Lake Huron Circle Tour: The Ultimate 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary
The Lake Huron Circle Tour is one of North America’s most underrated road trips. Stretching approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 km), this scenic loop winds around the second-largest of the Great Lakes through Michigan and Ontario, taking you past historic lighthouses, beautiful sandy beaches, charming waterfront towns, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise water.
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Unlike the dramatic wilderness surrounding Lake Superior, Lake Huron offers a more relaxed pace. You’ll spend less time driving through remote forests and more time wandering harbor towns, enjoying scenic waterfront parks, hiking coastal trails, and watching unforgettable sunsets over the lake.
Along the way you’ll visit Mackinac Island, explore Manitoulin Island, discover the famous Grotto, and cruise through the incredible waters of Fathom Five National Marine Park.
Whether you’re planning your first Great Lakes adventure or looking for your next unforgettable road trip, the Lake Huron Circle Tour deserves a place near the top of your travel bucket list.
Overview
- Distance: Approximately 1,500 miles (2,400 km)
- Time Needed: 10 Days
- Starting Point: Port Huron, Michigan
- Ending Point: Port Huron, Michigan
- Best Time to Visit: June through September
- Passport Required: Yes
- Recommended Direction: Clockwise
Why You’ll Love the Lake Huron Circle Tour
This road trip offers an incredible variety of scenery and attractions that make every day feel different.
Highlights include:
- Mackinac Island
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Fathom Five National Marine Park
- Manitoulin Island
- Dozens of historic lighthouses
- Sandy beaches
- Charming waterfront towns
- Scenic hiking trails
- Georgian Bay
- Spectacular Lake Huron sunsets
10-Day Lake Huron Circle Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Port Huron to Turnip Rock
Driving Time: 3.5 hours
Begin your journey in Port Huron before following Michigan’s scenic Thumb coastline north. Visit Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, stop in the charming village of Lexington, and if time allows, take a kayak tour to Turnip Rock near Port Austin. Continue to Bay City, where you can enjoy an evening walk along the Riverwalk and waterfront.
Highlights
- Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
- Lexington
- Port Austin
- Turnip Rock
- Bay City Riverwalk
Overnight: Bay City
Day 2: Turnip Rock to Bay City
Turnip Rock is one of the most amazing coastal sights you’ll find along Lake Huron. Located on the famous eastern end of the state, known as Michigan’s Thumb, this is a must visit sight for hiking, kayaking and other adventures.
Highlights
- Lake Huron beaches
- Turnip Rock
- Port Crescent State Park
- Lexington
- Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
Day 3: Bay City to Alpena
Today’s drive follows Michigan’s beautiful Sunrise Coast. Stop at Tawas Point State Park to photograph its historic lighthouse before continuing through Oscoda and the Lumberman’s Monument overlooking the Au Sable River.
Finish the afternoon exploring Alpena’s harbor and, if you’re interested in Great Lakes history, visit the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center.
Highlights
- Tawas Point State Park
- Tawas Point Lighthouse
- Oscoda
- Lumberman’s Monument
- Alpena Harbor
Overnight: Alpena
Day 4: Alpena to Mackinaw City
This section of shoreline is filled with lighthouses and quiet lakeside communities. Visit Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, Forty Mile Point Lighthouse, and Ocqueoc Falls before arriving in Mackinaw City beneath the iconic Mackinac Bridge.
Take an evening stroll through town and enjoy views across the Straits of Mackinac.
Highlights
- Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
- Forty Mile Point Lighthouse
- Ocqueoc Falls
- Rogers City
- Mackinaw City
Overnight: Mackinaw City
More Epic Great Lakes to Explore
Day 5: Mackinac Island
Spend an entire day exploring one of the Great Lakes’ most famous destinations, and that is Mackinac Island.
Ride bicycles around the island, visit Fort Mackinac, hike to Arch Rock, browse the historic downtown, and don’t leave without trying the island’s famous fudge.
Return to Mackinaw City for another relaxing evening.
Highlights
- Arch Rock
- Fort Mackinac
- Island bicycle loop
- Downtown Mackinac Island
- Waterfront views
Overnight: Mackinaw City
Day 6: Mackinaw City to Tobermory (via Chi-Cheemaun Ferry)
This becomes one of the signature days of the trip.
Drive north across the Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace before continuing toward Manitoulin Island. Rather than rushing across the island, enjoy a scenic drive to South Baymouth, where you’ll board the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry.
The ferry crossing itself is part of the experience. Over nearly two hours you’ll cruise across the blue waters of Lake Huron while taking in panoramic views of Georgian Bay before arriving in Tobermory.
Spend the evening exploring the marina.
Highlights
- Mackinac Bridge
- Scenic Manitoulin drive
- Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
- Tobermory Harbor
- Sunset along Georgian Bay
Overnight: Tobermory
Day 7: Bruce Peninsula National Park
Dedicate an entire day to one of Ontario’s most spectacular national parks.
Arrive early to hike to the famous Grotto before the crowds. Continue to Indian Head Cove and, if you’re feeling adventurous, hike a section of the Bruce Trail for additional cliff-top views.
Spend another evening enjoying Tobermory’s waterfront restaurants.
Highlights
- The Grotto
- Indian Head Cove
- Bruce Trail
- Cyprus Lake
- Marr Lake
Overnight: Tobermory
Day 8: Fathom Five National Marine Park
Instead of squeezing this into one afternoon, dedicate an entire day to exploring Fathom Five.
Take a boat cruise to Flowerpot Island, hike around the island, photograph the famous rock pillars, and enjoy the crystal-clear water that makes this area so unique. Many tours also pass historic shipwrecks visible beneath the surface.
After returning to Tobermory, enjoy one final evening overlooking Little Tub Harbour.
Highlights
- Flowerpot Island
- Glass-bottom boat cruise
- Sea caves
- Historic shipwrecks
- Big Tub Lighthouse
Overnight: Tobermory
Day 9: Tobermory to Goderich
Today’s drive follows one of Ontario’s prettiest stretches of shoreline.
Stop in Lion’s Head for spectacular cliff-top views before continuing south through Sauble Beach, Southampton, Point Clark Lighthouse, and Kincardine.
Finish in Goderich, where you’ll experience one of Lake Huron’s legendary sunsets.
Highlights
- Lion’s Head
- Sauble Beach
- Southampton
- Point Clark Lighthouse
- Goderich
Overnight: Goderich
Day 10: Goderich to Port Huron
Continue south through Grand Bend before spending a few hours exploring Pinery Provincial Park, known for its massive sand dunes and beautiful beaches.
From there, drive to Sarnia before crossing the Blue Water Bridge back into Michigan.
Rather than ending the trip immediately, spend one final night in Port Huron so you aren’t rushing home.
Highlights
- Grand Bend
- Pinery Provincial Park
- Sarnia Waterfront
- Blue Water Bridge
Overnight: Port Huron
Hidden Gems Along the Route
If you have additional time, these stops are well worth adding to your itinerary.
- Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
- Ocqueoc Falls
- Providence Bay Beach
- Cup and Saucer Trail
- Flowerpot Island
- Lion’s Head Lookout
- Point Clark Lighthouse
- Pinery Provincial Park
- Point Farms Provincial Park
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (this isn’t a hidden gem, but it is actually located not far from Mackinac Island, so if you have an extra day, be sure to visit this place)
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the most popular time to drive the Lake Huron Circle Tour thanks to warm temperatures, ferry service, and long daylight hours. Beaches, boat tours, and hiking trails are all at their best between June and early September.
Early fall is another excellent choice, offering colorful foliage, smaller crowds, and comfortable hiking weather. While the route remains open year-round, some attractions, ferry services, and seasonal businesses operate on limited schedules outside the summer months.
Where to Stay
| Area | Nights | Check Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Bay City | 1 | Check hotel deals |
| Alpena | 1 | Check hotel deals |
| Mackinaw City | 1 | Check hotel deals |
| St. Ignace | 1 | Check hotel deals |
| Manitoulin Island | 1 | Check hotel deals |
| Killarney | 1 | Check hotel deals |
| Tobermory | 2 | Check hotel deals |
| Goderich | 1 | Check hotel deals |
Before You Go
- Carry a valid passport for entering Canada.
- Reserve accommodations in Tobermory and Manitoulin Island several months in advance if traveling during summer.
- Download offline maps, as cell service can be unreliable in remote sections.
- Bring sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to visit the Grotto or hike the Cup and Saucer Trail.
- Pack sunscreen, bug spray, reusable water bottles, and a light jacket, as temperatures near the lake can change quickly.
- Watch for wildlife, especially deer, during early morning and evening drives.
Final Thoughts
The Lake Huron Circle Tour is proof that some of North America’s best road trips remain surprisingly overlooked. Over ten unforgettable days you’ll experience everything from quiet beaches and historic lighthouses to dramatic cliffs, island adventures, and some of the clearest freshwater landscapes on the continent.
Whether you’re hiking to the Grotto, cycling around Mackinac Island, watching the sunset in Goderich, or cruising past Flowerpot Island, this journey offers a little bit of everything. If you’re looking for a scenic Great Lakes road trip that blends outdoor adventure with charming lakeside towns, the Lake Huron Circle Tour is hard to beat.
Looking to make this trip in the fall or late summer of 2027.
Nice! Let me know if you gave any questions about this trip!
i’m from Southeast Michigan, and this trip looks fantastic. Newly retired. I’d love taking 3 to 4 day trips to Traverse, Saugatuck, etc. But… My traveling companion is my small terrier dog. Anyway, this trip is, or can be made, pet friendly?
Hi Carol it is pretty pet friendly in my experience, so you should be OK. But I’m not sure if 3-4 days is enough, perhaps half the Circle tour would be realistic here.