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