Home › Journeys › North America › Northern Michigan & Mackinac Island circuit

Northern Michigan & Mackinac Island circuit: Route Guide

Last updated:

Lake Michigan from the Sleeping Bear Dunes bluff
Photo: Bamyers99 · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

A same-car circuit from Traverse City's orchards to Sleeping Bear's Lake Michigan dunes, Petoskey's waterfront and a confirmed foot-passenger day on car-free Mackinac Island.

Northern Michigan & Mackinac Island circuit is a 475 km loop (self-drive). It works best as a 4-day trip; the plan below is the 4-day version for July, built from 182 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

4
days
475km
distance
6
Stops
182
curated stops

Plan your own version → 4-day plan · best time to go

The route

Traverse City→ 64 kmSleeping Bear Dunes→ 161 kmPetoskey→ 58 kmMackinaw City ferry terminal→Mackinac Island→Mackinaw City after island return

What you'll see

Old Mission Point Lighthouse
Stand on the 45th parallel at this historic lighthouse tip.
Traverse City
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station and Maritime Museum
Step back in time with live demonstrations and historic maritime exhibits.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Little Traverse Historical Museum
You will see a beautifully preserved railway station with vintage train memorabilia and historical exhibits.
Petoskey
Fort Mackinac
Explore the restored hilltop fort, military buildings and interpreter demonstrations above Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island
Dennos Museum Center
Explore diverse visual and performing arts exhibits.
Traverse City
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Drive through stunning dunes with panoramic overlooks and picnic spots.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Bay View
Wander through Victorian cottages and quaint inns in a historic retreat.
Petoskey
Music House Museum
Discover rare antique musical instruments and machines.
Traverse City

Choose your length

4-day plan11 stops · 13.0 h transit2.8 stops/day · 3.2 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October

This warm-season circuit requires the current vehicle opening of Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive plus confirmed round-trip passenger ferry and island attraction access. Recheck exact dates because road, ferry and Fort Mackinac seasons do not begin and end on month boundaries.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →