

Loop Road Scenic Drive

Loop Road Scenic Drive

Tunnel of Trees Scenic Byway

Tunnel of Trees Scenic Byway

Indiana's Scenic Backcountry Route 135

Indiana's Scenic Backcountry Route 135

Lower Wisconsin River Road Scenic Highway

Lower Wisconsin River Road Scenic Highway

Indiana's Ohio River Scenic Byway

Indiana's Ohio River Scenic Byway

Rock River Scenic Drive

Rock River Scenic Drive

Southern Tier Scenic Expressway

Southern Tier Scenic Expressway

Sandstone Scenic Highway

Sandstone Scenic Highway

High Peaks Scenic Byway

High Peaks Scenic Byway

Catskills Foothills Scenic Highway

Catskills Foothills Scenic Highway

Minnesota Heartland Scenic Drive

Minnesota Heartland Scenic Drive

Belle Plaine Scenic Highway

Belle Plaine Scenic Highway

Lake George Scenic Byway

Lake George Scenic Byway

Adirondack Northway Scenic Highway

Adirondack Northway Scenic Highway

Minnesota Grains Scenic Highway

Minnesota Grains Scenic Highway

Montauk Scenic Highway

Montauk Scenic Highway

Letchworth State Park Scenic Road

Letchworth State Park Scenic Road

Gunflint Trail Scenic Highway

Gunflint Trail Scenic Highway

Olympic Trail Scenic Route 3

Olympic Trail Scenic Route 3

Central Adirondack Trail Scenic Drive

Central Adirondack Trail Scenic Drive

Chagrin Scenic River Road

Chagrin Scenic River Road

Drovers Trail Scenic Byway

Drovers Trail Scenic Byway

Eastern Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway

Eastern Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway

Grape Belt Scenic Thruway

Grape Belt Scenic Thruway

Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

Historic Bluff Country Scenic Byway

Ohio's Scenic Interstate 470

Ohio's Scenic Interstate 470

Indiana's Scenic & Historic Michigan Road

Indiana's Scenic & Historic Michigan Road

Michigan's Scenic Route 31

Michigan's Scenic Route 31

Ohio's Scenic Route 800

Ohio's Scenic Route 800

Olympic Trail Scenic Byway, Keeseville to Lake Placid

Olympic Trail Scenic Byway, Keeseville to Lake Placid

Storm King Scenic Highway

Storm King Scenic Highway

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway

Upper Delaware Scenic Byway

Eastern Ohio's Historic National Road

Eastern Ohio's Historic National Road

Western Ohio's Historic National Road

Western Ohio's Historic National Road

Eastern Illinois' Historic National Road

Eastern Illinois' Historic National Road

Western Illinois' Historic National Road

Western Illinois' Historic National Road

Ohio's Eastern Lake Erie Coastal Trail

Ohio's Eastern Lake Erie Coastal Trail

Ohio's Central Lake Erie Coastal Trail

Ohio's Central Lake Erie Coastal Trail

Ohio's Western Lake Erie Coastal Trail

Ohio's Western Lake Erie Coastal Trail

Indiana's Ohio River Historic Byway

Indiana's Ohio River Historic Byway

Western Ohio River Historic Byway

Western Ohio River Historic Byway

Eastern Ohio River Historic Byway

Eastern Ohio River Historic Byway

Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route

Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Route

Seaway Trail Scenic Drive, Lakeside Beach State Park to Lewiston

Seaway Trail Scenic Drive, Lakeside Beach State Park to Lewiston

Seaway Trail Scenic Drive, Rochester to Lakeside Beach State Park

Seaway Trail Scenic Drive, Rochester to Lakeside Beach State Park

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TheTravel

13 Key Stops Along The Great Northern Road Trip

  • Start the Great Northern Road Trip in Olympic National Park in Washington, where you can hike, explore a temperate rainforest, and enjoy stunning views.
  • Stop in Spokane, Washington for city attractions, including downtown shops, wineries, and beautiful parks like Riverfront Park and Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden.
  • Explore Glacier National Park in Montana, where you can hike through glacier scars, drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road, and spot wildlife.

Road trips are one of the most unique ways to tour the country. Some adventures on wheels are road trips that explore the many national parks around the US , while others let travelers enjoy the wide open spaces or simply make the most of a Spring Break getaway. Route 2, dubbed the Great Northern Road, follows in the footsteps of the old railroad tracks and is filled with history and natural beauty. Four different National Parks rest along the road, and historically and culturally significant cities fill any space left in between.

The Great Northern Road Trip is a true cross-country venture and, in fact, an international one as well. The 2,115-mile road starts in Washington before heading through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The road trip then heads even further north into Canada and ends back in the United States through New Hampshire, Vermont, and finally, Maine. The route and two countries have many more than the following worthy stops, but the ones below offer the ideal starting point for any traveler preparing to undertake this cross-country odyssey.

The distances provided are based on the distance between stops along the US Route 2 roadway. Several of these stops have more efficient driving options for those hoping to cut down on time but still follow the overall path of the Great Northern road trip map.

UPDATE: 2023/12/07 00:25 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

Time for More Great Northern Road Trip Stops!

When the road trip is over 2,000 miles long, narrowing down the stops can be a challenge. This article has been updated with three more stops to consider along the Great Northern Road Trip. Applicable fee information has also been updated to reflect current prices.

Related: 10 National Parks With Scenic Roads For Motorcycle Road Trips

Olympic National Park, Washington

Start the trip with plenty of hiking and scenery, with views of the only temperate rainforest in the us.

Olympic National Park speaks for itself in terms of natural beauty. The first major stop along US Route 2, the temperate rainforest with miles of walking trails and cascading waterfalls, sets the tone for a truly breathtaking road trip and highlights one of the most unique experiences in US national parks .

Considering free highlights such as Lake Crescent, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach, and Hurricane Ridge each beg for their own day of exploration, the hardest part of starting here is leaving for the open road with any time left.

  • Things to Do in Olympic National Park, Washington: Hiking, Biking, Guided Tours, Visitor Centers, Beach Walks, Hoh Rainforest
  • Olympic National Park Entrance Fee : $30/vehicle

Spokane, Washington

Enjoy city attractions, downtown spokane, and wineries and parks.

After enjoying the natural landscape of Olympic National Park, travelers can enjoy some more steady terrain and indoor attractions in Spokane, Washington. Window-shop through downtown, enjoy the local wineries, or catch a show at the Martin Woldson Theater.

For those who aren't quite ready to go inside, the wide variety of things to do in Spokane , including Riverfront Park, Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, and Green Bluff Farms, all offer beautiful natural scenery in the middle of the big city.

  • Things to Do in Spokane, Washington: Waterfall hikes, Riverfront Park, Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Green Bluff Farms, Winery Tours, Martin Woldson Theater, Walk Downtown Spokane

Glacier National Park, Montana

Hike through glacier scars, drive the going-to-the-sun road, and view wildlife.

Any travelers going through Glacier National Park have to stop and take in the majesty of one of the 10 most-visited national parks in the US. Visitors can start by driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers enough stops to take a full day. Depending on the season, drivers may find themselves driving under a waterfall, surrounded by wildflowers and wildlife.

Off the scenic route, travelers can also enjoy Swiftcurrent Lake or Lake Mcdonald, some of the most picturesque lakes in the water-filled park. Another hotspot for travelers of all abilities and interests, Glacier National Park, is a must for anyone hoping to see all the natural beauty the northern states have to offer.

  • Things to Do in Glacier National Park: Hiking, Biking, Scenic Drives, Going-to-the-Sun Road, Wildlife Watching, Birding, Camping
  • Glacier National Park Entrance Fee : $35/vehicle

Related: Here's Why It's Worth The Incredibly Scenic Drive To Glacier National Park

Lewistown, Montana

Get back to the city for history, art museums, and shopping in lewistown historic district.

Hopping back to another historical center along Route 2, Lewistown, Montana, is a window into multiple parts of the past. The Central Montana Historical Museum and the Bear Gulch Pictographs both bring the unique history of the area to life, with helpful staff at both places to answer questions and add depth to the experience.

Paired with a variety of food and drink options, the historic Judith Theater, and unique local shops and farms in and around the Lewistown Historic District, Lewiston offers the perfect escape back in time.

  • Things to Do in Lewistown, Montana: Central Montana Historical Museum, Bear Gulch Pictographs, Walk through Lewistown Historic District, Biking, Hiking

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

See wildlife, stay at the historic lodge, and hike through this northern state.

This next area is one of the most unique road trip stops between Washington and Maine, as it's super otherwordly. Still, The Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park are amazing not only for the views but for their impact on the National Park system. It was these lands, filled with prairie dogs and bison, that inspired then-president Teddy Roosevelt to create the system that exists today.

Visitors hoping to follow his footsteps can drive a 36-mile scenic loop along the South Unit, visit Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin, or simply count Prairie Dogs in Prairie Dog Town. Those looking for more of an adventure can trek to Elkhorn Ranch, Roosevelt's retreat during his later years.

  • Things to Do in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota: Hiking, Biking, Camping, Wildlife Watching, Birding, Scenic Drives
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park Entrance Fee : $30/vehicle

Related: North Dakota: Why Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Bison, And Badlands Are Worth It

Duluth, Minnesota

Enjoy the port city experience, stroll big parks with large waterbodies, and shop local streets.

As the port city for Lake Superior, Duluth is full of land and water activities alike. The city itself is full of reminders of its history as a shipping town, including the Aerial Lift Bridge, which connects the tourist and industrial sides of the town.

Restaurants and local shops give guests a feel for the city's unique feel, and the many districts offer a chance to explore different aspects of the city. The Lincoln Park Craft District, Skyline Drive, and Canal Park Neighborhood each offer unique walking paths and urban and lake views; there is nothing missing in this lakeside city stop.

  • Things to Do in Duluth, Minnesota : Walk through Duluth Neighborhoods, Boating, Paddleboarding, Aerial Lift Bridge, Lincoln Park Craft District

Canyon Falls Roadside Park, Michigan

Year-round access to hiking trails, with summer swimming areas, and deep canyon views.

Michigan is one of the last state-side stops before this road trip goes international, and the Canyon Falls Roadside Park offers some amazing last views of the United States. With year-round hiking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes, this getaway is perfect any time of year.

The park offers both a fairly level four-mile hike along the Canyon Gorge Trail or a more intense 19.4-mile hike along the North Country Trail. The Canyon Gorge itself is a sight, reaching 300 feet deep and a mile wide at some points. With so much to see, this is the perfect last look at the US.

  • Things to Do in Canyon Falls Roadside Park, Michigan: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Guided Walks, Birding, Wildlife Watching
  • Canyon Falls Roadside Park Entrance Fee : FREE

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Get out of the car and enjoy this small island with no vehicles.

This road trip stop might be a bit of a stretch when it comes to Mackinac Island on Lake Superior in Michigan. Cars aren't actually allowed on the island, but that doesn't mean this stop isn't worth pulling over for. Round-trip ferry rides start at just $34 per adult , and there are a number of places to stay on Mackinac Island itself.

With the car back at the port, Mackinac Island is the perfect place to enjoy hiking, boating, or even a horse-drawn carriage through the timeless towns. A true reprieve from the monotony of the car, there is no doubt that Mackinac Island is the perfect side trip along the Great Northern road trip.

  • Things to Do on Mackinac Island : Visit the Mackinac Island Arch Rock , Horse-Drawn Carriages, Hiking, Biking, Boating, Walking Tours of Mackinac Island

Related: You Can Visit Mackinac Island In The Winter, Here's What To Expect

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Go international to the capital of canada, tour historical buildings, museums, and public spaces like parks.

As the national capital of Canada, Ottawa is home to National Hill, where visitors can enjoy daily sound-and-light shows, changing-of-the-guard ceremonies, walking, rollerblading, or biking around the unique buildings. An afternoon at any of the museums, including the Canadian Museum of Nature , the National Gallery of Canada , and the Canadian War Museum , offers a great indoor look at the history of the region.

Despite being the country's capital, Ottawa is not as much of a tourist destination as several of Canada's nearby areas, meaning that Ottawa's amazing must-try foods and unique places to stay are often more affordable than some other stops along the road.

  • Things to Do in Ottawa, Canada : Canadian Museum of Nature, National Gallery of Canada, Canadian War Museum, Walk through Downtown Ottawa, Ottawa River Cruises

Related: 10 Things You Can Fit Into A Weekend In Ottawa, Canada

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Enjoy a cultural center of canada with museums, science and learning centers, and tasty canadian food.

Full of architectural, botanical, and cultural wonders, the French-speaking Montréal is a hotbed for every interest. Wandering Old Montréal, travelers can enjoy the unique food and activities that fill the area . The Notre Dame Basilica and St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal both offer insight into the religious influences of the area throughout history while also offering breathtaking art and architecture to explore.

Back outside, the Montréal Botanical Garden , part of Montréal's Space for Life Natural Sciences Museum Complex, allows visitors to walk through over 22,000 different types of plants from all over the world. With so much history, culture, and language to explore, Montréal is a perfect finale to Canada before re-entering the United States to finish the trip.

  • Things to Do in Montréal, Canada : Montréal's Space for Life Natural Sciences Museum Complex, Walking tour of Old Montréal, Notre Dame Basilica, St. Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal

Related: 10 Best Montreal Hostels To Save You Money During Your Trip

Burlington, Vermont

Add a scenic drive, visit the free museum and public galleries, or walk through the classic vermont parks.

Vermont is best known for its scenic fall drives , but there are plenty of reasons to include this compact state on a road trip along a US 2 road trip. One of the best road trip stops in Vermont, Burlington has lots of activities to enjoy, even for those with just 24 hours (or less!).

Burlington has a variety of museums and galleries to explore, including the free-to-visit Fleming Museum Of Art at the University of Vermont. These indoor attractions, paired with the year-round natural beauty of Burlington and its surrounding area, make this charming town a must-visit along the Great Northern road trip.

  • Things to Do in Burlington, Vermont : Shelburne Museum , ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain , Park Walks, Scenic Drives, Hiking, Biking

Montpelier, Vermont

The capital of vermont, access to the green mountains, walkable downtown with a variety of shops.

Vermont is one of the safest tourist destinations in the US (according to statistics) , so even for road trip travelers who are unfamiliar with the region, this small Northeastern state is a great place to spend a little extra time. Montpelier is the capital of Vermont and the smallest state capital in the country.

Despite its small size, Montpelier offers a variety of activities to enjoy , both indoors and outdoors. Whether enjoying a scenic drive through the Green Mountains or satisfying a sweet craving at Bragg Farm Sugar House , Montpelier promises plenty of reward for those who take the time to pause in this tiny but mighty capital city.

  • Things to Do in Montpelier, Vermont: Bragg Farm Sugar House, The Vermont Historical Society Museum , Hiking, Mountain Biking, Scenic Drives, Visit The Coburn Covered Bridge

Acadia National Park, Maine

Scenic hiking, biking, and drives with forests, beaches, and coastal maine food.

The Great Northern Road Trip ends as it began - in one of the most popular national parks in the US. Those not tired of the car can drive Acadia National Park 's 27-mile Park Loop Road, which offers amazing views and easy access to other favorite spots, such as Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, and Wildwood Stables.

For travelers more interested in stretching their legs, Acadia National Park offers multiple hiking trails , from easy strolls such as Jordan Pond Nature Trail to more intensive hikes like the height-defying Precipice Trail (aptly named, so those afraid of heights should steer clear).

For a grand finale, Cadillac Mountain’s summit sets hikers and drivers alike atop the highest point not only in the park but also the highest summit along the Northeastern seaboard, offering a perfect last view of a true cross-country road trip. Overall, Acadia is easily one of the best stops on the Great Northern Road Trip for outdoor enthusiasts, so plan a couple of days to spend exploring the park to round off the ultimate Washington to Maine road trip route!

  • Things to Do in Acadia National Park, Maine: Hiking, Biking, Scenic Drives, Guided Walks, Wildlife Watching, Birding
  • Acadia National Park Entrance Fee : $35/vehicle

13 Key Stops Along The Great Northern Road Trip

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  1. The Great Lakes Tour: A Circle Road Trip Itinerary

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  1. The Great Lakes Tour: A Circle Road Trip Itinerary

    The Great Lakes tour is a circle road trip route through the United States and Canada to scenic destinations along Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Erie. This guide will help you map the perfect itinerary with suggested food, lodging, hikes, waterfalls, cruises, lighthouses, and more outdoor activities.

  2. The best round-trip driving route in the Great Lakes

    A happy marriage of open road and open water, of blacktop and blue swells, a looping tour of the Great Lakes - beginning and ending in Chicago - can take in five states, four of the lakes, and the birthplaces of two music legends.. As much country as it is town, this road trip delivers all the hazy, lazy romance of a beach holiday while staying firmly inland.

  3. Road Trip Itinerary: A Trip to All the Great Lakes

    Bay City to Traverse City, Michigan. Bay City. 2 h 20 m. 146 mi. Traverse City. Route: I-75 N to M-72 W takes you to Traverse City, passing through a series of small towns along the way. Along the ...

  4. Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary: See All 5 Great Lakes

    Stop 5: Mackinac Island / Lake Huron. Stop 6: Bay City / Lake Huron. Stop 7: Detroit. Stop 8: Sandusky / Lake Erie. Stop 9: Niagara Falls. Stop 10: Toronto / Lake Ontario. …and more. This is the map and Great Lakes road trip route you'll be traversing if you choose to follow this itinerary.

  5. Great Lakes Road Trip: The Ultimate Itinerary

    During your Great Lakes road trip through Canada, take some time to delve into the country's rich history. Two notable places that offer a glimpse into Canada's past are Fort Henry and Casa Loma. Located in Kingston, Fort Henry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 19th century.

  6. The Ultimate Michigan Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days In The Great Lakes

    Days 1: Arrive in Detroit or Grand Rapids. Days 2-3: Northern Lower Peninsula. Days 4: Mackinac Island. Days 5: Eastern Upper Peninsula. Days 6-8: Munising. Days 9-10: Houghton. You can use this itinerary as a general guide, but feel free to modify it to suit your needs. It would be easy to expand this to a two week summer road trip itinerary ...

  7. Great Lakes Road Trip: 9 Days

    Four states and four Great Lakes! Check out the overview of our 9-day summer road trip through Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio as we trailed the shores of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron, with a tiny bit of Lake Erie thrown in. From Door County to the sweet town of Munising to car-less

  8. Great Lakes National Parks: Our Itinerary

    After trips to New England and the Pacific Northwest, the time finally came to visit the Great Lakes national parks. This was a trip we had been looking forward to for quite a while and, thankfully, it did not disappoint! In all, we visited 20 national park sites in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

  9. 11 Stops on Your Dream Great Lakes Road Trip: Hidden Gems and Must-Sees

    Stop Three: Tahquamenon Falls. One of the largest waterfalls this side of the Mississippi, this iconic river drops nearly 50 feet at the Upper Falls. Tahquamenon Falls is a must-see on your Great Lakes Road Trip. Tannins from trees stain the water reddish brown, and in the winter large ice formations build around the falls.

  10. Day 1: Great Lakes Road Trip

    Over this long weekend, my Great Lakes road trip will take me to some of the most beautiful spots along the shores of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron. Some of these spots, like Mackinac Island, I have been to many times in the past and have developed in-depth visitor guides on my blog. However, other spots, like the beautiful ...

  11. Two Week Itinerary: Isle Royale National Park and the Great Lakes Road Trip

    This itinerary covers my two-week Great Lakes extravaganza, including Voyageurs National Park, Isle Royale National Park, Pukaskwa National Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Indiana Dunes National Park. Seeing it all written out, the back half of the trip looks as rushed as it felt. Trying to include Pukaskwa and Sleeping Bear ...

  12. Our Summer Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary

    15 Best Things To Do in Marquette, Mi: The Perfect Lakeside City. Ultimate Colorado Road Trip Itinerary To See the Best of the State. The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga. The Ultimate Ten Day Rocky Mountain Road Trip. Our 6-Month Travel Itinerary: Oceania and Asia.

  13. 11 Must-See Stops on Your Great Lakes Road Trip

    Stop Three: Tahquamenon Falls. One of the largest waterfalls this side of the Mississippi, this iconic river drops nearly 50 feet at the Upper Falls. Tahquamenon Falls is a must-see on your Great Lakes Road Trip. Tannins from trees stain the water reddish brown, and in the winter large ice formations build around the falls.

  14. 8 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in the Great Lakes Region

    The Bruce Trail & Niagara Escarpment: Highway 6 North. Tiffany Falls waterfalls on the Niagara Escarpment in the rain in Ancaster, Ontario, via Reimar / Shutterstock.com. This route takes you on an adventure from Lake Erie, across Lake Ontario into the depths of Lake Huron in a single road trip. This trip along Highway 6 North mimics the ...

  15. Great Lakes Road Trip in the Midwestern USA

    Head east across the heart of Michigan through farmland dotted with small, quaint towns to Detroit . Separated from Canada by the Detroit River, which flows from scenic Lake St. Claire into Lake Erie, "Motor City" Detroit is an iconic stop for your Great Lakes road trip. During the early and mid-20th century, this Michigan city was the ...

  16. Great Lakes Road Trip Itinerary

    Stops 1 & 2: From Chicago's Arts to Milwaukee's Industry. Kick off your road trip in Chicago, Illinois, also known as the Windy City. Start by marvelling at the towering skyscrapers and the vibrant arts scene. Make your first stop at Navy Pier for amusement rides and a range of eateries. Don't miss a cruise down the Chicago River for a ...

  17. Best Road Trips in the Great Lakes Region

    Known as "America's Dairyland," Wisconsin borders two of the Great Lakes—Michigan and Superior—and offers a wonderful variety of scenery from farmland to rocky shorelines. • The Green Bay and Door County Road Trip takes you from busy Green Bay into peaceful Door County, where you'll find beaches, cherry and apple orchards, marinas ...

  18. All the Great Lakes

    Standing on the coast of either of the Great Lakes makes you truly understand how massive these bodies of water are. Go on a road trip to experience each of the five lakes in person, a looped route taking you across six states in the Midwest and plenty of natural wonders to discover along the way. ... Open in Google Maps. 38 mi • 47 min. 2.

  19. Great Lakes Circle Tour

    Welcome! Welcome to the Great Lakes Circle Tour website, dedicated to the past, present and future of the scenic routes encircling four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie. This website is intended to be a clearinghouse of information on the Circle Tours, from travel and tourism information to technical specifications on ...

  20. Great Lakes Road Trip

    Our 15-day Itinerary covering Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Erie in the states of Minnesota, Ontario, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This was one of those seize-the-moment trips where we had an opportunity to make a last-minute trip to explore the Great Lakes area at a time when the Fall Colors should be in the ...

  21. The Great Lakes Tour: A Circle Road Trip Locations

    The Great Lakes Tour: A Circle Road Trip Locations. The Great Lakes Tour: A Circle Road Trip Locations. Sign in. Open full screen to view more. This map was created by a user.

  22. Great Lakes Road Trips

    Ohio's Western Lake Erie Coastal Trail. 3 legs - 130.3 miles: 3 hours, 55 min. The diverse scenery on Ohio's Western Lake Erie Coastal Trail runs the gamut from the marinas and beach-lined shores of massive Lake Erie to the nature-preserving Metroparks and verdant farmland of the Toledo outskirts.

  23. Great Lakes Road Trip

    A road trip around the Great Lakes. Created to mimic long "coastal" style road trips.

  24. 13 Key Stops Along The Great Northern Road Trip

    The Great Northern Road Trip is a true cross-country venture and, in fact, an international one as well. The 2,115-mile road starts in Washington before heading through Idaho, Montana, North ...