Michigan road trip: 12 places from Tahquamenon Falls to
Explore Michigan's 12 best destinations across both peninsulas, from Tahquamenon Falls State Park and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in the north to Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Holland, Saugatuck, Douglas, and Oval Beach in the south. This 1944.5 km route showcases the state's diverse attractions including waterfalls, coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and vibrant cities.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park
- End
- Douglas
- Stops
- 12
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park — State park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula featuring two spectacular waterfalls along the Tahquamenon River near Lake Superior
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — National lakeshore on Lake Superior's southern shore featuring oxidized sandstone cliffs, Miners Castle, and Chapel Rock
- Ann Arbor — Sought-after college town 45 minutes west of Detroit, home to University of Michigan campus
- Grand Rapids — City on the lower Peninsula straddling the Grand River with Heritage Hill featuring impressive architecture
- Oval Beach — Beach near Saugatuck ranked among Michigan's best for soft sand and sunsets
- Traverse City — Northern lower Peninsula city nestled at the end of Grand Traverse Bay, divided by Old Mission Peninsula
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — National lakeshore featuring spectacular dunes, bluffs, and hiking trails including Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
- Mackinac Island — Historic island on Lake Huron, former fur trading post now a must-see destination with the Grand Hotel
- Detroit — Second largest Midwest city, located in southern Michigan
- Holland — Small city on Lake Michigan's scenic shores in the lower Peninsula
- Saugatuck — Scenic coastal community at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River on Lake Michigan with waterfront restaurants
- Douglas — Twin town of Saugatuck with waterfront dining and beach access
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Holland in May for the Tulip Time Festival or in December for a charming Christmas Market.
- Timing
- Summer and early fall are the best times to paddle along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
- Tip
- Explore Pictured Rocks by paddling on the lake along the 42-mile National Lakeshore to see oxidized sandstone cliffs and natural landmarks like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock.
- Transport
- Ann Arbor is situated just 45 minutes drive west of Detroit, making it easily accessible for a day trip or overnight visit.
- Food
- Saugatuck has a myriad of amazing waterfront restaurants, cozy B&Bs and coffee shops to enjoy.
- Where to stay
- To get a real feel for Mackinac Island, stay in one of its historic inns, cozy B&Bs, or the Glamorous Grand Hotel.
- Tip
- On Mackinac Island, explore the historic town in a horse-drawn carriage to see Victorian era architecture, cafes and restaurants.
- Tip
- Hike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail which snakes through dense forest and leads to spectacular viewpoints.
- Tip
- Visit Oval Beach for soft sand and psychedelic sunsets.
- Food
- In Grand Rapids, try out its dozens of magnificent microbreweries for which the city is now mostly known.
- Tip
- In Grand Rapids, visit Heritage Hill east of downtown for impressive architecture.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Michigan - Travel Video