2 Michigan routes rank among America's top 100 weekend road trips

Divya Murthy, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
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Two weekend road trips through Michigan have made the list of America's top 100 weekend road trips, according to a Gunther Motor Company survey of 3,000 regular road-trippers.

The 413-mile journey from Traverse City to Copper Harbor ranks No. 50. That trip takes U.S. Routes 31, 2 and 41, exposing travelers to beautiful vistas of both the Lower and Upper Peninsula.

Both Michigan routes among America's top 100 weekend road trips take you across the Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsula.
Both Michigan routes among America's top 100 weekend road trips take you across the Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsula.

"Starting in Traverse City, known for its vibrant downtown and proximity, to the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you'll embark on a drive that takes you along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan," the study says. "U.S. Route 31 will lead you through charming lakeside towns, vineyards, and cherry orchards, allowing you to sample local produce and enjoy the region's natural splendor. As you continue on U.S. Route 41, the landscape transitions to the rugged beauty of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

"You'll witness breathtaking vistas of Lake Superior, traverse dense forests, and pass by charming towns like Houghton and Hancock. The journey culminates in Copper Harbor, a quaint waterfront village known for its rich mining history, scenic lighthouse, and access to the pristine nature of the Keweenaw Peninsula."

At No. 52 on the list is a road trip from Grand Rapids to the Porcupine Mountains, a 543-mile route hugging lakeside shores and offering stops at car-free Mackinac Island and the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

More: Here are the top 20 day trips you can take around Michigan

"The route takes you through charming small towns, lush forests, and along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering breathtaking views and diverse landscapes," the study says. "Along the way, you can explore attractions such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, known for its towering sand dunes and pristine beaches, and the historic Mackinac Island, where you can step back in time and experience a car-free, horse-drawn carriage island.

"As you continue west, you'll reach the Porcupine Mountains, a hidden gem of the state, where you can hike through ancient forests, witness stunning waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Superior."

The drive from New York City to Niagara Falls, via Interstate 87 and 90, ranked No. 1 on the list, followed by Colorado Springs to Dinosaur National Monument via US-40 in Colorado.

Take a look at the top 100 here.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan routes among America's top 100 weekend road trips