I recently had the chance to help vote on this year’s USA TODAY 10Best awards, and it didn’t take long to notice a pattern—Michigan kept showing up. And honestly, it makes sense. Summer here practically begs for a road trip. The drives are manageable, the scenery changes fast, and there’s always something worth pulling over for.
This story came together as a way to highlight a few of those standout picks—the ones that remind families why piling into the car and heading north is still one of the best parts of a Michigan summer.
Here are a few reasons Michigan wins the road trip game:
- More freshwater shoreline than any state except Alaska. That means endless beach stops, from big-name spots to blink-and-you ’ll-miss-it pull-offs.
- Four Great Lakes access points. Driving a loop here doesn’t just feel scenic; it feels like multiple vacations in one.
- Short drive, big payoff. In just a few hours, landscapes change from farmland to forest to dunes to harbor towns.
- Peak season magic. July and August bring roadside farm stands, fun festivals, and that magic golden-hour glow that makes even a gas station stop feel nothing short of cinematic.
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Michigan Picks Worth Voting For
If Michigan road trips are your thing, a few standout spots made the USA TODAY 10Best lists this year—and they deserve a serious look.
Scenic Drive: Copper Country Trail National Byway
The Copper Country Trail National Byway is one of those drives that feels untouched. Stretching through the Keweenaw Peninsula, it weaves past cliffs, forests, and wide-open views of Lake Superior.
What makes it memorable isn’t just the scenery—it’s the quiet. Fewer crowds mean more space to pull over and breathe.
Glamping with a Michigan Twist
For families who like a little comfort with their outdoor adventure, Michigan’s glamping scene is having a major moment.
- Beaver Island Retreat offers that off-the-grid island feel without giving up the basics. Getting there is part of the adventure (hello, ferry ride), which automatically makes it memorable for kids.
- Glamp Michigan in Benzonia leans into the cozy side of camping—think real beds, curated spaces, and easy access to Lake Michigan beaches and nearby small towns.
These glamorous camping spaces turn a simple road trip into something way more special.
The Real Reason We Keep Road Tripping
It’s easy to think the best trips are about the destination. But if years of piling into the car have proven anything, it’s this: the best parts of a road trip are in the journey.
It’s the gas station snack debates. The sibling arguments that somehow turn into inside jokes. The random roadside stop that wasn’t on any itinerary. The moment when everyone’s quiet because the view just hits.
Michigan, especially in the summer, makes space for all of that.
So if a road trip is even remotely on the radar this year, this list is a solid place to start. And if a few Michigan favorites happen to get some love in the voting? Even better.
👉 Voting is open now through May 4: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/
Winners announced May 13.
Because around here, road trips aren’t just a way to get somewhere—they’re kind of the whole point.
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