Best Summer Road Trips in Michigan

Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island make for excellent summer road trip destinations. Begin your adventure in Mackinaw City and cross the iconic Mackinac Bridge to reach the charming Mackinac Island. Enjoy the island’s picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant downtown. Take a bike ride around the island or relax on its beautiful beaches. In Mackinaw City, there is lots to explore, including historic sites like Fort Michilimackinac, the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and the iconic Mackinac Bridge. Just a short ferry ride away is Mackinac Island. With no cars allowed, this island provides visitors with an old-world escape from the modern world. Here, you can rent a bicycle or take a horse-drawn carriage tour to explore the island’s scenic beauty, ride along the perimeter of the island on M-185, the only state highway in the U.S. where motor vehicles are prohibited, explore the Mackinac Island State Park, and visit the iconic Grand Hotel, a Victorian-Era luxury hotel.

Along Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, you’ll find Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The national park spans 35 miles of pristine coastline, vast sand dunes, forests, and inland lakes. One of the iconic experiences at Sleeping Bear Dunes is climbing the towering dunes. The most popular spot for this activity is the Dune Climb, where you can ascend a massive sand dune to enjoy sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. Visitors of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can also enjoy camping, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, nature walks, swimming, and more! Driving along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile loop takes you through forests, sand dunes and offers panoramic views of the lakeshore. Stop at various designated overlooks to capture stunning photographs of the dunes, forests, and Lake Michigan.

Belle Isle, located in the Detroit River between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, is a stunning island park that offers a wide range of recreational activities, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Belle Isle spans over 982 acres and features diverse landscapes, including lush forests, open meadows, and scenic waterfront views. The island offers plenty of opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking along its numerous trails. Be sure to visit the Belle Isle Conservancy, a botanical garden and greenhouse that showcases beautiful plant collections. You should also be sure to visit the Belle Isle Aquarium. Built in 1904, it is one of the oldest aquariums in America. Visiting the Dossin Great Lakes Museum explores the maritime history and heritage of the Great Lakes region. Visitors can learn about the shipping industry, explore exhibits on famous ships, and enjoy panoramic views of the Detroit River.

The first rule for a summer road trip is to have a blast! To ensure uninterrupted fun, it’s crucial to prepare your vehicle beforehand and avoid any potential car issues. Trust Northland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram with the task by bringing your vehicle to us. Our skilled mechanics will thoroughly inspect it for safety and suggest any necessary services to guarantee a smooth journey throughout. Schedule your next service appointment conveniently through our website or contact our service center directly. We eagerly await the opportunity to assist you!