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Trip from Clinton Township, MI to Pierson, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 34m

Distance

191 mi

307 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
3h 22m ★
6 AM
3h 34m
8 AM
3h 59m
10 AM
3h 43m
12 PM
3h 41m
3 PM
3h 44m
5 PM
3h 58m
8 PM
3h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Clinton Township, MI, MI

Clinton Township, MI

fish socks

Downtown Pierson, MI, MI

Pierson, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 191-mile drive from Clinton Township, MI, to Pierson, MI, is an efficient trip that can easily be completed in a single day. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 34 minutes on the road, primarily utilizing I-96 and US-131. With 93% of the journey on highways, it's a focused drive designed for covering distance. The estimated fuel cost for this Midwest to Midwest excursion is about $30. Given its manageable length and highway-focused profile, this route is well-suited for a day trip, allowing for flexibility in your departure and arrival times.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

95.5 miles from Clinton Township, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 48m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 132.1 mi 2h 21m
Walter P Reuther Freeway 25.5 mi 27m
US 131 20.2 mi 21m
South Groesbeck Highway 7.3 mi 11m
Federal Road 1.7 mi 2m
West Lake Street Northeast 0.8 mi 1m
Harrington Street 0.6 mi 1m
East 11 Mile Road 0.5 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 132.1 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Clinton Township, MI and Pierson, MI.

1

Start on Red Oaks Drive

289 ft · 17 sec · Red Oaks Drive
2

Turn left onto White Oaks Drive

0.2 mi · 55 sec · White Oaks Drive
3

At end of road, turn left onto Moravian Drive

0.1 mi · 16 sec · Moravian Drive
4

Turn right onto Harrington Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Harrington Street
Use the right lane.
5

Turn right onto M 97

7.3 mi · 11 min · South Groesbeck Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6

Turn right onto East 11 Mile Road

0.5 mi · 59 sec · East 11 Mile Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
7

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward I 696 West
8

Merge onto I 696

25 mi · 27 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 96

18 mi · 19 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

55 mi · 58 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

54 mi · 57 min · I 96
Toward I 96 West: Grand Rapids Use the slight right lane.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 96; M 37

5.7 mi · 6 min · I 96; M 37
Toward I 96 West, M 37 North: Muskegon Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Exit 31B Toward US 131 North: Cadillac, Big Rapids Use the slight right lane.
14

Merge onto US 131

20 mi · 21 min · US 131
Use the slight right lane.
15

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward Sand Lake
16

Turn right onto 22 Mile Road Northeast

0.4 mi · 55 sec · 22 Mile Road Northeast
17

Continue on West Lake Street Northeast

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Lake Street Northeast
18

Continue on East Lake Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East Lake Street
19

Turn left onto North 3rd Street Northeast

0.2 mi · 17 sec · North 3rd Street Northeast
20

Continue on CR 599

1.7 mi · 2 min · Federal Road
21

Continue on CR 522; CR 599

0.3 mi · 33 sec · 4th Street
22

Turn left onto Grand Street

349 ft · 20 sec · Grand Street
23

Turn right onto 3rd Street

148 ft · 6 sec · 3rd Street
24

Arrive at destination

3rd Street

Trip Plan

For this 191-mile trip, a single day is definitely feasible, giving you flexibility with your schedule. You can depart anytime, but an early start will allow for a relaxed pace and potentially avoid heavier traffic, especially on I-96. Plan for one main stop, which could be a good opportunity to stretch your legs and refuel. With a fuel cost estimated at $30, keeping an eye on your gauge is always wise. A specific tip for this route: pay attention to the mileage markers as you transition from I-96 to US-131, as this is where the character of the drive subtly shifts.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 95.5 miles from Clinton Township, MI, or about 1h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 132.1 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 42 miles or 51m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 95.5 miles or 1h 48m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 54m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Pierson, MI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Clinton Township, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Clinton Township, MI

This is one driving day of about 191 miles and 3h 34m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 42 miles from Clinton Township, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 132.1 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Washtenaw County, Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Chelsea, MI

96 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Clyde, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 42 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lansing, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 95.5 miles from Clinton Township, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 132.1 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 166.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in | Moravian Drive

At end of road, turn left onto Moravian Drive

Navigation decision point

6
52.5 mi into trip | ~1h 2m in | I 96

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
107.3 mi into trip | ~2h 1m in | I 96

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96 toward I 96 West: Grand Rapids

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 96 West: Grand Rapids
8
161 mi into trip | ~2h 58m in | I 96; M 37

Keep slight right at fork onto I 96; M 37 toward I 96 West, M 37 North: Muskegon

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 96 West, M 37 North: Muskegon
8
166.6 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in

Take the exit toward US 131 North: Cadillac, Big Rapids

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Exit 31B Toward US 131 North: Cadillac, Big Rapids

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.86 one way

$59.72 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 67 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $32.79 $65.57
premium $4.89 $36.76 $73.51
diesel $5.61 $42.17 $84.34

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 66.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 57.3 0 $20.05 $9.17
Efficient EV 47.8 0 $16.71 $7.64
EV Truck/SUV 76.4 0 $26.74 $12.22

Gas CO2

67 kg

EV CO2

22 kg (67% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Clinton Township, MI

Late night in Clinton Township on Sunday

Local time

2:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

62°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms

SSW 6 to 9 mph 88% chance Live forecast

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 14 at 7:33PM EDT until April 21 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 14 at 7:33PM EDT until April 18 at 5:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord MI

Destination

Pierson, MI

Late night in Pierson on Sunday

Local time

2:02 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

65°F

Chelsea, MI

96 mi in

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

1 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 34m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

Primarily a highway-focused drive, you'll spend most of your 3 hours and 34 minutes on major roads like I-96 and US-131. With 93% of the route on highways, expect a consistent pace for the majority of your journey. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 132.1 miles on I-96, offering a chance to settle into a rhythm. While the drive is largely on high-speed routes, the transition onto US-131 as you near Pierson will introduce a slightly different highway feel.

93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
24 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 132.1 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and Walter P Reuther Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near Moravian Drive.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 191 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (Moravian Drive): Navigation decision point; at 52.5 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.3 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Clinton Township, MI and Pierson, MI, road signs point toward M 37 North: Muskegon and Big Rapids.

M 37 North: Muskegon

161 mi in | ~2h 58m | via I 96; M 37

Big Rapids

166.6 mi in | ~3h 4m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 34m. Total distance: 191 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 34m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 132.1 miles on I 96. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Pierson, MI before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (Moravian Drive): Navigation decision point; at 52.5 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 107.3 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.6 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.1 hours — manageable with a long break at Pierson, MI, but most travelers stay overnight.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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