Naubinway Rest Area
0 mi from route
Trip from Detroit, MI to Golden, 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
9h 28m
Distance
499.9 mi
804 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
2-day trip
Fuel Cost
$83
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
9h 20m
★
6 AM
9h 29m
8 AM
9h 46m
10 AM
9h 35m
12 PM
9h 33m
3 PM
9h 36m
5 PM
9h 45m
8 PM
9h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Detroit, MI
Wikimedia Commons
Golden, MI
Masood Aslami
Trip Overview
Detroit to Golden is 499.9 miles and takes about 9h 28m via I 75 and US-2 West, with a fuel budget near $78 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive takes you across Michigan's Lower Peninsula and into the Upper Peninsula. It's primarily a highway trip, making it efficient for covering ground. You'll be spending most of your time on major routes, so expect a steady pace. With a recommended two days for this drive, you can comfortably break it up or enjoy a longer day on the road.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
249.9 miles from Detroit, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 22m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 232.9 mi | 4h |
| US-2 West | 134 mi | 2h 39m |
| Walter P. Chrysler Freeway | 60 mi | 1h 5m |
| M 69 | 51 mi | 1h 7m |
| 18th Road | 7.9 mi | 10m |
| 17th Road | 3.9 mi | 5m |
| US 2 | 3.2 mi | 3m |
| Turner Road | 3 mi | 7m |
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 232.9 mi, about 4h
Traffic on I-75
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 138 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
4 PM
~2,916 veh/hr typical · worst 4,048
Quietest
2 AM
~169 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
17.3×
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 Detroit, MI and Golden, MI.
1
Start on Cadillac Square
0.1 mi
·
28 sec
·
Cadillac Square
2
Continue on Cadillac Square
97 ft
·
3 sec
·
Cadillac Square
Toward M 3 North
Use the left lane.
3
Turn slight left onto M 3
0.2 mi
·
38 sec
·
Randolph Street
4
Turn right onto Monroe Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Monroe Street
Use the right lane.
5
At end of road, turn left onto Chrysler Drive
34 ft
·
1 sec
·
Chrysler Drive
Use the left lane.
6
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
7
Merge onto I 375
60 mi
·
1 hr 5 min
·
Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Toward I 75 North: Flint
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
118 mi
·
2 hr 1 min
·
I 75
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
1 min
Exit 344B
Toward US 2: Manistique, Escanaba
12
Merge onto US 2; I 75 BL
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
US-2 West
13
Continue on US 2
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
US 2
14
Continue on US 2
133 mi
·
2 hr 38 min
·
US-2 West
15
Turn right onto 426
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
County Road 426 M.5 Road
16
Continue on 426
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
County 426 M.5 Road
17
Turn left onto 414
5.8 mi
·
7 min
·
18th Road
18
Continue on 414
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
·
I Road
19
Turn right onto 414
2.1 mi
·
2 min
·
18th Road
20
Continue on 414
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
G Road
21
Continue on 414
3.9 mi
·
5 min
·
17th Road
22
At end of road, turn left onto 410
0.2 mi
·
24 sec
·
C Road
23
Turn right onto M 69
41 mi
·
56 min
·
M 69
24
Continue on M 69; M 95
9.7 mi
·
11 min
·
M 69; M 95
25
Turn right onto 426
0.4 mi
·
54 sec
·
7th Street
26
Continue on 426
3.0 mi
·
7 min
·
Turner Road
27
Arrive at destination
426
Trip Plan
Given the 9.5-hour estimated drive time, splitting this trip over two days is a good idea to avoid fatigue. You'll want to start early to maximize daylight, especially if you plan to cover more than half the distance on your first day. Plan for at least two stops to refuel and stretch your legs. Since you'll be on I 75 for a substantial portion, keep an eye on upcoming services, as they can be spaced out in some sections. The fuel cost is estimated at $78, so budget accordingly.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 249.9 miles from Detroit, MI, or about 4h 22m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 232.9 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 110 miles or 2h in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 249.9 miles or 4h 22m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 249.9 miles or 4h 22m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 4m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Golden, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Detroit, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Detroit, MI
Aim for roughly 250 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Golden, MI
Aim for roughly 250 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 110 miles from Detroit, MI.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 232.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Overnight candidate
250 mi into the route
Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start
This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.
Find hotels in Cheboygan, MIOvernight Options
Night 1
250 mi · about 4.7h in
A practical overnight split lands near Cheboygan, MI after about 250 miles or 4.7 hours of driving.
Find hotelsPacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 110 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 249.9 miles from Detroit, 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 232.9 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 250 miles or 4.7 hours on the road.
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.
Gaylord Rest Area 405
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Davisburg Rest Area 908
0.1 mi from route
Dodge Road Rest Area 631
0.1 mi from route
Clarkston Rest Area 904
0.1 mi from route
Garden Corners Rest Area
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
Hebron Rest Area 408
0.1 mi from route
Mackinaw City Welcome Center 409
0.1 mi from route
Topinabee Rest Area 407
0.1 mi from route
Vanderbilt Rest Area 406
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
0.1 mi from route
Grayling Rest Area 403
0.1 mi from route
Hartwick Pines Rest Area 404
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
Saint Ignace Welcome Center
0.1 mi from route
Rest Area
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
Saint Ignace Rest Area
1.8 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 175 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 293.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Cadillac Square
Continue onto Cadillac Square toward M 3 North
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Toward M 3 North
5
0.3 mi into trip
|
~1m in
|
Monroe Street
Turn right onto Monroe Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
Chrysler Drive
At end of road, turn left onto Chrysler Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
0.9 mi into trip
|
~2m in
|
I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Merge onto I 375 / Walter P. Chrysler Freeway toward I 75 North: Flint
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 75 North: Flint
6
293.8 mi into trip
|
~5h 8m in
Take the exit toward US 2: Manistique, Escanaba
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 344B
Toward US 2: Manistique, Escanaba
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$83.39 one way
$166.78 round trip
$4.24/gal
25.4 MPG avg
175 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.61 | $90.63 | $181.26 |
| premium | $5.26 | $103.50 | $207.01 |
| diesel | $6.18 | $121.61 | $243.22 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$83
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$213–$323
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 174.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-12.
Driving Electric?
About $52 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 150 | 1 | $52.49 | $24.00 |
| Efficient EV | 125 | 1 | $43.74 | $20.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 200 | 2 | $69.99 | $31.99 |
Gas CO2
175 kg
EV CO2
58 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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
Detroit, MI
Afternoon in Detroit on Saturday
Local time
1:21 PM
EDT
Current temp
37°F
Areas Of Frost
N 13 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:23AM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI
Destination
Golden, MI
Afternoon in Golden on Saturday
Local time
12:21 PM
CDT
Current temp
24°F
Mostly Clear
W 5 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 17 at 3:23AM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued October 16 at 1:59PM EDT until October 17 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
13 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
9h 28m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is 86% highway, meaning you'll be on interstates and major US routes for the vast majority of the 499.9 miles. The longest continuous stretch on a single highway is 232.9 miles on I 75. You'll experience a significant amount of consistent cruising with fewer turns. Expect dense exits and merging traffic as you navigate out of the Detroit area before transitioning to more open highway driving.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 232.9 mi on I 75.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US-2 West. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Cadillac Square.
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 17 significant decision points across 499.9 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 0.1 miles (Cadillac Square): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (Monroe Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles (Chrysler Drive): Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,367 ft
588 ft
Total Climb
1,977 ft
Total Descent
1,208 ft
Highest Point
1,367 ft
~499.9 mi in
Elevation Range
779 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.
On the drive from Detroit, MI to Golden, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Escanaba along the way.
Escanaba
293.8 mi in
|
~5h 8m
About the Cities
Starting in Detroit, MI
Full guide →“The D” · Founded 1701
Detroit is a major metropolis in the US state of Michigan that has had a profound impact on the world. From the advent of the automotive assembly line to the Motown sound, modern techno and rock music, Detroit continues to shape both American and global culture. The city has seen many of its historic buildings renovated, and is bustling with new developments and attractions that complement its world-class museums and theatres. After a long economic slump and decrease in population, Detroit has developed a reputation for crime and urban decline, but revitalization means that it is an exciting destination filled with technological advance and historic charm.
Top landmarks
- • Detroit Institute of Arts — art museum in Detroit, Michigan
- • Michigan Central Station — historic former railroad station in Detroit, Michigan
- • Fisher Building — skyscraper in Detroit, Michigan, United States, including the Fisher Theater
Arriving in Golden, MI
Full guide →City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 232.9 miles on I 75. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 250 miles on day one.
Yes — we found about 33 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 Golden, 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 2 meaningful breaks. There are 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Cadillac Square): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.3 miles (Monroe Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles (Chrysler Drive): Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.5 hours each way, a round trip means 19.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Golden, MI before the return drive.
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, EIA for fuel prices, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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