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Travel the Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is roughly 1,100 miles long and would take 14.5 hours with no stops.

Northern Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Northwest Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Northeastern wisconsin.

Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour

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Lighthouse Driving Itinerary

Lake michigan circle tour itinerary plan.

The Great Lakes Circle Tours are a total of four routes circling each Great Lake, with the exception of Lake Ontario. The State of Michigan has signed each of the circle tours for the Great Lakes the state touches: the Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior Circle Tours. These tours were originally conceived as an aid for travelers who wished to stick close to the shorelines of the lakes in their journeys. You’ll find the Lake Michigan Circle Tour route below.

Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour

The Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour is a free publication available from the West Michigan Tourist Association to accompany the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.  Request your free copy of the Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour .

Lake Michigan Circle Tour Route

Michigan side.

The route of the mainline Lake Michigan Circle Tour in Michigan follows signed state trunkline routes in its entirety, although in some places the nearest state highway to the Lake Michigan may be several miles away. Along with the primary Circle Tour route, several marked “Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loops” have been posted using white-on-brown signs. These loops may follow state highways or utilize city streets and county roads running closer to the shoreline. These loop routes are detailed below the mainline route below:

• The Lake Michigan Circle Tour enters Michigan from Indiana on US-12 south of New Buffalo and proceeds northerly through New Buffalo to I-94.
• The route leaves US-12 and continues northerly on I-94 from Exit 4 toward St Joseph. At Exit 23, the route exits I-94 and continues northerly into downtown St Joseph via BL I-94.
• In St Joseph, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour continues northerly on M-63 into northern Berrien Co.
• At the nothern terminus of M-63, the circle tour proceeds northerly on I-196/US-31 toward South Haven.
• The route leaves I-196/US-31 at Exit 18 and loops through South Haven using BL I-196.
• On the east side of South Haven, where BL I-196 ends at I-196/US-31 Exit 20, the route continues north into Allegan Co on I-196/US-31.
• While the Lake Michigan Circle Tour remains on I-196/US-31 at Saugatuck/Douglas, a locally-designated Lake Michigan Circle Tour Harbor Tour loop route is signed concurrently with A-2/Blue Star Hwy between Exits 36 and 41.
• The circle tour continues northerly on US-31/BL I-196 toward Holland at Exit 44 when I-196 splits off to the east.
• At Exit 47, route signage indicates that the circle tour exits US-31 and loops through downtown Holland following the former route of BUS US-31/BL I-196. However, this business loop route through Holland was removed in August 2004 (signage removed in May 2005), but Lake Michigan Circle Tour markers along US-31 itself still indicates the route exits US-31 onto a business route which no longer exists. Therefore, the new de facto route for the circle tour continues northerly past Holland via the US-31 bypass.
• On the east side of Holland, the route continues northerly following US-31 through Grand Haven and toward Norton Shores.
• At the jct of US-31 & I-96, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour leaves US-31 and follows BUS US-31 through downtown Muskegon.
• Northeast of downtown Muskegon, the route continues northerly via M-120 to North Muskegon and northeasterly back to US-31.
• Back on US-31, the circle tour continues northerly toward Ludington, leaving US-31 twice: once to follow the route of BUS US-31 through the downtowns of Whitehall and Montague in northern Muskegon Co; and again to follow the route of BUS US-31 through downtown Pentwater in Oceana Co.
• At the end of the US-31 freeway near Ludington, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour turns east following US-10/US-31 toward Scottville.
• At Scottville, the circle tour turns northerly again to follow US-31 toward Manistee, although a locally-designated Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loop Route formerly continued east on US-10 into downtown, then northerly via Old US-31 back to US-31 and the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. (NOTE: The Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loop route through Scottville was removed/decommissioned some time in late 2004 or early 2005 and no longer exists.)
• The route continues northerly from Scottville and through Manistee on US-31.
• Northeast of Manistee, the route turns northerly to follow M-22 through Onekama, Frankfort and Empire.
• Northeast of Empire, a Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loop Route leaves M-22 to follow M-109 past Glen Haven, rejoining M-22 at Glen Arbor. (The mainline LMCT remains on M-22 between Empire and Glen Arbor.)
• From Glen Arbor, the circle tour continues northerly on M-22 through Leland to Northport. At Northport, M-22 and the Lake Michigan Circle Tour turn nearly 180 degrees to head southerly into Traverse City.
• At Traverse City, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour returns to US-31 and continues northerly via US-31 through Elk Rapids, Charlevoix and Petoskey and on toward the Mackinac Bridge.
• South of Mackinaw City, where US-31 ends, the route continues northerly on I-75 crossing the Mackinac Bridge and entering the Upper Peninsula at St Ignace. Between Mackinaw City and St Ignace, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is jointed by the Lake Huron Circle Tour.
• In St Ignace, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour continues westerly along US-2 for more than 140 miles through Manistique and Gladstone to Escanaba.
• At Escanaba, the circle tour continues southwesterly via M-35 along the Green Bay shoreline to Menominee
• The route continues south on US-41 through Menominee and enters Wisconsin at Marinette.

Thanks to Chris Bessert and the Michigan Highways site for the route.

Wisconsin Side

In Wisconsin, the mainline of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour follows signed state highway routes in its entirety, although in some places the nearest state highway to the Lake Michigan may be several miles away. This route listing lists the official route as well as any locally-designated and marked “Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loops,” which are generally posted with brown signs. These loop routes are detailed below the mainline route below:

• The Lake Michigan Circle Tour enters Wisconsin from Illinois via STH-32 and proceeds northerly through the downtowns of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee, all the while following STH-32 religiously.
• In northern metropolitan Milwaukee, the LMCT joins I-43/STH-32/STH-57 heading northerly into Ozaukee Co.
• At Grafton, the tour departs I-43 to remain on STH-32 and continues through Port Washington.
• On the north side of Port Washington, the tour rejoins I-43 and contines northerly via I-43/STH-32 toward Sheboygan.
• At Exit 123, the circle tour departs I-43 and continues northeasterly via STH-28 into Sheboygan.
• At STH-23, where STH-28 ends and STH-42 begins, the LMCT continues northwesterly via STH-42 back to I-43 at Exit 128.
• The route continues northerly via I-43 from Sheboygan to Manitowoc.
• At Manitowoc, the circle tour leaves I-43 at Exit 149 and continues into downtown via US-151.
• In downtown Manitowoc, the route continues northerly via US-10 to STH-42. Also in downtown Manitowoc, a rather unique Lake Michigan Circle Tour spur route begins: travelling straight across the lake via Lake Michigan Carferry’s S.S. Badger carferry!
• On the north side of Manitowoc, the tour continues northerly via STH-42 through the communities of Two Rivers, Kewaunee and Algoma into Door Co and the Door Peninsula.
• At STH-57, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour turns northeasterly via STH-42/STH-57 past Sturgeon Bay.
• The route then heads northeasterly along the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula via STH-57 through Jacksonport, meeting back up with STH-42 in Sister Bay.
• In Sister Bay, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour turns back southwesterly via STH-42 through Egg Harbor to Sturgeon Bay once again.
• Southwest of Sturgeon Bay, the tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay.
• At Green Bay, the circle tour transitions to the final seven miles of I-43 northwesterly to that highway’s northern terminus at US-41/US-141.
• The Lake Michigan Circle Tour then turns northerly via US-41/US-141 in Howard.
• A the US-41/US-141 split in Abrams, the circle tour veers northeasterly to follow US-41 through Oconto and Peshitgo on its way to Marinette.
• At Marinette, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour enters Michigan on the US-41 Interstate Bridge linking that city with its sister, Menominee, on the other bank.

Thanks to Chris Bessert and the Wisconsin Highways site for providing the route.

How to make the most of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour

• April 12, 2018

When it comes to Great American road trips along the water, California’s Pacific Coast Highway gets all the press. But I say the middle coast is incredibly underrated. Why not drive around Lake Michigan?

There are two ways to tackle this 900-mile, 14.5-hour drive. The first is to complete it all at once. The other? Break it into two separate trips—the north loop and the south loop. A ferry between Manitowoc, WI and Ludington, MI make it easy to bisect the huge body of water. The 620 passenger vessel can accommodate tour buses, RVs and cars, and takes about four hours. Sounds like a fun adventure to me!

In addition to resources on GoRVing.com , both Michigan and Wisconsin’s tourism boards do a great job of pointing you toward RV campgrounds along the route.    

Tackling the serene North Loop

Kick off your trip in Ludington, Michigan, heading north toward Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Traverse City. With its rich blue waters, white sand beaches and nothing but water on the horizon, it’s easy to see why this town is called the Caribbean of the North.

If you can, allot a few days here. Explore Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, the five local lighthouses (I have a thing for lighthouses!), and explore many great restaurants. From breakfast at the Grand Traverse Pie Company to Asian-inspired food at Alliance Restaurant, there’s no shortage of great places to grab a bite.

Next, it’s on to the “Tip of the Mitt” (aka the top of Michigan—you’ll notice locals regularly use their palm to denote locations within the state). Stop in Petoskey’s downtown, which overlooks Lake Michigan and offers terrific shopping, then continue on to Mackinaw City. From here, you must must must take the ferry to famous Mackinac Island. It’s one of my favorite places in the country. Touristy, sure, but I adore any place where no cars are allowed (here’s my travel guide to the island ). Simply leave your camper or RV on the mainland and head over for the day or even overnight.

From Mackinaw City, you’ll cross the “The Mighty Mac,” the 10th largest over water suspension bridge in the world. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (aka the U.P.).

For one of the strangest attractions in the area, visit Saint Ignace’s Mystery Spot , an area where gravity, allegedly, seems to have gone haywire. Is it a natural phenomenon… or cheesy tourist roadside stop? Hmm… maybe both. The route through the U.P. is quite rural, but offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Fall colors explore here, and there’s tons of great hiking and mountain biking.

Continue on to Marinette, WI. This area is known for its series of scenic and accessible waterfalls, located primarily in Marinette County’s Parks System. From there, it’s on to Green Bay, home of the Packers and historic Lambeau Field.

If you can, allocate a few days to picturesque Door County, WI. A weekend and holiday playground for Milwaukee and Chicago residents, you’ll find quaint shops, wineries, restaurants, pretty campgrounds and more on this peninsula. And with that, you’re headed to Manitowoc, home to the largest maritime museum on the Great Lakes, and where you can hop aboard the ferry back to Ludington.

Exploring the scenic South Loop

The south loop kicks off in Manitowoc. Head south down I-43 Sheboygan and into Milwaukee. If you’re lucky enough to drive through on a Friday, hit up one of the city’s many fish frys. In fact, no matter where you are in Wisconsin, this happens every single Friday. Think fried cod or perch served with tartar sauce, potato pancakes, apple sauce and coleslaw. Paired with a Wisconsin brewed beer or an old fashioned, it’s the quintessential ‘Sconnie meal.

Next stop? Chicago. Route 137 joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41), taking you past the Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium. Indiana is but a blip on the Circle Tour, passing through industrial Gary (birthplace of Michael Jackson), then onto Dunes Highway near the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. If weather permits, stretch your legs along the sandy shoreline, or hike the West Beach Dune Succession Trail and boardwalk. Nearby you’ll find the town of Beverly Shores, where you may view the five historic Century of Progress Homes from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.

The Dunes Highway continues on to Michigan City (which is actually in Indiana), then into the Great Lakes State. Explore the Riviera of the Midwest’s charming towns, like the wine lover’s haven of New Buffalo; St. Joseph and its delightful lighthouse and beach; and Holland, known for its Dutch heritage, quaint shops and restaurants, and its annual springtime Tulip Festival . Both Grand Haven and Muskegon are great stops for beach adventures, spectacular views of lakeside dunes, wilderness trails and more. There are plenty of places to park your RV for a night or extended stay.

The farther north you drive, the more scenic and less populated the landscape. Meander through the communities of Whitehall, New Era, Shelby, and Hart, as well as Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The blue waters adjacent to the dunes are so crystal clear, you can actually view a wreckage of three ships that sunk on November 11, 1940. Art lovers will adore Pentwater, which hosts arts and crafts fairs all summer long. Fifteen minutes north of Pentwater, you’ll be in Ludington, where you may catch the ferry back to Manitowoc.

Have you driven the Lake Michigan Circle Tour? Any tips for making the most of the experience?

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This Post Has 15 Comments

Do have a map of this tour?

Try this link. https://www.wmta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Lighthouse-Map-for-Web-2018.pdf

I loved the info. I grew up in Zion IL. Do you have a map of this tour?

I loved this info and grew up 50 miles north of Chicago in Zion. I wondered if you have a map of this tour?

I did this trip late last Sept in my T@b camper for 2-1/2 weeks. Made it as far as Mackinaw Island, but not the upper peninsula, It was the hottest two weeks MI had experienced all summer. Stayed in state parks all around the lake down to Holland. Let me just say, Lake Michigan is absolutely beautiful and the beaches and clear water made for some great swimming! I highly recommend Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat Park, the wineries on Traverse Bay, and the trip back in time on Mackinaw Island! Can’t wait to go back and go up into the Upper Peninsula!!!

@Kathy – Hello! I will be driving a camper for a 5 day trip around Lake Michigan, coming from Chicago. I saw your comment and was wondering if you had any additional suggestions/tips for camping. Sleeping Bear is definitely on the list already. I’m just trying to research easy places to stay for a night or two on the trip. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Stephanie

Try this on a Harley….. so much more fun.

I would love a paper map of the circle tour. Is that available? Been looking at lots of sites and see nothing. Thanks for any help.

My husband and I took a week’s vacation to drive around Lake Michigan a number of years ago – stopping and staying in many of the lakeside towns along the way. Even though we’ve vacationed in west and northern Michigan our whole lives, we discovered things we had never seen before or hadn’t seen in years. Shopping in Saugatuck, swimming in Lake Michigan all along the way, seeing Dorr County, WI, Lambeau Field and New Buffalo for the first time. Driving through the Tunnel of Trees along Lake MIchigan north of Harbor Springs (and lunch or dinner at Legs Inn in Cross Village on a shelf overlooking the lake.) Hanging out in Chicago. But somehow we missed Silver Lake Sand Dunes, still need to go back to see them! If you’re going now, check out some of the many craft breweries along the way — Greenbush (Sawyer, MI), New Holland (Holland, MI), Founders (Grand Rapids, MI), Right Brain, Workshop, & North Peak (Traverse City, MI), Short’s (Bellaire, MI), 3 Floyds (Munster, IN) — and tour the not-so-small Miller brewery in Milwaukee! And those are just the ones we’ve been to – there are many more. It’s a great trip, so beautiful!

Great tip. Harbor Spring Michigan is a must-do. Don’t forget Johans Backereys in Petosky and Harbor Springs!

Teri. I liked your comment around the Lake Michigan tour that you and your husband did, that is some thing that me and my wife would like to do this coming week, do you have a map or places that you may recommend to stop by. will appreciate if you can share it.

Alfredo & Austria

I would like a paper map, how do I get one?

West Michigan provides a paper map of the circle tour. It also shows most of the Lake Michigan Lighthouses on the route. You can print off your own map by downloading it or send a request and they will mail one to you. https://www.wmta.org/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-circle-tour/lighthouse-driving-itinerary/ You can also visit the: State of Michigan Historical Markers web site for additional places to visit: State of Wisconsin Historical Markers: https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15267 State of Illinois Historical Markes: http://www.historyillinois.org/HistoricalMarkers.aspx State of Indiana Historical Marker: https://www.in.gov/history/2350.htm I am also going to suggest a side trip to Beaver Island, Michigan which is the largest inhabited island in Lake Michigan, with a year round population. You can fly there from Charlevoix airport (15mins) or take the ferry from Charlevoix (2 and 1/2 hours) leave your car in Charlevoix you can rent a car (advance reservation suggested or rent a bike). There are a couple of primitive campgrounds that are only $10 a night both right on Lake Michigan! Thank you Samantha for your suggestions as well.

As a lifelong Mighigander, I have a few must see places that I visit whenever I vacation on the Lake Michigan shoreline: 1) Horizons bookstore in Traverse City- one of America’s great bookstores 2) Northern Latitudes Distillery in Leland 3) Scalawag’s Seafood in Traverse City and Mackinaw City 4) The Omelette Shoppe in Traverse City 5) Grand Traverse Winery in the Old Mission Peninsula

I grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, so I’m glad Sam mentions it. Pere Marquette beach there is indeed beautiful. Downtown is a short exit off US-31 and has a great brewery, Pigeon Hill, and I believe a distillery nearby as well. South of downtown is the excellent Hearthstone restaurant, from which you can easily get back to US-31. Head north on US-31, between Muskegon and Whitehall, and you’ll find Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park and water park. There are several camping options in the area, including Duck Creek RV Resort, which is across the street from Michigan’s Adventure.

I currently live in Chicago, where I’ve been for several years. I love the city, but it’s probably not the best place to visit on this driving tour. You can get around best without a car, and parking is really expensive. Also, since there’s a lot to do here, I think it warrants more time and thus a separate visit. If/when you do come to Chicago, my advice is to also get out of downtown and into the real neighborhoods, as they all offer cool restaurants, shops, pubs, festivals, etc. and more character.

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Lake Michigan Circle Itinerary: A 7-Day Road Trip Through 4 States

• 20 July 2021 16 May 2023

The Lake Michigan Circle is one of the quintessential, must-do American road trips . You’ll find beaches, forests, dunes, and plenty of local breweries and wineries during your 24-hour drive. The trip spans 4 different Midwestern states and dozens of different cities. Read on for a detailed 7-day Lake Michigan circle road trip itinerary !

Last updated: 9 April 2023

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).

Where to stay in Grand Haven

Where to stay near sleeping bear dunes, book a tour in traverse city, where to stay on mackinac island, where to stay on the upper peninsula, where to stay in milwaukee, book a tour in chicago, planning your lake michigan circle road trip.

This itinerary assumes that you’re starting in Chicago, but you can start from any part of the circle! You can also add or remove days based on how much time you have. I don’t recommend trying to do this in less than 5 days, however, as that would be too much driving at once to be enjoyable. Summer and fall are both wonderful times to take this trip since many of the activities are outdoors.

Lake Michigan circle road trip itinerary

Day 1: indiana dunes, holland, & grand haven.

From Chicago, drive 45 minutes over the state line to the Indiana Dunes. The Indiana Dunes National Park takes up 15 miles of shoreline around Lake Michigan and features a unique ecosystem with lots of native birds and plants. Spend the morning here either relaxing by the beach or doing something a bit more active. Afterwards, stop by the nearby town of Michigan City, IN for lunch at Shoreline Brewery.

Fun fact: the Indiana Dunes just became a National Park in February of 2019, making it the third-newest park after White Sands (December 2019) and New River Gorge (December 2020)!

Things to do at Indiana Dunes National Park

• Relax on one of the 8 beaches
• Hike through dunes, forest, or wetlands
• Kayak or canoe on Lake Michigan

Once you’ve gotten enough beach time, drive 1 hour and 40 minutes along the Dunes Highway to Holland, a city in the state of Michigan. Holland (you can probably guess by the name) is a former Dutch settlement in Michigan. The town could be mistaken for one in the Netherlands , with plenty of tulips, windmills, and European-style architecture. Spend some time exploring the town, and make sure to check out the Windmill Island and Tulip Gardens.

If you have some time, make a quick detour to Grand Rapids — there, you can check out the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, appreciate art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and have a drink at one of the many breweries.

After exploring Holland, drive thirty minutes to Grand Haven. There are plenty of delicious dinner spots here — Rustic Roots, Mamas Thai Cafe, and Righteous Cuisine are some good options. Catch the sunset at the Grand Haven State Park Lighthouse, then head over to the Musical Fountain in town (it plays nightly at dusk).

• Looking Glass Beachfront Inn
• The Harbor House Inn
• Washington Street Inn

Day 2: Silver Lake & Sleeping Bear Dunes

From Grand Haven, drive 55 minutes north to Petite Pointe Au Sable Lighthouse (Little Sable Point Lighthouse) in Mears, Michigan. Built in 1874, this lighthouse is a great place to take in the grandeur of Lake Michigan and the surrounding sand dunes. Drive a bit farther to get to the town of Ludington, where you can stop for coffee and some pastries at Red Rooster Coffee & Community or relax at Ludington State Park.

After your morning pick-me-up, continue driving north until you reach Inspiration Point. This viewpoint off of the main highway is one of the best places to get a bird’s eye view of the Lake Michigan shoreline. There are a few stairs to reach the top, so make sure to wear some comfortable shoes!

A 45-minute drive from Inspiration Point will bring you the main attraction of the day, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The park encompasses hundreds of acres of sand dunes, lakeshore, and forest. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, so spend your afternoon doing whatever sounds the most fun.

Things to do at Sleeping Bear Dunes

• Dune Climb: uphill sand climbs and hiking
• Walk or bike the Heritage Trail
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
• Canoe the Crystal and Platte rivers
• Camping : on the mainland or on North and South Manitou Islands
• Chimney Corners Resort in Frankfort
• Sylvan Inn Bed & Breakfast in Glen Arbor
• Cedar Ridge Cabins in Honor

Day 3: Traverse City & the Leelanau Peninsula

From Sleeping Bear Dunes, drive 45 minutes to Traverse City. Make sure to stop at Cherry Republic Gift Shop and Pyramid Point Trailhead along the way. You’re in wine country now — sampling some locally-produced bottles is a must today!

Things to do in Traverse City

• Wander around the charming downtown area
• Get a cider flight at Acoustic Tap Room
• Have a tasting at a winery
• Visit Mission Point Lighthouse

Where to stay in Traverse City

• Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn
• Hotel Indigo Traverse City
• The Spring Lighthouse B&B

Day 4: Mackinac Island

Drive 2 hours from Traverse City over to Mackinaw City. Along the way, you’ll drive through the Tunnel of Trees, one of the most scenic routes that feels like you’re getting swallowed by all the nature around you. When you get to Mackinaw City, you’ll need to take the ferry over to Mackinac Island (pronounced like Mack-i-naw ). Adult tickets cost $27 per person with the option of adding a bike pass for $12.

Buy ferry tickets here

Mackinac Island was founded in 1780 and occasionally, it seems like time has stopped completely. There are no cars allowed on the island, due in part to an 1898 ban on “horseless carriages” that has remained unchanged. You won’t find any chain hotels, either — every accommodation option is unique and family-owned. Biking is a popular way to get around the island, as are horse-drawn carriages. Mackinac Island is the best place in the Midwest to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

Things to do on Mackinac Island

• Rent a bike (or bring your own) and bike around the perimeter of the island. The M-185 Bicycle Route is 8.2 miles (13 km) long and takes about an hour to complete.
• Check out Arch Rock
• Take a horse-drawn carriage tour
• Learn some local history at Fort Mackinac
• Sample some world-famous fudge at Murdick’s
• Grab lunch at Mighty Mac Hamburgers
• Pine Cottage Bed & Breakfast
• The Inn at Stonecliffe
• Grand Hotel

Note: Hotels on Mackinac Island are notoriously expensive. To save some money, take the ferry back over to the mainland and stay in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace for the night.

Day 5: Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Today, you’ll leave the Lower Peninsula and cross over the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Although it’s only a 15-minute drive across the Straits of Mackinac, the Upper Peninsula feels like a different world from the colonial vibe of Mackinac Island. Its proximity to Canada , heavily forested hills, and lack of decent cell service make it feel like you’re at the ends of the earth. Spend today exploring all of the beautiful marvels of nature the UP has to offer.

Things to do on the Upper Peninsula

• Kayak to Lover’s Leap
• Hike Chapel Basin
• Relax at Miners Beach
• Take in the blue waters of Kitch-iti-kipi, a scenic natural spring
• Explore Fayette Historic Townsite
• Hike up the Porcupine Mountains
• Magnuson Grand Pioneer Inn and Suites in Escanaba
• Kewadin Sault Ste Marie Hotel in Sault Ste Marie
• Landmark Inn in Marquette

Day 6: Wisconsin’s lakeshore

On day 6 of our Lake Michigan circle itinerary, you’ll cross into our fourth and final state — Wisconsin. Land of New Glarus beer, Cheeseheads , and Midwestern hospitality, driving down Wisconsin’s lakeshore is a pleasure in and of itself. Although not quite as scenic as Michigan’s side of the lake, you’ll be sure to soak in some beautiful views along the way regardless.

Things to do on Wisconsin’s eastern coast

• Stop by the historic town of Marinette
• Eat some cheese curds in Green Bay
• Cheer on the Packers at Lambeau Field
• Go swimming at Point Beach State Forest
• Attend a concert at Milwaukee’s annual Summerfest
• Check out some art at the Milwaukee Art Museum
• Hike the Seven Bridges area
• The Muse Gallery Guesthouse
• Ambassador Hotel
• Hyatt Place Milwaukee Downtown

Day 7: Chicago

End your week-long trip right where you started — the Windy City, one of the greatest big cities in the world! Today, you’ll do some sightseeing and finish off strong with some hearty Chicagoan food. You’ve earned it after all that driving!

Things to do in Chicago

• Take cheesy mirror pics at the Bean
• Stroll down Michigan Avenue and do some shopping
• Stand on the edge of the Willis Tower (…ahem… Sears Tower ) Skydeck
• Order some deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati’s or a Chicago-style hot dog from Superdawg
• Ride the ferris wheel at Navy Pier
• Cheer on the Bears at Soldier Field

⇉ Chicago Summer Activities: The 21 Best Things to Eat, See, and Do

⇉ Winter in Chicago: The Best Things to Eat, See, and Do

Where to stay in Chicago

• LondonHouse
• theWit Chicago

If you have more time on your Lake Michigan circle tour

This Lake Michigan circle itinerary can be easily extended by spending a bit more time in each destination. Additionally, you can add stops to your trip in the following locations:

• New Buffalo
• Downtown South Haven
• Benton Harbor
• St. Joseph: Silver Beach County Park
• Silver Lake State Park
• Downtown Muskegon
• Isle Royale National Park
• Door Peninsula, the “Cape Cod of the Midwest”: Door County, Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, Sturgeon Bay, and Egg Harbor
• Take a boat trip to Washington Island
• Port Washington
• Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve

Things to know before your Lake Michigan circle trip

• If time is not a factor, you can extend your trip to become a full Great Lakes Circle Tour , adding on Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River! The full drive is 6,500 mi (10,460 km) long and takes over 100+ hours of driving.
• Some of the state highways in Illinois are toll roads. You can pay any unpaid tolls after the fact on the Illinois Tollway website .
• Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake that’s entirely inside the United States! You won’t be needing your passport for this single-nation circle tour.

Thanks for reading this Lake Michigan circle itinerary! I hope you found it helpful for planning your own road trip.

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Thanks for this itenerary! We did it exactly as is written this past June 2023. We did stay 2 days in Glen Arbor at the Sylvan Inn. We rented bikes in town and rode out on the heritage trail. We also rented kayaks to go down the creek there (can’t remember the name) That was my favorite place! I also really liked Traverse City. Unfortunately we did experience some of the smoke from the Canadian fires in both Milwaukee and Chicago, but it wasn’t horrible. We had beautiful weather on Mackinac Island however. I loved all the cherry stores, but was there too soon for the actual fruit! However we experienced no mosquitos that Michigan is known for. Beautiful sandy beaches, and friendly people!!

Following your itinerary! Shoreline Brewery is a must. Jasmine I’d the best!

Hi Niki! We are planning on using your itinerary this summer for a road trip with our 3 boys (ages 10,8,4). We want to spend a couple days in Chicago to kick it off. Which stops would you cut out while traveling with kids? (least kid-friendly activities). Thanks!

Hey Lauren! That sounds like an awesome trip! I’d say that the majority of this itinerary is actually super kid-friendly, especially if you go at your own pace and leave some extra room to stop between cities. Most of the suggestions I’ve listed are outdoors and/or free which is awesome! Running down sand dunes, exploring Mackinac Island, and camping/biking/hiking around Door Peninsula would be my must-dos with kids. If I had to pick one stop to get rid of, it would be the Leelenau Peninsula — there’s not as much to do and the kids would probably find the wineries/breweries boring. Chicago in particular is a really family-friendly city. Depending on what they’re interested in, I’d recommend checking out Lincoln Park Zoo, the Children’s Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, and the Museum of Science and Industry! Happy travels 🙂

Thanks so very much for your great website…. I was lucky to find you while considering my trip around Lake Michigan next Septembfer

I spend half an hour to read this website’s articles or reviews all the time along with a cup of coffee 🙂

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William and Hui Cha Stanek have carefully crafted these unforgettable road trips, each revealing the most scenic routes across the USA, Canada, and US Territories. But these journeys offer more than just breathtaking views - they're about the stories, experiences, and connections that make each trip truly special.

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(September 14, 2024) Iconic American Scenic Road Trip Guide: 5-Day Lake Michigan Circle Tour (Great Lakes)

• Route : Chicago to Mackinac Island and back
• Highlights : Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, Mackinac Bridge, Indiana Dunes
• Theme : Great Lakes Grandeur

Introduction

Embark on an unforgettable journey around the stunning Lake Michigan with the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. This "Great Lakes Grandeur" road trip takes you from the vibrant city of Chicago to the charming Mackinac Island, traversing beautiful coastal landscapes, towering dunes, historic landmarks, and picturesque towns before looping back. Join renowned photographers William and Hui Cha Stanek as they share their personal experiences and expert tips, guiding you through a road trip filled with awe-inspiring vistas and memorable moments.

Personal Insight from Hui Cha Stanek

"The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a journey that celebrates the grandeur of the Great Lakes region. From the bustling streets of Chicago to the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island, this route offers a diverse range of experiences and landscapes. William and I have always been captivated by the ever-changing scenery and the serene beauty of Lake Michigan. We're excited to share this adventure with you, capturing the essence of this magnificent lake through our lens."

Day 1: Chicago, IL to Holland, MI

Morning: departure from chicago.

Overview : Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Chicago. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local cafe and take a stroll along the iconic Navy Pier, where you can enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan. The energy of the city sets a perfect tone for the adventure ahead.

Tips from Hui Cha : "Start your drive early to avoid traffic and make the most of the daylight. Take a moment to appreciate the Chicago skyline and the vastness of Lake Michigan before hitting the road."

Mid-Morning: Scenic Drive to Indiana Dunes

Overview : Drive along the southern shore of Lake Michigan to Indiana Dunes National Park. The park features 15 miles of beautiful beaches, towering sand dunes, and lush forests, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Recommended Scenic Stops :

• Mount Baldy : The largest moving sand dune in the park, offering spectacular views.
• West Beach : A popular spot with scenic trails and stunning beach views.

Photography Tips : "Capture the contrast between the blue waters of Lake Michigan and the golden sand dunes. A wide-angle lens can help you encompass the vastness of the landscape."

Lunch: Michigan City, IN

Dining Recommendations :

• Shoreline Brewery : Offers a variety of craft beers and delicious pub fare.
• Hacienda Mexican Restaurant : Known for its flavorful Mexican dishes and lively atmosphere.
• Panini Panini : A cozy cafe offering gourmet sandwiches and salads.

Afternoon: Drive to Holland, MI

Overview : Continue your journey north to Holland, Michigan. Known for its Dutch heritage, Holland offers charming windmills, tulip gardens, and beautiful waterfront views.

Must-See Spots :

• Windmill Island Gardens : Features an authentic Dutch windmill and beautiful gardens.
• Holland State Park : Offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and the iconic Big Red Lighthouse.

Photography Tips : "Capture the vibrant colors of the gardens and the picturesque windmill. The late afternoon light can add a warm glow to your photos."

Evening: Overnight in Holland Accommodation Options :

• CityFlatsHotel : A modern and eco-friendly hotel with stylish accommodations.
• Haworth Hotel : Offers comfortable rooms and a convenient location near downtown Holland.
• Baert Baron Mansion : A charming bed and breakfast with historic decor and personalized service.

Day 2: Holland, MI to Traverse City, MI

Morning: departure from holland.

Overview : Begin your day with a scenic drive along the Lake Michigan shoreline, heading towards Traverse City. The route takes you through charming towns and picturesque countryside, offering a relaxing and visually rewarding journey.

• Grand Haven State Park : Known for its beautiful beach and historic lighthouse.
• Silver Lake Sand Dunes : Offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking and off-roading.

Photography Tips : "Capture the early morning light on the beach and dunes. The soft, diffused light can create beautiful, calming images."

Lunch: Ludington, MI

• The Blu Moon Bistro : Offers a variety of international dishes and local favorites.
• Jamesport Brewing Company : Known for its craft beers and delicious pub fare.
• Old Hamlin Restaurant : A cozy spot offering homestyle meals and friendly service.

Afternoon: Exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Overview : Arrive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Midwest. The park features towering sand dunes, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, offering stunning views and endless opportunities for outdoor activities.

• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive : A 7.4-mile loop with breathtaking overlooks.
• Dune Climb : A popular spot for climbing the towering sand dunes.

Photography Tips : "Capture the expansive views from the scenic drive overlooks. The golden hour light can add a warm, soft glow to your photos."

Evening: Overnight in Traverse City Accommodation Options :

• Hotel Indigo Traverse City : Offers modern accommodations with stunning views of West Grand Traverse Bay.
• Grand Traverse Resort and Spa : A luxury resort with excellent amenities and beautiful surroundings.
• The Baywatch Resort : A charming waterfront hotel with comfortable rooms and great views.

Day 3: Traverse City, MI to Mackinac Island, MI

Morning: exploring traverse city.

Overview : Spend the morning exploring Traverse City, known for its vibrant downtown, beautiful beaches, and renowned wineries. The city offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and cultural experiences.

• Clinch Park : A beautiful park with a beach, marina, and scenic trails.
• Mission Point Lighthouse : Offers stunning views and a glimpse into the area's maritime history.

Photography Tips : "Capture the charming downtown scenes and the serene beauty of the lighthouse. The early morning light can create soft, warm images."

Lunch: Petoskey, MI

• City Park Grill : Offers delicious meals with a focus on local ingredients.
• Palette Bistro : Known for its creative dishes and stunning bay views.
• Julienne Tomatoes : A cozy cafe offering gourmet sandwiches and salads.

Afternoon: Ferry to Mackinac Island

Overview : Continue your journey to Mackinac Island, taking a scenic ferry ride from Mackinaw City. The island, known for its historic charm, beautiful landscapes, and prohibition of motor vehicles, offers a unique and tranquil experience.

• Fort Mackinac : A historic fort offering interactive exhibits and stunning views.
• Arch Rock : A natural limestone arch providing breathtaking views of Lake Huron.

Photography Tips : "Capture the historic buildings and stunning natural formations on the island. The late afternoon light can enhance the charm and beauty of your photos."

Evening: Overnight on Mackinac Island Accommodation Options :

• Grand Hotel : A historic and luxurious hotel offering elegant accommodations and stunning views.
• Mission Point Resort : Offers comfortable rooms and beautiful waterfront views.
• The Inn at Stonecliffe : A charming inn with historic decor and serene surroundings.

Day 4: Mackinac Island, MI to Green Bay, WI

Morning: exploring mackinac island.

Overview : Spend the morning exploring more of Mackinac Island. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride or carriage tour around the island, taking in the beautiful scenery and historic landmarks.

• Mackinac Island State Park : Offers beautiful trails and scenic views.
• The Butterfly House : A unique attraction with hundreds of butterflies.

Photography Tips : "Capture the serene beauty of the island and the vibrant colors of the butterflies. The morning light can add a soft, enchanting glow to your photos."

Lunch: St. Ignace, MI

• Driftwood Restaurant & Sports Bar : Offers a variety of delicious meals with lake views.
• Java Joe's Cafe : Known for its hearty breakfasts and cozy atmosphere.
• Village Inn Restaurant : A great spot for local dishes and friendly service.

Afternoon: Drive to Green Bay

Overview : Continue your journey south, crossing the Mackinac Bridge and heading towards Green Bay. The route offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside, making for a scenic and relaxing drive.

• Father Marquette National Memorial : Offers beautiful views and a glimpse into the area's history.
• Door County : Known for its charming towns, beautiful parks, and scenic shorelines.

Photography Tips : "Capture the stunning views from the Mackinac Bridge and the picturesque scenes in Door County. The afternoon light can add warmth and depth to your photos."

Evening: Overnight in Green Bay Accommodation Options :

• Lodge Kohler : Offers luxurious accommodations and excellent amenities near Lambeau Field.
• Hyatt Regency Green Bay : A modern hotel with comfortable rooms and great views.
• St. Brendan's Inn : A charming inn with a cozy atmosphere and personalized service.

Day 5: Green Bay, WI to Chicago, IL

Morning: exploring green bay.

Overview : Spend the morning exploring Green Bay, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Visit the historic Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, and explore the beautiful parks and museums in the area.

• Lambeau Field : Offers stadium tours and a Packers Hall of Fame.
• Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary : A beautiful park with trails and wildlife exhibits.

Photography Tips : "Capture the historic stadium and the natural beauty of the wildlife sanctuary. The morning light can add a soft, warm glow to your photos."

Lunch: Milwaukee, WI

• The SafeHouse : A unique spy-themed restaurant offering delicious meals and a fun atmosphere.
• Blue's Egg : Known for its creative breakfast and brunch dishes.
• Sanford : A fine dining restaurant offering seasonal and innovative dishes.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive to Chicago

Overview : Conclude your journey with a scenic drive back to Chicago. As you travel along the western shore of Lake Michigan, reflect on the diverse landscapes and memorable experiences of your trip. The vibrant city of Chicago welcomes you back with its iconic skyline and bustling energy.

• Kenosha : Offers beautiful parks, beaches, and a charming downtown area.
• North Point Marina : A scenic marina with beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

Photography Tips : "Capture the charming scenes in Kenosha and the serene beauty of North Point Marina. The afternoon light can create beautiful reflections on the water."

Evening: Arrival in Chicago Accommodation Options :

• The Langham, Chicago : A luxurious hotel offering stunning views and excellent amenities.
• The Peninsula Chicago : Known for its elegance and top-notch service.
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco Chicago : A boutique hotel with stylish accommodations and a central location.

Personal Reflections from Hui Cha Stanek

"The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a journey that celebrates the grandeur of the Great Lakes region. From the vibrant energy of Chicago to the tranquil beauty of Mackinac Island, this route has offered a diverse range of experiences and landscapes. William and I have cherished every moment spent exploring the stunning coastal scenery and charming towns along Lake Michigan. As you travel this route, take the time to appreciate the ever-changing views and the serene beauty of the Great Lakes. Safe travels, and may your journey be as inspiring and memorable as the landscapes that surround you."

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September 14, 2024

5-Day Maui Road Trip Guide: Exploring the Valley Isle

From the lush rainforests of Hana to the dramatic heights of Haleakalā and the pastoral charm of Upcountry Maui, each stop will immerse you in a unique aspect of the island's splendor. This journey is designed to capture the essence of Maui, where every turn of the road reveals a new facet of its breathtaking beauty.

Route: Maui, HI Loop

Theme: Island Escapes

Highlights: Road to Hana, Haleakalā National Park, Upcountry Maui, West Maui Mountains

7-Day Cascade Loop (Washington)

The Cascade Loop is a journey through the diverse landscapes of Washington State, from the vibrant city of Seattle to the serene beauty of the North Cascades. William and Hui Cha Stanek have traveled this scenic route, capturing its stunning vistas and hidden gems. This guide takes you through lush forests, sparkling lakes, and charming towns, where every turn offers a new adventure.

Route: Seattle, WA to Leavenworth, WA to Anacortes, WA and back

Theme: Mountains and Waterways

Highlights: Deception Pass, Lake Chelan, Cascade Pass, Whidbey Island

5-Day Texas Hill Country Road Trip

The Texas Hill Country is a land of rolling hills, vibrant wildflowers, and rich history. This guide takes you through the heart of Texas, from the lively city of Austin to the historic towns and scenic landscapes of the Hill Country.

Route: Austin, TX to Fredericksburg, TX to San Antonio, TX to Dripping Springs, TX and back

Theme: Lone Star Landscapes

Highlights: LBJ National Historical Park, National Museum of the Pacific War, Enchanted Rock, The Alamo, River Walk, Gruene Historic District, Wineries, Westcave Grotto, Lake Travis

5-Day New Mexico Enchantment Road Trip

Explore the unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty in New Mexico, where the Land of Enchantment lives up to its name with every turn of the road. New Mexico is a land of enchantment, where the light is golden, the air is crisp, and the landscapes are otherworldly. We've wandered through the historic streets of Santa Fe, stood in awe of the Taos Pueblo, and marveled at the ancient ruins of Bandelier. This road trip is about experiencing the magic and mystery of New Mexico, a place that has always inspired and captivated us.

Route: Albuquerque, NM to Taos, NM to Santa Fe, NM and back

Theme: Southwestern Serenity

Highlights: Sandia Peak, Taos Pueblo, Bandelier National Monument, Santa Fe Plaza

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Unveiling the wonders of canyonlands and arches national parks: utah's iconic red rock landscape. 2-day itinerary..

Our journey began on a warm summer morning as we drove along the winding roads that lead to these two iconic parks. The desert stretched out before us, a sea of sagebrush and juniper trees, with the distant silhouette of the La Sal Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. We had been to Utah's red rock country before, but the sense of anticipation was still palpable. These parks have a way of drawing you in, of making you feel small in the best possible way.

Ultimate 5-Day Adventure Through Utah's Big Five: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion

Utah's Big Five national parks - Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion - represent some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the United States. For Hui Cha and me, exploring these parks over the course of five days was an adventure we had long dreamed of. Each park offers its own unique beauty, from the delicate arches of Arches National Park to the towering cliffs of Zion. The journey takes you through a vast expanse of red rock desert, where time seems to slow down and nature's grandeur is on full display.

Ultimate Oahu: A 5-Day Journey Through the Heart of Hawaii

Oahu, known as The Gathering Place, is an island that perfectly balances urban vibrancy with natural beauty. Home to the bustling city of Honolulu, iconic landmarks like Diamond Head, and some of the most famous beaches in the world, Oahu offers a diverse range of experiences. Whether you're surfing the waves at Waikiki, hiking through lush rainforests, or exploring the rich history of Pearl Harbor, this five-day itinerary will guide you through the best of what Oahu has to offer.

Exploring Lassen Volcanic and Redwood National and State Parks: A 2-day Journey

The first time I visited Lassen Volcanic National Park, I was struck by how different it felt from the more famous parks in California. Growing up in South Korea I had always imagined California as a land of beaches and bustling cities. But here, in the shadow of Lassen Peak, I discovered a rugged, volcanic landscape that felt like another world - one shaped by fire and brimstone, where steaming fumaroles and boiling springs hinted at the immense forces at work beneath the Earth's surface.

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Must-visit stops along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

Any season can be road trip season! Are you feeling lost or craving something fun to do with friends, but don’t quite know where or how to start planning? We’ve got you. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a ~1,100-mile loop that passes through Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana following the shorelines of Lake Michigan. 

Lake Michigan is the fifth largest lake in the world! Among the five Great Lakes, it’s the second largest in volume and the third largest in surface area. Don’t underestimate the beauty and magnetism of this Midwestern body of water. Along the drive, you'll experience beaches, forests, dunes, local breweries, delicious food joints, National Parks and National Lakeshores.

Since the route is a loop, you can start anywhere you want (Chicago is popular)! Below are some places you should check out in each state you’ll pass through! Download the Outbound Collective app to find even more popular and hidden adventures along your route. 

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria – Chicago, IL

Satisfy your hunger by indulging in deep dish pizza for a true Chicago experience. Lou Malnoti's is run by the oldest family name in Chicago pizza history! The 9-inch-deep 'zas are made fresh and are the perfect easy meal to share among friends while getting a taste of Chicago.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery – Chicago, IL

Coffee lovers will enjoy the opportunity to visit the largest Starbucks in the world! Built in 2019, this Starbucks Reserve is four-stories-high – definitely not your average coffee shop! Right in the heart of Michigan Avenue, you can order any of your favorite classic Starbucks drinks, and can also choose from a selection of gourmet coffee, food, and alcoholic beverages. Grab a latte before hitting the road or stay for a while to fully experience the roastery.

Ice Skate at Maggie Daley Park – Chicago, IL

As winter is approaching, what better way to get into a festive spirit than to go ice skating? Chicago is home to the longest ice skating ribbon in the U.S. at a total distance of a quarter-mile. This year, the skating ribbon opens November 18, 2022. If you take this road trip during the warmer months, the ribbon is used for rollerblading instead! Admission is free, and rental skates are available. Not only will you have fun doing something active outdoors in a major city, but you’ll also bask in incredible views of the city skyline and lights.

Mars Cheese Castle  – Kenosha, WI

When you think of Wisconsin, what comes to mind? …. CHEESE! Wisconsin is the #1 cheese-producing state in the country and it wouldn’t be right to pass through the state without having a cheese-related experience! Stop by this unique castle stocked with all the cheese you can imagine, plus baked goods, meats, and popcorn! It’s about an hour drive north of Chicago.

Milwaukee Public Market – Milwaukee, WI

Not sure what to eat for lunch? People in the car arguing over what they’re in the mood for? The Milwaukee Public Market is sure to have something that will satisfy everyone! Get inspired by a plethora of food vendors from seafood to Thai to Middle Eastern and plant-based options! Then, take your food up to the Palm Garden seating area on the second floor. If you have the time or are stopping for the night, try out one of the hands-on or demonstration classes  and learn how to make coffee toffee and hot cinnamon peanut brittle, curate your own bottle of gin, etc. Reserve your spot ahead of time - class tickets sell out!

Point Beach State Forest – near Two Rivers, WI

This state forest boasts roughly 3000-acres of land and 6 miles of beach along the Lake Michigan coast. It’s a great spot to stop to go swimming in the hot summer months. Hike along the Ice Age Trail , visit the Rawley Point Lighthouse , or stay overnight at one of the family campsites.

Grand Traverse Pie Company – Traverse City, MI

Transport yourself to grandma’s kitchen with a trip to this pie-lovers destination! Inhale the fresh baked smells wafting your way and delight in the joy of sharing a pie with your traveling companions. The Grand Traverse Pie Company is committed to using Michigan products and suppliers whenever possible, which you can taste with each rich and flaky bite. Choose from a wide selection of options like the blueberry lemon silk pie, vernors cherry pie, and lakeshore berry crumb. They also make sandwiches, salads, quiches, and pot pies!

Great Wolf Lodge – Traverse City, MI

You can enjoy summer fun activities even in the cold weather right here at the Great Wolf Lodge’s 37,000-foot indoor water park! Stay overnight or purchase a full or half-day pass to dip your toes in the warm waters and scream your way down waterslides. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes – Glen Arbor, MI

Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this National Lakeshore features truly stunning sandy dunes and forests. Hike the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore  or  Drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive  to get a taste of this beautiful area. Michigan Ice Fest – Munising, MI

Anyone who interested in ice climbing, whether you’re someone who has no experience, some experience, or an expert, should definitely check out this renowned ice climbing event! It’ll be held from February 8-12, 2023. The south shore of Lake Superior has some of the country’s best ice climbing. Learn more advanced skills and receive instructions during courses, clinics, and socials to connect with people in the climbing community! Some of the world’s best alpinists and ice climbers will be there. How often will you have the opportunity to grab a drink after a day of activity with a professional athlete?!Even if you aren’t a climber, the event is fun to spectate or attend for climbing photography experience. Online registration is $65 and $85 at the door.

Veldheer Tulip Gardens – Holland, MI

Did you know you can have a very European experience right in the state of Michigan? Holland is an extremely charming town featuring European-style architecture, tulip fields, and windmills that could easily be mistaken for a village in the Netherlands. The tulips are at their most vibrant in May while lilies flourish through the spring and summer. The town is still a unique and cute stopping point even in the winter months.

Mackinac Island

You’ll need to take a ferry from Mackinaw City, MI to arrive at the beautiful and serene Mackinac Island. There are no cars or chain hotels here, just charming and family-owned accommodations. Biking (rent a rig on the island) and walking are the best ways to get around. Mackinac Island State Park , which features trails and woods, covers most of the island. Hike to Arch Rock to check out a distinct geologic natural limestone arch formation.

Other Michigan Adventures:

Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trails – Honor, MI

This popular and relatively short hike will reward you with an overlook of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake, and Lake Michigan.

Winter Hike Pyramid Point Trail – Maple City, MI

This adventure offers panoramic views of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, North and South Manitou Islands, Lake Michigan, and Leland, MI. If you plan to hike in the winter, it’s recommended that you bring crampons or microspikes since conditions can be icy.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Explore 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan featuring a unique ecosystem with native birds and plants. Kick back and relax on one of the 8 beaches or hike through dunes, forests, and wetlands. Kayaking and canoeing are also great ways to explore the lake. Camp overnight to extend your time enjoying all this place has to offer like: Hike the Cowles Bog Trail , Photograph the Chicago Skyline , Hike the Dune Succession Trail .

Shoreline Brewery – Michigan City, IN

After a long day of driving and adventuring, stopping for a cold one and some contemporary American food can really hit the spot!

Road trips are the perfect time to take it easy, be present, and enjoy the ride. There are plenty of places, like the ones on this list, that are worth stopping to check out along the way. But, don’t forget that the best parts of road trips are often the spontaneous stops and unexpected treasures that you just so happen to stumble upon. Keep your eyes open!

Need more suggestions for your route? Download the Outbound app  and input your starting point and ending point. It'll suggest a route and include some awesome adventures along the way like hiking, biking, and paddling!

Cover photo: Aaron Burden

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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From the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana, to St. Ignace’s Mystery Spot in Michigan, to a fish boil at the Pelletier’s in Fish Creek, Wisconsin.

A few years back, The New York Times published what purported to be a Lake Michigan circle tour . However, the writer, who grew up on the North Shore, never crossed the Mackinac Bridge. He thought the U.P. was full of gun-toting woodsmen who might shoot a traveling journalist, or at least make him feel self-conscious about being a Troll, as Yoopers call anyone who lives under the Bridge. So he backtracked to Ludington and crossed the lake on the S.S. Badger, also missing Door County.

We can do better. We can take you all the way round the only Great Lake that doesn’t require a passport to circle. First, let’s get out of town. Rule one: We’re not taking highways on this trip. So drive South on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, follow the signs for U.S. 41 until it turns into Ewing Avenue (crossing the river at 93rd Street), and turn left on 106th Street, which becomes Indianapolis Boulevard across the state line.

Since we love Midwestern kitsch, our first stop is the Mascot Hall of Fame , in Whiting—a surreal sight both outside and in. The Hall is located just north of an oil refinery spewing flames from its chimneys and just south of some railroad tracks occupied by boxcars blocking the view of the lake. The Hall’s own mascot, Reggy, a fuchsia muppetoid who appears to have French fries springing from his head, is integrated into the building’s exterior design. Inside the front doors, the inflated heads of Hall of Fame inductees dangle from the ceiling, like decapitated Thanksgiving floats. There’s Sluggerrr, the Kansas City Royals’ lion with the sea monkey head; Ohio State’s Brutus Buckeye, the only edible, non-sentient member of the hall; and Benny the Bull. (Last weekend, the Hall held an induction ceremony for its 2022 class, which included Montreal’s Youppi.)

U.S. 12 passes Gary’s steel mills, then winds through the Indiana Dunes. On the left is Mount Baldy, the 126-foot-tall dune that, sadly, is closed to hikers to prevent erosion. The highway crosses into Michigan just past that fireworks stand on the right. We’ll skip New Buffalo, since we just published a guide Southwest Michigan (and they call us all FIPS , anyway) and head north to Holland, where Midwestern kitsch meets Dutch kitsch: there’s a windmill surrounded by tulips; a breakfast joint named the Wooden Shoe restaurant; and Nelis’ Dutch Village , an amusement park duplicating the Hans Brinker version of Amsterdam the locals’ ancestors fled, which is nothing like the modern, libertine Amsterdam, which developed after—and perhaps because—all the religious folk moved to West Michigan. The next town north is Grand Haven, which calls itself Coast Guard City, U.S.A., and holds an annual Coast Guard Festival . Every evening, Grand Haven’s Musical Fountain erupts in water, light and song; the village’s red lighthouse appears in every Great Lakes Lighthouse calendar.

You’ve seen those M-22 stickers on SUVs parked on the North Side? M-22 is the state highway that skirts the shoreline of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula. Follow it out of Traverse City through Suttons Bay, to the red-roofed Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport, back south through Leland’s Fishtown , and to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Dunes take their name from a Native legend about a mother bear who led two cubs across the lake, in flight from a forest fire. The cubs drowned, but Gitchi Manitou raised their bodies, transforming them into North and South Manitou islands. A hike to the beach goes on for miles, through a wilderness of sand supporting a thin crop of brittle grass and wildflowers. You can see crescents of lake over the crests of dunes, but at the end, when you step through a gap in the dune grass, Lake Michigan, green as jade, still takes a hiker by surprise.

Now let’s cross the Bridge (it goes by one name only, as does the Island), and visit Michigan’s most popular tourist trap, St. Ignace’s Mystery Spot , a collection of tilted, ramshackle buildings employing optical illusions to make it appear that water flows uphill. Yoopers are famous for complaining about tourists who cross the Bridge with a five-dollar bill and one pair of underwear, and don’t change either. The Mystery Spot is their first attempt at separating Trolls from their money.

Head west on U.S. 2, a shore-hugging stretch of a highway that runs from Maine to Washington, then turn off that road to the Garden Peninsula, and the ghost town of Fayette. A tall limestone cliff blocking the winds off the lake made Fayette a placid haven for schooners, and a perfect site for smelting pig iron. The mines have been tapped out, the forests logged off, leaving tourism as the U.P.’s most lucrative industry. Fayette is now a “historic village,” with a restored blacksmith shop, a kiln, a boarding house, and a livery stable.

Escanaba is still a working port, loading U.P. taconite onto ships bound for Indiana’s steel mills. You may catch sailors drinking at Hereford & Hops , a brewpub on Ludington Street, Esky’s main drag. Like most of the U.P., Ludington Street is unspoiled by modernity: it’s a train-set diorama of downtown shopping before malls and interstates. Gust Asp tobacconists (the neon sign blinks intermittently to “Just Ask”) sells cigarettes, fishing licenses, and the Detroit papers.

Cross into Wisconsin on U.S. 41, bypass Green Bay, because we hate the Packers, and head into Door County, for a fish boil at the Pelletier’s in Fish Creek , or the Old Post Office , in Ephraim. It’s not just a comfort meal—whitefish, potatoes, bread—it’s a spectacle. The master boiler calls out “boil on!” and splashes oil onto the flames beneath his kettle. For a roaring instant, they blossom into an orange bonfire, with a sinister exhaust of black smoke. (The fireball isn’t just for show; it burns off the water’s oily glaze.) Then take the ferry across the Porte des Morts to Washington Island, where a stavkirke —a replica of a Scandinavian church—stands in a meadow of mustard grass, looking like a pagoda built by trolls.

Why visit Milwaukee? It’s a Lake Michigan metropolis, and we already live in one of those. To go bowling! At the Holler House . Matriarch/barmaid Marcy Skowronski died a few years ago, at 93, but Holler House still has the oldest bowling alley in America—two sloping lanes of planks laid down in 1908, with real live pin boys. The planks are real wood, and so warped that not even Earl Anthony could bowl his average here.

Lake Michigan is not the biggest lake, but it is the greatest. I’ve been around all five. Michigan has the sandiest beaches, the mellowest sunsets, the warmest water, and the most colorful attractions. It’s also the only Great Lake an American can circle without changing dollars into loonies. As Chicagoans, Lake Michigan is our Home Lake, but we can’t say we’ve really seen it until we’ve seen the whole thing.

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Because life's too short to stay home …, planning a circle tour of lake michigan, for a great summer road trip, follow the shores of this midwestern riviera..

© Beth Gauper

If sun, sand and water are your favorite things, the Circle Tour of Lake Michigan is the vacation for you.

The 1,100-mile drive along this Third Coast is an easygoing road trip that appeals to beach bums, lighthouse lovers, boating buffs and anyone who likes to wander in and out of wineries and fudge shops.

It's a great family trip because there's a beach every few miles, almost always with a playground. On the northwest side of the lake, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one big sandbox.

Many of Michigan's 18 beach parks, especially Ludington State Park, are like resorts, and some families stay there an entire week. Beach-boutique towns like South Haven and Saugatuck add shopping and fine dining.

You can do it in a car or a motorcycle; you can camp or stay in motels. It's all things to all people, the perfect vacation for anyone who likes urban as well as outdoor scenery.

However, planning the 1,100-mile Circle Tour isn't easy, because you need a new place to stay every night or two.

It would be nice to be able to stop when you feel like it, but in summer, you risk being turned away or getting the worst place in town, especially on weekends.

Campsites at beach parks in Michigan are 100 percent reservable, and weekends get snapped up as soon as reservations open, six months in advance.

You also have to plan around such large festivals as the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. It fills the area for miles around, meaning you'll either have to reserve far in advance or stay somewhere else.

So it's best to reserve a place for every night. Late winter and spring is the time to start nailing down plans.

I've gone on the Circle Tour twice, both times the third week of June, both times clockwise. Counterclockwise works, too; plan according to whatever festivals you'd like to catch.

Here are some tips to get you started.

For an overview of what you'll see on the trip, see Circling Lake Michigan .

For a nine-day sample itinerary, see Lake Michigan's greatest hits .

For more about traveling with children, see Lake Michigan with kids .

When to go: The summer season kicks into high gear on the fourth week of June and continues until mid-August.

If you want to avoid crowds but would like fine weather for hanging out on the beach, aim for the first half of June and the last half of August or early September.

I like to travel the third week of June, when the days are longest and you can swim or sightsee until nearly 10 p.m.

Many people try to be on Mackinac Island when the lilacs bloom in June, but that's hard to target. We hit them at peak the first time we went, the week after Lilac Festival. But when we were there during Lilac Festival, they had peaked a week earlier.

Annual events in Michigan: Memorial Day weekend, Fort Michilimackinac Reenactment at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City. Mid-June, Harborfest in South Haven and Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island. Late June, St. Ignace Car Show . First weekend of July, South Haven Art Fair in South Haven. First week of July, National Cherry Festival in Traverse City.

July 4 and every Saturday through Labor Day, Fireworks Over the Bay from St. Ignace. Consider the Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends a big festival everywhere.

July, Folk Fest in Manistique and Blissfest roots-music festival in Cross Village. Mid-July, Venetian Festival in Charlevoix. Late July-early August, Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven. Early August, National Blueberry Festival in South Haven. Mid-August, Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba. Late August, Rendezvous at the Straits traditional powwow in St. Ignace. Labor Day, Mackinac Bridge Walk across the Mackinac Straits.

Annual events in Wisconsin: First weekend in June, Outta Sight Kite Flight in Kenosha. Early June, Spring Lighthouse Festival in Door County. Late July, Taste of Wisconsin in Kenosha. Early October, Fall Lighthouse Festival in Door County.

Milwaukee has non-stop festivals in its 90-acre lakefront Henry Maier Festival Park. They include Polish Fest in June, the big Summerfest music festival in June-July, German Fest in July and Irish Fest and Mexican Fiesta in August.

For more, see Party in Milwaukee and our Events Calendar .

How to plan: Remember that the shift between Central and Eastern time zones occurs between Menominee and Escanaba on the Upper Peninsula and at the Michigan-Indiana border.

Accommodations: In summer, the best lodgings in prime beach locations, including state parks, require a two- or three-day minimum on weekends. If you only want to stay in a town one night, reserve at a chain motel.

There's a variety of cabins in Michigan state parks, and they're very nice. For weekends, reserve them on the first day they're available, a year in advance.

For more, see Michigan's great lake cabins .

Campsites in the most popular Michigan beach parks are 100 percent reservable; for weekends, reserve them the first day they're available, six months in advance.

In Wisconsin, reserve campsites 11 months in advance. Some site are first-come, first-served. Wisconsin also has two rustic cabins right on Lake Michigan in Point Beach State Forest.

There also camping at Indiana Dunes State Park and Illinois Beach State Park.

For more, see Camping around Lake Michigan .

The Upper Peninsula is never very busy, and it has many town parks along the lake where camping is first-come, first-served.

It also has many mom-and-pop motels, though they're disappearing fast. For a spur-of-the-moment trip in peak summer, the U.P. is the place to go.

For places to stay on Mackinac Island, see Touring Mackinac Island .

For places to stay in Mackinaw City, see Destination: Mackinaw City .

For places to stay in Traverse City, see The good life in Traverse City .

For places to stay in Sheboygan, see Sights of Sheboygan .

For places to stay in Manitowoc and Two Rivers, see Two trails from Two Rivers .

For places to stay in Green Bay, see Packer country .

For places to stay in Door County, see Where to stay in Door County .

See our Milwaukee and Chicago sections for more about those places.

Craft breweries: Towns along Lake Michigan are blessed with many excellent breweries, including New Holland in Holland, Silver Harbor in St. Joseph and Haymarket in Bridgeman. Traverse City has so many it has an Ale Trail .

Check for others in Michigan .

Cruising: The Great Lakes Cruising Company offers several Great Lakes cruises that start in Chicago and one from Milwaukee, with stops in Holland, Beaver Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Mackinac Island, Sturgeon Bay and Milwaukee.

Beaches: For more, see America's freshwater Riviera .

Bicycling: It's worth taking a bike just for the great bicycling on Mackinac Island and the many trails.

In Chicago, the 18-mile Lakeshore Trail hugs the lake and connects the many beaches and parks.

In Wisconsin, the 30-mile Interurban Trail goes from the north edge of Milwaukee to Cedar Grove, and the 12-mile Rawleys Point-Mariners trails connects Two Rivers and Manitowoc.

In Michigan, there's the 23-mile Little Traverse Wheelway between Harbor Springs and Charlevoix and the 20-mile Lakeshore Trail from Grand Haven to Holland.

Bicyclists also like the 20-mile Tunnel of Trees road from Cross Village to Harbor Springs.

For more, see Bicycling in western Michigan .

It's possible to make the entire trip by bicycle, using one of the two ferries to avoid the freeways and industry around Chicago and Gary, Ind.

The S.S. Badger connects Manitowoc, Wis., and Ludington, Mich., and the Lake Express connects Milwaukee and Muskegon, Mich.

The one dicey part of the northern route is U.S. 2 across the Upper Peninsula, which is heavily used by trucks.

Bicyclists are not allowed to cross the Mackinac Bridge on their own. For $15, they can get a shuttle from the Mackinac Bridge Authority ; there's a phone at the south end of the bridge. On the north end, ask at the administration building.

If the 5-mile-long bridge scares you (as it does many), you can request a Mackinac Bridge Authority driver to drive your vehicle over it. If you are coming from the south, pull to the side just after the last exit and call 906-643-7600 to request a driver. There is a $10 charge for the service in addition to the normal fare. Coming from the north, just tell the toll collector.

Bicyclists planning a Circle Tour might want to tag along on the League of Michigan Bicyclists ' Shoreline West Bicycle Tour, which travels 386 miles from Montague to Mackinaw City over seven days in early August.

For more about Wisconsin trails, see Bicycling in Wisconsin .

For a map and directory of Michigan trails, contact the Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance .

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Driving Lake Michigan’s Circle Tour

Posted By: Julie Henning October 17, 2022

Connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a system of locks, canals, and channels along the Saint Lawrence Seaway, a popular Midwest road trip is the Great Lakes Circle Tour, a designated scenic road system connecting all of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. The Great Lakes Circle Tour consists of routes for circumnavigating the Great Lakes, either individually or collectively. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is part of this system.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

With 1,640 miles of shoreline touching Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour exists within the Great Lakes Circle Tour. First published by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the West Michigan Tourist Association as a 52-page guide book in 1899, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour was replaced by a website in 2007. However, you can order a printable copy of the map to be sent to your home address (we have this and like it).

Marked with this scenic road marker every ten miles, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is roughly 1,000 miles long, the drive would take about 14 hours to complete without stopping. A key attraction on the tour is 105 Lake Michigan lighthouses, some of which are accessible only by boat. Brown “Harbor Tour” signs are intended to direct travelers on a side trip into one of the many port communities along the lakeshore.

Lighthouse map, courtesy of https://lakelandboating.com/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-updated/

Key Stops on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Having completed the entire trip over the span of several years and several road trips and in different seasons, there’s something about Lake Michigan that sort of gets in your soul. Here are some of our recommended key stops along the route, with links embedded to more detailed stories previously published on Road Trips for Families.

West Michigan

I grew up in West Michigan, so let’s start there. Sand dunes, boardwalks, and beaches. These three things are fundamental to the childhood of anyone living within 40 miles of “The Lake.” In Holland, Tunnel Park has an amazing playground, beach, and campsites. Duck Lake State Park , north of Muskegon is an excellent spot to try skim boarding (pick your own board up at Meijer or purchase one before your trip ).

I Love Grand Haven Sandcastle at Grand Haven State Park

Grand Haven has a lovely boardwalk and popular state park. We visited last year and went on a sunset cruise (read more in this story ). Hug the lakeshore and continue north on M31 and you’ll pass through Ludington (where the SS Badger car ferry crosses the lake into Manitowoc, Wisconsin). Before you leave, however, be sure to stop and see the lighthouses here (we recommend a visit to Ludington State Park ).

Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington State Park

M22 and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Arguably the most popular tourist destination in Michigan is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula. Once a month I see a M22 sticker on a vehicle out here in Oregon; a testament to the fact that so many of us Michiganders have moved west but still have a formative connection to this part of the world. The Oregon Dunes National Lakeshore is as close as it gets. As I mentioned earlier, some of the stops on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour are only accessible by boat/ferry, namely the Manitou, Beaver, and Squaw Islands.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

I have strong family ties with the Manitou Islands; my great great grandparents settled there after immigrating to America; read about making your own day trip to South Manitou Island in this story.

South Manitou Island Lighthouse

Door County, Wisconsin

Considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest, Door County, Wisconsin is the Wisconsin tourism equivalent of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula. Also known for wine, cherries, sailing, and shopping, over ten lighthouse stops are noted on this section of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

Scenic Views of Door County, Wisconsin

Because the wind typically travels West to East across Lake Michigan, you won’t find the spectacular sand dunes (when I first moved to Wisconsin in 1995 I was not expecting a quick and steep drop off into the water at Bradford Beach in Milwaukee – one can easily wade slowly out into Lake Michigan for several hundred feet on the opposite shore). That said, spectacular winds and deep water help put places like Sheboygan, Wisconsin on the map as the Surfing Capitol of the Midwest.

Travel south from Sheboygan and make a stop in Port Washington, home of the famous Pirate Festival . As spectacular as Michigan’s dunes are Wisconsin’s bluffs.

Bluffs Overlooking Port Washington, Wisconsin

Bottom of the Lake

The bottom, or “foot” of Lake Michigan is about the opposite experience from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as it gets (we don’t have any published stories on the U.P, but we’ll fix that soon, eh!) If you have never been to Milwaukee , add it to your bucket list. Milwaukee is one of the most underrated cities in America and has lots to offer for families from museums to parks, sports, festivals, events, tours, and loads of regional, ethnic, non-chain restaurants.

North Port Lighthouse Museum

A lovely stop on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is the the North Point Lighthouse Museum is a lighthouse built in 1888, located in the picturesque Lake Park and now on the National Register of Historic Places. For more ideas on what to do in Brew City, check out my insiders guide here . Approximately 30 minutes south of Milwaukee in the town of Racine the Windpoint Lighthouse, another lighthouse/museum worth checking out.  We had a nice picnic on the beach here despite visiting in early spring when the wind can still be bitter cold from the recent ice melt.

Windpoint Lighthouse in Racine, Wisconsin

Kenosha , Chicago , South Chicago , and Norther Indiana have stops along the route; the Indiana sand dunes and Indiana Dunes National Park is most definitely on our bucket list.

Kenosha lighthouse. Kids for scale.

Before You Drive the Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Before you visit Wisconsin and Michigan, be sure to read these funny insider tips in these stories:

• 15 Important Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Wisconsin
• 15 Important Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Michigan

About the Author

Julie henning.

• Tour Overview
• Tour Highlights

Tour Dates & Pricing

Day itinerary, departure cities.

Choose Your Departure Year:

Experience the beauty of Lake Michigan and scenic locales in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois including two nights on Mackinac Island. Begin with a tour of Lambeau Field and the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Next we arrive in Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest, for a classic Wisconsin fish boil, a tour of the famous Eagle Bluff Lighthouse in Peninsula State Park, and more. Travel through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Mackinac Island for old-world charm and lakeside leisure with two nights on the island and a tour of the island by horse-drawn carriage. After completing the full circle around Lake Michigan arrive back in Chicago for a tour of the Windy City before we return home.

The Holiday Advantage

You can earn a $100 Travel Show Credit good for your next trip with Holiday Vacations by simply clicking the photo to watch the online travel show! The show is about 10 minutes long and at the end, you'll have the ability to submit your contact information and receive a travel credit which can be applied to this or any Holiday Vacations tour. Get started now!

Additional Tour Information

Your holiday vacations experience includes:, all accommodations featuring.

• 1 night at the Sonesta Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel
• 2 nights at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay
• 2 nights on Mackinac Island
• 1 night at the Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
• 1 night at Sonesta Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel
• 1 night at Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown
• 1 night at Sonesta Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel (before returning home)

Attractions & Highlights

• Lambeau Field guided tour
• National Railroad Museum
• Door County
• Peninsula State Park feat. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse tour
• Door Peninsula Winery
• Door County Maritime Museum
• Mackinac Bridge
• Scenic ferry ride to Mackinac Island
• Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage tour
• Scenic Lake Michigan shoreline
• Charlevoix Mushroom House Tour
• Music House Museum
• Chicago guided city tour feat. Navy Pier
• Peninsula State Park feat. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
• Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage tour & time at leisure
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

10 Excellent Meals Featuring

• Traditional Door County fish boil
• Grand Luncheon Buffet at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
• Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner in Chicago
• Traditional Door County fish boil Welcome Dinner
• Farewell Dinner in Chicago

September 15, 2024 - September 22, 2024

Price Per Person

Final Payment Date: 07/17/2024

September 22, 2024 - September 29, 2024

Final Payment Date: 07/24/2024

June 22, 2025 - June 29, 2025

Final Payment Date: 04/08/2025

August 24, 2025 - August 31, 2025

Final Payment Date: 06/10/2025

September 7, 2025 - September 14, 2025

Final Payment Date: 06/24/2025

Day 1 : Fly to Chicago

Our tour begins with a flight to Chicago, Illinois. We have overnight accommodations near the O’Hare airport.

Day 2 : Lambeau Field & Fish Boil

We travel through scenic countryside to Green Bay and tour storied Lambeau Field, home to Wisconsin's pro football team! Experience the rich history of railroads in America at the National Railroad Museum through a series of fascinating displays and actual railroad cars including the Big Boy and Dwight D. Eisenhower’s command car. We continue to picturesque Door County and check in for our stay in Sturgeon Bay. For this evening’s Welcome Dinner we are guests at a fish boil, a scrumptious tradition from Door County’s Scandinavian settlers. The catch of the day is fresh Whitefish from Lake Michigan. We are invited to watch as it is prepared with potatoes and onions over an open fire! Enjoy delicious Door County cherry pie for dessert, a regional treat.

Day 3 : Door County

Enjoy a full day discovering Wisconsin’s Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Door County has more miles of shoreline, lighthouses, and state parks than any other county in the United States. Wave-battered cliffs, sun-kissed beaches, wooded retreats, quaint farms, and lush orchards await us. We travel into Peninsula State Park to tour the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and view the beautiful woodland and scenic shoreline within the park. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the charming waterfront community of Fish Creek, and afterward, visit Door Peninsula Winery for a true taste of regional flavors. Located along Sturgeon Bay’s busy waterfront, the Door County Maritime Museum highlights the area’s intriguing maritime roots. We explore the unique exhibits and learn about the rich shipping and fishing industries of the area.

Day 4 : Mackinac Island

This morning we depart Sturgeon Bay and travel through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Our route passes through evergreen forests, hardwood forests, and along portions of Lake Michigan’s scenic shoreline. Soon we approach the Straits of Mackinac, the waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Here, we drive across the Mackinac Bridge, one of the largest suspension bridges in the world. The bridge opened in 1957 and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. At the southern end of the bridge is Mackinaw City, where we board a high-speed ferry for our crossing to Mackinac Island. This charming island is three miles long by two miles wide and transportation on the island is limited to carriage, bike, horse, or foot! Our accommodations for the next two nights are on Mackinac Island.

Day 5 : Tour by Carriage

We depart our hotel this morning in horse-drawn carriages for a tour of Mackinac Island. The island’s Victorian architecture recalls a time of days gone by. Our carriage tour ends at the elegant Grand Hotel for a sumptuous lunch! This succulent feast includes garden fresh salads, savory cheeses, slow roasted meats, seafood, and fresh baked pastries. After lunch there is time to unwind and enjoy the marvelous views of the Straits of Mackinac from the rocking chairs on our hotel's 660-foot porch. You may also browse several interesting areas of the hotel that are open to the public. The afternoon is free to relax, sightsee on your own, or visit historic sites. You may choose to visit Fort Mackinac where costumed guides, memorabilia, and original buildings recall military life during the War of 1812. Tonight, we enjoy our second evening on the island.

Day 6 : Charlevoix

After a delicious included breakfast, we board a ferry and return to the mainland. We travel south along the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline to the charming waterfront town of Charlevoix. Enjoy a guided tour of architect Earl Young’s “mushroom houses,” famously custom built to fit natural landscapes resulting in a fairytale appearance. Next, step back in time at the Music House Museum to explore a unique collection of rare antique musical instruments including nickelodeons, music boxes, and pipe organs. We arrive in Grand Rapids for a restful evening.

Day 7 : Chicago

Following breakfast we head south towards the Windy City. A relaxing drive brings us to Navy Pier in the heart of Chicago’s lakefront. There is time for lunch on the pier before a local guide joins us to view many of Chicago’s famous landmarks. After settling into our hotel, we enjoy a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner.

Day 8 : Fly Home

Fly home from Chicago, long remembering our adventures in the Upper Midwest.

Day 1 : Fly to Illinois

Our tour begins with a flight to Chicago, then we settle into our accommodations near the O’Hare airport.

Today, we travel through the Wisconsin countryside to Green Bay and tour storied Lambeau Field, home of the state’s professional football team. Our journey continues to picturesque Door County, where we check in for two nights in Sturgeon Bay. Later, we get to know fellow travelers and experience a tradition from Scandinavian Settlers at a fish boil Welcome Dinner. Enjoy gathering around the fire as we watch fresh whitefish from Lake Michigan prepared with potatoes and onions over open flames! For dessert, indulge in a classical regional treat, sweet cherry pie.

Enjoy a full day exploring the Cape Cod of the Midwest, boasting more miles of shoreline, lighthouses, and state parks than any other county in the United States. Soak up sights of wave-battered cliffs, sun-kissed beaches, quaint farms, and lush orchards as we travel to our first stop, Peninsula State Park. We tour the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse with views of the park’s beautiful woodland and shoreline. Our afternoon includes time at leisure in the charming waterfront community of Fish Creek, followed by an opportunity to indulge in the regional vino flavors at Door Peninsula Winery. We then head south to Sturgeon Bay’s Door County Maritime Museum to browse unique exhibits that detail the area’s intriguing maritime roots.

This morning, we depart Sturgeon Bay and travel through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, featuring vistas of dense forests and Lake Michigan’s scenic shoreline. Upon reaching the Straits of Mackinac, the waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, we cross one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, Mackinac Bridge. Waiting for us on the other end is Mackinaw City’s high-speed ferry to Mackinac Island. This quaint, timeless island is three miles long by two miles wide and only allows transportation by carriage, bike, horse, or foot! Enjoy spending two evenings on the island.

Day 5 : Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour

We depart our hotel this morning in horse-drawn carriages for a tour of Mackinac Island. Admire the Victorian architecture that displays a time of days gone by as we venture downtown, then take in the beauty of Mackinac Island State Park. Our tour ends at the elegant Grand Hotel, where a gourmet buffet lunch awaits us. Afterwards, there is time to browse the fascinating public areas of this historic hotel or unwind in rocking chairs on its 660-foot porch with marvelous views of the Straits of Mackinac. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to relax, sightsee on your own, or visit Fort Mackinac to see costumed guides and original buildings that recall military life during the War of 1812.

Day 6 : Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

We bid adieu to Mackinac Island and board a ferry back to the mainland. Enjoy more views of Lake Michigan’s beautiful shoreline as we drive south to the Music House Museum near Traverse City. Step back in time while browsing a unique collection of rare antique instruments including player pianos, music boxes, and pipe organs. Later, breathtaking landscapes surround us at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We wind down the gentle curves of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for unrivaled panoramas of the massive dune formations, lush forests, and glistening lakes with photo stops along the way. Tonight, we check in to our accommodations in Grand Rapids.

Our day begins with a southbound journey back towards the Windy City. We arrive at Navy Pier in the heart of Chicago’s lakefront with time at leisure for a scenic lunch on your own and souvenir shopping. A local guide then joins us aboard our motorcoach for a fascinating tour of Chicago’s most famous landmarks. Later this afternoon, we settle into our hotel before celebrating our Lake Michigan adventures and new friendships over a wonderful Farewell Dinner tonight.

We return home, long remembering our incredible memories made in the Upper Midwest.

Airport Pickups

Choose a State:

Birmingham - Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport

Bentonville - Northwest Arkansas National Airport

Little Rock - Little Rock National Airport

Phoenix - Sky Harbor International Airport

Los Angeles - Los Angeles International Airport

Orange County - John Wayne Airport

San Diego - San Diego International Airport

San Francisco - San Francisco International Airport

Denver - Denver International Airport

Hartford - Bradley International Airport

Washington - Ronald Reagan National Airport

Washington - Washington Dulles International Airport

Fort Lauderdale - Fort Lauderdale International Airport

Fort Myers - Southwest Florida International Airport

Jacksonville - Jacksonville International Airport

Miami - Miami International Airport

Orlando - Orlando International Airport

Tallahassee - Tallahassee International Airport

Tampa - Tampa International Airport

West Palm Beach - Palm Beach International Airport

Atlanta - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Cedar Rapids - Eastern Iowa Airport

Des Moines - Des Moines International Airport

Boise - Boise Airport

Chicago - O'Hare International Airport

Moline - Quad City International Airport

Evansville - Evansville Regional Airport

Fort Wayne - Fort Wayne International Airport

Indianapolis - Indianapolis International Airport

South Bend - South Bend International Airport

Wichita - Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport

Lexington - Blue Grass Airport

Louisville - Louisville International Airport

Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport

Lafayette - Lafayette Regional Airport

New Orleans - Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

Shreveport - Shreveport Regional Airport

Boston - Boston Logan International Airport

Baltimore - Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Detroit - Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Grand Rapids - Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Saginaw - MBS International Airport

Duluth - Duluth International Airport

Minneapolis - Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport

Kansas City - Kansas City International Airport

Springfield - Springfield-Branson National Airport

St Louis - St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Gulfport - Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport

Jackson - Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport

Billings - Billings-Logan International Airport

Bozeman - Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport

Missoula - Missoula Montana Airport

Charlotte - Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Greensboro - Piedmont Triad International Airport

Raleigh - Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Bismarck - Bismarck Airport

Fargo - Hector International Airport

Grand Forks - Grand Forks International Airport

Omaha - Eppley Airfield

Newark - Newark Liberty International Airport

Albuquerque - Albuquerque International Airport

Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport

Albany - Albany International Airport

Buffalo - Buffalo Niagara International Airport

New York - Kennedy International Airport

New York - La Guardia Airport

Rochester - Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

Syracuse - Syracuse Hancock International Airport

Cincinnati - Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport

Cleveland - Cleveland Hopkins International Airport

Columbus - John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Dayton - Dayton International Airport

Oklahoma City - Will Rogers World Airport

Tulsa - Tulsa International Airport

Portland - Portland International Airport

Allentown - Lehigh Valley International Airport

Harrisburg - Harrisburg International Airport

Philadelphia - Philadelphia International Airport

Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh International Airport

Charleston - Charleston International Airport

Greer - Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport

Rapid City - Rapid City Regional Airport

Sioux Falls - Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Knoxville - McGhee Tyson Airport

Memphis - Memphis International Airport

Nashville - Nashville International Airport

Austin - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Dallas - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Houston - George Bush Intercontinental Airport

San Antonio - San Antonio International Airport

Salt Lake City - Salt Lake City International Airport

Norfolk - Norfolk International Airport

Richmond - Richmond International Airport

Seattle - Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Spokane - Spokane International Airport

Appleton - Appleton International Airport

Baldwin - Groome Transportation

Eau Claire - Groome Transportation

Green Bay - Austin Straubel International Airport

Hudson - Groome Transportation

Madison - Dane County Regional Airport

Menomonie - Groome Transportation

Milwaukee - Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport

Charleston - Yeager Airport

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Stories from western & midwestern usa, activity levels.

Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.

Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

• Destinations
• Beyond Great Lakes

Lake Michigan Circle Tour – The Great Bike Touring Adventure (part 1)

Expanding my bike touring experience, I decided go on a longer – one month – tour, to ride around Lake Michigan. I began my Lake Michigan tour by bicycle straight from home, in northeastern Detroit suburbs. So, first I had to get to the west side of Michigan. However, the section across the state to Lake Michigan shoreline in South Haven will be part of another post about the Lake to Lake Trail Route #1.

Since I would be biking through some highly populated areas, that I have nor biked in before, and I had no idea what to expect, I decided to plan the route in detail. I spent days studying maps of roads and trails, looking at satellite images to find out if there is a shoulder along the particular road. I read other cyclists blogs about riding around the lake.

When I was done, I had a detailed route with turn-by-turn navigation. I loaded it all into my Garmin Edge Explore. It was a great decision. If I had to navigate with paper maps, or Google maps on the phone, or written notes (as I have done before), it would have taken a lot more time on some days. I probably would have gone wrong way few times here and there, during some complicated ride days… So, having it all on my Garmin helped a lot. Even though, there were few times, when my Garmin lost satellite signal, and I had to use a phone to navigate.

So, my tour around the lake began in South Haven , a beach town in southwestern Michigan, of course, on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Sometime around the middle of June I began riding south, and so my Lake Michigan tour by bicycle had begun.

I followed the lake shoreline, in a clockwise direction, riding through Benton Harbor, New Buffalo, and soon after I crossed the border with Indiana. I went through Michigan City, and later rode on great long trails – Prairie Duneland Trail, Oak Savannah Trail and Erie Lackawanna Trail – through most of Indiana and to the vicinity of Illinois. Not much later, I was already in Chicago.

From Chicago I kept following the shoreline riding on some trails but also on roads through North Chicago, Waukegan, Il.  Then I crossed the Illinois-Wisconsin border, and rode through Kenosha, Racine and later – Milwaukee. I kept following the western shoreline of Lake Michigan, going through Port Washington, Sheboygan and Manitowoc.

I skipped the Door Peninsula and went straight to Green Bay. From there I followed the western shoreline of Green Bay, going through Marinette, after which I crossed back into Michigan. Then I went to Escanaba, and later followed US-2 through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

When I got to Saint Ignace, I crossed back to Lower Peninsula via Mackinac Island. From there I kept riding along the western shoreline of Lower Peninsula through Petoskey, Charlevoix to Traverse City.

Then, again, I skipped some shoreline along Leelanau Peninsula and went directly to Frankfort. And from there I again followed the Lake Michigan shoreline through Manistee, Ludington, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Saugatuck and to close to loop – back to South Haven.

Since the whole story ended up being quite long, I decided to break it into few sections:

• The first part covers the ride from South Haven, MI to Chicago, IL.
• The next one – from Chicago to Manitowoc, WI.
• The third – from Manitowoc, WI to Mackinaw City, MI.
• The forth – from Mackinaw City, MI to Sliver Lake, MI.
• The final one – from Silver Lake, MI back to South Haven, MI.

The route, obviously, consisted of trails and roads. The total ride around the lake amounted to around 1,100 miles. More details about the route is provided in the daily segments. I am actually providing very detailed description or my route hoping that it will help other people with planning their trip. I, myself, while planning my ride, was looking for information like that. However, if you just want to read about my daily experiences, but are not interested in detailed trip routing skip the segments in italics.

It took 20 days for me to circle Lake Michigan. I began going around the lake in the middle of June and finished in early July.

Lake Michigan Tour by Bicycle – From South Haven to Chicago

South haven to sawyer (46 miles/69 km).

On the first day I went from South Haven to Sawyer, MI . Originally, I was planning on going all the way to Michigan City, IN . However, when I got to South Haven, the temperature rose into the 90’s (33 deg. C). And it was suppose stay in the 90’s for the next few days. Therefore, I adjusted down my daily distances for next two days.

The traffic was moderate, and the road had for most part – pretty wide shoulder (up to 5 – 6 ft (1.5 – 1.8 m)). Of course, there were very short, sections, where it narrowed down to almost nothing. Shortly before I got to Benton Harbor, the shoulder disappeared completely. However, there was a rough sidewalk and trail that you could ride on, if you wanted to get off the smooth road.

I skirted center of St. Joseph – by riding on local streets close to the shore.

Originally, I was planning camping in Warren Dunes State Park (Read more about it in my post: Small but Beautiful Warren State Park in Michigan ). Then I found out that it would cost me $46 for a campsite for one night. When I considered that, the fact that it was over 90 F, and the rumor that black flies were really bad in the park, I decided to pay a little bit more and stay in a hotel.

Today it was not an easy riding. It was very hot and pretty much the whole day I had a strong headwind. So, when I got to Sawyer I was tired. However, my Lake Michigan tour has begun. This was my fifth day of riding since I left home, but my first of Lake Michigan circle tour.

Sawyer to Michigan City (45 miles/72 km)

It was going to be another hot day. But I was riding only 35 miles to Beverly Shores, IN, just south of Michigan City, IN , where I was staying with Warmshowers hosts.

A lot of expensive, beautiful homes there to enjoy passing by along the shoreline.

I wanted to explore the Indiana Dunes State Park , to which I have never been before. To get to it, I had to ride on the Calumet Trail . The trail was recommended route south by one of the bloggers that rode around the lake. To my surprise, I found the Calumet Trail to be a horrible substitute for a trail! The section that I rode on, by the state park, was often flooded so badly, that I could not get through on my loaded bike and had to walk it. When I eventually got to some dry ground, I found the trail to be covered by loose gravel that was difficult to ride on Michigan my 37 mm tires. If you were on a mountain bike, the trail could be rideable.

Calumet Trail: If you are touring through, avoid the Calumet Trail. A lot of loose gravel, and after a rain, a lot of big and deep puddles.

This was a good reconnaissance, because tomorrow I was suppose to ride the trail further south.

The park was really busy, and the temperature was quite high, in the mid 90’s (mid 30 C). I relaxed in a shade and had something cold to drink to cool off. After a while, I got back on the bike to ride back to Beverly Shores towards the area where my Warmshowers hosts’ house was located.

I rode back on W Dunes Hwy/US Hwy 12. Later I found out from my hosts, who are avid road cyclists, that US Hwy 12 is quite dangerous, and every year a cyclist dies on it hit by a vehicle.

My Warmshowers hosts were wonderful. Since it was very hot, as soon as I arrived in their house I was given an ice-cold bottle of Gatorade, and offered to take shower to get the sweat and grime off my body. Later we had a dinner and a beer and a nice conversation, mostly about biking and local biking options.

One of the hosts told me, as I have already mentioned about, US Hwy 12 was not safe, and offered to lead me out of town tomorrow morning and get me safely to the trailhead of Prairie Duneland Trail in Chesterton.

Today, even though, the day was really hot, and I had some headwind, the ride wasn’t really hard. This is why I went the additional miles to state park.

Michigan City to Chicago (70 miles/112 km)

When I was thinking about the trip, this section was giving me the most stress. I have talked to few friends who bike tour too. They were saying that they would like to go touring around Lake Michigan, but because of the section from Indiana to Chicago, which in their view would be crazy dangerous for many reasons, they will not do it.

It was not the case. And it just shows you, that you should not rely on other people’s opinion. Especially, coming from people who have not done it, or been there. It’s just their opinion, based on who knows what.

The section, while quite long (70 miles) was mostly on trails, and then in Chicago , on quiet roads with bike lanes. It was one of the least stressful days of my journey!

On the other hand, it is good to listen to local riders. They often know more than you can find on the Internet. Since I was staying with the Warmshowers host last night, one of them offered to guide me on local roads to the trailhead of Prairie Duneland Trail in Chesterton, and thus avoiding the horrible Calumet Trail and busy US Hwy 12.

From Beverly Shores, I went, guided by my host, on many local loads, going mostly south, till we got directly east of Chesterton. We left early – at 7 AM.

While the route sounds pretty complicated, when you program it into your GPS, it is easy to follow. During the day I rode about 70 miles, which included a little site seeing and wondering along the Lakefront Trail since I arrived in the city more than an hour before I could check into the hotel.

By the way, the Lakefront Trail, while very busy, is a beautiful trail following the city’s lake front, and wondering through many parks along. It offers many spectacular views of the lake and Chicago’s downtown. You can read more about it in my post here: Bike Ride on the Chicago’s Lakefront Trail .

It was a log ride and when I finally got to a hotel I was tired. This was another really hot day. When I got to downtown Chicago , the temperature was 94 F (34 C).

Today I went form Michigan, through Indiana to Illinois…

Here I should talk about the hotel a little bit. I made my reservation through Hotels.com, and I reserved a room in Travelodge by Wyndham in downtown. The reason for that was that I wanted to stay close to the trail, so I wouldn’t have to ride on busy Chicago streets. When I got to my room, I was shocked! This was probably the biggest dump, the dingiest room that I ever stayed in. The total accommodation including bathroom was probably less than half the area that it was supposed to be according to Hotels.com description. There were no window curtains. The windows had cheap plastic shades. The bathroom was so small, that you could barely turn around.

I went down to the reception desk and told them that they gave me the wrong room, that it was not what I reserved. The answer was: no, the room is correct. Take it or leave it!… All this for a small price of $217/night!… So, stay away from Travelodge in downtown Chicago!…

To be continued…

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Monday, November 2, 2015

Road trip around lake michigan: seven-day itinerary from chicago.

18 comments:

This sounds like a great vacation! I was hooked from the beginning with the chocolate and lighthouses. And the water in that last picture is incredible!

This looks perfect! How much planning verse how much go with the flow did you do on this trip?

I've never thought about traveling around one of the great lakes, but that's such a good idea! So many of the cute little "coastal" towns and sites that I have already found myself loving with visits to cities like Duluth. I'm guessing going the entire way around you definitely stumble upon not as talked about gems.

ohhh fabulous! love the way you do these posts, i hate when i find a post online via pinterest or whatever, and they don't link back and it's hard to find all their travel posts. it seriously looks amazing, and i feel you on the 'bigger' trips, but any trip is better than no trip, right?

That sounds like such a fun trip! Chocolate tasting sounds like my kind of thing :) It's nice to explore your own backyard!

omg, I would LOVE to road trip around Lake Michigan, love, love, love. this all sounds and looks amazing. How have I never heard of the Pictured Rocks?!!? so pretty!

Y'all are turning into road trip champs! I've only ever done one road trip, and that was around Texas growing up, and I didn't enjoy it very much because I think that I was too young. I feel like I would really enjoy doing one now though. Everything about your trip looks beautiful and sounds like so much fun! I can't wait to read about the rest!

I can't believe that water in the last picture is in the midwest and not somewhere tropical! It looks and sounds like an amazing trip!

That sounds so, so great! And so beautiful!

The water in the last photo is unreal!!! You guys really fit a lot into your trip! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

What a fun itinerary. I didn't realize how scenic it was- gorgeous!

Me neither! It was such a nice surprise. :)

The water is so blue! I definitely need to get to this part of the country sometime.

LOVE Traverse City so much!!!!!!

Ok, that water doesn't even look real! SO gorgeous! And that waterfall is so pretty! As always, jealous of your travels!

Gorgeous photos and scenery! Sounds like an amazing and productive trip! The water in the last photo is incredible. I thought Barbados' water was pretty ;-)

I am so envious of your travels! That water is beautiful!!

NO, no, no!!!! Everybody stay away. There are sharks and piranhas in Lake Michigan. The waterfalls are ugly and the water color is photo-shopped. As a life long Michigander who has lived on both the east and west coasts (Detroit and Grand Rapids) we try to keep foreigners (out-of-staters) away. Just send your money and we will invest it well. Seriously, we are very proud, and a little over protective, of the beauty we enjoy here. If you try a trip to Lake Michigan try to include some of the areas a bit further from the big lake. Grand Rapids has a great deal to offer. Has been voted "Beer City USA" and was recently named the number two city in the world for a foodie vacation. The north half of the lower peninsula is filled with woods, lakes, orchards and vineyards. The Upper Peninsula, across the straights of Mackinaw, is an experience unto itself. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading my blog! I love hearing from you and respond to every comment. :) If you're a no-reply blogger, I will respond below your comment.

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10 Must-Visit Michigan Locations on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Platte River, Sleeping Bear Dunes

Lake Michigan has the distinction of being the only one of the five Great Lakes surrounded entirely by the United States. Wisconsin, Indian, Illinois and Michigan all share this lake, which is the third largest of the five by surface area and second largest by volume. We’ve already shared our choices for 10 Must-Visit Michigan Locations on the Lake Superior Circle Tour , and today we present our choices for 10 Must-Visit Michigan Locations on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour . Of the 1,661 miles of Lake Michigan coastline, Michigan accounts for 1,058 miles. The driving portion of the LMCT covers roughly 900 miles, and would take close to 15 hours to drive with no stops.This amazing trip around the lake will show visitors everything America’s “third coast” has to offer, from stunning sandy beaches to vibrant cities. While Chicago, Indian Dunes, Wisconsin’s Door County and other attractions are top draws for the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, we’re pretty confident that Michigan offers some of the best sites to visit.

Fayette Historic State Park – Visitors to this state park on Big Bay de Noc can step back in time while visiting a 19th century museum town. There are more than 20 buildings open to walk through , and informational plaques that tell the story of what life was like once in this community centered around an iron smelter. The towering dolomite cliffs make a great backdrop against the blue water and wooden dock ruins, and the park boasts five miles of hiking trails. A small campground features more than 60 sem-modern sites.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – In 2012, Good Morning America named Sleeping Bear Dunes and its 35 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline (plus North and South Manitou Islands) the “Most Beautiful Place in America.” If you’ve ever visited, you understand why the lakeshore won this honor, and if you’ve never been it won’t take long into your visit to see what keeps visitors coming back in greater numbers each year. Camping options range from modern at Platte River to rustic at D. H. Day and backcountry on the Manitou Islands. The “dune climb,” Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Empire Bluffs, Glen Haven Village and Port Oneida Farm District are among the top attractions to check out when you visit.

Saugatuck – Recently named Readers’ Choice for America’s Best Coastal Small Town by USA TODAY/10best, Saugatuck continues to be an all-season destination with a vibrant and historic downtown, access to Lake Michigan dunes at Saugatuck Dunes State Park , more than a handful of bed-and-breakfast resorts, and the only remaining hand-crank chain ferry in the country (Saugatuck Chain Ferry). Art galleries, shops and restaurants provide plenty to see in town, while Oval Beach, Saugatuck Brewing Company and Mt. Baldhead are worth checking out too. Mayor Bill Hess joined us in March and shared his 5 Favorite Places in Michigan .

Escanaba – The third-largest city in the Upper Peninsula and the largest U.P. city on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, Escanaba is the county seat of Delta County and home to historic attractions, recreational opportunities and more. Restaurants like Hereford & Hops and Rosy’s Diner are local gems, and history buffs will enjoy stops at the Sand Point Lighthouse and the House of Ludington Hotel. There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking, and lots of opportunities for water recreation on Little Bay de Noc.

Ludington – AAA rates Ludington as one of Michigan’s Top 5 tourist cities, thanks to its location on Lake Michigan and countless things to do. Walking the north pierhead to the lighthouse and watching the S.S. Badger leave or return to port is a favorite activity, and can be done via a short walk from downtown. Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at The Mitten Bar or Jamesport Brewing Company , and there are also plenty of family restaurants and shopping opportunities. Ludington State Park is one of Michigan’s most beautiful, with forests, dunes, a dam, a river and a historic lighthouse ( Big Sable Point Lighthouse ). There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails, more than 350 campsites and opportunities for canoeing and bicycling in the summer or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Big Spring Kitch-iti-kipi, Palms Book State Park – One of Michigan’s most unique natural attractions can be found a few miles west of Manistique in the Upper Peninsula. The Big Spring Kitch-iti-kipi is a 300 x 175 x 40 pool that maintains a constant temperature of 45 degrees thanks to the 10,000 gallons per minute of water coming up from the fissures below. A self-propelled raft takes visitors out to the center of the pool, where they can gaze down and see fish swimming next to constantly-moving clouds of sand. Mineral-encrusted branches line the outside of the pool, and a handful of Native American legends are centered around this location.

Traverse City – One of the biggest Michigan cities on the LMCT, Traverse City is known for its cherry production and highly-regarded wines as well as for being a top tourist destination. Visitors will find numerous state parks, historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, restaurants, outdoor recreation areas and ski resorts. The area is also home to some of Northern Michigan’s best breweries, including Right Brain Brewery, The Filling Station , Brewery Terra Firma , North Peak, Jolly Pumpkin and Rare Bird. Trips north on the Old Mission Peninsula or Leelanau Peninsula offer stunning views in any season, and Traverse City State Park offers camping and recreation opportunities right in the city.

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Warren Dunes State Park – Located in the Southwest corner of Michigan, this beautiful state park sees almost a million visitors annually thanks to its towering dunes and scenic shoreline. Tower Hill sits 240 feet above the lake, and is a popular spot for visitors to climb before racing back down. Six miles of hiking trails and chances to watch wildlife are also popular draws, and 200 modern campsites fill up quickly in the summer months.

Grand Haven/Holland – One thing these cities have in common is great state parks on Lake Michigan with large campgrounds and sunny, sandy beaches. Each park features a historic red lighthouse, and Grand Haven’s pier is one of the best-known walks on the west side of the state. Holland is well known for its Dutch heritage – the Tulip Time festival, Nelis’ Dutch Village and Windmill Gardens (featuring the de Zwaan windmill) all pay tribute to the city’s heritage. Downtown Holland features something for everyone – shops, restaurants and breweries (New Holland, Our Brewing) and more. Grand Haven is known for the annual Coast Guard Festival, as well as a musical fountain that was once the world’s largest.

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Michigan Highways > Other Routes > Great Lakes Circle Tours > Lake Michigan Circle Tours

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

Working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) helped to make the first of the official Great Lakes Circle Tours a reality. On the MDOT side, Jack Morgan, assistant to the department’s deputy director, introduced the concept of a Circle Tour in 1987. Just 14 months later, agreement had been reached on a route and signs to be posted along the 1,100-mile tour completely circling Lake Michigan. The WMTA filled the need for a guidebook and when the Chicago Tribune and Milwaukee Journal ran articles in 1988 about the new Circle Tour, 150 callers from the Chicagoland area along deluged the WMTA staff the next Monday morning, requesting the guide. Two days later, 700 guidebook requests came in from Illinois and Wisconsin and the following day an additional 1,000 phone and mail requests poured in to their offices.

Present-Day Concerns and the Tri-Modal Corridor

In November 2012, the inaugural meeting of the Lake Michigan Trails Conference was convened in Saugatuck by Western Michigan University professor Dave Lembeck. Lembeck is championing both the completion of a Lake Michigan “water trail” for kayakers, canoeists and other paddlers around the lake’s entire shoreline as well as an interconnection between the water trail, the new U.S. Bicycle Route 35 (USBR-35) and the existing Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The envisioned “Tri-Modal Corridor” would accommodate non-motorized transportation and recreation via the “water trail” in the Lake and the bicycle route on land. The LMCT would help link the various bicycle trailheads and water access points together.

Unfortunately, actual signage along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour route has deteriorated over time. While Wisconsin has generally kept the Circle Tour reasonably well posted, signage in Michigan and Illinois is lacking and long segments of the LMCT in Indiana are now completely unsigned. Indeed, when the numbered highways that the Circle Tour ran along were rerouted in Northwest Indiana in recent years, the LMCT route markers were regrettably not relocated or replaced. Furthermore, highway signing standards may have changed to the point where including Circle Tour route markers alongside the other numbered highway markers on freeway signage is no longer allowed or encouraged. While hundreds of the standard Circle Tour markers are still found alongside the roadside in Michigan, some locations where the LMCT changes directions (e.g. transitions from one highway to another) are now under-signed or completely unsigned altogether. This was cited as a major concern by the attendees at the 2012 Lake Michigan Trails Conference.

Conference attendees vowed to support the ongoing efforts of the existing organizations assembling the resources necessary to complete the Lake Michigan Water Trail and the signed U.S. Bicycle Route network now underway around the periphery of the Lake. Additionally, attendees citied a need to renew coordination and oversight of the Great Lakes Circle Tour Program within the various state departments of transportation, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and the de facto coordinating agency, the Great Lakes Commission. Several of those in attendance pledged resources and a commitment to both preserve the Circle Tour routes and look for ways to improve the coordination and signage into the future. Creating background documentation, documenting and recording the officially-adopted Circle Tour route, clarifying route signage standards and formalizing a route maintenance policy are just some of the concepts put forth in the revitalization of these important tourist routes.

Lack of Official Routing & Erroneous Information

Unfortunately, for many years, the Great Lakes Commission's own description of the LMCT was largely incorrect, both in terms of the actual route and because of numerous typos and incorrect community names. For example, for sixteen years (2001–17), the "Lake Michigan Circle Tour Road Route" section of the Commission's LMCT page (archived) gave the following highly-erroneous description of the route in Lower Peninsula:

ROUTE: Follow I-96E to Holland; US-31N to Manistee; MI-22 to Traverse City; US-31 to Petoskey; MI-119 to the town of Cross Bridge; C66 to US-31; cross the Mackinaw Bridge (toll) into the Upper Peninsula

The first major issue is to get to Holland from Indiana, one needs to first follow US-12 East (not listed) before transitioning onto I-94 East (not listed), then exit that route and follow BL I-94 and M-63 through St Joseph and Benton Harbor (not listed), transitioning then onto I-196/US-31 North (also not listed!) with a loop through downtown South Haven via BL I-196 (not listed), then back to I-196/US-31 North, before exiting onto US-31 North to reach Holland. On top of that, I-96 doesn't go to Holland at all!

From Holland to Petoskey the directions are somewhat better, although loops through downtown Muskegon, the downtowns of Whitehall and Motague, and through Pentwater via the respective BUS US-31 routings are omitted. However, from Petoskey, the LMCT has never run along M-119 and even if it did, the directions erroneously call the community of Cross Village , Cross Bridge , instead! (It's never been called Cross Bridge since its was founded in 1830!) But after omitting the connection from US-31 onto I-75 once US-31, the name of one of Michigan's most famous landmarks is misspelled: the Mackina c Bridge! If these directions are this bad—and have been since it was first reported to the Great Lakes Commission in the late 1990s (based on a previous incarnation of the erronous web page)—how could anyone trust the rest of the information?

Lake Michigan Circle Tour Route

The route of the mainline LMCT in Michigan follows signed state trunkline routes in its entirety, although in some places the nearest state highway to the Lake Michigan may be several miles away. Along with the primary Circle Tour route, several marked "Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loops" have been posted using white-on-brown signs. These loops may follow state highways or utilize city streets and county roads running closer to the shoreline. These loop routes are detailed below the mainline route below:

• The LMCT enters Michigan from Indiana on US-12 south of New Buffalo and proceeds northerly through New Buffalo to I-94 .
• The route leaves US-12 and continues northerly on I-94 from Exit 4 toward St Joseph.
• At Exit 23, the route exits I-94 and continues northerly into downtown St Joseph via BL I-94 .
• In St Joseph, the LMCT continues northerly on M-63 into northern Berrien Co.
• At the nothern terminus of M-63 , the circle tour proceeds northerly on I-196 / US-31 toward South Haven.
• The route leaves I-196 / US-31 at Exit 18 and loops through South Haven using BL I-196 .
• On the east side of South Haven, where BL I-196 ends at I-196 / US-31 Exit 20, the route continues north into Allegan Co on I-196 / US-31 .
• While the LMCT remains on I-196 / US-31 at Saugatuck/Douglas, a locally-designated LMCT Harbor Tour loop route is signed concurrently with A-2 /Blue Star Hwy between Exits 36 and 41.
• The circle tour continues northerly on US-31 / BL I-196 toward Holland at Exit 44 when I-196 splits off to the east.
• After splitting from I-196 south of Holland, the route continues northerly following US-31 past Holland and through Grand Haven and toward Norton Shores.
• At the jct of US-31 & I-96 , the LMCT leaves US-31 and follows BUS US-31 through downtown Muskegon.
• Northeast of downtown Muskegon, the route continues northerly via M-120 to North Muskegon and northeasterly back to US-31 .
• Back on US-31 , the circle tour continues northerly toward Ludington, leaving US-31 once to follow the route of BUS US-31 through the downtowns of Whitehall and Montague in northern Muskegon Co.
• At the end of the US-31 freeway near Ludington, the LMCT turns east following US-10 / US-31 toward Scottville.
• At Ludington rather unique LMCT Loop Route begins, although it is currently unsigned: From US-31 , the Loop route continues westerly along US-10 into downtown Ludington, then travels straight across the Lake Michigan via the S.S. Badger carferry!
• At Scottville, the circle tour turns northerly again to follow US-31 toward Manistee, although a locally-designated LMCT Loop Route formerly continued east on US-10 into downtown, then northerly via Old US-31 back to US-31 and the LMCT. ( NOTE: The LMCT Loop route through Scottville was removed/decommissioned some time in late 2004 or early 2005 and no longer exists. )
• The route continues northerly from Scottville and through Manistee on US-31 .
• Northeast of Manistee, the route turns northerly to follow M-22 through Onekama, Frankfort and Empire.
• Northeast of Empire, a LMCT Loop Route leaves M-22 to follow M-109 past Glen Haven, rejoining M-22 at Glen Arbor. (The mainline LMCT remains on M-22 between Empire and Glen Arbor.)
• From Glen Arbor, the circle tour continues northerly on M-22 through Leland to Northport. At Northport, M-22 and the LMCT turn nearly 180 degrees to head southerly into Traverse City.
• At Traverse City, the LMCT returns to US-31 and continues northerly via US-31 through Elk Rapids, Charlevoix and Petoskey and on toward the Mackinac Bridge.
• South of Mackinaw City, where US-31 ends, the route continues northerly on I-75 crossing the Mackinac Bridge and entering the Upper Peninsula at St Ignace. Between Mackinaw City and St Ignace, the LMCT is jointed by the Lake Huron Circle Tour .
• In St Ignace, the LMCT continues westerly along US-2 for more than 140 miles through Manistique and Gladstone to Escanaba.
• At Escanaba, the circle tour continues southwesterly via M-35 along the Green Bay shoreline to Menominee
• The route continues south on US-41 through Menominee and enters Wisconsin at Marinette.
• Continue on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour route into Wisconsin at the Wisconsin Highways website.

Note: The route included on this website has been personally researched by the website author in the field.  

Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loop Routes

Lake michigan circle tour - harbor tour (saugatuck/douglas).

A locally-designated loop route which helps circle tour motorists navigate into and through the off-route communities of Saugatuck and Douglas in northwestern Allegan Co. While most local loops are designated as "Loop Routes" off the mainline circle tour, this particular route is actually designated as a "Harbor Tour," although it behaves like any other Loop Route. Also, as with all Loop Routes, this route is designated with white-on-brown circle tour signs, using the same LMCT "logo." The route is 7.7 miles long:

• The LMCT Harbor Tour begins at I-196 / US-31 /LMCT at Exit 34 near Ganges (south of Douglas).
• The Harbor Tour route proceeds easterly from the freeway along M-89/124th Ave to A-2/Blue Star Hwy.
• The route turns northerly on A-2 /Blue Star Hwy into Douglas, passing just west of the downtown area.
• The loop route then crosses into Saugatuck, still via A-2 /Blue Star Hwy, passing just east of the downtown.
• The route ends when it meets back up with I-196 / US-31 /LMCT at Exit 41 northeast of Saugatuck.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour - Loop Route ( S.S. Badger carferry)

While most Lake Michigan Circle Tour spur and loop routes simply involve an alternate highway routing diverging from the mainline route, this particular spur route is unique among them. On August 29, 1998, Lake Michigan Carferry's S.S. Badger which ferries automobiles, trucks and passengers between Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Ludington, Michigan was officially designated as a Lake Michigan Circle Tour spur route. The route traverses the following path:

• From the mainline Lake Michigan Circle Tour route at the western jct US-10 & US-31 , the route heads westerly along US-10 into downtown Ludington, turning southerly via US-10 /James St to the S.S. Badger carferry docks.
• The route then traverses Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry.
• From the carferry dock in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the Loop route, following US-10, heads southerly via Lakeview Dr, westerly via Madison St and then northerly along 8th St (with eastbound US-10/LMCT Loop using 10th St) into downtown Manitowoc.
• The LMCT Loop Route ends at jct US-10 & US-151 in downtown Manitowoc.

Former Lake Michigan Circle Tour - Loop Route (Scottville)

When MDOT completed a western bypass of Scottville, taking the high volume of US-31 traffic out of town, a locally-designated LMCT Loop Route was signed, acting as a de-facto Business Routing for US-31 . Note, however, this LMCT Loop route was removed some time in late 2004 or early 2005 and no longer exists. The former route was 1.5 miles long:

• The LMCT Loop Route began at the jct of US-10 & US-31 on the west side of Scottville.
• The route continued easterly via US-10 into downtown Scottville.
• In downtown Scottville, the loop route turned northerly and followed Old US-31 out of Scottville.
• The LMCT Loop Route ended at US-31 north of Scottville.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour - Loop Route (Sleeping Bear–Glen Haven)

While the Lake Michigan Circle Tour generally follows the closest posted state trunkline to its namesake body of water, the Sleeping Bear Dunes area is one exception. Instead of diverting the mainline LMCT off M-22 for only eight miles, it continues via M-22 through to Glen Arbor and on to Leland. However, as M-109 loops off M-22 to the west (lakeside) through the Sleeping Bear Dunes area, it has been designated as a LMCT Loop Route. The route is 6.8 miles long:

• The LMCT Loop Route begins at the southern jct of M-22 & M-109 just northeast of Empire and continues northerly along Dunes Hwy toward Glen Haven.
• At Glen Haven, the loop route turns east and continues on M-109 /Harbor Hwy toward Glen Arbor.
• The LMCT Loop Route ends at the northern jct of M-22 & M-109 in Glen Arbor.

Back to: Great Lakes Circle Tour page .  

Additional Information

• Great Lakes Circle Tour – new website from the author of MichiganHighways.org.
• Lake Michigan Circle Tour History (link broken) – from the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA). The WMTA helped to coordinate the first of the Great Lakes Circle Tours in the 1980s.
• Great Lakes Circle Tour – project archive from the Great Lakes Commission . It was the GLC who originally helped establishe the Great Lakes Circle Tours, however as of the early 2020s, the Commission has seemed to have abandoned the concept and no longer supports the Circle Tours in an active manner.
• Lake Michigan Circle Tour (archived) – from the Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN), which "is a partnership that provides one place online for people to find information relating to the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region of North America." Please note that the "Circle Tour Road Route" description from the GLIN site was not only vague, but incorrect! (See description above.)
• --> Shoreline Charms (archived) – an article by Donna Marchetti about the Lake Michigan Circle Tour from the Michigan Living magazine published by AAA Michigan.

Lake Michigan Destinations photo

Loop the Lake with a Circle Tour Shortcut!

Not enough time to do the complete Lake Michigan Circle Tour in one trip? Here are suggested routes which utilize one of Lake Michigan’s ferry services to take a short cut across the lake, thus allowing you to loop the lake with less travel time. Please note that these Circle Tour Loops which utilize a shortcut across the lake will only be possible to travel during May – October, which is when the ships are making their daily crossings.

Choose From SIX TRAVEL TOURS Around Lake Michigan

Entire circle tour.

This is the BIGGEST TOUR, with nearly 1,100 miles of shoreline to travel and discover!

Northern Half Tour

This is one of two different Half Tours. When you travel the NORTHERN HALF TOUR, you will see some of the most beautiful scenery from around the Lake Michigan shoreline. Cross-lake ferry service from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin is provided by the S.S.Badger car ferry.

Extended Northern Half Tour

The best of the north with a little south mixed in.

This EXTENDED NORTHERN LOOP utilizes the cross-lake ferry service of Lake Express, cruising at a fast pace from Muskegon, Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Middle Tour

This MIDDLE LOOP gives you maximum time on a boat crossing Lake Michigan. Cruise both car ferries–each one way–for a exciting experience.

One cruise is traveled from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin aboard the S.S. Badger historic (and modernized) car ferry.

The other cruise is traveled from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Muskegon, Michigan aboard the Lake Express car ferry.

Southern Half Tour

This SOUTHERN HALF loop takes you through the largest cities on Lake Michigan. Your travels will include a shortcut across the Lake via the S.S. Badger car ferry. The trip takes you from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Short Southern Tour

This tour utilizes the fast Lake Express car ferry from Muskegon, Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to cross Lake Michigan. Your driving time on this SHORT SOUTHERN loop will give you a taste of the lakeshore’s city life.

Pick any one of these six tours around Lake Michigan for a magnificent travel adventure! Whether you drive your vehicle, or take a drive-cruise trip (part driving, and part cruise ship) for a relaxing break from driving, you will enjoy the scenery and discovery of destinations and attractions along the way.

Experience the Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The History of the Official Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is one of the scenic road systems around the Great Lakes. The other Great Lakes also have circle tours.

Northern Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The Northern Lake Michigan Circle Tour is considered by many to be the most beautiful half of the trip around the big lake.

Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour goes from Manitowoc, Wisconsin around Lake Michigan, eventually ending in Ludington, Michigan.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour

The Lake Michigan Circle Tour connects over a hundred lighthouses and is one of the most scenic routes in the United States.

Lake Michigan Travel Regions

• Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
• Northern Michigan
• Northwest Michigan
• Central West Michigan
• Southwest Michigan
• Northeast Wisconsin
• Southeast Wisconsin

Indiana & Illinois

• Illinois Lakeshore
• Indiana Lakeshore

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Sister Bay, Wisconsin

Sister Bay is mostly known as Northern Door County’s largest village for food and drink. Be sure to visit Sister Bay, Wisconsin.

Douglas, Michigan

Known as the “Village of Friendliness since 1870”, Douglas offers a diversified variety of art galleries and fine dining.

Winnetka, Illinois

Winnetka is a beautiful place for many activities within its forest preserve land and twenty-seven parks surrounding Winnetka.

Ludington, Michigan

Ludington, on the shores of Lake Michigan, is a gem in West Michigan with beautiful beaches, great outdoor activities, and popular events.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Located halfway between Green Bay and Milwaukee, Sheboygan is both a waypoint and a great opportunity to unwind.

Beaver Island, Michigan

Beaver Island Michigan is located in Lake Michigan. It is the largest island in Lake Michigan and the third largest island in Michigan

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