Situated in the Great Lakes region, Michigan is also sometimes known as the ‘Great Lakes State’, for there are more than 60,000 ponds and lakes in the state. The picturesque natural landscapes here attracts thousands of visitors each year. From beaches to forests, there are many amazing vistas and activities to be enjoyed here. But even more interesting are the road trips that you can take from Michigan, thanks to its convenient location. New York, Nashville, Richmond, and many more awesome destinations are just a few hours away. All you need to do is gather your friends and family, load up the car, and take the scenic route! Read on to know more about the top road trips from Michigan, USA.
1. Louisville, KY
Just a few hours from Michigan is the vibrant city of Louisville in Kentucky that is home to several amazing attractions. Renowned for its association with American whiskey, the city hosts the Urban Bourbon Trail that gives visitors a taste of brews from various local restaurants, bars, and micro-distilleries. For sports fans, a visit to Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Muhammad Ali Center, and Churchill Downs is a must. Other popular attractions include Frazier History Museum, Belle of Louisville, Kentucky Center, Louisville Waterfront Park, and festivals like Kentucky Derby Festival, Kentucky State Fair, and more. Depending on your route from Michigan, you can take pit stops at interesting cities like Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Grand Rapids.
2. Atlanta, GA
As one of the most famous cities in the U.S., Atlanta in Georgia is a popular tourist spot and makes for a perfect road trip destination from Michigan. Crossing at least three states along the way, road trippers can explore the attractions of various other cities like Louisville, Nashville, and Columbus. In Atlanta, a range of amazing family-friendly attractions await visitors, including World of Coca-Cola, MLK Jr. National Historic Park, Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, College Football Hall of Fame, Piedmont Park, and more. The city’s downtown and midtown areas, with their historic landmarks and cultural attractions, are also must-visits.
3. New York
Head east from Michigan for an amazing road trip to the fascinating state of New York. Be mesmerised by scenic landscapes as you cross three to four state lines along the way. In New York, admire the majestic Niagara Falls from the American side, visit the picturesque Finger Lakes region, take a boat trip of Thousand Islands and, of course, spend a night or two in New York City. See this world-famous city’s even more world-famous attractions like Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and Empire State Building. Go shopping on Fifth Avenue, dine at hipster restaurants and bars, or simply sit at a cafe and watch the busy New Yorkers zip by!
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4. Nashville, TN
Driving on down straight from Michigan through Indiana and Kentucky will take you to ‘Music City’ Nashville in Tennessee. A steady dose of Southern charm and hospitality on the way will prepare you for what’s in store at Nashville. The home of country music has several amazing landmarks that you must visit, like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum, and Cheekwood Botanical Garden. Don’t forget to check out downtown Nashville’s honky-tonk bars and sample Nashville’s comforting 'down-home’ Southern cuisine that includes dishes like hot chicken, meat and three, barbeque, and more!
5. Pittsburgh, PA
Round the bend of Lake Erie, past the cities of Toledo and Cleveland in Ohio, make your way to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on your road trip from Michigan. Strategically situated at the confluence of three rivers, the city embraces every season with gusto and is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colour. Attractions at Pittsburgh include Carnegie Museum of Art, Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Duquesne Incline, PNC Park Baseball Stadium, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and more! Stroll past the riverfronts, dine at amazing restaurants, watch a play, or take your kids to the park - Pittsburgh has so much to offer every kind of visitor.
6. Richmond, VA
Make your way to the east coast of the U.S., and drive past breathtaking scenery on your road trip from Michigan to Richmond, Virginia. Steeped in Civil War history, Richmond is home to several beautiful architectural landmarks and streets like Virginia State Capitol and Monument Avenue; museums like Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, American Civil War Museum, and Science Museum of Virginia; parks like Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and many hiking and biking trails. Richmond also has a number of craft breweries, fine dining restaurants, and vibrant bars that should be checked out too.
7. Virginia Beach, VA
Just a little further on from Richmond is Virginia Beach, Virginia that makes for an amazing road trip destination from Michigan. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, this coastal city has a friendly beach-town vibe, welcoming locals and offering numerous attractions. Enjoy surfing, swimming, sunbathing, or walking along the boardwalk. Other interesting attractions include Cape Henry Lighthouse, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach Town Center, Norfolk Botanical Garden, and First Landing State Park.
8. Baltimore, MD
Another east coast gem to visit on a road trip from Michigan is Baltimore, Maryland. An architecturally beautiful city, Baltimore offers many historic and culturally significant attractions like the urban waterfront park of Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the sports fans, and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The city also has dozens of interesting neighbourhoods, restaurants, museums, and parks to explore.
9. Cleveland, OH
One of the most popular and shorter road trips to take from Michigan is to Cleveland in the neighbouring state of Ohio. Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland offers several cultural attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, and Cleveland Botanical Garden. The city is also home to sports teams like Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cleveland Indians, making it the perfect place to catch a game or two. Several outdoor activities, delectable local food, and entertainment options are also available here.
10. Atlantic City, NJ
Popular for its casinos and nightlife, Atlantic City in New Jersey is a famous tourist destination that is ideal for an east coast road trip from Michigan. Many fantastic resorts and shopping malls dot the city, along with several beautiful beaches where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, surfing, kayaking, or just strolling along the iconic boardwalk. Other notable attractions here include Absecon Lighthouse, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and Steel Pier.
Road-tripping from Michigan
Road trips are an awful lot of fun, especially with your best friends or close family. And road trips from Michigan are even more fun since there are so many options to choose from. Take your pick from our recommendations of the top road trips from Michigan, USA, and have an awesome road-tripping experience!
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