The Best Hidden Vacation Spots in the Midwest: The Ultimate Michigan Road Trip Itinerary
If you’re looking for the best kept secret vacation spots in the US, your answer is Michigan.
The coast of Michigan is one of the most underrated, hidden gem places to travel in the USA. Its scenic beauty and charming towns are rarely discussed on social media or those top places to go lists. Everyone is missing out! The coast and the Upper Peninsula (or UP as locals call it) are treasure troves of natural beauty. It’s one of the best hidden vacation spots in the US.
This 5 day itinerary will pack in some of the best places to visit in Michigan coupled with scenic drives so that you’re enjoying the beauty from the start of your day until you hit the pillow. (We’ll share the best places to stay, too!) We’ve started traveling through the state annually because there is so much to see.
I’ve included a magical place that feels straight out of a 90s Sandra Bullock movie on day 4, so don’t miss it!
Day 1: Start in Traverse City
Traverse City is an amazing landing spot to kick off your charming road trip. You can drive or fly in according to your schedule and location. It’s a great city to explore leisurely.
Downtown Traverse City is super walkable, with great restaurants and shops- not to mention the beautiful views of the lakefront and river. It’s home to the National Cherry Festival every summer.
đ Things to do in Traverse City
Besides a walkable, dreamy downtown, Traverse City has a plethora of cool things to do.
đˇ There are wineries and vineyards galore! Wine Tours are in abundance. It feels like a mini Napa Valley.
đ° One of my favorite things to do is visiting The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This is a fully restored historical asylum that has been converted into a beautiful complex. There are unique local boutiques (we met some amazing shop owners), architectural and historical tours, hiking trails, restaurants, and even an arboretum. (It’s sprawling!)
đ¯ī¸ Mission Point Lighthouse is a cute, quick attraction on the water. (Any excuse to admire the lakefront.)
đŗ Visit Clinch Park, or simply wander around beautiful downtown.
đ Traverse City Hotels and Accomodations
We stayed at and loved Hotel Indigo. It’s downtown, has lake views, and we walked easily around to shops and dinner.
The Fairfield Inn and Suites is another option that isn’t downtown, but close to the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
If you prefer short term rentals, here are some great ones:
- Here’s one super close to Front Street and Clinch Park.
- Here’s one with an amazing view from a rooftop deck, also near downtown.
Day 2: Scenic Overlooks & Dunes
đī¸ The Best Michigan Overlooks & Scenic Views
âī¸ On the second day, start with a 1 hour drive to Arcadia Scenic Turnout. The drive is great, and the overlook is a quick stop but worth the unobstructed view.
đ Less than an hour’s drive from Arcadia Scenic Turnout is Empire Bluffs Overlook. There is a small hike to get to the overlook, but it’s easy (just wear shoes that can get dirty). I marveled at the wild baby’s breath (I’ve only ever seen that in flower shops.) The views here are spectacular, and the air is crisp and refreshing.
As gorgeous as these lookouts are, the most breathtaking scenic natural locations of this trip are still coming on day 5. đ
đĨĒ Before you leave Empire Bluffs, stop for lunch at Shipwreck Cafe for one of the best sandwiches of your life. I don’t even really like sandwiches, but this was spectacular. It’s very popular among locals and tourists, so you’ll probably have a line to wait in. They’re quick and it’s worth the small wait.
â°ī¸ Sleeping Bear Dunes
đĒ You’ll only need to drive 10-15 minutes to the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes. Start at the Sleeping Bear Dune Climb entrance. The climb is deceptively longer than it looks, and we only went up 1/2-3/4 of the way. That sand is no joke! You can sit and enjoy the views from the sand. It’s a fun and lively atmosphere with people having picnics, enjoying the sand, and rolling down the dunes. Don’t worry if you don’t make it to the top or if you don’t make it far up at all- there’s another way to crest the dunes for the view of the lake.
You’ll have to pay for parking per vehicle, but that permit also covers the next stop.
đ Drive over to the Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook. This is the other side of the Dune where it meets the lake. It is very steep. I don’t recommend attempting to go down to the lake because you have to climb back up. You’d basically be climbing a sand ladder. They are very serious about warning you of the dangers and cost of the you need to be rescued.
This sounds very scary, but as long as you stay at the top and enjoy the beautiful landscape, this isn’t a big deal. This area and overlook reminded me so much of the vegetation and beaches that I encountered in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, but it’s in the midwest, and the temperatures are so breezy and beautiful even in the height of summer.
From here, head to Petoskey or Charlevoix for the night. It’s about a two hour drive, but it is a very scenic, beautiful drive and it will feel like no time at all.
đŠ Best Places to Stay in Petoskey
Petoskey is a gorgeous town in and of itself to enjoy dinner and views. We enjoyed the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, and we woke up to rolling hills outside the window. Or, this short term rental downtown is a beautiful option with gorgeous lake views.
đ¨ Places to Stay in Charlevoix
Charlevoix is another nearby option that is beautiful. The Earl is a gorgeous hotel with a stunning rooftop deck. (I’m eyeing a stay at this gorgeous boutique cottage, but it has a minimum night requirement, so it doesn’t necessarily fit in this itinerary. You might want to bookmark it for future stays, too. đ)
Day 3: Charming Midwest
From Petoskey or Charlevoix, take the short drive to Boyne Mountain. This is probably the most tourist-y place on this list, but it’s still worth the visit!
đī¸ Boyne Mountain Summer Fun
Boyne Mountain is a ski resort that transforms into a fun summer destination with a PLETHORA of things to do when it’s warm. We rode the historic chair lift (a really gorgeous ride) and walked across the Sky Bridge. It’s the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, and you get amazing views of Boyne Valley. (The lift is included in the cost of the Skybridge ticket.)
đĨ You can grab lunch here, too! There are several food options available, and we had a great time and delicious lunch at Trophy Room Pub.
đĒģ Lavender Hill Farm
Less than 30 minutes from Boyne Mountain is the beautiful Lavender Hill Farm. This is the largest Lavender farm in Michigan. You can park and walk around the farm freely, enjoying the rows and rows of lavender.
đĒģ Yes, the smell is heavenly. They also have a masterfully curated shop with all of the lavender scented or flavored products you’d ever need.
đŧī¸ Picturesque Towns
When you’re done shopping, make your way towards Mackinaw City. This will take you back through Petoskey, but instead of the straight shot to Mackinaw City on Hwy 31, make a point to drive through Harbor Springs, MI.
Both Petoskey and Harbour Springs are beautiful, quaint, picturesque towns. Stop for photos, food, or shopping in either/both of these, and you’ll be happy!
I also recommend driving through the Tunnel of Trees (MI-119) if you’re there near fall. This is a canopied drive along the coast, and it’s completely worth it!
đ¨ Two Lodging Options
I’ll be honest: Mackinaw City doesn’t have a plethora of good accommodations. It is, however, the best spot to sleep if you want to catch the special ferry that takes you under the Mackinac Bridge, which is quite beautiful! If you want to do that, I recommend finding what works best for you here or in surrounding areas, or possibly some short term rentals nearby.
If the special ferry isn’t important to you, skip ahead and stay on Mackinac Island on Day 3. You’ll want to check the times for the last ferry so you don’t miss it! (See recommendations below on Mackinac Island hotels.)
Day 4: Better than Martha’s Vineyard… Mackinac Island
(Pronounced mack-in-awe, just like Mackinaw City… IDK why they’re spelled differently!)
This is truly one of the most underrated, slept-on destinations in the USA. It’s a carless island… yes, completely carless! You get around via horse and carriage, on foot, or bikes.
It has an east coast, charming vibe with a mix of historical attractions, beautiful nature, amazing homes and gardens, plus some absolutely stunning hotels. Whether you stay overnight, or just come here for the day, you’ll feel the magical pull of the atmosphere… and maybe the fudge.
đĢļ Must dos on Mackinac Island
đ˛ Rent a bike to explore the island. Remember, there are no cars! You share the roads with horses. This is the best way to see the whole place easily. You can bike the whole island (8ish miles) or just part of it.
đĒ¨ You have to take a stop at Arch Rock. You will have to walk up 207 steps, but the view is worth it! (This is right on the bike trail, so it’s easy to get to.)
đ Visit the Grand Hotel. It has the world’s largest porch! But the gardens and grounds of this place are so stunning that you won’t want to leave. (If you’re not staying here, you must pay an entry fee.)
đī¸ Enjoy the sights! From gorgeous views of the lake to charming and picturesque homes and inns, just walking around the island will make you feel like you’re in a movie.
đī¸ Explore the downtown area where there’s a plethora of shops, and try some famous fudge!
đŠ Where to Stay on Mackinac Island
Hotel Iroquois is a gorgeous boutique hotel. The Grand Hotel we mentioned before has over-the-top (but pretty!) historic, bright rooms.
Bicycle Street Inn and Suites will have you right in the middle of the action downtown.
A great mix of charming but modern elevated style describes The Inn at Stonecliffe. <– This one has stellar reviews!
đ¨ Sault Ste Marie Lodging
If you don’t want to stay overnight in Mackinac on day 4, drive up to Sault Ste Marie. Make sure your directions are for the US side! You’ll be looking across the way into Canada from this town.
The Holiday Inn Express in Sault Ste Marie is recently renovated, and we had great service here.
Or, if you want to switch gears a bit for a rustic stay, this short term apartment rental is adorable.
Day 5: Natural Beauties!
đą Tahquamenon Falls
đŗ Your first stop is Tahquamenon Falls. This is such a unique experience, and so easy to get to. There isn’t a long hike and you can see the falls from various viewpoints on the path. It’s a great spot for anyone who has mobility issues. If you want to see it up close, you’ll go down some stairs, but the view from the trail is just as beautiful!
đŧ Kitch-iti-kipi aka The Big Spring
đŋ Drive about two hours to Kitch-iti-kipi next. This is the largest spring in the state and really must be seen to believe the color and crystal clearness of the water. The staff here was so nice and friendly and told the most wonderful backstories of the spring and how it came to be a park. Highly recommend!
đī¸ If you’re flying back home, drive down to Miluakee for an evening flight from here. The drive is along the coast of Lake Michigan and doesn’t feel like a long drive.
We take this route from Chicago, so we drive this loop back to the city.
Bonus stop!
If you have time, a stop in Sheboygan or Port Washington, Wisconsin, is right along the way. They are both cute, quaint towns with nice places to eat or make a stop.
Let us know below: what part of this itinerary is your favorite? What are you most excited about?
