Planning a weekend escape, but don’t want to blow your entire vacation days for the year? Michigan’s got you covered.
The state is basically made for road trips—you can hit stunning coastlines, charming small towns, and even some legitimate wilderness without needing to take a week off work.
Here are seven weekend road trips that’ll have you back home before Monday morning, though you might be tempted to call in sick anyway.
1. The Tunnel of Trees (M-119)
This one’s a classic for a reason. The 20-mile stretch of M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village is gorgeous any time of year.
It’s also especially spectacular in the fall when the canopy turns into a riot of reds and golds.
The road hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline and twists through dense forest—hence the “tunnel” name.
Fair warning: it’s narrow and winding, so if you get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale.
Stop in Petoskey for lunch, check out the state stone (Petoskey stones, naturally) along the beach, and grab dinner at Legs Inn in Cross Village if you’re feeling adventurous.
The whole loop can be done in a day, but you’ll want to spend a night up north to really soak it in.
2. The Keweenaw Peninsula
If you’re willing to drive a bit farther (okay, a lot farther), the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula is worth every mile.
This is proper wilderness territory with old copper mining towns, rocky beaches, and some of the most remote stretches of shoreline you’ll find in the Midwest.
Hike to the top of Brockway Mountain for views that’ll make you understand why people live through UP winters.
Explore Copper Harbor, check out the historic Fort Wilkins, and if you’re there in summer, take the ferry to Isle Royale if you’ve got extra time.
It’s a solid 8-hour drive from Detroit, but you can easily fill a long weekend exploring the area.
3. Sleeping Bear Dunes and Leelanau Peninsula
You’ve probably seen the photos. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore regularly shows up on “most beautiful places in America” lists, and yeah, the dunes really are that impressive.
But here’s what the photos don’t always show: the climb back up after you’ve run down to the water is brutal.
Seriously, pace yourself.
Beyond the dunes, the Leelanau Peninsula is wine country, so hit up a few tasting rooms in Suttons Bay or Traverse City.
The whole area is tourist-friendly, which means good restaurants, cute shops, and plenty of places to stay. You can comfortably do this in a weekend from anywhere in the Lower Peninsula.
4. The Irish Hills
This one’s perfect if you’re based in southeastern Michigan and want something quick.
The Irish Hills region—roughly between Jackson and the Ohio border—has a quirky charm that’s very Michigan.
There are lakes everywhere (hence the name, sort of), the Michigan International Speedway if you’re into racing, and Walker Tavern, a historic stagecoach stop.
It’s not going to blow your mind like some of the other trips on this list, but it’s a solid option when you want to get out of town without committing to a major drive.
5. Mackinac Island and the Straits
Yeah, Mackinac Island is touristy. Yes, the fudge shops are everywhere, and yes, you’ll be sharing the island with approximately 10,000 other visitors if you go in summer.
But there’s a reason it’s popular—the car-free streets, the Grand Hotel, the historic fort, and the bike ride around the island are all genuinely enjoyable.
Combine it with a stop in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, check out the Mackinac Bridge (especially cool at sunset), and you’ve got yourself a solid weekend.
Just book your ferry tickets and hotel in advance, especially during peak season, or you’ll be scrambling.
6. Holland and Saugatuck
The western lakeshore is underrated, in my opinion. Holland gives you Dutch heritage, windmills, and Tulip Time in May if you time it right (though it’ll be crowded).
Saugatauget, just south, has art galleries, great restaurants, and gorgeous beaches.
The whole area has this laid-back beach town vibe that makes it easy to spend a weekend just wandering around.
Hit up Oval Beach in Saugatuck, as well. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the country, and the stairs down to the beach will remind you that you skipped leg day.
7. Pictured Rocks and Munising
I’m putting this one on here even though I know, from experience, that Pictured Rocks looks different in person than it does online. But it’s still absolutely worth the trip.
You’ll want to book a boat tour to really see the colorful cliffs, and yes, it’ll cost you.
But paddling or cruising along those towering sandstone formations is one of those experiences that justifies the drive north.
Munising itself is a small town, but there are waterfalls nearby and enough breweries and pasty shops to keep you fed. Plan for at least one full day on the water if you can.
Hit the Road, Michigan Style
The beauty of Michigan road trips is that you’ve got options, whether you want wilderness or wineries, beach time or history.
Pack some snacks, download a good playlist, and just go. You’ll be back by Monday—probably.
Each trip is an invitation to explore a new corner of the state, discover hidden gems, and make memories along the way.
Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend escape or a carefully planned adventure, Michigan’s roads are ready to show you something unforgettable.
Featured image credit: Sara Lucia Garrow via Facebook