Origin
Lakewood Club, MI
Morning in Lakewood Club on Sunday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Lakewood Club, MI to Sterling Heights, 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 53m
Distance
212.9 mi
343 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 41m
★
6 AM
3h 53m
8 AM
4h 19m
10 AM
4h 2m
12 PM
4h 0m
3 PM
4h 4m
5 PM
4h 18m
8 PM
3h 46m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Lakewood Club, MI
Daniel Lee
Sterling Heights, MI
fish socks
Trip Overview
This 212.9-mile drive from Lakewood Club to Sterling Heights, Michigan, is designed for a single day, taking about 3 hours and 53 minutes of pure driving time. It's a highway-focused journey, with 89% of the route utilizing major interstates like I-96, I-69, and I-75. Expect to spend around $33 on fuel for this trip, which fits comfortably within the Midwest region. This route is straightforward, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B efficiently, without needing an overnight stop.
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
106.5 miles from Lakewood Club, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 57m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 96 | 88.7 mi | 1h 35m |
| I 69 | 51.5 mi | 52m |
| I 75 | 38.7 mi | 41m |
| US 31 | 10.7 mi | 11m |
| M 59 | 9.6 mi | 10m |
| Mound Road | 3.5 mi | 5m |
| Russell Road | 3.3 mi | 4m |
| West Lakewood Road | 1.1 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
I 96
— 88.7 mi, about 1h 35m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lakewood Club, MI and Sterling Heights, MI.
1
Start on Maple Road
401 ft
·
19 sec
·
Maple Road
2
Turn right onto Clover Road
0.1 mi
·
37 sec
·
Clover Road
3
At end of road, turn left onto West Lakewood Road
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
West Lakewood Road
4
At end of road, turn right onto B-23
3.3 mi
·
4 min
·
Russell Road
5
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
6
Merge onto US 31
4.4 mi
·
4 min
·
US 31
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 31
6.3 mi
·
6 min
·
US 31
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
48 sec
Exit 110A
Toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing
Use the straight / right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 96
89 mi
·
1 hr 35 min
·
I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
10
Take the exit
2.5 mi
·
2 min
Exit 89
Toward I 69 East: Flint
11
Merge onto I 69
52 mi
·
52 min
·
I 69
12
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
Use the slight right lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
46 sec
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
14
Merge onto I 75; US 23
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
I 75; US 23
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
37 mi
·
39 min
·
I 75
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
47 sec
Exit 77A
Toward M 59 East: Utica
Use the right lane.
17
Merge onto M 59
9.6 mi
·
10 min
·
M 59
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Exit 50
Toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on Dobry Drive
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
Dobry Drive
20
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Mound Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
21
Continue on Mound Road
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Mound Road
22
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
17 Mile Road
23
Arrive at destination
17 Mile Road
Trip Plan
Given the 3-hour 53-minute duration, this trip is easily manageable in one day. You can leave anytime, but an early start will help you avoid potential rush hour traffic as you approach Sterling Heights. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in where and when you choose to refuel or stretch your legs. Be mindful of the longest stretch of 88.7 miles on I-96; plan your fuel and rest breaks accordingly before entering this longer segment to ensure a smooth journey.
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 106.5 miles from Lakewood Club, MI, or about 1h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 88.7 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 47 miles or 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.5 miles or 1h 57m 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 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sterling Heights, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lakewood Club, 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 Lakewood Club, MI
This is one driving day of about 212.9 miles and 3h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Lakewood Club, 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 88.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
106 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 47 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 106.5 miles from Lakewood Club, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 88.7 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 195 decision points cluster between mile 15.6 and 207.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
15.6 mi into trip
|
~19m in
Take the exit toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / right lanes.
Exit 110A
Toward I 96: Grand Rapids, Lansing
7
158.6 mi into trip
|
~2h 50m in
Take the exit toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 75, US 23: Saginaw, Detroit
6
159 mi into trip
|
~2h 51m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 75 South, US 23 South: Detroit
7
198.1 mi into trip
|
~3h 33m in
Take the exit toward M 59 East: Utica
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Exit 77A
Toward M 59 East: Utica
8
207.9 mi into trip
|
~3h 44m in
Take the exit toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
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 50
Toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.28 one way
$66.57 round trip
$3.97/gal
25.4 MPG avg
75 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.36 | $36.55 | $73.09 |
| premium | $4.89 | $40.97 | $81.94 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $47.01 | $94.01 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 63.9 | 0 | $22.35 | $10.22 |
| Efficient EV | 53.2 | 0 | $18.63 | $8.52 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 85.2 | 1 | $29.81 | $13.63 |
Gas CO2
74 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (66% 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.
Destination
Sterling Heights, MI
Morning in Sterling Heights on Sunday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
74°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
WSW 10 mph
84% chance
Live forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 3:21PM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI
Flash Flood Warning
Flash Flood Warning issued April 16 at 1:53PM EDT until April 17 at 12:00AM EDT by NWS Gaylord 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.
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
30 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 53m 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?
This drive is predominantly a highway-focused experience, meaning you'll be on high-speed interstates for the vast majority of your trip. With an 89% highway share, you'll encounter long stretches of consistent driving, including an uninterrupted segment of 88.7 miles on I-96. The character of the road remains largely consistent, prioritizing efficient travel over varied scenery. Be prepared for a steady pace as you navigate these major roadways connecting different parts of Michigan.
89% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 88.7 mi on I 96.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and I 69. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 15.6 miles in.
Driving Effort
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 212.9 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 15.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 158.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Lakewood Club, MI and Sterling Heights, MI, road signs point toward Lansing, Detroit and M 59 East: Utica.
Lansing
15.6 mi in
|
~19m
Detroit
158.6 mi in
|
~2h 50m
M 59 East: Utica
198.1 mi in
|
~3h 33m
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 53m. Total distance: 212.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 53m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (89%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 88.7 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 Sterling Heights, 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 15.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 158.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 159 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Possible but tiring. At 3.9 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 7.8 hours — manageable with a long break at Sterling Heights, 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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