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The Ultimate Summer Road Trip:
10 DAYS ACROSS MICHIGAN’S LOWER PENINSULA
MILEAGE: 885 MILES DRIVING TIME: 15 HOURS, 26 MINUTES (KEEP IN MIND THAT SUMMER IS HIGH CONSTRUCTION SEASON IN THIS STATE, SO EXPECT DELAYS.)
It’s easy to skip around countries in Europe. In Scotland, for example, driving a couple hours or less will get you from one legendary city or village to another – each with its own history, attractions, and culture to explore. You can see a couple spots in one day and stay in a new place every night. This nomadic approach to traveling a single country can be applied to nomadically traveling through the state of Michigan.
This Summer Road Trip is intended to be spread out over the course of 10 days, so that you have enough time to see and
do at each stop on the itinerary. You won’t see everything Michigan has to offer, even over all that time. After all, you also want to enjoy yourself and soak in the places you’re visiting. The distance between most towns is two hours or less, an easy jaunt to make each day. There are a couple days with more driving hours.
If you have an RV, you don’t need to worry about finding a hotel. Your home is already with you, giving you ultimate flexibility. You can choose to camp at a nearby MARVAC member campground, dry camp, stay at a state park, or stay at a private campground – or all four – along the way.
DAY #1: Tecumseh is where you’ll begin your road
trip journey. It’s a small town that makes every “Best Small Town” list. A town with a relaxed vibe, Tecumseh is home to Pentamere Winery, which is open for wine tasting, as well as The Pit. Unlike how it sounds, The Pit is a beautiful waterside park with swimming, fishing, and plenty of space to picnic or relax in a beach chair. There are several other small towns around and along your route. Be impulsive and pick out a town or two as you go – you may be pleasantly surprised.
DAY #2: You’ll continue your journey east toward the bustling Motor City, Detroit. Although the downtown area with its historic buildings and museums are well-worth a visit, we’re aiming for more natural space. Belle Isle is an island gem located on the Detroit River. It’s easy to spend a whole day here, walking the riverfront, visiting the conservancy and nature center, making a wish at the James Scott Memorial Fountain, and watching the boat traffic.
DAY #3: In the morning, set out for an easy 90-minute drive to Bavarian Frankenmuth. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into Bavaria itself, what with its charming architecture, clock and chocolate shops, and cheerful hospitality. Walk the Bavarian Inn Holz Covered Bridge (you can drive through, but this may not be possible if you have a tall RV), visit the Chocolate Haus, and stroll through the River Place Shops. There are also a couple museums, the Frankenmuth History Museum and the Michigan Heroes Museum, which honors military personnel from the state
of Michigan. Not far away is Bronners, where it’s Christmas every day of the year. The Silent Night Chapel outside is a favorite spot, but you need to look around inside to get the full experience. Be warned, you will leave with something.
DAY #4: Situated on the shores of Lake Huron, Tawas City within the Tawas Bay Area is the perfect spot to pull off the road, take in the exquisite scenery, and go for a dip. This coastal community has a walkable pier, an iconic lighthouse within the state park, and is within easy distance of the hiking trails around Lumberman’s Monument. You can relax here today and bask in the beauty of the Sunrise Side. At night, since the northeast portion of the state is less congested,
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