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Trip from Sterling Heights, 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 27m

Distance

186.2 mi

300 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$29

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 16m ★
6 AM
3h 28m
8 AM
3h 52m
10 AM
3h 36m
12 PM
3h 34m
3 PM
3h 38m
5 PM
3h 51m
8 PM
3h 21m

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 Sterling Heights, MI, MI

Sterling Heights, MI

fish socks

Downtown Pierson, MI, MI

Pierson, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 186.2-mile drive from Sterling Heights, MI, to Pierson, MI, is designed for a single day, taking an estimated 3 hours and 27 minutes. Primarily following major highways like I-96 and US-131, you'll experience a 94% highway-focused journey. With a projected fuel cost of around $29, this is an efficient trip for a Midwest traveler. The route is straightforward, making it ideal for a quick getaway or a practical way to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. You'll find the drive is well-suited for those who prefer consistent speed and minimal navigation.

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

93.1 miles from Sterling Heights, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 44m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 132.1 mi 2h 21m
Walter P Reuther Freeway 21.8 mi 23m
US 131 20.2 mi 21m
Mound Road 6.2 mi 10m
Federal Road 1.7 mi 2m
17 Mile Road 1 mi 1m
West Lake Street Northeast 0.8 mi 1m
Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 132.1 mi, about 2h 21m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Sterling Heights, MI and Pierson, MI.

1

Start on 17 Mile Road

1.0 mi · 1 min · 17 Mile Road
2

Turn right onto Mound Road

302 ft · 5 sec · Mound Road
3

Continue on Mound Road

6.0 mi · 9 min · Mound Road
Use the right lane.
4

Keep slight left at fork onto Mound Road

0.2 mi · 16 sec · Mound Road
5

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 35 sec
Toward I 696: Lansing, Port Huron
6

Keep slight right at fork onto Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West

0.4 mi · 50 sec · Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West
Toward I 696 West: Lansing Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto I 696

22 mi · 23 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 96

18 mi · 19 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 96

55 mi · 58 min · I 96
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

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.
11

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.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 47 sec
Exit 31B Toward US 131 North: Cadillac, Big Rapids Use the slight right lane.
13

Merge onto US 131

20 mi · 21 min · US 131
Use the slight right lane.
14

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 57 sec
Toward Sand Lake
15

Turn right onto 22 Mile Road Northeast

0.4 mi · 55 sec · 22 Mile Road Northeast
16

Continue on West Lake Street Northeast

0.8 mi · 1 min · West Lake Street Northeast
17

Continue on East Lake Street

0.1 mi · 23 sec · East Lake Street
18

Turn left onto North 3rd Street Northeast

0.2 mi · 17 sec · North 3rd Street Northeast
19

Continue on CR 599

1.7 mi · 2 min · Federal Road
20

Continue on CR 522; CR 599

0.3 mi · 33 sec · 4th Street
21

Turn left onto Grand Street

349 ft · 20 sec · Grand Street
22

Turn right onto 3rd Street

148 ft · 6 sec · 3rd Street
23

Arrive at destination

3rd Street

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour, 27-minute trip, departing Sterling Heights in the morning will allow you to reach Pierson with plenty of daylight. Given the relatively short duration and single stop suggested, you have flexibility in when you choose to take breaks. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the 132.1-mile stretch on I-96, as services might be less frequent in certain sections. Planning to refuel before embarking on that long stretch of I-96 is a practical tip 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 93.1 miles from Sterling Heights, MI, or about 1h 44m 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 41 miles or 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 93.1 miles or 1h 44m 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 48m

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 Sterling Heights, 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 Sterling Heights, MI

This is one driving day of about 186.2 miles and 3h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 41 miles from Sterling Heights, 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.

Downtown Haslett, MI, MI

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Haslett, MI

93 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 41 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Lansing, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 93.1 miles from Sterling Heights, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Coffee Stop

Coffee First Cafe & Bake Shoppe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Royal Oak

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Royal Oak, Michigan

1 mi

517 Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

1.6 mi

That Early Bird

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20 mile 159.6

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+16162588350

Visit website

Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~12 min detour

5 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.6

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12489578019

Visit website

Coffee First Cafe & Bake Shoppe

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10

Sterling Heights, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+15868385353

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Royal Oak

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 13.3

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+12483077161

Visit website

517 Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 93.1

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+15175745573

Visit website

Qahwah House Coffee - Grand Rapids

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 159.6

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+16162449419

Visit website

Good Deeds Coffee Bar

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $1 to $10 mile 66.5

Fowlerville, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–6 pm

+15172199046

Visit website

Apothecary Espresso and Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.6

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm

Visit website

Ground Control Coffee Roasters

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.6

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+12489872013

Visit website

Farmhouse Coffee & Ice Cream

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour $1 to $10 mile 26.6

Farmington Hills, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12485627708

Visit website

Breakout Escape Rooms Royal Oak

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 13.3

Royal Oak, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–11:30 pm

+15863596944

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 13.3

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12488507182

Visit website

The Fifth Wall Escape Rooms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 13.3

Ferndale, Michigan

Hours: 3–10 pm

+12482914305

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 79.8

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Painting with a Twist

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 26.6

Farmington, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+12484767928

Visit website

Pinball Land

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 172.9

Rockford, Michigan

Hours: 2–8 pm

Visit website

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 159.6

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+16169571580

Visit website

Fitzgerald Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 106.4

Grand Ledge, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+15176277351

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 7.5 and 161.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
7.5 mi into trip | ~12m in | Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West

Keep slight right at fork onto Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West toward I 696 West: Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 696 West: Lansing
6
47.6 mi into trip | ~56m 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
102.4 mi into trip | ~1h 54m 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
156.1 mi into trip | ~2h 52m 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
161.8 mi into trip | ~2h 58m 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

$29.11 one way

$58.22 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 65 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $31.96 $63.92
premium $4.89 $35.83 $71.67
diesel $5.61 $41.11 $82.22

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$29

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$54–$79

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 65.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $20 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 55.9 0 $19.55 $8.94
Efficient EV 46.6 0 $16.29 $7.45
EV Truck/SUV 74.5 0 $26.07 $11.92

Gas CO2

65 kg

EV CO2

22 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Sterling Heights, MI

Late night in Sterling Heights on Sunday

Local time

3:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

74°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

WSW 10 mph 84% chance Live forecast

Destination

Pierson, MI

Late night in Pierson on Sunday

Local time

3:48 AM

EDT

Current temp

61°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

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

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

3h 27m 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?

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 94% of the drive taking place on major roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 132.1 miles on I-96, offering a consistent pace for much of your journey. You'll navigate through the Walter P. Reuther Freeway before transitioning to I-96, then US-131, indicating a shift in the highway environment as you progress. This road profile suggests a drive characterized by smooth sailing and efficient travel, rather than winding backroads or complex city navigation.

94% 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: 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 7.5 miles in near Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West.

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 16 significant decision points across 186.2 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 7.5 miles (Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.6 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.4 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 Sterling Heights, MI and Pierson, MI, road signs point toward M 37 North: Muskegon and Big Rapids.

M 37 North: Muskegon

156.1 mi in | ~2h 52m | via I 96; M 37

Big Rapids

161.8 mi in | ~2h 58m

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 27m. Total distance: 186.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 27m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (94%). 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 7.5 miles (Southbound Mound Road to I-696 West): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 47.6 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 102.4 miles (I 96): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.5 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.9 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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