If you're anything like us, your plans are motivated by one important detail: food. Sure the sights are fun to check out, yes nature and historical landmarks are wonderful to immerse yourself in. But if you aren't tantalized by the new and interesting cuisines you encounter, then the travel experience is just, well... lacking.
With that in mind, we've compiled the ultimate Michigan foodie road trip. Some spots are critically acclaimed, while others are local hidden gems that you need to taste for yourself before you can say you've actually been to a place. Meant to be completed over a three-day course, we've got your dining itinerary covered all over the Mitten. To get to the complete map, click here.
Start your day off right with a hearty and healthy breakfast. You'll find just that at Rose's Fine Food, a tiny diner on the city's east side. You'll be enticed by garlicky greens, fresh, house-made bread, and delectable pastries. Plus, you'll rest assured that by eating here, you're supporting a living wage for the servers, who earn well above the minimum wage.
You haven't had a true Michigan dining experience without trying some authentic Middle Eastern food. And you haven't had the quintessential Middle Eastern cuisine if you haven't stopped in at the James Beard Award winning Al Ameer. It's a true Dearborn legend.
Mmmm, burgers. Better yet, burgers with a Cuban twist. Add a little spice with chorizo, a little flair with black beans, and a sweet Carribean treat with a tropical milkshake, made with coconut milk.
Get into the small town charm of Jackson with a breakfast at old school diner, Roxy Cafe. You'll find a variety of egg and omelet platters and even veggie-friendly options for the vegetarian in your life.
Cured meats, artisan cheeses, scrumptious comfort foods, and chef-driven American dishes... All a good combo for a power lunch while you power through the state.
Because you've been hearing about all the Michigan craft beers that are making waves, go to HotCat, where you'll get to sample a huge mix of them. Top it off with a number of gourmet bar bites and, better yet, the spot's famous Crack Fries, and your dinner is complete.
It's a steakhouse, but it's so much more. Considered one of the best breakfast joints around Manistee, you'll be guaranteed a nice variety of daily first meal specials, no matter what day you go.
You can't travel to northern Michigan without taking a wine tasting detroit. And at Black Star Farms, you'll find the perfect balance of wine tasting, dining, checking out the meticulous grounds, and chilling out on its terrace patio.
Make sure to plan ahead and make reservations at this special place. You won't regret it. The vegetables are always super fresh, the presentation is exquisite and guests have a chance to get a sampling of all the culinary goodness from the tasting menu.
Now this is a trip we can get behind. The best of both worlds, travel and food! We know we still have a lot of ground to cover though. Tell us though, what should we add to our list next time?
There's nothing like a good road trip, but even with all the packing lists in the world, it's still possible to forget planning stops along the way. If you're traveling on U.S. Route 2 near St Ignace, you must stop at the best rest stop in Michigan. Located near the Bridge View Scenic Turnout, this place feels more like a park than a spot to stretch your legs.
advertisement
Almost 40 percent of Americans plan to take a road trip every year. Though some might travel out of state, others opt to stay near home. It's easy to see why. Exploring your home state by car is a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for the incredible sights in your backyard. Michigan is no different, and with 76 rest areas, it's easy to plan breaks along your route.
These rest areas don't always have the best reputation, which is why it's so refreshing to find a gem like this spot off U.S. Route 2. Stretch your legs at a place that doubles as a jaw-dropping scenic pull-out.
If you need to use the restroom, do so in nearby St Ignace, as this area doesn't have bathroom facilities on-site. You can also swing through St Ignace KOA, located across the highway.
What it does have are mesmerizing scenic views. Travelers give glowing reports of their experience at this rest stop, saying it's spotless, amazingly beautiful, and the perfect place to pull over. With panoramas like these, I'm inclined to agree.
Drink in a unique view of Mackinac Bridge, a feat of modern engineering that connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. St Ignance's Bridge View Park siphons off the crowds, meaning you can marvel at this Michigan gem in relative peace.
I recommend bringing a lunch or pooling your road-trip snacks for a bite at one of the stop's many picnic tables. Just keep your eye on the time! It's easy to blow your schedule with views like these.
If you're planning a road trip near St Ignace, stop at this unique rest area that doubles as a scenic pull-off. So long as you can accept it's not full-service, it may just be the best rest stop in Michigan. In fact, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a prettier pull-over place in the country.
Do you have a favorite rest stop in Michigan? What do you look for in a spot to stretch your legs?
Is there anything better than embarking on a road trip? We think not, and if you happen to agree, you'll be delighted to browse our list of the best road trips in Michigan. Michigan is a vast state, and exploring it from your car will undoubtedly prove to be an adventure. From one-day road trips to scenic road trips and multi-day itineraries, there's a road trip for everyone on this list. So gas up the tank, queue your favorite playlist, and prepare to have the drive of a lifetime.
Route: Blake's Big Apple > Wilderness Trails Zoo > Rosebush Farm Market > Waldeck Island Nature Preserve > Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm and Boutique > Garden Cafe at Pine Hill Nursery > The House on the Hill Bed and Breakfast
Distance: 335 miles
Trip Time: 6 hr driving time
On this gorgeous road trip, you'll be making your way through the scenic Michigan countryside. The route is dotted with family-owned businesses, kid-friendly attractions, and even a place to rest your head for the night. In short, you'll get to experience everything that makes rural Michigan so wonderful.
Isn't there something absolutely magical about covered bridges? This three-day road trip to Michigan's covered bridges is one that you won't soon forget. Michigan's covered bridges are historic, picturesque, and so much fun to explore. This road trip promises to offer you a newfound appreciation for these quaint structures.
Route: Standish > Au Gres > Oscoda/Au Sable > Harrisville > Alpena > Rogers City > Cheboygan > Mackinaw City
Distance: 196 miles
Trip Time: 3 hr 45 min driving time
advertisement
There are few places dreamier than the Michigan coast. And we've devised the perfect adventure that will allow you the chance to savor the sights and sounds of Lake Huron. Along this Sunrise Coast road trip, you'll experience quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and nature at its finest.
Route: Manistee > Arcadia > Frankfort > Empire > Glen Arbor > Leland > Suttons Bay > Traverse City
Distance: 110 miles
Trip Time: 2 hr 35 min driving time
Winding along the picturesque Lake Michigan shoreline and through the countryside, M-22 is a gorgeous 116-mile stretch of highway. This beautiful road trip will take you to some of the best towns and landmarks of M-22, renewing your sense of appreciation for the area's natural beauty, history, and charming locals.
Spring is in the air and there's no better way to celebrate than embarking on a Michigan waterfall road trip! This particular route includes no fewer than 9 scenic spots, each more photo-worthy than the next. It's a long trip, so you'll definitely want to break up the drive wherever possible.
Route: Fort Gratiot Light Station > Sturgeon Point Light Station > 40 Mile Point Lighthouse > Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse > Old Mission Point Lighthouse > Grand Traverse Lighthouse > Point Betsie Lighthouse > Big Sable Point Lighthouse > Grand Haven Lighthouse > Big Red Lighthouse
Distance: 893 miles
Trip Time: 18 hr 16 min driving time
advertisement
You may not have known that Michigan is home to more lighthouses than any other state in the U.S. After taking this epic lighthouse road trip in Michigan, you'll be amazed by the beauty, history, and charm offered by these beacons. This is certainly a multi-day trip, but we assure you that each mile is worth it! Some of these incredible lighthouses date back to the 1800s.
Route: Felt Mansion > Henderson Castle > Jackson State Prison > Historic Fort Wayne > Fayette Historic Townsite > Paulding Light > Mission Point Resort
Distance: 1,059 miles
Trip Time: 18 hr driving time
Fall is a spooky season, so why not embrace it by taking a road trip to the most haunted places in Michigan? For those who dare, this road trip includes some of the most terrifying, paranormal spots in the Wolverine State. From historic buildings to hotels and other places notorious for their ghostly encounters, this is one trip that may just keep you up at night.
Route: Mandan > Central Mine > Quincy Mine Smelter > Laurium > Dollar Bay > Lake Linden > Hubbell > Gay
Distance: 107 miles
Trip Time: 2 hr 25 min driving time
Are you fascinated by abandoned places in Michigan? If so, this is the trip for you! This haunting trip will take you to ghost towns and abandoned structures located throughout the Upper Peninsula. It's a great itinerary for winter because you won't really want to get out of the car to explore much, but rather drive through and imagine what once was.
Route: William C. Sterling State Park > Detroit Institute of Arts > Nichols Arboretum > Saugatuck > Ludington State Park > Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore > Mackinaw City > Tahquamenon Falls
Distance: 668 miles
Trip Time: 11 hr 50 min driving time
advertisement
Are you planning a trip to Michigan with the kids? If so, we have the perfect adventure for you. This family-friendly road trip in Michigan includes all kinds of kiddo-approved destinations, ranging from parks to beaches and fun restaurants, too.
Route: Nichols Arboretum > Turnip Rock > Tahquamenon Falls > Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore > Kitch-iti-Kipi > Sleeping Bear Dunes > Warren Dunes State Park
Distance: 1,450 miles
Trip Time: 26 hr driving time
Michigan is positively brimming with natural wonders, and you'll see some of the best of them on this natural wonders road trip. From sand dunes to emerald blue waters, this trip has no shortage of awe-inspiring views. It's a lengthy trip, and you'll want to factor in even more time to stop and admire each landmark along the way.
Route: Chelsea > Frankenmuth > East Tawas > St. Ignace > Charlevoix > Frankfort > Grand Haven > Saugatuck > South Haven
Distance: 806 miles
Trip Time: 14 hr 22 min driving time
Here in Michigan, we absolutely adore our small towns. If you haven't had the chance to explore these communities, this small town road trip is the perfect introduction. At each of these delightful towns, you'll be welcomed like a local. In fact, you may just be tempted to move to one of these charming locales!
So, which kind of road trips do you prefer? Weekend road trips in Michigan or quick road trips in Michigan? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below -- we'd love to hear from you! And, if you're looking for even more travel inspiration, take a look at this gorgeous footage of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore:
