7 Quick Road Trips From Detroit You Can Take This Weekend
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
Looking for an awesome way to appreciate a break from city life? While we absolutely adore the many attractions of Detroit, there’s something to be said for embarking on a fun-filled weekend adventure with the whole family in tow. While you might not have time to enjoy a full-blown cross-country jaunt, these seven fantastic trips are ideal for a short and sweet getaway near the Motor City.
If you’re looking for a road trip that can be completed within a day, you’ll want to load up the car and appreciate a spin down Historic Hines Drive. In total, the route only extends for 17 miles from Dearborn to Northville, but there are ample opportunities to stop and appreciate attractions along the way. The drive is known for offering views of the Rouge River and brings a perfect combination of history and natural splendor to those who explore it. We recommend stopping at Sumac Pointe Recreation Area for a picnic lunch before venturing to the interpretive center at Nankin Mills.
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Hop in the car and venture northward to Algonac State Park, an amazing destination that brings about fun for the entire family with its two separate campgrounds, hiking trails, and unique waterfront access along the St. Clair River. During your drive from Detroit, skip I-94 and opt for the scenic route along Lake Shore Road and Jefferson Avenue, which give way to unbeatable Lake St. Clair frontage. At the end of your first day, check in at Algonac State Park and watch freighters along the river before retiring to your campsite. Your drive back home to Detroit will be just as relaxing and beautiful.
If you plan your weekend properly, you can easily make the several-hour drive from Detroit to West Michigan with plenty of time to spare. Get up early and drive westward to South Haven or Holland, where you’ll find some of the most breathtaking shorelines in the entire state. We recommend taking a walk along the pier in South Haven before traversing northward to Holland and Grand Haven, where you can select from a variety of beachfront hotels, inns, and campgrounds. Talk about a rejuvenating getaway.
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For those who can’t get enough of the great outdoors, a road trip centered around the area’s best hiking trails is like something from a dream. We highlighted the five top Metro Detroit hiking spots in a previous article, which can be accessed by clicking here. This trip will take you to Ypsilanti, Dryden, Milford, Washington, and back to the Motor City itself - and we recommend breaking it up into a two-day adventure to enjoy each trail in its full glory. Stay overnight at Camp Dearborn in Milford to break up the weekend.
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Luckily for those of us who love wine, Metro Detroit is home to a handful of fantastic wineries that offer everything from standard tastings to dining options. If you’re on an adults-only adventure, we recommend checking out Green Barn Winery in Kimball and Sandhill Crane Vineyards in Jackson. If you’re searching for a more family-friendly option that still offers grownups the chance to enjoy a glass of wine or two, visit Westview Orchards & Winery in Washington, where you’ll find outdoor space, farm animals, and fun for younger guests. For a full list of top winery options near Detroit, read our previous article here.
Are you a fan of hearty fare and delicious steak? The Motor City sits within convenient distance of all sorts of awesome steakhouses, and you might just want to craft a fun road trip around these unforgettable dining options. Kick it off with a meal from Wheat & Rye in Allen Park before driving northward to Keego Harbor. Dig into dinner at The Harbor Steakhouse before settling in to relax at a local hotel or bed & breakfast. On your second day of foodie adventuring, head all the way to Howell for a meal at Diamonds Steak and Seafood before starting the trip back to Detroit. Is your mouth watering yet?
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History buffs and architecture nerds alike will absolutely adore a weekend spent checking out Metro Detroit’s most unique bridges and the natural or man-made beauty that surrounds them. We completed a previous article that details the seven best bridges to explore in and around Detroit, and this list lends itself perfectly to a weekend road trip. Kick things off by checking out spots within city limits, such as the Ambassador Bridge and the MacArthur Bridge. Over the course of the weekend, you’ll make your way to Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and as far north as Port Huron to see some of the area’s coolest structures. You can check out our full list of bridge options in Metro Detroit by clicking here.
Have you explored any of these awesome road trip destinations within driving distance of Detroit? Did any of them stand out above the rest? We want to hear from you, so share your thoughts with us in the Facebook comment or recommend another awesome spot to explore by filling out our nomination form here.
For more unforgettable spots to spend your time, check out these overlooked attractions near Detroit.
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