Labor Day Weekend is upon us, marking the unofficial end of the summer season. It’s also the last busy travel holiday of the summer and AAA is predicting record-breaking traffic this year.
If you are looking for road trip ideas to celebrate the last blast of summer, keep reading for several scenic byways in our home state. We’ve also included a few routes our midwest neighbors have to offer.
Michigan Road Trips – Lower Peninsula
Tunnel of Trees on M-119
Take M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village and drive the shoreline of Lake Michigan under a canopy of trees.
Tunnel of Trees or M-119
M-22 Arcadia to Frankfort
Head north along M-22 from Arcadia and stop at the scenic turnout just outside of town, called Inspiration Point. You’ll climb 120 steps (80 vertical feet) to the top lookout and see picturesque views of Lake Michigan.
Inspiration Point, Scenic Overlook in Arcadia, Michigan
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
This 7 mile route on M-109 features Sleeping Bear Dunes, Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.
Pierce Stocking Covered Bridge
US-23 Sunrise Coast
US 23, known as the Sunrise Coast follows the shores of Lake Huron. You’ll find fascinating shipwreck museums and plenty of sandy beaches.
River Road Scenic Byway
This scenic byway travels along the AuSable River’s forested banks and starts on Lake Huron’s coast. This route is only 22 miles with a total drive time of 1 hour.
Michigan Road Trips – Upper Peninsula
Cut River Bridge along US-2
US-2 Top of the Lake Byway
Enjoy 96 miles of natural beauty on US-2 from St. Ignace to Thompson. About 25 miles northwest of St. Ignace, stop at the Cut River Bridge and Roadside park.
H-58 Along the Pictured Rocks Park
The 49 mile stretch from Munising to Grand Marais takes you through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and several points of interest along Lake Superior.
M-123 Tahquamenon Scenic Byway
Enjoy 63 miles of natural beauty as M-123 winds along the Tahquamenon River, Whitefish Bay, thick forests, small towns and more.
Brockway Mountain Drive
Access from M-26 in Keweenaw County and drive the highest paved road between the Rockies and the Alleghenies.
Visit our Neighbors in the Midwest
Lower Falls, Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills State Park
Ohio’s Hocking Hills Scenic Byway
26.4 mile byway follows State Route 374 through Hocking Hills and around Hocking State Forest.
Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway
70 miles in northwest Wisconsin with Lake Superior vistas, forested lands, harbor towns and more.
North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota
150 miles on US Highway 61 with forests, waterfalls, lighthouses, small towns and Lake Superior views.
Things to Remember When Traveling by Car
Put the Phone Away
It’s never a good idea to text and drive. And this weekend the road will demand even more attention. There will be extra traffic which means more distracted drivers and the potential for intoxicated drivers.
Have a Reliable Co-Pilot
Two sets of eyes are better than one. Make sure you AND your passenger are well rested before hitting the road.
Know Your Exits
When traveling in an unfamiliar area use apps that show amenities at upcoming exits ahead of time.
Plan for Data Interruptions
Don’t forget to download offline versions of critical apps like maps, so you can safely navigate at all times.
Bring Money for Tolls
$1 and $5 bills will come in handy for booths that don’t take digital payment.
About Michigan Mortgage Lender, Julie Krumholz from Superior National Bank
For over 35 years, Julie has helped homebuyers from all walks of life make the dream of homeownership a reality. Julie has worked in processing, closing and loan origination, underwriting, QC auditing and has even co-owned a mortgage brokerage firm. She uses her experience to match individuals with the best mortgage program possible and helps them navigate the homebuying process for a smooth transition into homeownership.
