June 25, 2023 • 8 mins
This episode of End of the Road in Michigan takes you on a virtual ride through five unforgettable road trips across the state.
From Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast and the historic Upper Peninsula lighthouse trail, to vineyard-lined Harbor Country and the remote River Road Scenic Byway—each route is packed with character, shoreline views, and iconic stops.
Whether you're planning a summer getaway or just love the open road, this guide offers something for every traveler who wants to see the best of the Great Lakes State.
From Lake Michigan’s Gold Coast and the historic Upper Peninsula lighthouse trail, to vineyard-lined Harbor Country and the remote River Road Scenic Byway—each route is packed with character, shoreline views, and iconic stops.
Whether you're planning a summer getaway or just love the open road, this guide offers something for every traveler who wants to see the best of the Great Lakes State.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
I feel like I flipped a switch.
(00:02):
Since starting TRT from MaximusTribe.com, my energy is back, my workouts are hitting harder,
and I finally feel like myself again.
I'm recovering faster, building muscle, and actually enjoying life.
If you've been feeling off, it might be your testosterone levels.
Don't wait to fix it.
Get started today at MaximusTribe.com.
Results may vary.
Claims have not been reviewed by FDA, and Maximus does not claim to treat or prevent disease.
(00:24):
MaximusTribe.com
[Music]
(00:48):
Hello and welcome to Thumbwinds End of the Road in Michigan Podcast.
We select one of our amazing stories about the Great Lakes region and the tip of Michigan's
thumb each week.
These are taken from Thumbwind.com and present it here so that you can listen to them
anytime, anywhere.
Michigan is a great place to take a road trip, and we found some amazing ideas of where to
(01:10):
go next summer.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's tale from the end of the road.
We can ride trips 5 Bucket List drives to discover Michigan's beauty.
When we think of Michigan, we immediately think of Lighthouses, beautiful historic downtowns,
(01:30):
and covered bridges.
Yet bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, no other state is home to a land surrounded
by forests and second only to Alaska in terms of beaches and shoreline.
Where can I go on a road trip in Michigan?
Seeing the Great Lakes state doesn't just stop at beaches, lighthouses or forests, the
(01:52):
state of Michigan also gives you gorgeous sand dunes, scenic byways, and a hefty amount of
roadside wonder.
Mix them together and have the perfect plan for an excellent road trip.
We recommend visiting this great state and exploring all it offers.
So without further ado, here are our top six road trips you must have when you're in
(02:13):
beautiful Michigan.
Let's jump right in.
The Gold Coast Golden Beaches and Scenic Views
Fittingly named the Gold Coast, its 300-mile shoreline has a long stretch of magnificently
sunk-kissed golden beaches and windswept sand dunes.
And along this stretch of Golden Beaches runs the M22 Scenic Drive and the US-31, all the
(02:37):
while hugging the famous Lake Michigan coast from the stunning resort town of Sagadok to
239 miles north in Maconaw City.
Now this is a village worth visiting if you're into 18th century French forts.
Not only that your road trip consists of many things you can explore, such as snug harbours,
affluent beach towns, Victorian mansions, Hemingway Haunts, and picture perfect vineyards and
(03:00):
orchards.
The best time to go is in the summer.
That way you can experience beautiful beaches like the Good Harbor Bay Beach, located south
of Leland, Oval Beach in Sagadok, or 5th Avenue Beach in Manaste.
Fitting it slow and harbor country explore southwest Michigan's vineyards.
(03:22):
For those who aren't enthusiastic about a 300-mile road trip, the harbor country on the
southern end of the coast will leave you wanting to go for an adventure.
Peppered with marinas and picturesque golden sands along the shore, this route from
Michiana is only an hour from downtown Chicago, Sawyer, which falls under the northern
most harbor country community.
(03:45):
The lights along this route will include the most extensive public beach in the region of
New Buffalo, the longest-running winery named St. Julian Wine Company in Union Pier, the
journeymen in three oaks is one of the largest organic distilleries of Michigan, and an abundance
of artsy boutiques, the fine dining restaurants, antique shops, beautiful resorts, and golf
courses.
(04:07):
The road trip is only a mere 22 minutes, but you should still discover what this magnificent
route offers.
What do you know about the upper peninsula lighthouses?
Did you know that the state of Michigan is home to 129 lighthouses?
No other stake in boast about its maritime icons more than Michigan.
(04:28):
May not only come second with its 80 lighthouses.
However, if you're looking for that postcard-ready lighthouse, Michigan's great white north,
the upper peninsula is home to 40.
Built mostly around the 1800s, you'll find more than a dozen are open for tours.
A lighthouse road trip
(04:50):
You can begin your lighthouse theme journey with the menacing range lighthouses at pictured
rocks national lake shore.
Then you can follow the peninsula's edge south, east, and back west to Escanaba, where
both the sand point lighthouse and peninsula point lighthouse are open for tower climbs
and tours.
Also you'll discover more preserved wonders, such as the crisp point lighthouse in Paradise,
(05:13):
sitting on Lake Superior Shipwreck Alley since 1904.
There's also the Osable Light Station and pictured rocks, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
at Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Point Iroquois Lighthouse in Brumley.
We guarantee you won't be disappointed at all, and it's worth the drive to visit these
rustic and towering lighthouses.
(05:35):
Before the River Road National Scenic Byway, start with Lumberman's Monument.
You love nature and camping and the River Road National Scenic Byway is just the destination
for your road trip.
Extending westward from beautiful Lake Huron into the Huron Manesty National Forest, you'll
(05:56):
find this is the best opportunity to drive into the natural wonders of Michigan and discover
all it has to offer.
This road trip will take you through scenic outlooks, historical sites, monuments, riverside
campgrounds, cross-country ski trails, and hiking.
You'll be driving along the Osable River Road, which was once crucial for transporting
(06:16):
giant white pines from the forest to Lake Huron's quaint Somal Towns.
If you like to dive deep into the history of the region, then we recommend stopping by
the Lumberman's Monument Visitor Centre to learn more.
It's not lost in the sunrise coast.
It's no secret that Lake Michigan is the most well known, but there's also an underdog
(06:39):
to the east, Lake Huron.
You can view the Huron shoreline right here, thanks to the webcams that have been installed
there.
Not only does it host a long list of marine sanctuaries, wineries, and art galleries, but
nothing else can beat the spectacular sunrises on this coast.
The trip will start from Ogress, considered the gateway to Michigan's sunrises.
(07:01):
From there, you'll go straight north, paralleling some 200 miles of shoreline along the US-23,
and to Maconaw City.
It's here where you can catch a very ride to the nearby Maconac Island, known for its
tranquility.
Besides the picture-perfect sunrises, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore the
Taoist Point State Park, the Cherry Island Lighthouse, Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary,
(07:25):
and Shaboygan, home to more lighthouses, wineries, breweries, and endlessly charming small towns.
In conclusion, planning a road trip is not easy, but if you're willing to go out into the
unknown and discover what's there, there's no time like the present.
And Michigan is the best state for road trips simply because of how much it offers.
(07:47):
Let us know in the comments below about your experiences on your road trips to Michigan.
Until then, stay safe and drive safe.
(08:18):
Have a great day!
(08:45):
At Arizona State University, we've made online education better, smarter, and more personalized,
so you can go further in your aspiring field.
I decided to pursue medicine once I realized that ASU did have the online program for biological
sciences.
You're still required to learn the same curriculum.
You're still being tested on the same content that anyone would be tested on in person.
(09:06):
The comprehensiveness of the program prepared me so well for medical school.
I finally cracked the code since starting Samaglutine from MaximusTribe.com.
I'm down-weight, my cravings are under control, and I actually feel in charge of my body again.
(09:27):
No crash diets, no endless cardio, just real results.
If you're stuck in that weight loss struggle, this is the game changer you've been looking
for.
What's started today at MaximusTribe.com.
I feel like I flipped a switch.
(00:02):
Since starting TRT from MaximusTribe.com, my energy is back, my workouts are hitting harder,
and I finally feel like myself again.
I'm recovering faster, building muscle, and actually enjoying life.
If you've been feeling off, it might be your testosterone levels.
Don't wait to fix it.
Get started today at MaximusTribe.com.
Results may vary.
Claims have not been reviewed by FDA, and Maximus does not claim to treat or prevent disease.
(00:24):
MaximusTribe.com
[Music]
(00:48):
Hello and welcome to Thumbwinds End of the Road in Michigan Podcast.
We select one of our amazing stories about the Great Lakes region and the tip of Michigan's
thumb each week.
These are taken from Thumbwind.com and present it here so that you can listen to them
anytime, anywhere.
Michigan is a great place to take a road trip, and we found some amazing ideas of where to
(01:10):
go next summer.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's tale from the end of the road.
We can ride trips 5 Bucket List drives to discover Michigan's beauty.
When we think of Michigan, we immediately think of Lighthouses, beautiful historic downtowns,
(01:30):
and covered bridges.
Yet bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, no other state is home to a land surrounded
by forests and second only to Alaska in terms of beaches and shoreline.
Where can I go on a road trip in Michigan?
Seeing the Great Lakes state doesn't just stop at beaches, lighthouses or forests, the
(01:52):
state of Michigan also gives you gorgeous sand dunes, scenic byways, and a hefty amount of
roadside wonder.
Mix them together and have the perfect plan for an excellent road trip.
We recommend visiting this great state and exploring all it offers.
So without further ado, here are our top six road trips you must have when you're in
(02:13):
beautiful Michigan.
Let's jump right in.
The Gold Coast Golden Beaches and Scenic Views
Fittingly named the Gold Coast, its 300-mile shoreline has a long stretch of magnificently
sunk-kissed golden beaches and windswept sand dunes.
And along this stretch of Golden Beaches runs the M22 Scenic Drive and the US-31, all the
(02:37):
while hugging the famous Lake Michigan coast from the stunning resort town of Sagadok to
239 miles north in Maconaw City.
Now this is a village worth visiting if you're into 18th century French forts.
Not only that your road trip consists of many things you can explore, such as snug harbours,
affluent beach towns, Victorian mansions, Hemingway Haunts, and picture perfect vineyards and
(03:00):
orchards.
The best time to go is in the summer.
That way you can experience beautiful beaches like the Good Harbor Bay Beach, located south
of Leland, Oval Beach in Sagadok, or 5th Avenue Beach in Manaste.
Fitting it slow and harbor country explore southwest Michigan's vineyards.
(03:22):
For those who aren't enthusiastic about a 300-mile road trip, the harbor country on the
southern end of the coast will leave you wanting to go for an adventure.
Peppered with marinas and picturesque golden sands along the shore, this route from
Michiana is only an hour from downtown Chicago, Sawyer, which falls under the northern
most harbor country community.
(03:45):
The lights along this route will include the most extensive public beach in the region of
New Buffalo, the longest-running winery named St. Julian Wine Company in Union Pier, the
journeymen in three oaks is one of the largest organic distilleries of Michigan, and an abundance
of artsy boutiques, the fine dining restaurants, antique shops, beautiful resorts, and golf
courses.
(04:07):
The road trip is only a mere 22 minutes, but you should still discover what this magnificent
route offers.
What do you know about the upper peninsula lighthouses?
Did you know that the state of Michigan is home to 129 lighthouses?
No other stake in boast about its maritime icons more than Michigan.
(04:28):
May not only come second with its 80 lighthouses.
However, if you're looking for that postcard-ready lighthouse, Michigan's great white north,
the upper peninsula is home to 40.
Built mostly around the 1800s, you'll find more than a dozen are open for tours.
A lighthouse road trip
(04:50):
You can begin your lighthouse theme journey with the menacing range lighthouses at pictured
rocks national lake shore.
Then you can follow the peninsula's edge south, east, and back west to Escanaba, where
both the sand point lighthouse and peninsula point lighthouse are open for tower climbs
and tours.
Also you'll discover more preserved wonders, such as the crisp point lighthouse in Paradise,
(05:13):
sitting on Lake Superior Shipwreck Alley since 1904.
There's also the Osable Light Station and pictured rocks, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
at Whitefish Point Lighthouse and Point Iroquois Lighthouse in Brumley.
We guarantee you won't be disappointed at all, and it's worth the drive to visit these
rustic and towering lighthouses.
(05:35):
Before the River Road National Scenic Byway, start with Lumberman's Monument.
You love nature and camping and the River Road National Scenic Byway is just the destination
for your road trip.
Extending westward from beautiful Lake Huron into the Huron Manesty National Forest, you'll
(05:56):
find this is the best opportunity to drive into the natural wonders of Michigan and discover
all it has to offer.
This road trip will take you through scenic outlooks, historical sites, monuments, riverside
campgrounds, cross-country ski trails, and hiking.
You'll be driving along the Osable River Road, which was once crucial for transporting
(06:16):
giant white pines from the forest to Lake Huron's quaint Somal Towns.
If you like to dive deep into the history of the region, then we recommend stopping by
the Lumberman's Monument Visitor Centre to learn more.
It's not lost in the sunrise coast.
It's no secret that Lake Michigan is the most well known, but there's also an underdog
(06:39):
to the east, Lake Huron.
You can view the Huron shoreline right here, thanks to the webcams that have been installed
there.
Not only does it host a long list of marine sanctuaries, wineries, and art galleries, but
nothing else can beat the spectacular sunrises on this coast.
The trip will start from Ogress, considered the gateway to Michigan's sunrises.
(07:01):
From there, you'll go straight north, paralleling some 200 miles of shoreline along the US-23,
and to Maconaw City.
It's here where you can catch a very ride to the nearby Maconac Island, known for its
tranquility.
Besides the picture-perfect sunrises, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore the
Taoist Point State Park, the Cherry Island Lighthouse, Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary,
(07:25):
and Shaboygan, home to more lighthouses, wineries, breweries, and endlessly charming small towns.
In conclusion, planning a road trip is not easy, but if you're willing to go out into the
unknown and discover what's there, there's no time like the present.
And Michigan is the best state for road trips simply because of how much it offers.
(07:47):
Let us know in the comments below about your experiences on your road trips to Michigan.
Until then, stay safe and drive safe.
(08:18):
Have a great day!
(08:45):
At Arizona State University, we've made online education better, smarter, and more personalized,
so you can go further in your aspiring field.
I decided to pursue medicine once I realized that ASU did have the online program for biological
sciences.
You're still required to learn the same curriculum.
You're still being tested on the same content that anyone would be tested on in person.
(09:06):
The comprehensiveness of the program prepared me so well for medical school.
I finally cracked the code since starting Samaglutine from MaximusTribe.com.
I'm down-weight, my cravings are under control, and I actually feel in charge of my body again.
(09:27):
No crash diets, no endless cardio, just real results.
If you're stuck in that weight loss struggle, this is the game changer you've been looking
for.
What's started today at MaximusTribe.com.
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