Lake Michigan Road Trip From Chicago: A Comprehensive Guide

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Lake Michigan, the second-largest Great Lake by volume and the third-largest by surface area, offers a scenic and exciting road trip experience from Chicago. This circular route spans approximately 1,100 miles and passes through four US states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana.

Planning and Preparation

Lake Michigan Road Trip From Chicago
Image Credit: Wikimedia
  • Duration: The trip can be completed in as little as four days, but a more leisurely pace of seven to ten days is recommended for a more enjoyable experience.
  • Car Rental: Rent a car from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, choosing a luxury or exotic car for comfort and style. Consider adding GPS for navigation.
  • Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Camping is also an option at various state parks and national forests along the route.

Must-See Stops

Lake Michigan Road Trip From Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

  • Navy Pier
  • Millennium Park
  • Grant Park
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Field Museum
  • Oak Street Beach
  • Montrose Beach
  • North Avenue Beach
  • Ohio Street Beach

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

  • Mackinac Island (accessible by ferry)
  • Fort Mackinac
  • Muskegon (USS Silversides Submarine Museum and USS LST 393)
  • Pere Marquette Park (beach)
  • Kruse Park (beach and elevated views)

Michigan Upper Peninsula

  • Escanaba (Sand Point Lighthouse and Upper Hand Brewery)
  • Naubinway (Top-of-the-Lake Snowmobile Museum)
  • St. Ignace (Bridge View Park and Straits State Park)
  • Traverse City (Cherry Capital of the World and National Cherry Festival)
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Northern Indiana

  • Indiana Dunes State Park (beaches, hiking, camping, and nature reserves)
  • Indiana Dunes National Park

Scenic Routes and Ferries

  • Lake Michigan Circle Tour: This designated scenic road system covers 1,100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and includes a “spur route” with the S.S. Badger car ferry between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
  • Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour: Break the trip into two parts, using the Lake Michigan Carferry for cross-lake transportation.
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Tips and Variations

  • Camping: Utilize state parks and national forests for camping opportunities.
  • Food and Drink: Enjoy local specialties like deep-dish pizza in Chicago, cheese in Wisconsin, and pasties in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
  • Alternative Routes: Consider adding stops like Door County in Wisconsin or exploring the Driftless Area and Shawnee National Forest.

References

  1. https://www.sixt.com/magazine/travel/lake-michigan-from-chicago/
  2. https://lakemichigancircletour.com
  3. https://www.reddit.com/r/chicago/comments/155wd7o/roadtrips_from_chicago/
  4. https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/lake-michigan-road-trip/
  5. https://wanderingmichiganwisconsin.com/road-trip-around-lake-michigan/

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