Michigan Roads Less Traveled for Scenic Summer Fun

There's something wonderful about packing up your car, rolling down the windows, and hitting the open road as summer sets in. Michigan, with its vast shorelines, dense forests, and enchanting towns, offers several of one of the most impressive drives in the Midwest. Whether you're a long time neighborhood or intending your very first excursion with the state, there's no shortage of beautiful routes to make this period remarkable.
Discover the Beauty of the Upper Peninsula
When the majority of people think about Michigan, they picture the reduced half of the state. But the Upper Peninsula is an untapped treasure for road trippers wanting to experience something raw and wild. Start your trip by crossing the legendary bridge right into the U.P., where forests stretch endlessly and lakes shimmer under gold sunshine.
Take your time winding with M-28, a highway that hugs the southerly side of Lake Superior. The path takes you with picturesque towns like Munising, home to some of the most stunning waterfalls in the state. Make a pit stop to check out the coastline or venture out on a brief walk-- you'll locate that nature is constantly within arm's reach right here. The roads are quiet, the views are peaceful, and the sense of retreat is real.
Cruise the Lake Michigan Shoreline
For a softer, much more coastal feeling, take into consideration heading west toward Lake Michigan Start in the southwestern corner near St. Joseph and follow the Blue Star Highway north. This stretch of roadway provides sweeping lake sights, rolling dunes, and cozy lakeside neighborhoods that seem like they've been iced up in time.
Driving through locations like South Haven and Saugatuck, you'll see how the energy changes with the landscape. Some communities buzz with art galleries and ice cream stands, while others invite you to decrease and appreciate a peaceful beach at sunset. You'll likely catch looks of sailing boats distant and the scent of freshwater drifting through the air-- tips that this isn't simply a drive; it's a full-on summer season experience.
Experience the Rustic Charm of Northern Michigan.
North Michigan offers a blend of serenity and experience that feels tailor-made for journey. Begin your journey in Traverse City, a busy lakeside town surrounded by cherry orchards and vineyards. From there, steer toward M-22, a winding route that follows the contours of the Leelanau Peninsula.
M-22 is famous for a reason. It delivers postcard-perfect scenes at virtually every turn-- vine-covered hillsides, blue-green bays, and winding woodland roads that all of a sudden open up to panoramic sights. Drop in towns like Glen Arbor or Leland, where time decreases and every corner has a tale. It's the type of path where you details might not have an established strategy, and that's exactly the factor.
The Thumb: Michigan's Underrated Treasure
If you're food craving something off the beaten path, head east toward Michigan's Thumb area. This area frequently gets ignored yet awards explorers with peaceful countryside roads and enchanting harbor communities along Lake Huron.
Follow M-25 as it twists around the idea of the Thumb. The drive between Bay City and Port Huron is dotted with unforeseen finds: lighthouses, roadside farm stands, and silent coastlines where the water glows in the late afternoon sunlight. There's a sense of fond memories right here that's tough to discover elsewhere, and the slow-moving speed makes it very easy to enjoy every minute.
Prepare for the Journey
Of course, no journey is complete without a reliable adventure to get you there and back. If you're thinking of upgrading your vehicle before hitting the trail, now is a blast to have a look at a Chevrolet Blazer for sale. Understood for its smooth drive and spacious interior, it's perfect for lengthy hours on the road and spontaneous detours down breathtaking byways.
Before you go out, it's also worth connecting with a Detroit Chevy dealer to ensure your car awaits experience. A fast check-in can provide you peace of mind and perhaps even spark some originalities for where to go next. If you're already in the location, a trusted Chevy dealer in Detroit can assist with whatever from a regular tune-up to discovering the ideal summer-ready SUV.
Make This Summer Count
There's something undoubtedly freeing concerning finding brand-new roads and taking another look at familiar ones with fresh eyes. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, capturing a lake breeze along the west coastline, or uncovering surprise gems in the Thumb, Michigan supplies a wide-open playground for summer season exploration.
Wherever your course leads, do not rush. Show up your favorite playlist, take the breathtaking route, and allow the roadway guide you. And for even more neighborhood travel concepts and trip inspiration, make certain to examine back regularly-- we're constantly upgrading with new courses and locations that make summer season seem like an open invitation.