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10

stunning stops for your adventurous Michigan road trip

With almost 19 million acres of forests, 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, you could spend your entire lifetime exploring Michigan State’s Great Outdoors. But you can see a sliver of the Great Lakes State on an epic Michigan road trip if you know where to go and what to make time for. From soaring dunes and towering waterfalls to historic lighthouses and serene beaches, here’s how to make the most of a road trip in this Midwestern state if you love the great outdoors.

1

Porcupine Mountains

There aren’t many places in the US that you can visit that are said to be a billion years old, but The Porcupine Mountains is one of them. This fascinating natural wonder is home to some of the oldest mountains in the Midwest and is a must-stop on your epic Michigan road trip. You’ll find ancient hardwood and hemlock forests and a huge variety of native wildlife, like black bears, moose, white-tailed deer and even majestic birds of prey. If you want to camp for the night, the park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve, making it a top spot for stargazing. The Presque Isle River meanders through the park between dense forests, and a wonderful way to explore it is by renting a canoe or kayak. Keep your eyes peeled for all the wildlife that call the flows home; the scenic waterways provide habitat for colonies of busy beavers and various fish-eating birds that nest around the banks.

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Hidden gem

Explore the small ghost town of Nonesuch Mine in the southeast corner of the Porcupine Mountains State Park

Outdoor adventure

Sleep under the stars at Union Bay Campground

2

Keweenaw Peninsula

Take a deep dive into the region’s rich mining history at Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, often referred to as Copper Country as it was one of the most significant copper-producing areas in the world throughout the 19th century. But it’s not just copper this corner of the state is known for, it’s also peppered with lighthouses, including Eagle Harbour Lighthouse and Copper Harbour Lighthouse, sentinels of the sea built to navigate ships through the rugged coastlines in the 1800s. Visit old sites and mines, like The Quincy Mine in Hancock, which offers a glimpse into the area’s storied past. But if you don’t fancy disembarking, head for Brockway Mountain Drive, taking it slow to soak up the stunning views of Lake Superior.

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Hidden gem

Wander through historic steel dam Red Ridge Dam constructed in 1901 on the Salmon Trout River

Outdoor adventure

Head out on the cool, deep waters of Lake Superior to catch whitefish, lake trout, walleye and more

Keweenaw is often referred to as Copper Country as it was one of the most significant copper-producing areas in the world throughout the 19th Century

3

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Your next stop is the ancient, geological Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, close to the leafy city of Munising. It’s known for its red-hued sandstone cliffs, rolling sand dunes and thundering waterfalls. Check out Chapel Rock, a sandstone arch with a lone white pine tree that sticks out the top, against all odds without visible roots. There are also numerous caves, arches and overhangs, and if you visit in winter, the freezing temperatures cause the caves to ice over, creating glittering icicles and formations. It’s also surrounded by the Hiawatha National Forest, providing many hiking and biking opportunities across its 880,000 acres.

Hidden gem

Discover the secret waterfall, hidden from view at Miner’s Beach

Outdoor adventure

Snowshoe from the Munising Falls to view the multi-coloured ice caves

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4

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

An hour-and-a-half drive will get you to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, known for its gushing waterfalls, thick forest, and abundant wildlife. The park is perfect for keen hikers, with over 40 miles of trails to follow, providing visitors with ample opportunities to explore the park’s incredible flora and fauna, including views of the stunning 200 ft-wide Tahquamenon Falls, which has a towering height of almost 50 feet. The water has a distinct amber colour from the tannins filtered from the cedar swamps that are drained by the river, earning it the nickname root beer or Tahquamenon tea. Outdoor lovers will also enjoy exploring the Lower Falls, a series of smaller rapids and cascades where you can take a dip or rent a kayak or canoe to enjoy the picturesque beauty of the river.

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Hidden gem

Visit the lesser-known Lower Falls, a series of five waterfalls four miles downstream of the famous Upper Falls

Outdoor Adventure

Hire a rowing boat from the concession stand and row to the island in the centre of the falls for an amazing close-up experience

5

Kitch-Iti-Kipi

Spend a night under the stars at the campsite in Tahquamenon Falls State Park and set off early morning for Kitch-Iti-Kipi, also known as The Big Spring or the Mirror of Heaven by the Ojibwe, who for many years lived in the surrounding area. This natural freshwater spring in Palms Book State Park is the largest of its kind, reaching a whopping 40 feet deep and 200 feet wide. The water is crystal clear and remains the same temperature throughout the year, rarely even freezing despite Michigan’s blustery winters. The best way to experience the magnificence of this otherworldly lake is by hopping on a crank-propelled raft with a glass bottom and offering an undisturbed window into the depths of the spring. You’ll see large lake trout going about their daily business around ancient fallen tree trunks and mottled sand banks.

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Outdoor adventure

Enjoy a stroll along the short out-and-back trail to hear birds and see serene trees and plants along the way

Hidden gem

Kitch-Iti-Kipi is itself a hidden gem. But to see the secrets of is clear depths, take a free raft out to the centre of the spring

The best way to experience the magnificence of this otherworldly lake is by hopping on a crank-propelled raft with a glass bottom

6

Mackinac Island

Make your way to Mackinaw City between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, where you can take a ferry to Mackinac Island, a tiny island where no motor vehicles operate and people get around by horse-drawn carriages and bicycles. As well as hiking and biking trails through wooded forests – over 80% of Mackinac Island is designated as Mackinac Island State Park – you’ll also find that the tiny island is built up with shops, restaurants and hotels, making it a welcome stop on your Michigan road trip. Enjoy the island’s cuisine, like freshwater catches scribbled on daily menus, bicycle-powered ice cream stands and world-famous fudge cooked in traditional copper kettles over a gas flame.

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Outdoor adventure

Check out the landmarks and rock formations on a biking trip around the island’s 8.2-mile perimeter road

Hidden gem

Discover the eerie Skull Cave, which got its name from the copious amount of human bones found there in 1763

7

Torch Lake

Set off for Torch Lake early the next day, a vibrant green-blue glacial lake formed during the last ice age and Michigan's second largest inland lake. Get stuck into water activities here, like paddle boarding, water skiing and fishing, or bask on the white sand beaches around the lake. You can even walk out onto a sandbar in the middle of the lake and chill for the day. The shallow waters are also popular spots for legendary sandbar parties in the summer months, drawing boaters from all over who anchor for the day and create a buzzy community of boats with floating bars and lively music. Just make sure you leave no trace if you get to enjoy being a part of this cherished Lake Torch tradition.

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Hidden gem

Leave the lake and chow down on some gator and crawfish at Pearl’s New Orleans Kitchen, a vibey Cajun-Creole bar and restaurant situated by Bass Lake

Outdoor adventure

View the lake’s beauty from above on a thrilling skydive with Skydiving Charlevoix

8

Traverse City

Traverse City is a little over a half-hour drive from Torch Lake and is known for being the cherry capital of the world, home to the National Cherry Festival, which takes place every July. The city is located on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, renowned for its breathtaking waterfront views and outdoor activities, like sailing, kayaking, hiking, biking and even jet skiing. The region also boasts exceptional wineries and vineyards and is known for producing excellent cool-climate wines. There are many you can visit where you’ll get to sip and swirl local varieties, like Mari Vineyards, which offer wine cave tours and tastings by their roaring fireplace with views overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay. If you visit during the winter months, the freezing temperatures paired with the waves from Lake Michigan create magnificent ice formations along the frozen shoreline. Snap some photos before participating in the many winter activities Traverse City offers, like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing – plenty of local businesses provide equipment rental.

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Outdoor adventure

Try your hand at wakeboarding in the calm waters on the Grand Traverse Bay

Hidden gem

Go underground on a tour of the Tunnels of Traverse City State Hospital

Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay is renowned for its breathtaking waterfront views and outdoor activities, like sailing, kayaking and even jet skiing

9

Sleeping Bear Dunes

From here, you can easily reach the Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of the US’s most incredible landscapes, often referred to as mountains of sand spanning around 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline. They’re enveloped by freshwater beaches, forested islands and jaw-on-the-floor landscapes. Drive the picturesque 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, where you can marvel at the overlooks of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the dunes, with plenty of stop-offs offering incredible views and a snippet of history about the park. If you’d rather explore on foot, the area isn’t short of hiking trails. The Empire Bluff Trail is relatively short but has panoramic sunset views over the lake. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife that call the park’s diverse ecosystem home, scattered in and around the wetlands, inland lakes and surrounding forest. After soaking up the natural beauty of the dunes, stop by Glen Haven, a restored historic village located within the national lakeshore, dotted with old preserved buildings, like an old blacksmith shop.

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Hidden gem

Walk the Old Indian Trail, a beautiful loop trail that promises a quieter experience than most trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Outdoor adventure

Explore the shipwrecks of Lake Michigan on a scuba dive from one of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ beaches

10

Nordhouse Dunes

If you’re not all Dune’d out, Nordhouse Dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan, known for its massive dunes that rise to 140 feet above the lake, is worth a stop. The varied ecosystems in the dunes, from oak-pine forests and dune grasslands to internal ponds and wetlands, provide a variety of plant and animal species with valuable habitats. You’ll find all kinds of plant life here, like wildflowers and beach grasses scattered with grazing deer and foxes. Make the most of the network of hiking trails that loop through Nordhouse Dunes. The Dune Climb is a popular route that provides sweeping views from the top, or the Nordhouse Dunes Trail winds through the dunes, providing access to the pristine beaches along Lake Michigan. Try to make it to sunset; the westward position of the dunes provides the ideal setting to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan, the perfect end to your outdoorsy road trip around the Great Lakes State.

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Outdoor adventure

Hike the challenging Algoma Ridge Trail and enjoy views of Lake Michigan from the forested ridge at the top

Hidden gem

Look out for pre-historic Petoskey stones – fossilised six-sided coral – on a shoreline walk to Ludington State Park

PARTNER CONTENT

Produced by Independent Ignite Project Manager: Lydia Lockyer | Editor: George Clode | Head of Design: Loraine Fajutag | Illustration: Owen Davey | Images: Alamy, Shutterstock and Getty

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