Southwest Michigan has this perfect route – known as the West Michigan Pike – that is a seemingly never-ending tour of quaint beach towns, striking natural beauty, and vast lakeside views. We took it and turned it into the ultimate southwest Michigan road trip! The next time you feel the need to explore this stunning area of Michigan, hop in your car and get on the road and explore using this amazing road trip guide.
To help you along, we thought we’d come up with a few suggestions for your idyllic weekend getaway, with a little GPS to go along with our guide. Check out the full map and let’s go!
Google Maps
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Eli Duke/Flickr At Silver Lake Sand Dunes you’ll find some 2,000 acres of sweeping sand dunes that border the shores of Lake Michigan and Silver Lake. There are a host of must-see attractions for when you cruise through and want to explore this stunning area! Silver Lake Sand Dunes, 1765 N Lakeview Dr, Mears, MI 49436, USA
- Little Sable Point Lighthouse
cmh2315fl/Flickr While you’re in the area, check out Little Sable Point Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse on the lake. Located near the Michigan sand dunes, this iconic lighthouse is a must-see. Built in 1874, and 107 feet tall, this brick structure is a piece of history to behold! Little Sable Point Lighthouse, 287 N Lighthouse Dr, Mears, MI 49436, USA
- Muskegon
Jeffsphotoart/Flickr On to Muskegon…
… Where you’ll find Michigan’s Adventure, the largest amusement park in the state.
Curtis Bolt/Google Maps Enjoy hours of fun in the sun at Michigan’s Adventure. Part waterpark and part amusement park, it is the ultimate summer day trip in Michigan! Michigan’s Adventure, 4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445, USA
- Grand Haven
jimflix!/Flickr This gorgeous place is a four season destination, with tons to see and do. A Michigan road trip isn’t complete without a stop in Grand Haven… Grand Haven, MI, USA
- …Where you’ll enjoy a nice stroll on the 1.5 Mile Boardwalk.
Geoff LMV/Flickr This amazing waterfront path travels past restaurants, marinas, fishing charters, a pier, and even a lighthouse! Grab a picnic and enjoy the views from this spot that’s fun to visit all year long.
- And you can marvel at the World’s Largest Musical Fountain.
Joanna Poe/Flickr It lost its title in 1998 to a fountain in Las Vegas, but this fountain is still spectacular! Be sure to catch this show the next time you’re in the Grand Haven area. Grand Haven, MI, USA
- Holland
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
…Home of the picturesque Windmill Island Gardens.
M Gleason/Flickr Check out this rare spot, truly one of the most unique places to visit in Michigan. You’ll have a hard time tearing yourself away from this enchanting town!
The Downtown Street Performance Series during the summer is a delight as well.
lincolnblues/Flickr Holland, MI 49423, USA
- Saugatuck
Don Harder/Flickr
While here you can tour the Kalamazoo River on the Saugatuck Historic Chain Ferry.
Katherine Johnson/Flickr The Saugatuck Historic Chain Ferry is the nation’s oldest chain ferry. This makes for a fun adventure any day. It’s been in use since 1838, and takes you 250 feet to Oval Beach. Saugatuck, MI 49453, USA
- South Haven
Tom Gill/Flickr
One of the most popular things to do here is to get pampered at the Last Resort Bed and Breakfast.
Last Resort Bed and Breakfast/Facebook South Haven’s oldest resort is a wonderful place to get away from it all. There are rooms, cottages, and plenty of grounds to explore. Even if you don’t book a stay at this enchanting bed and breakfast, you’ll find South Haven to be simply charming! South Haven, MI 49090, USA
- And finally off to St. Joseph.
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr
Wine lovers appreciate the opportunity to sample the many wineries that make up the Southwest Michigan Wine Trail.
Southwest Michigan Wine Trail/Facebook This wine trail is the ultimate way to enjoy the Lake Michigan Shore. St. Joseph, St Joseph, MI, USA
Have you hit any of the stops on this southwest Michigan road trip? Which one is your favorite? Will you drive the whole thing? Let us know in the comments below!
Google Maps
Eli Duke/Flickr
At Silver Lake Sand Dunes you’ll find some 2,000 acres of sweeping sand dunes that border the shores of Lake Michigan and Silver Lake. There are a host of must-see attractions for when you cruise through and want to explore this stunning area!
Silver Lake Sand Dunes, 1765 N Lakeview Dr, Mears, MI 49436, USA
cmh2315fl/Flickr
While you’re in the area, check out Little Sable Point Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse on the lake. Located near the Michigan sand dunes, this iconic lighthouse is a must-see. Built in 1874, and 107 feet tall, this brick structure is a piece of history to behold!
Little Sable Point Lighthouse, 287 N Lighthouse Dr, Mears, MI 49436, USA
Jeffsphotoart/Flickr
On to Muskegon…
Curtis Bolt/Google Maps
Enjoy hours of fun in the sun at Michigan’s Adventure. Part waterpark and part amusement park, it is the ultimate summer day trip in Michigan!
Michigan’s Adventure, 4750 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445, USA
jimflix!/Flickr
This gorgeous place is a four season destination, with tons to see and do. A Michigan road trip isn’t complete without a stop in Grand Haven…
Grand Haven, MI, USA
Geoff LMV/Flickr
This amazing waterfront path travels past restaurants, marinas, fishing charters, a pier, and even a lighthouse! Grab a picnic and enjoy the views from this spot that’s fun to visit all year long.
Joanna Poe/Flickr
It lost its title in 1998 to a fountain in Las Vegas, but this fountain is still spectacular! Be sure to catch this show the next time you’re in the Grand Haven area.
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
M Gleason/Flickr
Check out this rare spot, truly one of the most unique places to visit in Michigan. You’ll have a hard time tearing yourself away from this enchanting town!
lincolnblues/Flickr
Holland, MI 49423, USA
Don Harder/Flickr
Katherine Johnson/Flickr
The Saugatuck Historic Chain Ferry is the nation’s oldest chain ferry. This makes for a fun adventure any day. It’s been in use since 1838, and takes you 250 feet to Oval Beach.
Saugatuck, MI 49453, USA
Tom Gill/Flickr
Last Resort Bed and Breakfast/Facebook
South Haven’s oldest resort is a wonderful place to get away from it all. There are rooms, cottages, and plenty of grounds to explore. Even if you don’t book a stay at this enchanting bed and breakfast, you’ll find South Haven to be simply charming!
South Haven, MI 49090, USA
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr
Southwest Michigan Wine Trail/Facebook
This wine trail is the ultimate way to enjoy the Lake Michigan Shore.
St. Joseph, St Joseph, MI, USA
If you’re looking for more epic road trips, you need to make sure you drive this see-it-all Michigan road trip for a truly fun-filled adventure!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Southwest Michigan Road Trip March 01, 2021 Megan McDonald What’s the best time of year for a road trip in Michigan? From late May, through early October, sightseeing and touring around Michigan to see some of its amazing spots, including a wealth of historical sites, is perfect. The weather is mild, and most of the sites will be open that you’d like to visit. Are there a lot of wineries in Michigan? There are over 140 wineries in the entire state of Michigan. You can find one all over the state, and there are even American Viticulture Areas to visit. Where can I find some of the best fishing in Michigan? In Michigan you’ll find lots of amazing fishing spots. Although walleye and bass and the favorites, you’ll find lots of other variety as well. Belleville Lake, Burt Lake, and Long Lake are just a few of the most popular spots.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Southwest Michigan Road Trip
March 01, 2021
Megan McDonald
What’s the best time of year for a road trip in Michigan? From late May, through early October, sightseeing and touring around Michigan to see some of its amazing spots, including a wealth of historical sites, is perfect. The weather is mild, and most of the sites will be open that you’d like to visit. Are there a lot of wineries in Michigan? There are over 140 wineries in the entire state of Michigan. You can find one all over the state, and there are even American Viticulture Areas to visit. Where can I find some of the best fishing in Michigan? In Michigan you’ll find lots of amazing fishing spots. Although walleye and bass and the favorites, you’ll find lots of other variety as well. Belleville Lake, Burt Lake, and Long Lake are just a few of the most popular spots.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
From late May, through early October, sightseeing and touring around Michigan to see some of its amazing spots, including a wealth of historical sites, is perfect. The weather is mild, and most of the sites will be open that you’d like to visit.
Are there a lot of wineries in Michigan?
There are over 140 wineries in the entire state of Michigan. You can find one all over the state, and there are even American Viticulture Areas to visit.
Where can I find some of the best fishing in Michigan?
In Michigan you’ll find lots of amazing fishing spots. Although walleye and bass and the favorites, you’ll find lots of other variety as well. Belleville Lake, Burt Lake, and Long Lake are just a few of the most popular spots.
