by Michigan is tailor-made for Michigan road trips. With more than 120,000 miles of highway, shoreline drives, and scenic rural routes, it’s easy to lose yourself in the landscapes—and the legends—that crisscross the state.
This guide offers five themed Michigan road trips, spotlighting the state’s most fascinating roadside stops. From creepy mysteries and haunted forests to lost towns buried in sand, each route blends travel, history, and a dash of the unexpected. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a curious tourist, these road trip itineraries are designed to entertain, inform, and inspire.
Michigan road trips provide the perfect opportunity for those seeking adventure to explore unique attractions and beautiful scenery.
Table of Contents
1. The Haunted Shores Loop – Upper Peninsula Paranormal Drive
Embark on a journey through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the natural beauty of the Great Lakes meets eerie tales of the unexplained. This route offers a blend of scenic landscapes and paranormal hotspots, perfect for those intrigued by the unknown.
The Haunted Shores Loop Overview:
- Starting Point: Marquette
- Ending Point: Watersmeet
- Total Distance: Approximately 200 miles
- Recommended Duration: 1-2 days
Key Stops:
- Marquette: Begin your adventure in Marquette, a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Superior. While here, explore the historic downtown area and enjoy the local cuisine.
- Big Bay – Cabin 13 at Bay Cliff Health Camp: Travel northwest to Big Bay to visit the Bay Cliff Health Camp, a renowned therapy camp for children. Among the camp’s cabins, Cabin 13 is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a former camper named Sam. According to local lore, Sam was bullied by peers who destroyed his artwork and broke his glasses. Tragically, Sam passed away, and it’s believed that his spirit lingers in Cabin 13. Campers have reported unexplained occurrences, attributing them to Sam’s ghost.
- Big Bay Point Lighthouse: A short drive from the camp, this operational lighthouse also serves as a bed-and-breakfast. Guests have reported ghostly encounters, adding a spectral allure to the panoramic views of Lake Superior.
- Paulding Light – Watersmeet: Conclude your haunted tour at the mysterious Paulding Light near Watersmeet. This unexplained phenomenon appears as a distant light in the forest, with various legends attempting to unveil its origin.
Travel Tips:
- Accommodations: Consider staying overnight at the Big Bay Point Lighthouse for a chance to experience its haunted reputation firsthand.
- Safety: Always respect private properties and seek permission if you wish to explore specific sites.
- Preparation: Cell service can be limited in remote areas; ensure you have necessary supplies and inform someone of your travel plans.
Embarking on the Haunted Shores Loop offers not only a glimpse into Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula but also an encounter with its rich tapestry of ghost stories and legends.
2. Hidden History Drive – Sunset Coast Discovery Route
This scenic route along Michigan’s western shoreline offers not only picturesque views but also a journey through some of the state’s most enigmatic and haunted locales.
Hidden History Drive Route Overview:
- Starting Point: South Haven
- Ending Point: Montague
- Total Distance: Approximately 100 miles
- Recommended Duration: 1 day
Key Stops:
- South Haven: Begin your journey in South Haven, a charming lakeside town known for its beaches and maritime history.
- Singapore (Saugatuck): Explore the site of the lost town of Singapore, once a bustling lumber town now buried beneath sand dunes.
- Felt Mansion: Visit the Felt Mansion, a historic estate with tales of hauntings and mysterious occurrences.
- Lake Macatawa (Holland): Enjoy the serene views of Lake Macatawa and consider a stop at the nearby Holland State Park.
- Nunica Cemetery: Established in 1883, this cemetery, located just outside Muskegon in Nunica, is reputed to be one of Michigan’s most haunted. Visitors have reported feelings of unease, sightings of apparitions, and unexplained sounds. One notable spirit is believed to be Joel A. Bond, a Civil War veteran whose presence is often felt near his gravesite.
- Mouth Cemetery (Montague): A short drive from Muskegon, Mouth Cemetery is the oldest in Muskegon County, with burials dating back to the mid-1800s. The cemetery is enveloped in legends, including tales of a cursed chair that, according to lore, brings death to those who sit in it within a year. Visitors have also reported sightings of a young girl in a white dress and hearing disembodied cries.
Travel Tips:
Each of the following routes highlights the best of Michigan road trips, weaving together beautiful landscapes and intriguing tales.
- Respect Local Regulations: Both cemeteries are open to the public during daylight hours. Visiting after dark is considered trespassing and is strongly discouraged.
- Prepare Accordingly: Cell service may be limited in rural areas; ensure your vehicle is in good condition and inform someone of your travel plans.
- Engage Locally: Consider supporting local businesses and eateries along the route to enrich your travel experience.
Embarking on the Hidden History Drive offers a unique blend of natural beauty and spine-tingling tales, making it a memorable journey through Michigan’s enigmatic past.
3. Ghost Towns and Gravel Roads – The Thumb Heritage Loop
Traverse Michigan’s Thumb region on this loop that intertwines scenic beauty with tales of the past. From historic inns to abandoned cemeteries, each stop offers a glimpse into the area’s rich and sometimes eerie history.
Ghost Towns and Gravel Roads Route Overview:
- Starting Point: Lexington
- Ending Point: Bay Port
- Total Distance: Approximately 120 miles
- Recommended Duration: 1-2 days
Key Stops:
- The Cadillac House Inn – Lexington: Established in 1860, this historic inn is one of Michigan’s oldest hotels. Guests have reported unusual occurrences, such as feelings of unease and unexplained noises. One legend speaks of a ghost named George, believed to be a former guest whose spirit lingers in the establishment.
- Bruce Mansion – Brown City: Built in 1876 by Scottish immigrant John G. Bruce, this Victorian mansion has a storied past. It survived a devastating fire that destroyed much of Brown City in 1881. Over the years, it has served as a private residence and a funeral parlor. Legends tell of a former owner who met a tragic end in the tower, and visitors have reported sightings of apparitions and unexplained phenomena.
- Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse – Port Hope: Standing since 1847, this lighthouse has guided sailors along Lake Huron’s treacherous shores. Tragedy struck when the first keeper, Peter Shook, drowned while on duty. Visitors have reported ghostly sightings, including a woman in white believed to be Shook’s widow, and unexplained movements within the lighthouse.
- Port Crescent State Park – Port Austin: Once a bustling lumber town in the 1800s, Port Crescent is now a state park preserving its history. Remnants like the old sawmill chimney and a historic bridge offer glimpses into the past. The park’s trails lead visitors through areas where the town once stood, evoking memories of a bygone era.
- Old Bay Port Cemetery – Bay Port: This cemetery is the final resting place for members of the Ora Labora colony, a utopian society established in the 1860s. The colony faced hardships, including disease and the Civil War, leading to its eventual dissolution. Legends speak of spirits lingering among the graves, with reports of unexplained sounds and sightings.
Travel Tips:
- Respect Private Properties: Some locations are private residences or have restricted access. Always seek permission before entering.
- Daylight Visits Recommended: Plan your visits during daylight hours for safety and to avoid trespassing.
- Prepare Accordingly: Cell service may be limited in rural areas. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition and inform someone of your travel plans.
Embark on this loop to experience the blend of history and mystery that defines Michigan’s Thumb region.
4. Scenic Storyteller Tour – West Coast Mystery Route
Embark along Michigan’s western coastline, where picturesque landscapes intertwine with tales of the mysterious and the macabre. This route offers a blend of natural beauty and haunting lore, perfect for those seeking a road trip with a twist.
Scenic Storyteller Tour Route Overview:
- Starting Point: Algoma Township (North of Grand Rapids)
- Ending Point: Traverse City
- Total Distance: Approximately 150 miles
- Recommended Duration: 1-2 days
Key Stops:
- Hell’s Bridge – Algoma Township: Nestled in the woods near Friske Drive NE, this narrow metal footbridge spans Cedar Creek and is the centerpiece of one of Michigan’s most chilling urban legends. The tale speaks of Elias Friske, a preacher who, possessed by demons, led children to their doom beneath the bridge. While historical records of Friske are absent, many visitors report hearing whispers and children’s cries and even encountering shadowy figures during nighttime visits.
- Camp Sauble – Free Soil: Originally established in 1960 as a minimum-security prison, Camp Sauble later transformed into Michigan’s first juvenile boot camp in 1988. After its closure in 2005, the facility found new life as “Cages of Carnage,” a haunted attraction operating during select nights in October. Visitors navigate through the eerie remnants of the prison, experiencing themed attractions like “Prison Break” and “Night Terrors,” all while supporting local fire departments.
- Cottonwood Inn Bed & Breakfast – Empire: Situated in the quaint village of Empire, this early 20th-century farmhouse-turned-inn is a hotspot for paranormal activity. Guests and investigators have reported unexplained phenomena, including disembodied voices, footsteps, and moving objects. The inn’s history is marked by mysterious events, adding to its haunted reputation.
- The Village at Grand Traverse Commons – Traverse City: Once the Northern Michigan Asylum, this expansive complex has been revitalized into a hub of shops, eateries, and residences. Despite its modern facade, the site offers tours that delve into its storied past, guiding visitors through unrenovated buildings and the infamous 1885 steam tunnels. These tours provide insights into the asylum’s history and the lingering tales of its former inhabitants.
Travel Tips:
- Tour Availability: Check the official websites or contact the venues directly for tour schedules, especially for seasonal attractions like Camp Sauble’s haunted events.
- Respect Local Regulations: Some sites, like Hell’s Bridge, are on or near private property. Always seek permission and adhere to local guidelines.
- Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and inform someone of your travel plans, especially when visiting remote areas.
Embarking on the Scenic Storyteller Tour offers a unique blend of Michigan’s natural allure and its rich tapestry of legends and lore.
5. Forgotten Tracks Tour – Southeast Michigan Railway Trail
Embark on a journey through Southeast Michigan, exploring historic railway depots that have played pivotal roles in the region’s development. From grand stations to quaint depots, this tour offers a glimpse into the rich railroad heritage that once connected communities across the state.
Forgotten Tracks Tour Route Overview:
- Starting Point: Detroit
- Ending Point: Bay City
- Total Distance: Approximately 150 miles
- Recommended Duration: 1-2 days
Key Stops:
- Michigan Central Station – Detroit: Opened in 1913, Michigan Central Station was once the tallest railway station in the world and a bustling hub for travelers. After closing in 1988, the station sat vacant for decades until Ford Motor Company purchased and restored it, reopening in 2024 as a center for innovation and mobility.
- Old Rochester Train Depot – Rochester: Built in 1872 by the Detroit & Bay City Railroad, this one-story board-and-batten depot served passengers until 1960. Today, it stands as a testament to Rochester’s early transportation history and has been repurposed for commercial use, preserving its architectural charm.
- Capac Grand Trunk Western Depot – Capac: Constructed in the early 20th century, this depot was part of the Grand Trunk Western Railroad network, facilitating regional passenger and freight services. The Capac Railroad Depot Museum is also home to the Kempf Model City. A 1/8th scale diorama of a model town was painstakingly crafted over seven years from 1916 to 1923. The display is 40 feet long.
- Montrose Depot – Montrose: Established in 1888, the Montrose Depot played a significant role in local commerce and transportation. Now serving as a community center, the depot houses historical memorabilia and offers a glimpse into the town’s past.
- Pere Marquette Depot – Bay City: Opened in 1904, this red brick depot was a key stop on the Pere Marquette Railway. After years of vacancy, it underwent restoration and now serves as a venue for events, preserving its historical significance and architectural beauty.
Travel Tips:
- Check Accessibility: Some depots may have limited public access or specific visiting hours.
- Respect Private Properties: While many depots have been repurposed, always seek permission before exploring.
- Engage Locally: Consider supporting local businesses and eateries along the route to enrich your travel experience.
Embarking on the Forgotten Tracks Tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into Michigan’s rich railroad history, connecting the past with the present through these preserved landmarks.
Bonus: Plan Your Own Adventure with Our Webcams and Guides
Before you head out, use our real-time Michigan Webcams Directory to check traffic, weather, and street activity. You can also explore our collection of:
- Strangest Legends and Lore in Michigan
- Must-See Roadside Attractions
- Historic Places to Visit in Michigan
Before you head out on your Michigan road trips, make sure to check our resources for real-time updates and tips
Michigan Road Trips Final Thoughts
Michigan isn’t just a place—it’s a storybook on wheels. With every exit, you might find a forgotten fishing dock, a buried town, or a flickering light in the distance.
These road trip routes blend scenery, surprise, and storytelling. Use them to plan your next weekend getaway or slow travel through the Great Lakes State. And don’t forget—every good trip starts with a full tank, a good playlist, and a sense of curiosity.
Before you head out on your Michigan road trips, check our resources for real-time updates and tips.
