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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Chicago To Michigan Road Trip Itinerary

Chicago to Michigan Road Trip Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the bustling streets of Chicago to the serene landscapes of Michigan. Your adventure begins at the iconic Navy Pier, where you can indulge in entertainment, dining, and stunning views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. After soaking in urban vibes, hit the road toward Indiana Dunes National Park to witness diverse ecosystems and enjoy beach activities along the southern shores of Lake Michigan.

Next, explore the towering dunes of Warren Dunes State Park, a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts. As you travel further into Michigan, stop at the Kalamazoo Nature Center to traverse through lush green trails and engage with interactive nature exhibits. In Grand Rapids, the Public Museum awaits you with its rich array of cultural and scientific displays, including a captivating planetarium.

Your road trip culminates at the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Here, miles of sandy beaches, clear inland lakes, and massive sand dunes provide a playground for outdoor fun and exploration. This scenic drive from city to shore presents the perfect balance of urban excitement and natural tranquility.


Recommended Activities

  • Navy Pier is one of Chicago's premier tourist attractions, offering entertainment, museums, restaurants, and the iconic Centennial Wheel with panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
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    Indiana Dunes National Park

    Indiana Dunes National Park showcases a unique landscape of dunes, forests, wetlands, and prairies along the southern tip of Lake Michigan, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and beach activities.
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    Warren Dunes State Park

    Warren Dunes State Park is popular for its impressive sand dunes that rise up to 260 feet above the lake level, offering recreational activities like hiking, hang-gliding, and enjoying the beautiful shorelines of Lake Michigan.
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    Kalamazoo Nature Center

    The Kalamazoo Nature Center offers a variety of natural habitats to explore, including trails through woods, wetlands, and prairies, along with interactive exhibits, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and families.
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    Grand Rapids Public Museum

    The Grand Rapids Public Museum is a cultural gem, featuring a wide range of exhibits from science and history to culture, plus a planetarium, all designed to educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
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    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore boasts stunning landscapes with towering dunes, crystal-clear lakes, and miles of sandy beaches, making it perfect for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the beauty of Northern Michigan.
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Tasty Picks

  • Alinea

    Located in Chicago, Alinea is not just a restaurant; it's an experience. Renowned for its innovative approach to modernist cuisine, it offers a multi-sensory dining journey.
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  • SafeHouse

    SafeHouse in Chicago provides an espionage-themed dining experience complete with secret passages and spy memorabilia — perfect for an adventure.
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  • Sobie Meats

    Visit Sobie Meats in Grand Rapids for not only a meat shop but also an unusual eatery offering unique house-made sausages and meats in an informal setting.
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    Trattoria Stella

    Trattoria Stella

    Traverse City's Trattoria Stella is set in the historic and quirky Grand Traverse Commons—a repurposed state hospital—and offers exquisite local cuisine.
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    Kalamazoo Beer Exchange

    Kalamazoo Beer Exchange

    This bar and restaurant features a stock exchange for beer prices that rise and fall based on demand, creating a fun and dynamic drinking experience in Kalamazoo.
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    Rose's Express

    4.6
    $$$$

    Rose's Express

    An extension of Rose's on Reeds Lake, Rose's Express offers unique, ready-made gourmet dishes in East Grand Rapids that you can enjoy by the water.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    The Jekyll & Hyde Pub

    The Jekyll & Hyde Pub

    Explore the dual-themed restaurant in Elkhart, Indiana. Half of the year it's Jekyll’s relaxed atmosphere, the other half it's Hyde with a Halloween vibe.
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    Supino Pizzeria

    Supino Pizzeria

    Detroit's Supino Pizzeria offers exceptional thin-crust pizza in a vibrant market setting, notable for creative toppings and a unique dining experience.
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Stay Recommendations

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    The Drake Hotel

    The Drake Hotel

    Experience the elegance and charm of old Chicago at The Drake Hotel, known for its stunning architecture and grand interiors.
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    Weber's Boutique Hotel

    Weber's Boutique Hotel

    Weber's in Ann Arbor features a unique retro vibe with its own nightclub and restaurant, and a notable pool with a vintage, '70s-era sunken bar.
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    CityFlatsHotel

    CityFlatsHotel

    CityFlatsHotel in Grand Rapids is an eco-friendly hotel with modern design and features unique, customizable room settings for lighting and ambiance.
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    The English Inn

    The English Inn

    Stay in Eaton Rapids at The English Inn, offering guests the experience of an English Tudor-style manor amidst the scenic countryside.
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    Hotel Saugatuck

    Hotel Saugatuck

    Hotel Saugatuck in Saugatuck, Michigan, is a historic B&B with unique oval-shaped rooms and gourmet breakfast, close to the shores of Lake Michigan.
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    The Inn at 97 Winder

    The Inn at 97 Winder

    In Detroit's historic district, The Inn at 97 Winder is a restored 1870s mansion that offers a luxurious and intimate stay with proximity to downtown attractions.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Jamey Johnson w/ Whitey Morgan & the 78s

    Jamey Johnson w/ Whitey Morgan & the 78s

    The event will take place at Allegan County Fair in Allegan.
    Map IconAllegan County Fair in Allegan (29.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Sep 2024
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    Oliver Anthony

    Oliver Anthony

    The event will take place at Allegan County Fair in Allegan.
    Map IconAllegan County Fair in Allegan (29.72 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Sep 2024
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    Hillbilly Casino with Sasquatch And The Sick-A-Billys

    Hillbilly Casino with Sasquatch And The Sick-A-Billys

    Hillbilly CasinoIn a town known for hat act pop country, and slick production, the Hillbilly Casino has been working hard. Since 2005, the band has been an anchor of Nashvilles underground roots music community. Booking their own local shows, and tou...
    Map IconTip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids (44.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon27 Jun 2024
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    The Incantations with TheBrother Ron Band

    The Incantations with TheBrother Ron Band

    The event will take place at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids.
    Map IconTip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids (44.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Jun 2024
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    The Junky Swinger And Deerfield Run

    The Junky Swinger And Deerfield Run

    The event will take place at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids.
    Map IconTip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids (44.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
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    Supersuckers Wsg The Rumours

    Supersuckers Wsg The Rumours

    Youve heard our name, youve seen our records, our t-shirts and our stickers. Were probably the favorite band of someone you know and yet maybe were still a mystery to you. Well my friend, thats okay, youre at the right place to get to know the greate...
    Map IconTip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids (44.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Jul 2024
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    The Menstrual Tramps and OiL Change

    The Menstrual Tramps and OiL Change

    Menstrual Tramps- All female 3 piece hardcore streetpunk from Minneapolis. Oil Change- Street Punk Trio from Grand Rapids
    Map IconTip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids (44.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Jul 2024
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