Lake Michigan Circuit
Stop 1—Milwaukee
While in Milwaukee, check out the scenic RiverWalk. The waterfront area includes the Milwaukee Art Museum and Veterans Park. You might also consider a tour of the Historic Pabst Brewery and you can pick up a bite to eat at the Public Market.
Milwaukee to Sturgeon Bay—155 miles (250 km)
Stop 2—Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is the gateway to the Door Peninsula, where you will find lighthouses, dramatic rock outcroppings and charming small coastal towns. One possible activity is a Kayaking tour at Cave Point County Park. You might also consider grabbing a bite to eat at Waterfront Mary’s with views of Sturgeon Bay.
Sturgeon Bay to Menominee—105 miles (170 km)
Stop 3—Menominee, MI and Marinette, WI
A stop on the other side of Green Bay should include the towns of Menominee and Marinette on the Menominee River. Be sure to Visit the historic downtown and the Menominee lighthouse. Activities can include hiking the wooded trails at Hennes park or a rafting trip on the Menomonee.
Menominee to Escanaba—55 mile (90 km)
Stop 4—Escanaba and Gladstone
This stop offers views of the Little Bay de Noc from Luddington Park, as well as both the Sand Point and Gladstone lighthouses. You might also visit Gladstone beach to check out the sand art. One dining option is the highly rated but simple American fare at BellaNasi.
Escanaba to Manistique—55 miles (90 km)
Stop 5—Manistique
One of the top attractions in this part of the Upper Peninsula is the massive Kitch-iti-Kipi spring. You might also stretch your legs with a walk along the boardwalk. Other sights include the Manistique East Breakwater and nearby Seul Choix Pointe lighthouses. Later on, grab a burger at classic American Clyde’s Drive-In and maybe watch a movie at the Highway 2 Community Drive-In Theater.
Manistique to Saint Ignace—90 miles (245 km)
Stop 6—Saint Ignace
Bridge View Park in Saint Ignace offers the best views of the famous Mackinac Bridge. You can also catch a ferry to Mackinac Island, which is at least a full day trip. All the locals will tell you to eat at the Johnnie’s on 2, which is an iconic drive-in dining spot.
Saint Ignace to Traverse City—135 miles (220 km)
Stop 7—Traverse City
Traverse City is America’s Cherry Capital and the downtown Wine Country shop is one place to explore all the products made from local cherries. Also spend time exploring the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas, but absolutely devote at least a day to the incredible Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore.
Traverse City to Holland—185 miles (300 km)
Stop 8—Holland
While in Holland, you absolutely have to visit Windmill Island and if you can visit in the spring when the tulips are in blume, it will be even more spectacular. The historic downtown downtown is a must-visit for shopping, dining and exploring the town’s Dutch roots. You should also drive around and visit the lighthouse and beach at Holland State Park.
Holland to St. Joseph—55 miles (90 km)
Stop 9—St. Joseph
This is one of my favorite spots on Lake Michigan. St. Joe has a vibrant art scene and a lovely downtown. Without leaving town, you can easily walk to Silver Beach and the North Pier Lighthouse. Also spend some time exploring the surrounding wine country and the sand dunes at Warren Dunes State Park.
St. Joseph to Indiana Dunes National Park—50 Miles (80 km)
Stop 10—Indiana Dunes National Park
Round out the trip with a stop at Indiana Dunes National Park, which preserves important avian habitat on the lake. This offers great birding opportunities. Of course, the dunes, lakefront and local beaches should also be on your list.
Chicago was omitted from the itinerary because of congestion and toll roads, but you might want to add it and include a day trip from Indiana Dunes.