Best Road Trips From Detroit

🚗 280 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 20 minutes

Witness the majestic beauty of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, a must-see natural wonder with breathtaking views and amazing experiences like boat rides and nearby vineyards.

Once you cross into Canada, we also recommend spending some time in Hamilton and making a detour to Toronto if you have time.

🚗 285 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Chicago offers world-class museums and easily recognizable architectural gems. Don't miss the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk for a truly unforgettable visit.

On the way to Chicago, you can also spend some time in Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor, as well as visit Indiana Dunes National Park.

🚗 550 miles ⏱️ 9 hours, 15 minutes

If you are a history buff, a road trip to Washington DC should not be missed! The nation's capital is dotted with iconic monuments and amazing museums. Don't miss the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums.

As you drive on the shores of Lake Erie, you can also visit Cleveland and then head inland via Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Pittsburgh.

🚗 620 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Nashville is called the "Music City," and it is famous for its amazing gigs. You will also find historic landmarks, and southern hospitality here. Enjoy the lively music scene, and delicious food.

As you make your way south, we recommend also spending some time in Toledo, Fort Wayne and iconic city of Indianapolis.

🚗 900 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 50 minutes

One of the most iconic cities in the country, New York City is famous for its skyline, incredible museums, Broadway shows, and colorful neighborhoods. It's a city that truly never sleeps!

Instead of directly driving there, take a scenic route to also visit Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes, Adirondack Park and stunning Catskill Mountains.

🚗 175 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 15 minutes

For an urban escape, Cleveland is a great city to visit with its iconic landmarks, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will also get to visit great museums, and enjoy a lively waterfront.

En route to Cleveland, you can visit Sandusky and spend some time at Cedar Point Amusement Park or take a ferry ride to Put-in-Bay.

🚗 200 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 10 minutes

For a laid-back, yet exciting road trip, visit Saugatuck and the nearby Grand Rapids, known for its breweries, art museums, and beautiful riverfront. This trip has the perfect balance of scenery and new places to discover.

On your way to Lake Michigan, you can also visit Lansing and make a stop at Holland to see its windmill and learn about the city's Dutch heritage.

🚗 205 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

Step back in time in Ohio's Amish Country, where handcrafted goods, delicious homemade foods, and the rural landscape provide a peaceful escape from the busy energy of the big city.

This idyllic road trip will take you past Toledo and to the small towns of Berlin, Charm and Millersburg where you can learn about Amish traditions.

🚗 265 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 50 minutes

Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with a famous skyline and easily walkable neighborhoods to explore on foot. From the CN Tower to world-class dining, there's always something exciting to discover.

We recommend taking your time on this drive and visiting Rondeau Provincial Park and the charming town of London en route.

🚗 1,170 miles ⏱️ 17 hours, 50 minutes

Orlando is the ultimate family vacation destination, home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios. Plenty of sun and never-ending fun; and you won't look for anything else!

The journey there is just as exciting with stops in historic Savannah and lively Jacksonville once you enter Florida.

🚗 710 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 10 minutes

Chattanooga is a small and scenic town surrounded by stunning landscapes, just a stone's throw from the Great Smoky Mountains. Don't forget to take in the views of the Lookout Mountain and visit the Tennessee Aquarium.

To make the best of this drive to Chattanooga, you can also visit Cincinnati and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park en route.

🚗 270 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Enjoy the sandy beaches and pretty lake views of Indiana Dunes National Park, and explore Michigan City nearby. This road trip is great for outdoor lovers who also want to explore small-town charm.

If you have time, you can also visit the cute college town of Ann Arbor, and spend some time in South Bend and Mishawaka on the way.

🚗 295 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Mackinac Island is the perfect antidote for the hustle and bustle of city life. On this island, horse-drawn carriages and bicycles replace cars and you will get to enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Huron and indulge in famous fudge.

Before you reach the ferry crossing between St Ignace and Mackinac Island, you can explore Saginaw, Bay City and scenic Houghton Lake.

🚗 530 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 20 minutes

If you are looking for an urban getaway from Detroit, you can visit St Louis to see the world-famous Gateway Arch. This city is also home to St Louis Zoo, the pretty Forest Park and City Museum.

Some of the new places you can discover en route include Fort Wayne and Indianapolis of Indy 500 fame.

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

Ann Arbor's popular downtown is filled with individually-owned shops and great restaurants. Don't miss visiting the University of Michigan's beautiful campus and catching a game or show.

This is a short drive, so you can make short detours to visit The Henry Ford Estate and Matthaei Botanical Gardens en route.

🚗 60 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Toledo, also known as the "Glass City," is an artistic city with a big heart. Home to Toledo Museum of Art and great downtown dining scene, here you can enjoy scenic views along the Maumee River.

On your way, you can visit Luna Pier and take in pretty views of Lake Erie from a different perspective before reaching Toledo.

🚗 290 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Pittsburgh was once known for its rich industrial history, but today, it is home to a buzzing downtown, amazing museums, and stunning views from Mount Washington.

On your way, you can visit Edison's Birthplace Museum and see where Thomas Edison grew up, and spend some time at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

🚗 320 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 10 minutes

The perfect destination for wine aficionados and outdoor lovers, Traverse City, is known for its beautiful bay views and popular wineries. You can also explore the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

If you have some extra time on your hands why not have a picnic by Lake Cadillac and enjoy views of Lake Michigan in Manistee?

🚗 415 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 40 minutes

The hip city of Milwaukee is famous for its independent breweries, arts scene, and beautiful lakefront. Nearby Port Washington adds a charming small-town feel with picturesque views.

On the way, don't forget to put aside some time to visit Kalamazoo, the metropolitan city of Chicago and pretty lakeside town of Kenosha.

🚗 445 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 50 minutes

Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and offers beautiful lakes, plenty of amazing farmers' markets, and a lively cultural scene. Enjoy outdoor activities on Lake Mendota and explore this pretty city.

Some of the amazing places you can visit en route include the Windy City, Chicago, and the welcoming town of Rockton inland.

🚗 485 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 50 minutes

Known as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," Wisconsin Dells is a great destination for family-friendly fun with numerous waterparks, attractions, and scenic river views.

We recommend making stops in Benton Harbor for lake views, Chicago to try the famous deep-dish pizza, and Madison to see the capitol building on the way.

🚗 140 miles ⏱️ 2 hours

Kalamazoo is home to a lively downtown, craft breweries, and cultural attractions such as the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, the perfect place to visit for any kind of road tripper.

The drive is packed with cute towns perfect for exploring and having a meal en route, such as Ann Arbor, Jackson and Battle Creek.

🚗 300 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Discover the unique charm of Frankenmuth, Michigan's Little Bavaria, along with the natural beauty of Houghton Lake and the rich history of Saginaw. These charming towns also offer picturesque views.

This scenic drive will take you inland as you head north via Flint, Bay City and Pinconning, which sit on the shores of Lake Huron.

🚗 390 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 50 minutes

Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a beautiful and peaceful destination if you are looking to reconnect with nature. The nearby historic Whitefish Point is known for its lighthouse and shipwreck museum.

You will travel all the way north towards Lake Superior on this drive, and can visit Mackinaw City or take a ferry from St Ignace to visit Mackinac Island.

🚗 40 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Point Pelee National Park is a nature lover's paradise with its fascinating wildlife, beautiful beaches, and stunning viewpoints. It's the perfect spot for bird-watching, hiking, and unwinding.

This short drive will take you across the border into Canada and through Windsor and Essex, which might make you think you are on a different continent!

🚗 65 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

A short drive from Detroit, you will find the cute small town of Chelsea and the natural beauty of Waterloo Recreation Area. Enjoy local theaters, quaint shops, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

On your way, you can spend some time in Matthaei Botanical Gardens and grab a meal in the beloved college town of Ann Arbor.