Lake Michigan Road Trip: A Complete Visitor Guide

Circling one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, a Lake Michigan road trip offers an unforgettable mix of scenic coastlines, vibrant small towns, serene beaches, historic lighthouses, and Midwestern charm. Whether you start in Chicago or a sleepy beach town in Michigan, this road trip is filled with endless adventure. It’s perfect for anyone craving shoreline views, nature hikes, and local culture, all in one epic loop.

Overview

Lake Michigan is the only one of the Great Lakes entirely within the U.S., bordered by Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The entire loop around the lake spans about 1,100 miles and can be comfortably explored in 5–7 days or broken down into shorter legs for weekend getaways.

You’ll experience a blend of urban excitement in cities like Chicago and Milwaukee, along with quiet beach escapes, rolling sand dunes, and scenic byways like the M-22 in Michigan. Whether you’re into hiking, lakefront photography, breweries, or simply coastal cruising, there’s something for every type of traveler here.

Photos

How to Get There

The most popular starting points for a Lake Michigan road trip include:

Chicago, IL – Ideal for flights (via O’Hare or Midway airports) and rental cars (check flight deals).
Milwaukee, WI – A great northern entry with less traffic and charming lakefront access (check flight deals).
Grand Rapids, MI – Located inland, but close to several top Michigan lakeshore towns (check flight dea l s).

From any of these, it’s easy to access Highway 31 or US-12, which trace most of the lakeshore.

Best Times to Visit

Late Spring (May–June): Fewer crowds, blooming wildflowers, and mild temperatures.
Summer (July–August): Peak beach season with vibrant festivals and ideal swimming conditions.
Fall (September–October): Stunning fall foliage, quieter roads, and crisp air, especially scenic in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Winter: Beautiful but limited road accessibility near dunes and shoreline parks.

10 Best Road Trip Stops

Because of it’s sheer size, there’s so much to see and do around here. There’s a great page on Tripadvisor on Lake Michigan I recommend checking out, but here’s a list of the top things to do:

Chicago, Illinois – Begin your loop with skyline views, Lake Shore Drive, and deep-dish pizza.
Indiana Dunes National Park, IN – Explore towering dunes and quiet beaches near Porter.
New Buffalo, MI – A quaint beach town with boutique shops and scenic lakefronts.
Holland, MI – Dutch-style charm, tulip gardens, and historic lighthouses.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI – Epic dune climbs and views over turquoise waters.
Traverse City, MI – Wine country meets coastal charm; perfect for a long afternoon stop.
Ludington State Park, MI – A blend of forest, dunes, and historic Big Sable Point Lighthouse.
Door County, WI – A peninsula full of cherry orchards, shoreline drives, and outdoor adventure.
Milwaukee, WI – Grab a craft beer, walk the Riverwalk, or visit the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Sheboygan, WI – A hidden gem for surfers, seafood lovers, and beachgoers.

Map

8 Hidden Gems (Don’t Miss These!)

Fishtown in Leland, MI – A preserved fishing village with shanties turned into waterfront shops.
Point Betsie Lighthouse – A colorful, lesser-known lighthouse near Frankfort, MI.
Saugatuck Dunes State Park – Remote trails and sandy solitude.
Two Rivers, WI – Home to the original ice cream sundae and a tranquil beach vibe.
Kohler-Andrae State Park – Wind-swept dunes and boardwalk hikes without the crowds.
Cave Point County Park – Amazing shoreline cliffs, sea caves and places to swim and enjoy the sunset views.
Tunnel of Trees – Located in the eastern part of Lake Michigan, it’s a scenic drive through beautiful tree groves (especially in the fall) and beautiful towns along the way.
Glass Beach (Northport, Michigan): Tucked along the Leelanau Peninsula near the town of Northport, this hidden shoreline is known as Glass Beach, a local secret where colorful, wave-polished beach glass washes ashore. Though smaller and lesser known than the famous Glass Beach California, it offers a unique treasure hunt for visitors who stroll the pebbly sands. It’s best visited early in the morning or after a storm when new glass is most likely to appear.

1–5 Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Chicago to Holland, MI

Drive time: 2.5 hours
Highlights: Indiana Dunes, New Buffalo, beach at Holland State Park

Day 2: Holland to Traverse City, MI

Drive time: 3.5 hours
Highlights: Grand Haven, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Fishtown in Leland

Day 3: Traverse City to Ludington, MI

Drive time: 2.5 hours
Highlights: Wine tasting, Point Betsie Lighthouse, Ludington State Park

Day 4: Ludington to Door County, WI (via ferry or around)

Drive time:4–6 hours
Highlights: Scenic ferry from Ludington to Manitowoc, explore Fish Creek and Peninsula State Park

Day 5: Door County to Milwaukee to Chicago

Drive time: 4.5 hours
Highlights: Cherry orchards, Milwaukee breweries, final lakefront stretch to Chicago

Packing List

If you plan to do any outdoor activities around Lake Michigan, you’ll need some gear which if you don’t already have, check out my Amazon gear list to get them, but here they are:

Lightweight layers (even in summer, lakeside breezes can get chilly)
Beachwear and swim gear
Hiking shoes or sandals with grip
Reusable water bottle and picnic supplies
Camera or phone with ample storage
Rain jacket or windbreaker
Sun protection (sunglasses, hat, SPF)
National Park Pass (if visiting Indiana Dunes or Sleeping Bear Dunes)
Snacks for long driving stretches

Where to Stay

I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels on Lake Michigan (shoreline) you can check out, but here’s a quick overview of the towns, cities and options available:

Boutique Hotels: Traverse City, Saugatuck, Door County
Camping: Ludington State Park, Kohler-Andrae State Park
Unique Rentals: Lakeside cabins in South Haven or Grand Haven
Urban Hotels: Chicago and Milwaukee offer modern lakefront stays with city views

Things to Know Before You Go

Ferry Option: The SS Badger ferry runs between Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI during summer and saves time
Cell Service: Expect limited service in some dune areas and parks.
Toll Roads: Certain stretches in Illinois may require tolls, carry a small amount of cash or check I-PASS compatibility.
Seasonal Closures: Some parks and trails may be closed in early spring or late fall. Always check ahead.
Time Zone Change: You’ll cross between Eastern and Central time zones along the route, plan accordingly.
Swimming risks: Lake Michigan’s waters can be unpredictable due to weather, currents and other conditions. Be sure to check before entering the water if you plan to swim or kayak.

Final Thoughts

A Lake Michigan road trip is a journey through the heart of the Midwest, where natural beauty and small town charm meet sandy shorelines and panoramic views. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend escape or a full-week adventure, the lake’s diverse attractions offer something unforgettable in every season. Take the slow roads, stop at the hidden spots, and build your own itinerary around what speaks to you, because Lake Michigan is best explored with flexibility, curiosity, and the windows down.

Lake Superior: A First Time Visitor Guide