Michigan road trip: Petoskey to Mackinac Island and Huron

Explore Michigan's most scenic destinations across 7,298 km, from the windswept dunes of Sleeping Bear to historic lighthouses at St. Joseph and Port Huron. This route connects natural wonders including Tahquamenon Falls, Mackinac Island, and the Huron River, showcasing the state's Great Lakes coastline and inland waterways.

Distance
7298.6 km
Mode
route
Start
Welcome to Michigan
End
St. Joseph North Pier Light
Stops
33
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Michigan
  2. Petoskey — Scenic town along Lake Michigan
  3. Little Black Lake — Lake with kayaking and paddling opportunities
  4. Rockford Dam Overlook — Dam on the Rogue River between Spring Street and White Pine Trail
  5. Mackinac Island — Island surrounded by crystal waters
  6. St. Joseph Lighthouse — Restored 19th century lighthouse with maritime history
  7. Huron River — 125-mile river stretching through southeastern Michigan
  8. Huron River Water Trail — 125-mile river stretching through southeastern Michigan
  9. Lake Michigan — Vast freshwater lake entirely within the United States
  10. Muskegon Lake — 4,232-acre lake where the Muskegon River meets Lake Michigan
  11. Tahquamenon Falls State Park — One of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi
  12. Au Sable River — Scenic river in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
  13. Point Betsie Lighthouse — 19th century lighthouse with keeper's residence
  14. Sleeping Bear Dunes — Golden sands along Lake Michigan shoreline
  15. Grand Haven — Historic city on Lake Michigan settled in early 1800s
  16. Blue Water Bridge
  17. Lake Huron
  18. Les Cheneaux — Picturesque archipelago of 36 islands in northern Lake Huron, accessible by boat and known for scenic waters and maritime heritage.
  19. Fort Gratiot Lighthouse — Historic lighthouse on Lake Huron
  20. Port Huron — Shipping port on Lake Huron
  21. Reeds Lake — Scenic inland lake near Grand Rapids offering recreational boating, fishing, and waterfront parks with sandy shores and residential character.
  22. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — Scenic Lake Superior shoreline with colorful rock formations
  23. Marquette Island
  24. Norton Shores
  25. Zug Island — Industrial island in the Detroit River significant for Michigan's manufacturing heritage and automotive history along the waterway.
  26. Ann Arbor — City along the Huron River in southeastern Michigan
  27. Grand Rapids
  28. Kellog Sanitarium — Historic health resort building reflecting early 20th-century wellness architecture and representing Michigan's medical and hospitality heritage.
  29. Big Red Lighthouse — Iconic red lighthouse structure on Lake Michigan's shore, serving as navigational landmark and popular photography subject for visitors.
  30. Saint Frances de Sales — Historic religious landmark and architectural structure representing Michigan's cultural and spiritual heritage in its regional community.
  31. Renaissance Center
  32. Rogue River Dam — Dam on the Rogue River between Spring Street and White Pine Trail
  33. St. Joseph North Pier Light — Restored 19th century lighthouse with maritime history

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Petoskey in autumn to see an explosion of colors painting the trees in every direction.
Timing
Winter transforms Michigan into a snowy wonderland with icy lighthouses, frozen waterfalls, and trails perfect for snowshoeing or fat tire biking.
Transport
Mackinac Island bans motorized vehicles since 1898; explore by bicycle, on foot, or by horse-drawn carriage.
Tip
Visit Fort Mackinac, built in 1780, where reenactors in period dress perform cannon firings and tours.
Tip
At Mackinac Island, explore Fort Holmes at the island's highest point via Point Lookout Trail for stunning views.
Tip
Mackinac Island features Michigan's oldest Catholic church and the nation's oldest grocery store.
Tip
Tour the North Pier inner light at St. Joseph Lighthouse to experience Lake Michigan's maritime history.
Transport
The Huron River Water Trail offers 14 miles of connected recreational opportunities including paddling, hiking, and fishing at numerous public access points.
Tip
Launch kayaks or canoes from the dock at Black Lake Park on the eastern edge for paddling on Little Black Lake.
Tip
Feel the roar of Tahquamenon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
Tip
Stargazing in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers views of stars reflecting on quiet inland lakes at night.

Video on this route

Wonders of Michigan | The Hidden Places No One Talks About! | Travel Video 4K

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