Road Trips from Ann Arbor, MI
Thinking about a quick getaway from Ann Arbor? You've got options for day trips that are mostly highway, keeping the driving straightforward. Most destinations are within a 2.5-hour drive, perfect for a shorter excursion, with several hitting the mark at around 1.5-2 hours. You'll find a mix of routes with parks nearby, offering a chance for a scenic stop, though the terrain is generally flat across the board. It's ideal for a relaxed drive with a park visit factored in.
Total Routes
56
Shortest
1.1h
With Parks Nearby
18
Under 2 hours
8 total in this range
Ortonville, MI
1h 16m55.1 mi one way
For the shortest trip on this list, Ortonville, MI, is your best bet at just 55.1 miles and 1.3 hours. It’s primarily a highway drive with a high score of 9, but note that there are no parks directly associated with this route. It's the quickest way to get out of town.
Juniata, MI
1h 59m94.7 mi one way
This 94.7-mile drive to Juniata, MI, is a solid choice if you want a park destination without going too far. It's a bit longer than the Ortonville option but offers the benefit of nearby parks. The mostly highway route and flat terrain make for an easy 2-hour trip with a drive score of 9.
Clarkston, MI
1h 5m47.8 mi one way
North Branch, MI
1h 52m92.8 mi one way
North Branch, MI, is a destination with nearby parks, situated about 92.8 miles away. The drive is estimated at 1.9 hours with a solid drive score of 8, predominantly using highways. This offers a park-inclusive option that's not excessively long.
Dryden, MI
1h 45m87.4 mi one way
Full-day getaway
13 total in this range
Cass City, MI
2h 29m120.9 mi one way
If you're looking for the furthest option with park access, Cass City, MI, is your destination at 120.9 miles. This route involves a mix of highway and surface roads, taking about 2.5 hours, and boasts a high drive score of 9. It's the longest park-friendly drive available.
Watertown, MI
2h 30m124 mi one way
Watertown, MI, is the longest drive on this list at 124 miles, taking roughly 2.5 hours. While it scores a 9 for the drive and is mostly highway, it does not feature parks nearby. This is best if your priority is simply reaching a destination with minimal stops.
Kingston, MI
2h 11m110.9 mi one way
Kingston, MI, offers a 110.9-mile drive that takes about 2.2 hours. This route mixes highway and surface roads and scores a 9 for the drive. Note that there are no parks associated with this specific route, making it a direct trip.
Ellington, MI
2h 16m112 mi one way
Ellington, MI, is a 112-mile destination reachable in about 2.3 hours. The drive profile is mixed highway and surface roads with a strong drive score of 9. This option does not highlight nearby parks, focusing instead on the journey itself.
Charleston, MI
3h 3m152.3 mi one way
Weekend trip
29 total in this range
Manistee, MI
4h 34m238.1 mi one way
Elk Rapids, MI
4h 33m237.4 mi one way
Acme, MI
4h 23m233.3 mi one way
Mayfield, MI
4h 18m226.1 mi one way
Greilickville, MI
4h 40m242.7 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
6 total in this range
Republic, MI
8h 55m473.6 mi one way
Ishpeming, MI
8h 26m452.4 mi one way
Sands, MI
8h 12m443.3 mi one way
Spalding, MI
8h 9m440.9 mi one way
Boston, MI
10h 29m544.2 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Manistee, MI
4h 34m238.1 mi one way
Elk Rapids, MI
4h 33m237.4 mi one way
Ortonville, MI
1h 16m55.1 mi one way
Acme, MI
4h 23m233.3 mi one way
Manistee, MI
4h 34m238.1 mi one way
Clarkston, MI
1h 5m47.8 mi one way
Ishpeming, MI
8h 26m452.4 mi one way
Munising, MI
7h 11m396.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
The routes with nearby parks, like those heading to Juniata or North Branch, could be pleasant for spring outings as nature awakens. The flat terrain makes for easy walking.
Summer
With many routes featuring nearby parks and all being under 2.5 hours, these destinations are well-suited for summer day trips. The mostly highway profiles mean less time driving and more time enjoying the outdoors.
Fall
The park-inclusive drives, such as to Emmett or Cass City, would be ideal for fall foliage viewing. The straightforward highway portions of these trips minimize travel time.
Winter
The shortest option, Ortonville at 1.3 hours, is ideal for a quick winter escape. The mostly highway routes across the board mean you spend less time on the road in colder weather.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Ann Arbor, MI city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.