# Lake Michigan's dune coast

> 3-day road trip of about 641 km (399 mi) with 5 stops, from Chicago to Mackinaw City. About 7 h 07 min of driving in total.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/michigan-shore/

**At a glance:** 3-day road trip of about 641 km (399 mi) with 5 stops, from Chicago to Mackinaw City. About 7 h 07 min of driving in total. Big dunes and the Mighty Mac bridge.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 641 km (399 mi) |
| Driving | 7 h 07 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 5 |
| Route | Chicago → Mackinaw City |
| States | IL, MI |
| Updated | July 25, 2026 |

## Route description

From Chicago, follow I-94 around the southern tip of Lake Michigan into Michigan, then take US-31 north along the lakeshore through Holland, Muskegon and Ludington. Beach towns and state parks with their own dunes line the way, and the southern part of US-31 is a fast four-lane highway.

Further north, M-22 leads to Empire and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where sand bluffs rise 450 feet above Lake Michigan and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive has the best overlooks. Running down the dune to the water is easy, but the climb back up is long and hard. Traverse City, on Grand Traverse Bay, makes a good base, with cherry orchards and wineries on the peninsulas nearby.

From Traverse City, US-31 continues north through Charlevoix and Petoskey to Mackinaw City, where the five-mile Mackinac Bridge links Michigan’s two peninsulas. Ferries leave from here for car-free Mackinac Island. Summer and early fall are the best times to go; the bridge charges a toll, and in strong winds high-sided vehicles may be escorted across or held.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Chicago** (IL)
2. **Sleeping Bear Dunes** (Empire, MI): Sand bluffs 450 feet above Lake Michigan. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive has the best overlooks.
3. **Traverse City** (MI)
4. **Mackinac Bridge** (Mackinaw City, MI): A five-mile suspension bridge linking Michigan's two peninsulas. Ferries to car-free Mackinac Island leave nearby.
5. **Mackinaw City** (MI)