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
43
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.
Emmett, MI
1h 52m103 mi one way
Emmett, MI, offers a destination with parks within reach, unlike some of the shorter options. This 103-mile route takes about 1.9 hours, primarily on the highway, and scores an 8 for the drive. It's a good middle-ground option if you want park access without a significantly longer drive.
Burnside, MI
1h 56m101 mi one way
Consider Burnside, MI, for a 101-mile drive that includes park access. It’s comparable in distance and time to Emmett, MI, around 1.9 hours, with a drive score of 8. The mostly highway profile suggests a straightforward trip for enjoying the nearby green spaces.
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
Full-day getaway
7 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.
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.
Avoca, MI
2h 7m113 mi one way
Avoca, MI, presents a 113-mile drive that includes park access. This route takes approximately 2.1 hours, mainly on the highway, and carries a drive score of 8. It's a longer option than many, but provides the benefit of nearby parks.
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.
Weekend trip
24 total in this range
Manistee, MI
4h 34m238.1 mi one way
Mayfield, MI
4h 18m226.1 mi one way
Elk Rapids, MI
4h 33m237.4 mi one way
Acme, MI
4h 23m233.3 mi one way
Greilickville, MI
4h 40m242.7 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Browse by Mood
Manistee, MI
4h 34m238.1 mi one way
Mayfield, MI
4h 18m226.1 mi one way
Cass City, MI
2h 29m120.9 mi one way
Elk Rapids, MI
4h 33m237.4 mi one way
Manistee, MI
4h 34m238.1 mi one way
Ishpeming, MI
8h 26m452.4 mi one way
Ludington, MI
4h 9m227.4 mi one way
Clarkston, MI
1h 5m47.8 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.