aaa of michigan travel

Michigan & Wisconsin Tourbook Guide

Including detroit, milwaukee, wisconsin dells and isle royal national park.

Explore the natural beauty and unique cultural history of Michigan and Wisconsin with the digital AAA TourBook Guide. With its many national parks, forests and lakeshores and the Great Lakes, this region offers seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Experience the cultures of Bavaria in Frankenmuth and Switzerland in New Glarus, Wisconsin. Explore automotive history at the Henry Ford or music history at the Motown Historical Museum in Detroit, Michigan. Plan your next trip with the help of AAA's digital TourBook travel guide, available on mobile, tablet or desktop.

With the help of the Michigan and Wisconsin guide, you'll get advice from AAA travel experts about the best things to see and do, where to stay and how to plan the trip of a lifetime. You'll learn insider travel tips and answers to many top questions asked by travelers.

Here's a sampling of things you'll find in the Michigan and Wisconsin guide:

• Why Wisconsin Dells is worth a visit
• What to see and do in Isle Royale National Park
• How to experience what life was like in an 1880s immigrant village
• Why the Motown Historical Museum is a bucket list experience
• Where to sample the region's wines, cheese and craft beers
• How Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore got its name
• Where to camp, hike and fish in state parks and national public lands
• Why Milwaukee was once known as “the German Athens”
• How to safely explore Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

What are some of the must-dos covered in this guide?

We know no two travelers are alike, so we've included a wide variety of things to do in each TourBook guide, from national parks and recreational activities to museums and theme parks.

We cover the top outdoor spots to visit in Michigan and Wisconsin, including national lakeshores, national parks and the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Learn about local history at Old World Wisconsin or the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Take the whole family to ride the roller coasters at Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park. Go behind the scenes on a tour of American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) or spot bald eagles, beavers and deer on the Johnny Quest Adventure Tour.

You'll find these attractions and more in this digital destination guide.

Will this guide help me plan a road trip?

Yes! This guide includes inspiration for scenic drives in Michigan and Wisconsin. You can also use the high-quality maps to get started planning your own route.

Is national parkland information included?

Yes. The Michigan and Wisconsin TourBook guide includes detailed information and travel tips for Isle Royal National Park, Apostle Islands, Pictured Rocks and Sleeping Bear national lakeshores, the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and several national forests.

Explore the Michigan and Wisconsin digital TourBook guide and start planning your next travel adventure today!

Your Dreams, AAA Travel Expertise

Trip Canvas is your destination to create incredible vacations with exclusive member benefits, inspiration and ideas from AAA experts.

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AAA warns Michigan travelers to book summer vacations soon as demand skyrockets

AAA reports more Michiganders are gearing up for road trips in the next three months compared to the last two summer travel seasons.

A survey from AAA found 83% of Michigan residents plan to travel this year, with more than half opting for a summer vacation.

Lake destinations and beaches were the most popular vacation spots, followed by national and state parks, major cities and theme parks.

Adrienne Woodland, a spokesperson for AAA in Michigan, says about 90% of the state’s summer vacationers will be hitting the roads instead of getting on a plane.

That's as the average price of gas in the state has dropped for the third straight week.

“ So, definitely everyone is excited about being able to get out and travel this summer,” Woodland said.

International travel reservations are also up 200% percent compared to last year.

Many countries have lifted any remaining COVID-19 protocols for entry which may have led to that increase in demand.

Woodland says less than a quarter of travelers have solidified their reservations, so she’s urging travelers to plan ahead.

“If you plan to travel this summer, it's really important for you to book that travel now and make those plans now,” she said.

She also says that increase in international travel is also causing backlogs in passport renewal processing. Woodland recommends beginning those renewals in advance of any international travel plans to guarantee reservations.

AAA: 2.6M in Michigan to travel around July 4 holiday

More than 2.6 million Michigan residents will be traveling around the week of July 4 as gas prices ebb ahead of the holiday, AAA officials announced Thursday.

Of the 70.9 million people traveling across the country ahead of Independence Day, AAA projects 2.3 million Michiganders will be taking a road trip of more than 50 miles between June 29 and July 7.

Another 94,262 residents might fly to their destination while 155,535 will opt for another mode of travel, AAA said in a travel forecast.

These crowds come as AAA projects consumers will spend 5.5% more money than in 2023, since their confidence has been on the upswing as of last month.

Consumer confidence had taken a hit since January, but a 2.5% GDP growth from last year shows conditions may be changing for the better, AAA reported.

Michiganians hit the roads

The number of Michiganians headed for a road trip increased by more than 117,000 than the same time period in 2023, according to AAA. Drivers may be in luck as gas prices have been dwindling on a downward trend recently.

Michigan residents are still paying more to fill their tanks as of Thursday compared to July 4, 2023, when the state average was $3.52, according to a AAA release.

Whether gas prices shoot back up or stay low could come down to international politics and any extreme weather along the Gulf of Mexico, AAA said.

The worst auto traffic will likely hit on July 3 as area residents are leaving town, according to AAA. Traffic will resurge again on July 7 as travelers return home, Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said in the release.

Drivers on Interstate 94 west from Toronto to Detroit will be stuck in peak traffic congestion on July 8 at 3:30 p.m., according to AAA. Travelers could take up to five hours and 35 minutes to drive between the two cities at that point — a trip that would be 29% longer than usual, according to AAA.

AAA also recommends drivers head out before noon between July 3 and July 7 if they want to beat peak traffic congestion.

"Drivers in large metro areas can expect the worst traffic delays on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and Sunday, July 7th, as they return," Pishue said in the release. “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”

More holiday flights and cruises in store

AAA projects a record-setting 5.74 million people across the country will take domestic flights to their July 4 destinations in a 7% step up from 2023 figures.

Domestic flights are also 2% cheaper around the holiday this year, with the average roundtrip ticket totaling out to $800, according to AAA.

Travelers should get to the airport at least 2 hours early, reserving parking ahead of time and use carry-on luggage to minimize wait times, AAA said

Another 4.6 million people nationwide will likely travel on buses, cruises and trains, marking a 9% rise in non-car, non-air travel compared to 2023, according to the group's release.

The recent shift in the travel category still falls short of pre-COVID-19 pandemic numbers, when 4.79 million people chose alternative transportation around July 4, according to AAA.

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Don’t drive drunk. Call AAA this 4th of July weekend

• Updated: Jul. 04, 2024, 10:28 a.m. |
• Published: Jul. 04, 2024, 7:00 a.m.

AAA offers free tows within a 10-mile radius for Michiganders who are unable to drive home this holiday weekend. The program should be considered a last resort before drunk driving. (Courtesy image provided by AAA) AAA Michigan

• Justin P. Hicks | [email protected]

If your plans for celebrating the Fourth of July involve alcohol, be sure to have a plan for getting home safely.

If that plan falls through, call AAA.

The Auto Club Group is activating its “Tow to Go” program in Michigan and around the country, offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles.

Related : 60% of Michigan road restrictions to be lifted for 4th of July weekend

Residents can call 855-286-9246 anytime the remainder of the week, through 6 a.m. Monday, July 8. A tow truck will be dispatched, free of charge, to transport you and your vehicle within a 10-mile radius.

AAA member status is not necessary to take advantage of the program. The free and confidential local ride is available for parties of one.

“By providing this program, AAA gives drivers no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications,” said Adrienne Woodland, an AAA spokeswoman.

Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance. Rather, these rides are meant to be a safety net. Groups are still advised to designate a driver.

AAA’s free ride and tow program may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.

In 2023, Michigan reported 8,817 crashes involving alcohol as a factor, and 2,250 in which drugs were a factor. Those crashes killed a combined 553 people.

Last year’s totals were an improvement from previous years . Alcohol-related crashes declined more than 5%, and drug-related crashes were down 8%.

Nationally, 487 people died in traffic crashes during the Fourth of July holiday period in 2022, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Of those fatalities, 27% involved a crash in which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration twice the legal limit or higher.

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Record high travel in Michigan ahead of July 4th

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - You can expect plenty of company as you head to your holiday destination.

AAA predicts a record 71 million people across the country will travel this weekend A record high number of travelers are also expected to hit the roads here in Michigan.

That number, 2.6 million Michiganders expected to travel for Independence Day. This is up from 2.3 million in 2023. And speaking of highs, gas in the state is also up in the state,

According to AAA gas prices are up 16 cents higher from last week. You could pay on average $55 for a full 15-gallon tank of gas. Once you hit the road, Michigan’s Department of Transportation is pausing construction and removing lane restrictions on 60% of projects. Travelers say even so, they’re still expecting slight delays.

“It’s about an hour and fifteen minutes I’m anticipating a little bit of traffic but super excited,” said Bree Minor who’s traveling to Indiana.

“We always anticipate traffic when going up north especially since were usually commuting on Friday’s. But we’re definitely expecting some traffic and to take it slow with closures and things like that. I’m coming from Kalamazoo so i know how bad it is over there right now, so I’m kind of anticipating the same thing,” said Morgan Gillies who’s traveling to Gladwin County.

Before you hit the road, you’ll want to check your tires, battery, and fluids. Prepare a safety kit just in case.

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MDOT removes lane restrictions amid Fourth of July travel across Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (WILX)—The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is pausing construction and removing lane restrictions on 60% of its projects Wednesday so that people can get to their Independence Day destinations quicker and safer.

MDOT said it will begin removing restrictions at 3 p.m. Wednesday and that restrictions will be lifted until July 8.

According to AAA, 2.3 million Michiganders will travel 50 miles or more to get to their holiday destination, setting a new record.

MDOT said some lane restrictions will remain in place during the holiday weekend. The following list is lane restrictions that will remain in place throughout Mid-Michigan during the holiday weekend:

• I-69 , Clinton County, has one lane closed in each direction between Old US-27 to US-127.
• I-69 Business Loop (Cochran Road), Eaton County, is closed at the Battle Creek River.
• I-94 , Jackson County, has all the exit and entrance ramps at Dearing Road closed. Dearing Road is closed at I-94 and detoured.
• The northbound Lansing Road ramp to eastbound I-96 is closed.
• M-99 has one lane closed in each direction at I-96.
• Washington Road is closed at I-96.
• Billwood Highway is closed at I-96.
• M-106 (Cooper Street) in Jackson, Jackson County, has the southbound lanes closed and detoured from Morrell Street to High Street.
• The northbound and southbound US-23 exits to Silver Lake Road are closed.
• The Silver Lake Road entrance ramps to northbound and southbound US-23 are closed.
• Silver Lake Road is closed at US-23.
• The northbound US-127/I-496 ramps are closed and detoured at Dunckel Road, Trowbridge Road, westbound I-496, and Kalamazoo Street.
• The Kalamazoo Street and Trowbridge Road entrance ramps to southbound US-127/I-496 are closed.
• The Trowbridge Road ramps to westbound I-496 are closed.
• Jordan Lake Road , Ionia County, is closed over I-96 with all ramps open.

To see more lane restrictions across Michigan, visit MDOT’s website .

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July 4th travel: Worst time to drive in Michigan starts now

Millions expected to travel for 4th of july holiday.

AAA projects that, nationwide, a record 60.6 million people will travel by car this week -- which is 2.8 million more travelers than last year.

With more than 60 million Americans expected to drive this week for Independence Day, those who left on Monday or Tuesday are looking pretty smart. If you're leaving Wednesday - you won't be alone.

INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, said the worst times to travel by car before and on July 4 are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

According to INRIX, Monday would have been the best day to leave as traffic was minimal – and would have been an ideal time to load up and head Up North - but this is Wednesday. Unless you plan to arrive before noon, be patient.

The worst time to be on the road for the next few days is between 2 and 7 p.m.

Of course, driving later in the day may be an easier go on traffic but it also includes the chances of hitting a deer – especially Up North.

Just slow down and wait it out. You'll get there.

Construction restrictions lifting

From 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 through 6 a.m. Monday, July 8, the state will remove lane restrictions on 105 out of 174 road projects statewide.

We listed all 105 projects throughout the state – including the Upper Peninsula – that will take a quick break for the July 4th travel . 

Speeding crackdown in Michigan

Another reason to slow down? Michigan law enforcement will be looking for speeders.

Throughout the month of July, a new enforcement period is underway to address speed-related crashes in a combined effort from Michigan State Police and city and county police departments across the state.

In 2022, there were 26,700 crashes on Michigan roads that involved speeding, which is an 8.7 increase over the 24,555 speed-related crashes in 2021.

Katie Bower, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said the goal of the increased enforcement is to help save lives and change risky driving behaviors, including speeding.

"Each speeding vehicle is a potential catalyst for tragedy, adding to the grim tally of preventable fatalities and crashes each year," Bower said. "It is our hope this speed enforcement period will help lessen the impact of dangerous, impatient drivers this summer. While some people may focus on fines for speeding, the biggest issues are how many lives are put at risk because of speeding and how many crashes could be avoided if drivers simply slowed down."

And if you're drinking – don't drive.

AAA Tow to Go

Every major holiday, AAA offers up its free AAA Tow to Go. This is a free service to everyone – AAA members or not – that gets you home safely. 

Over 25 years, more than 30,000 impaired drivers have safely been taken off the road by Tow To Go. 

"By providing this program, AAA gives drivers no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications," said Adrienne Woodland, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. "Please plan ahead by asking a friend to be your designated driver or use a ride sharing service. If those plans fall through, you can call Tow to Go and AAA will arrange for a safe ride for you."

AAA Tow to Go starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday through 6 a.m. on Monday, July 8.

There's no reason to drive drunk and put other people and yourself at risk.

To get a ride, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. AAA will take you and your car anywhere within a 10-mile radius.