5 Michigan Road Trip Destinations for This Summer
It’s officially road trip season! Luckily for Michiganders, we don’t have far to drive to find plenty of hidden gems in our home state.
Here are 5 road trips to enjoy this summer, starting with one as close as the thumb, all the way to destinations in the UP.
Turnip Rock, Port Austin, Michigan
Drive Time from Warren, MI: Roughly 2 and a half to 3 hours depending on traffic and preferred route.
Best Scenic Route: I-94 E to M-25 N
Turnip Rock is a beautiful land formation in Lake Huron. This is a popular destination for kayakers as the shallow waters surrounding the formation allow them to get up close with their cameras.
Even if kayaking isn’t your thing, Turnip Rock is a 10 minute drive from Downtown Port Austin where you can shop, dine or grab an ice cream with the kids. You can also check out Port Crescent State Park which overlooks Port Huron.
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Maple City, Michigan
Drive Time from Warren, MI: Roughly 4 and a half to 5 hours depending on traffic and preferred route.
Check out the Pierce Stocking scenic drive  located a short distance away from the sand dunes.
The Sleeping Bear Dunes overlook Lake Michigan and Glen Lake, both lakes known for their breathtaking colors resembling the Caribbean.
The “Dune Climb” is definitely something you’ll want to check off your bucket list as a Michigander. There is a picnic area at the bottom and you can climb up the dunes for a view of Glen Lake.
Glen Arbor is less than a 10 minute drive away from the sand dunes, offering several places for lodging, dining, shopping, golf courses and other activities.
Petoskey, Michigan
Drive Time from Warren, MI: Roughly 3 and a half to 4 and a half hours depending on traffic and preferred route.
Scenic Route Tip:Â Combine two trips. After visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes, depart from Glen Arbor and take US-31 to Petoskey for a 2 hour scenic trip.
Petoskey is located along Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay, home to the waterfront communities of Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Alanson, Charlevoix, and Bay Harbor.
The Downtown area overlooks the bay and is home to several eateries, breweries, shops, and is walking distance from Bayfront Park.
Avid golfers will enjoy the Bay Harbor Golf Club, which was named one of North America’s 10 coolest golf courses to play by the Robb Report.
Pictured Rocks, Munising, Michigan
Drive Time from Warren, MI: Anywhere from 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and preferred route.
Scenic Route Tip:Â After spending a few days in Petoskey, travel to Munising via US-2 W and M-77 N for nearly 3 hours of gorgeous scenery.
If you are traveling from downstate, this will be a longer trip but undoubtedly worth the ride. This trip requires driving over the Mackinac Bridge, with breathtaking views – another item for every Michigander to check off their travel list.
Voted the most beautiful place in Michigan by Condè Nast Traveler, and Michigan’s number one destination by Good Morning America, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore sits on the south shore of Lake Superior. This unusual land formation has been attracting tourists for years due to its multicolored rock cliffs hovering over the turquoise waters of Lake Superior.
Cruises are available to those who want to view the most awe inspiring vantage points this Michigan treasure has to offer.
Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise Michigan
Drive Time from Warren, MI: Roughly 6 and a half to 7 hours depending on traffic and preferred route.
Scenic Route Tip:Â If you’ve already made your way to the Upper Peninsula visiting the Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, extend your road trip to Tahquamenon Falls and take in all of the breathtaking views of the UP in less than 2 hours.
The upper Tahquamenon Falls are 200 feet wide and have a 50-foot drop and are the second largest falls east of the Mississippi.
Tourists can walk up to the upper falls or rent a rowboat at the lower falls to take photos and visit Lower Falls Island.
Those who kayak will also enjoy paddling through the river, however this is only recommended for the experienced as Lake Superior conditions can change in an instant and become dangerous.
About Warren, MI Body Shop, Pole Position Auto Body
Unfortunately, even the most cautious traveler may be faced with the elements, such as flying rocks, hail or even other careless drivers.
If you find yourself in an auto accident or any other minor damages, contact Pole Position Auto Body. Pole Position Auto Body is an auto body repair shop that has been serving Warren, MI for over 29 years.
