Davisburg Rest Area 908
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Dearborn, MI to Kalkaska, MI
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 19m
Distance
234.9 mi
378 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$42
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
4h 7m
★
6 AM
4h 20m
8 AM
4h 46m
10 AM
4h 29m
12 PM
4h 27m
3 PM
4h 31m
5 PM
4h 45m
8 PM
4h 12m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Dearborn, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Kalkaska, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
Dearborn to Kalkaska is 234.9 miles and takes about 4h 19m via I 75 and M 72, with a fuel budget near $37 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Michigan, moving from the Midwest's more urbanized areas into its natural landscapes. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on major highways, making it a good option for a single-day excursion. You'll find it's a practical route with a clear path to your destination.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
117.5 miles from Dearborn, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 9m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 142.5 mi | 2h 26m |
| North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway | 57.6 mi | 1h 1m |
| M 72 | 24.4 mi | 33m |
| Edsel Ford Freeway | 5.6 mi | 7m |
| BL I 75 | 1.8 mi | 4m |
| South Cedar Street | 1.4 mi | 2m |
| Michigan Avenue | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Detroit Industrial Expressway | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 142.5 mi, about 2h 26m
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 126 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~3,171 veh/hr typical · worst 4,337
Quietest
2 AM
~185 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.1×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 105 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dearborn, MI and Kalkaska, MI.
1
Start on US 12
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Michigan Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
3
Merge onto I 94
0.3 mi
·
23 sec
·
Detroit Industrial Expressway
4
Continue on I 94
5.6 mi
·
7 min
·
Edsel Ford Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
302 ft
·
5 sec
Exit 216A
Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 75 North: Flint
Use the slight left lane.
7
Merge onto I 75
58 mi
·
1 hr 1 min
·
North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
52 mi
·
56 min
·
I 75
Toward I 75: Saginaw
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23
63 mi
·
1 hr 3 min
·
I 75; US 23
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
27 mi
·
27 min
·
I 75
11
Take the exit onto BL I 75
1.8 mi
·
4 min
·
BL I 75
Toward I 75 Business Loop, M 72: Downtown Grayling, Traverse City
12
Turn left onto M 72; M 93
24 mi
·
33 min
·
M 72; M 93
13
At end of road, turn right onto US 131; M 72; M 66
1.4 mi
·
2 min
·
South Cedar Street
14
Arrive at destination
US 131; M 72; M 66
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 19m drive time, leaving Dearborn in the morning allows ample time to reach Kalkaska before evening. The longest stretch without a major road change is 142.5 miles on I 75, so plan a break before or during that segment. With a fuel cost estimated at $37, it's wise to fill up before heading out. Since this is a one-day trip, you have flexibility; consider departing a bit later if you prefer a more relaxed start, but be mindful of the 234.9-mile distance.
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 117.5 miles from Dearborn, MI, or about 2h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 142.5 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 52 miles or 59m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 117.5 miles or 2h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kalkaska, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dearborn, 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 Dearborn, MI
This is one driving day of about 234.9 miles and 4h 19m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 52 miles from Dearborn, 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 75 for about 142.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
117 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 52 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 117.5 miles from Dearborn, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 142.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Dodge Road Rest Area 631
0.1 mi from route
Clarkston Rest Area 904
0.1 mi from route
Alger Rest Area 625
0.1 mi from route
Bay City Rest Area 605
0.1 mi from route
Clio Rest Area 612
0.1 mi from route
Linwood Rest Area 626
0.1 mi from route
Grayling Rest Area 403
0.1 mi from route
Nine Mile Hill Rest Area 434
0.1 mi from route
West Branch Rest Area 433
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.1 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
M-81 Express Stop
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.3 mi from route
Service Plaza
2.2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 115 decision points cluster between mile 6.8 and 207.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
6.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 216A
Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
7
6.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Flint
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 75 North: Flint
5
7.3 mi into trip
|
~11m in
|
I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Merge onto I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
64.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 13m in
|
I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75: Saginaw
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 75: Saginaw
5
207.4 mi into trip
|
~3h 39m in
|
BL I 75
Take the exit onto BL I 75 toward I 75 Business Loop, M 72: Downtown Grayling, Traverse City
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 Business Loop, M 72: Downtown Grayl...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$42.35 one way
$84.69 round trip
$4.58/gal
25.4 MPG avg
82 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.21 | $48.22 | $96.44 |
| premium | $5.82 | $53.80 | $107.59 |
| diesel | $6.48 | $59.90 | $119.80 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$42
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$67–$92
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 82.2 kg one way.
Driving Electric?
About $25 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 70.5 | 0 | $24.66 | $11.28 |
| Efficient EV | 58.7 | 0 | $20.55 | $9.40 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 94 | 1 | $32.89 | $15.03 |
Gas CO2
82 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Origin
Dearborn, MI
Morning in Dearborn on Saturday
Local time
8:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Mostly Cloudy then Light Rain Likely
WNW 13 to 18 mph
58% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 4:54AM EDT until October 16 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
Destination
Kalkaska, MI
Morning in Kalkaska on Saturday
Local time
8:38 AM
EDT
Current temp
51°F
Rain Showers
N 10 to 15 mph
83% chance
Live forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued October 16 at 4:54AM EDT until October 16 at 11:00PM EDT by NWS Northern Indiana
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
10 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
4h 19m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly highway driving, with 88% of the 234.9 miles on major roads like I 75. You'll experience a long stretch of 142.5 miles on I 75 before transitioning to surface roads. Expect a higher density of exits and merges during the highway portions, especially early on.
88% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
14 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 142.5 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.8 miles in.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 11 significant decision points across 234.9 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 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles (I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,267 ft
591 ft
Total Climb
1,115 ft
Total Descent
674 ft
Highest Point
1,267 ft
~218.1 mi in
Elevation Range
676 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Dearborn, MI and Kalkaska, MI, road signs point toward M 72: Downtown Grayling and Traverse City.
M 72: Downtown Grayling
207.4 mi in
|
~3h 39m
|
via BL I 75
Traverse City
207.4 mi in
|
~3h 39m
|
via BL I 75
About the Cities
Starting in Dearborn, MI
Full guide →Founded 1786
Dearborn is a city in Wayne County in the state of Michigan. This article also covers the adjacent community of Dearborn Heights.
Top landmarks
- • The Henry Ford — museum of history in Dearborn, Michigan, United States
- • Ford River Rouge Complex — industrial park in Dearborn, Michigan, United States
- • Fair Lane — Henry Ford's estate in Dearborn, Michigan
Arriving in Kalkaska, MI
Full guide →Kalkaska is a village in Northern Michigan. The population was 2,020 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Kalkaska County.
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 19m. Total distance: 234.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 19m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (88%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 142.5 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 19 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Kalkaska, 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. There are 19 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles (I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Possible but tiring. At 4.3 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.7 hours — manageable with a long break at Kalkaska, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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