Summer Road Trips in Michigan
Routes
30
Avg Distance
534 mi
Avg Drive
10h 10m
Destinations
26
Michigan's summer drives offer a diverse landscape, with routes averaging 533 miles and over 11 hours of travel. You'll find opportunities for exploration with an average of 11 parks accessible along the way and a solid EV infrastructure, with some routes boasting over 38 DC fast chargers. The terrain is generally gently rolling, with maximum elevations reaching up to 1625 feet, providing a comfortable driving experience across the state.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$4.22/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$72–$103
One-way, ~534 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~187 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Michigan
Michigan peaks at around 84°F in Jul and cools to 32°F / 20°F in Jan. Wettest month is May at ~3.5 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 20 | 1.5 |
| Feb | 35 | 21 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 45 | 28 | 2 |
| Apr | 58 | 39 | 2.8 |
| May | 70 | 50 | 3.5 |
| Jun peak | 79 | 60 | 3.1 |
| Jul peak | 84 | 65 | 3.2 |
| Aug peak | 81 | 64 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 74 | 56 | 3.1 |
| Oct | 61 | 45 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 48 | 34 | 2.2 |
| Dec | 37 | 26 | 1.7 |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for MI — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Dearborn, MI → Bessemer, MI
Through: Escanaba
This 597-mile trip scores an 8 out of 10, featuring good EV charger coverage and 17 DC fast chargers. It rolls through gently undulating terrain, reaching a maximum elevation of 1625 feet, and includes access to parks.
Editor's pick
Detroit, MI → Bessemer, MI
Through: Escanaba
Covering 593 miles with a drive score of 8, this route offers fair EV coverage and 6 DC fast chargers. The journey navigates gently rolling hills, peaking at 1615 feet, and provides access to natural areas.
Editor's pick
Plymouth, MI → Detroit, MI
Boasting an excellent drive score of 9 over 590 miles, this route provides excellent EV coverage with 38 DC fast chargers. It traverses gently rolling terrain with a maximum elevation of 1629 feet and park access.
Yale, MI → Livonia, MI
Through: Detroit
Ironwood, MI → Ann Arbor, MI
Through: Detroit
Bessemer, MI → Sterling Heights, MI
Through: Detroit
Yale, MI → Ann Arbor, MI
Through: Detroit
Bessemer, MI → Macomb, MI
Through: Detroit
Detroit, MI → Ontonagon, MI
Through: Escanaba
Detroit, MI → Allouez, MI
Through: Escanaba
Dearborn, MI → Osceola, MI
Through: Escanaba
Livonia, MI → Seneca, MI
Through: Flint → Escanaba
Livonia, MI → Laurium, MI
Through: Flint → Escanaba
Detroit, MI → Boston, MI
Through: Escanaba
Detroit, MI → Dollar Bay, MI
Through: Escanaba
Boston, MI → Westland, MI
Through: Detroit
Royal Oak, MI → Wyandotte, MI
Through: Escanaba
Livonia, MI → Watersmeet, MI
Through: Flint → Escanaba
Yale, MI → Grand Rapids, MI
Through: Lansing → M 55 West: Cadillac
Bessemer, MI → Lansing, MI
Boston, MI → Wyoming, MI
Through: Lansing → M 55 West: Cadillac
Livonia, MI → Sagola, MI
Through: Flint → Escanaba
Wyandotte, MI → Troy, MI
Through: Lansing → M 55 West: Cadillac
Taylor, MI → Marquette, MI
Through: Flint → Escanaba
Dearborn, MI → Marquette, MI
Through: Escanaba
Taylor, MI → Flat Rock, MI
Through: Flint → Escanaba
Dearborn, MI → Selma, MI
Through: Escanaba
Detroit, MI → Ford River, MI
Through: Escanaba
Detroit, MI → Selma, MI
Through: Escanaba
Detroit, MI → Wells, MI
Through: Escanaba