10 Great Lakes Road Trips You Should Take This Summer
The Great Lakes region is the perfect destination for a road trip this summer. With stunning views, charming small lakeside towns, and plenty of outdoor activities, a road trip around the Great Lakes should be at the top of your travel to-do list.
From exploring the beautiful shores of Lake Erie to visiting quaint waterfront towns in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there are so many possibilities for a fantastic road trip around the Great Lakes.
We’re here to highlight some of our favorite routes and attractions to help you plan the ultimate Great Lakes road trip. If you’re asking for our favorites, it’s tough to narrow them down!
We’ve been road-tripping around the region for our entire lives, so we know a thing or two about where to go! However, if we had to choose, we’d probably say Michigan’s UP or Pennsylvania’s Route 6.
Don’t take our word for it, though. Go and see for yourself!
1. Great Lakes Circle Tour
The Great Lakes Circle Tour is a scenic road trip route that takes you around all five Great Lakes. This epic route allows you to explore all the beauty of the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world.
This is the longest route on our list, so you’ll want to save this one for when you have plenty of time to see everything.
Starting in any of the Great Lakes states, on this tour, you’ll make your way around Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. Each lake has its unique charm and attractions, with historic lighthouses, sandy beaches, and charming little towns. You’ll even pass through larger cities including Chicago, Cleveland, and Toronto.
While the tour can be completed in a short amount of time, we wouldn’t recommend rushing along this route. It is best experienced over two weeks.
Great stops along this route include Put-in-bay, OH; Grand Portage, MN; Sault St. Marie, ON; Toronto, ON
2. Route 66
Route 66, the Main Street of America, stretches over 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. While the entire route is full of iconic legs, traveling along the section near the Great Lakes is a great way to get a taste of a cross-country road trip.
As Route 66 winds out of busy Chicago, it ventures through the vibrant neighborhoods and urban landscapes. Heading southwest, it passes through small towns.
If you’re looking to stay relatively close within the Great Lakes region, we’d recommend stopping in St. Louis. You can save the rest of the route for another time!
At the end of your trip, make sure you stop at the famous Gateway Arch, a symbol of westward expansion. The site is now protected as a national park. You’ll also pass through Springfield, which showcases the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, honoring the nation’s 16th president.
In less than 200 miles, this section of Route 66 near the Great Lakes will give you just a small taste of the charm along this legendary route.
3. Minnesota’s North Shore
In northeastern Minnesota, the North Shore along Lake Superior is known for its breathtaking beauty. One of the best ways to experience all of the best views is by driving the North Shore Scenic Drive, about 150 miles along the rugged coastline of Lake Superior. The drive will give you views of the lake, cliffs, and great waterfalls along the way.
When road-tripping along Minnesota’s North Shore, the easiest place to begin is in Duluth. Famous for its stunning views of Lake Superior, Duluth has plenty of activities on par with mid-sized cities.
One of the most iconic landmarks along the North Shore drive is the Split Rock Lighthouse, perched high up on a cliff overlooking the lake.
You’ll also want to stop and explore the beautiful state parks with waterfalls along the way, including Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouchee, Cascade River, and Grand Portage.
We loved Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouchee, but make sure you head all the way to Grand Portage. That’s where you’ll find the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. We found the North Shore to be a great scenic route heading back after exploring Voyageurs National Park.
4. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan surprised us with its natural beauty, great hiking, and chilly dips in Lake Superior.
One of its intriguing aspects is its mysterious and haunted past, filled with stories of ghostly encounters and eerie occurrences. Ghost towns include Central Mine and Fayette, giving you a little glimpse into history.
The Upper Peninsula is also known for its shipwrecks, thanks to the treacherous waters of the Great Lakes, especially Lake Superior. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, on Whitefish Point, is a must-visit stop on this road trip. You’ll see artifacts and exhibits that recount the tales of some of the ships swallowed by the lakes. Visitors can also pay homage to the Edmund Fitzgerald, the most famous shipwreck in the Great Lakes.
Many visitors to the UP are headed to Pictured Rocks, and for good reason. It’s beautiful! We’d definitely recommend hiking the Chapel Loop, one of our favorite hikes in the entire Great Lakes region.
Another significant historical stop in the Upper Peninsula is the Keweenaw Peninsula for its mining history. Copper mining played a vital role in shaping the region. Explore historic sites such as the Copper Harbor Lighthouse and the Delaware Copper Mine.
While on the peninsula, take a ferry or seaplane over to Isle Royale National Park! You won’t regret the detour.
As you’re headed back along the northern point of Lake Michigan, stop and stretch your legs at Kitch-iti-kipi. Check out those big fish and bright turquoise waters!
Then, end your UP road trip with a ferry ride over to Mackinac Island.
5. Milwaukee to Door County
Begin in Milwaukee and head north, ending your trip in Door County. The route through eastern Wisconsin to Door County showcases some of the best the state has to offer, but it’s just a taste!
As you approach Door County, you’ll be treated to beautiful views along the 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.
Small lakeside towns with plenty of charm fill Door County. It’s a popular summer getaway destination for those looking to get out of the cities. Boat cruises and fish boils are must-dos once you reach Door County on your road trip.
Highlights of the region also include Peninsula and Newport State Park, both natural playgrounds filled with outdoor activities. Hiking trails, bike paths, boating, and fishing opportunities are plentiful. Swimming, camping, and golfing are also available. Those seeking a touch of history should check out the historic lighthouse
6. A Finger Lakes Road Trip
A road trip around the Finger Lakes in New York is a great adventure! It’s one of our favorite spots to visit around the Great Lakes because there is so much variety in what you can do. Begin the day hiking the gorge at Watkins Glen State Park spend the afternoon sipping wine with views of the water, and end the day with a delicious farm-to-table dinner.
Seneca Lake is the most visited of the Finger Lakes, but each lake has its own charm. Check out Canandaigua to get away from some of the crowds and bachelorette parties, or head to Ithaca for a taste of the Ivy League culture of Cornell’s campus.
Well-preserved architecture, boutique shops, and delightful restaurants will break up your time spent tasting wine along the routes. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can book a driver or a wine-tasting tour.
History lovers are in luck on this road trip, too. From the Seneca Falls Historical Society to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, this area played a big role in the suffrage movement.
7. Chicago to Niagara Falls
Starting in Chicago, you can begin your road trip by checking out some of the most popular Windy City attractions. Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Millennium Park are just a few of the famous landmarks worth exploring before hopping in your car and traveling toward western New York.
Leaving Chicago, your route will take you along the southern tip of Lake Michigan and Indiana Dunes National Park. Make a quick stop and climb the dunes before continuing toward Ohio
There are plenty of options for stopping along Lake Erie in Ohio, including Toledo, Put-in-Bay, Cleveland, and the wine region of northeast Ohio.
As you continue on, you’ll quickly travel through northwest Pennsylvania, and if you blink, you might miss it! We’d recommend fueling up and getting a bite to eat at one of the many great local restaurants in Erie, or checking out the beaches of Presque Isle State Park, before the last stretch in western New York.
We’ll end this one at Niagara Falls, but don’t just visit the few streets closest to the falls. There are some great trails further down the river and some fantastic restaurants off the main streets.
8. Pennsylvania’s Route 6
Pennsylvania’s Route 6, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, stretches across just over 400 miles from the Ohio border in the west to the New York border in the east. This scenic drive on a 2-lane road is one of the best ways to see some of Pennsylvania’s beautiful countryside.
Take a quick detour just past Wellsboro to see stunning views of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon from either Colton Point or Leonard Harrison State Parks. The view from the Barbour Rock Trail is one of the best in Pennsylvania!
Stop in the Pennsylvania Wilds region, home to plenty of forested hiking trails. Take a quick detour south to the Elk State Forest, where you can look for Pennsylvania’s elk in the wild. They can be spotted any time of the year, but fall gives you the best chance during the rut.
We also love stopping and visiting the small towns along the way. Make sure you stop at Logyard Brewing in Kane. You won’t be disappointed!
There are so many notable stops along Route 6. At Kinzua Bridge State Park, you can walk on the Kinzua Sky Walk, a glass-floored observation deck with panoramic views of the Kinzua Gorge. The Kinzua Bridge was destroyed by a tornado through the gorge in 2003, and the twisted metal still remains at the bottom. It’s a great place to appreciate the power and force of nature.
The driving time along Route 6 can vary depending on how many stops you plan to make along the way, but on average, it takes 8-9 hours just to drive the entire route. We’d recommend planning 5-7 days to cover the entire route with ample stops at parks and attractions along the way.
9. Buffalo to the Thousand Islands
If traveling from Buffalo to the Thousand Islands, there are a few route options, but we’d recommend staying as close to Lake Ontario as possible! The drive covers about 250 miles.
Once you reach The Thousand Islands themselves, you’ve finally reached the St. Lawrence River.
Fun Fact: The St. Lawrence serves as a natural border between the United States and Canada.
You’ll start in Buffalo and head east on Interstate 90. As you pass through the cities of Rochester and Syracuse, you can opt to detour north along the lake. However, if you’re pressed for time, continue on I-90.
In the Syracuse area, you’ll take Interstate 81 North, where the surroundings slowly transition away from city views. Once you reach Watertown, you’re in the home stretch. You’re less than an hour from the Thousand Islands!
Whether you explore the islands by boat or take a stroll along the riverbanks, this is a beautiful area to explore and spend some time in. Stay in Alexandria Bay or in the village of Clayton, where you can walk to restaurants and enjoy some time by the St. Lawrence.
10. The Historic National Road
The Historic National Road holds great significance in the eastern US as the nation’s first federally funded highway. It was crucial for connecting and facilitating westward migration during the 19th century.
The road, also known as US 40, stretches 600+ miles from Cumberland, Maryland to East St. Louis, Illinois, passing through cities like Columbus and Indianapolis. Its construction began in 1811 under the guidance of then-President Thomas Jefferson and was inspired by George Washington’s vision of a transcontinental highway.
In Pennsylvania, take a short detour to Ohiopyle State Park, well-known for waterfalls and whitewater rafting. Take a glance up at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, which looks like a castle set high up on a hill overlooking the road. Then, stop for a bite to eat at Braddock’s Inn for delicious homestyle cooking.
In southern Ohio, make a stop in Zanesville. This town used to be known as the “Pottery Capital of the World!”
Through southern Indiana, you’ll pass through Indianapolis on the way to the end of the road in Vandalia, Illinois. There are so many historically significant points along this road that history buffs could spend weeks driving, stopping, and learning.
The Great Lakes region offers some great options for both quick road trip getaways and longer adventures. You’ll find beautiful and diverse landscapes, charming small towns, and historical significance along every one of these routes.
Explore the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, discover the history and small towns of Pennsylvania, sip wine along the Finger Lakes in New York, or take in the Lake Superior cliffs along Minnesota’s North Shore.
Which Great Lakes road trip are you most excited to take?
