Nite Owl Cafe
Near the end, short detour
L'Anse, Michigan
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+19065245455
Visit websiteCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
9h 29m
Distance
490.9 mi
790 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
2-day trip
Fuel Cost
$77
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Atlantic Mine, MI
Wikimedia Commons
This 490.9-mile journey from Flint, MI, to Atlantic Mine, MI, is best tackled over two days, as it will take approximately 9 hours and 29 minutes of driving time. With a projected fuel cost of $77, this highway-focused drive primarily utilizes I-75, US-41, and M-28. Given its length and duration, splitting this trip into two days is highly recommended for a more comfortable experience. You'll be traversing the Midwest for this entire route, staying within Michigan. The drive offers a straightforward path through the state, making it a practical choice for reaching the western Upper Peninsula.
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
245.5 miles from Flint, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 17m into the drive .
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 75 | 218.5 mi | 3h 44m |
| US 41 | 77.3 mi | 1h 38m |
| M-28 | 70.9 mi | 1h 23m |
| US-2 West | 62.1 mi | 1h 12m |
| M 77 | 17.3 mi | 20m |
| County Road 480 | 12.5 mi | 18m |
| UAW Freeway | 9.7 mi | 10m |
| Chassell Painesdale Road | 4.1 mi | 7m |
Step-by-step road directions between Flint, MI and Atlantic Mine, MI.
Start on this road
Turn uturn onto M 21
Turn right onto Saginaw Street
Turn right onto East Third Street
Turn left onto Chavez Drive
Take the ramp
Merge onto I 475
Merge onto I 75; US 23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
Take the exit
Merge onto US 2; I 75 BL
Continue on US 2
Continue on US 2
Turn right onto M 77
Turn sharp left onto M 28
Continue on M 28
Enter roundabout onto M 28
Continue on M 28
Continue on M 28
Continue on CR 551
Turn right onto CR 480
Continue on Rail Street
Turn right onto Division Street
Turn right onto M 28 BUS
Turn left onto M 28 BUS
Turn left onto US 41; M 28
Enter roundabout onto US 41; M 28
Continue on US 41; M 28
Enter roundabout onto US 41; M 28
Continue on US 41; M 28
Turn left onto 5th Street
Continue on Chassell Painesdale Road
Turn right onto P-651
Continue on County Road P-67
Continue on County Road A-67
Continue on Baltic-Onkalo's Corner Road
Continue on 15th Street
Continue on County Road A-67
Continue on 12th Street
At end of road, turn left onto Stanton Avenue
Turn left onto Trimountain Avenue
Turn right onto M 26
Turn left onto Erickson Drive
Turn left onto Huron
Turn right onto Edwards Street
Arrive at destination
To make the most of this 9.5-hour drive, plan for an overnight stop. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight driving and allow for two stops along the way. The longest stretch without a break is over 200 miles, so be sure to fuel up before embarking on that segment. Given the $77 fuel cost, budgeting is straightforward. Consider breaking the trip near the halfway point to ensure a balanced driving schedule over your two days, making the journey more enjoyable and less taxing.
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.
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 108 miles or 1h 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 245.5 miles or 4h 17m 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 245.5 miles or 4h 17m
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 7m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Atlantic Mine, MI than in the middle of the route.
Open the route before leaving Flint, 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 Flint, MI
Aim for roughly 245 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Atlantic Mine, MI
Aim for roughly 245 miles and 4.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Overnight candidate
245 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 McMillan, MINight 1
245 mi · about 4.7h in
A practical overnight split lands near McMillan, MI after about 245 miles or 4.7 hours of driving.
Find hotelsA short stop after about 108 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
The midpoint is around 245.5 miles from Flint, 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 218.5 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 245 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.
Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.
Top Restaurant
L'Anse, Michigan
Near the end, short detour
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+19065245455
Miners Pasty Kitchen
Munising, Michigan
Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore
Munising, Michigan
Top Coffee Stop
L'Anse, Michigan
Near the end, right off the route
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
Our Town Coffee & Treats
Grayling, Michigan
Loving Dove Farmacia & The Organic Cafe
L'Anse, Michigan
Near the end, short detour
L'Anse, Michigan
Hours: 6 am–8 pm
+19065245455
Visit websiteLater in the drive, right off the route
Harvey, Michigan
Hours: Open 24 hours
+19062499464
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
Hours: 9 am–6 pm
+19063876200
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
+19063873008
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–2 pm
+19063871414
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~10 min detour
Marquette, Michigan
Hours: 6 am–6 pm
+19062251301
Visit websiteLater in the drive, ~12 min detour
Marquette, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
+19062266110
Visit websiteNear the start, ~12 min detour
Saginaw, Michigan
Hours: 12–11 pm
+19897936300
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
L'Anse, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–6 pm
Early in the drive, right off the route
Grayling, Michigan
Hours: 8 am–2 pm
+19892178099
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
L'Anse, Michigan
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+19065248110
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–12 pm
+19063878010
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
L'Anse, Michigan
Hours: 9 am–5 pm
+19065241010
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
Near the end, short detour
Houghton, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–8 pm
+19063702053
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
Hours: 7 am–10 pm
Later in the drive, ~9 min detour
Marquette, Michigan
Hours: 10 am–8 pm
+19062251155
Visit websiteNear the start, right off the route
Flint, Michigan
Hours: 10 am–5 pm
+18102373450
Visit websiteNear the end, right off the route
Champion, Michigan
+19063394461
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
Hours: 10 am–7 pm
+19063878888
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
+19063874477
Visit websiteNear the start, short detour
Flint, Michigan
Hours: 10 am–4 pm
+18107675437
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Marquette, Michigan
Hours: 10 am–6 pm
+19062732277
Visit websiteLater in the drive, short detour
Munising, Michigan
+19063872379
Visit websiteNear the end, short detour
Houghton, Michigan
Hours: 6–9:30 pm
+19065235246
Visit websitePlace data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 347.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
Turn uturn onto M 21 / East Court Street
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Turn right onto Saginaw Street
Navigation decision point
Take the exit toward US 2: Manistique, Escanaba
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Turn sharp left onto M 28 / M-28
Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach
Enter roundabout onto M 28 / East Munising
Roundabout - know your exit number before entering
Regular Gas
$76.75 one way
$153.49 round trip
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $84.26 | $168.53 |
| premium | $4.89 | $94.47 | $188.94 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $108.38 | $216.77 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$77
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$207–$317
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 171.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $52 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 147.3 | 1 | $51.54 | $23.56 |
| Efficient EV | 122.7 | 1 | $42.95 | $19.64 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 196.4 | 2 | $68.73 | $31.42 |
Gas CO2
172 kg
EV CO2
57 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.
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Origin
Night in Flint on Saturday
Local time
9:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
71°F
Widespread Fog then Partly Sunny
Destination
Night in Atlantic Mine on Saturday
Local time
9:07 PM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
33°F
McMillan, MI
245 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.
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
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
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.
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
National Historical Park
The stories of people and copper in the Keweenaw Peninsula have been intertwined for more than 7,000 years. Indigenous peoples made copper into tools and trade items. Investors and immigrants arrived...
National Lakeshore
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's coa...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 76% of the drive on high-speed roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch is a significant 218.5 miles on I-75, meaning you'll have plenty of opportunity to maintain a steady pace for a considerable portion of your travel. While the initial stages are highway-centric, the latter parts of the drive will transition to US-41 and M-28, offering a change of scenery as you progress further into Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This mix suggests a drive that starts with efficiency and gradually introduces more varied road conditions.
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and US 41. You will hit about 29 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near M 21 / East Court Street.
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 490.9 miles you will encounter 29 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (M 21 / East Court Street): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach; at 0.1 miles (Saginaw Street): Navigation decision point; at 229.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Flint, MI to Atlantic Mine, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Escanaba along the way.
Escanaba
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
9h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (76%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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