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Trip from West Ishpeming, MI to Lansing, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 41m

Distance

410.3 mi

660 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$64

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 29 min
4 AM
7h 32m ★
6 AM
7h 41m
8 AM
8h 1m
10 AM
7h 48m
12 PM
7h 46m
3 PM
7h 49m
5 PM
8h 0m
8 PM
7h 36m

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 West Ishpeming, MI, MI

West Ishpeming, MI

fish socks

Trip Overview

This 411.3-mile journey from West Ishpeming, MI, to Lansing, MI, is estimated to take about 6 hours and 27 minutes. Primarily utilizing local roads like Silver Street, South North Lake Drive, and Greenwood Street, with no highway driving, this trip is best suited as a single-day adventure. With a projected fuel cost of around $62, it's an economical option for a day trip. The route traverses the Midwest region, offering a straightforward drive. Given its duration and lack of highway miles, it's a manageable drive for one day, though you'll want to be prepared for a more turn-heavy experience.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

205.2 miles from West Ishpeming, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 9m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
US 127 137.3 mi 2h 20m
I 75 94.1 mi 1h 37m
M-28 70.9 mi 1h 24m
US 2 65.1 mi 1h 15m
M 77 17.3 mi 20m
County Road 480 12.5 mi 18m
West Munising Avenue 2.2 mi 4m
West Division Street 2 mi 3m
Longest stretch: US 127 — 137.3 mi, about 2h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between West Ishpeming, MI and Lansing, MI.

1

Start on Center Street

128 ft · 11 sec · Center Street
2

Turn left onto Silver Street

0.1 mi · 28 sec · Silver Street
3

Turn right onto 494

0.2 mi · 22 sec · South North Lake Drive
4

Continue on Greenwood Street

1.1 mi · 2 min · Greenwood Street
5

Turn right onto M 28 BUS

2.0 mi · 3 min · West Division Street
6

Continue on M 28 BUS

1.1 mi · 1 min · County Road
7

Turn slight left onto M 28 BUS

0.3 mi · 34 sec · Silver Street
8

At end of road, turn right onto M 28 BUS

0.1 mi · 14 sec · Jackson Street
9

Turn right onto South Pioneer Avenue

503 ft · 14 sec · South Pioneer Avenue
10

Turn left onto Rail Street

0.4 mi · 32 sec · Rail Street
11

Continue on CR 480

13 mi · 18 min · County Road 480
12

Turn left onto CR 551

1.8 mi · 2 min · Cherry Creek Road
13

Continue on M 28

36 mi · 42 min · M-28
Use the straight / right lanes.
14

Continue on M 28

2.2 mi · 4 min · West Munising Avenue
15

Continue on M 28

0.2 mi · 22 sec · Cedar Street
16

Continue on M 28

35 mi · 41 min · M-28
17

Turn sharp right onto M 77

17 mi · 20 min · M 77
18

At end of road, turn left onto US 2

65 mi · 1 hr 15 min · US 2
19

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 44 sec
Toward I 75 South: Mackinac Bridge
20

Merge onto I 75

94 mi · 1 hr 37 min · I 75
21

Keep slight right at fork onto US 127

137 mi · 2 hr 20 min · US 127
Exit 249 Toward US 127: Clare, Lansing
22

Take the exit

0.6 mi · 1 min
Exit 77 Toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing Use the slight right lane.
23

Merge onto I 496

1.9 mi · 1 min · Ransom E Olds Freeway
24

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 6 Toward Downtown
25

Turn right onto South Walnut Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · South Walnut Street
26

Turn right onto West Allegan Street

412 ft · 12 sec · West Allegan Street
27

Turn right onto Townsend Street

22 ft · 1 sec · Townsend Street
28

Arrive at destination

Townsend Street

Trip Plan

For this 6-hour and 27-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from West Ishpeming to maximize daylight and allow ample time for the 411.3 miles. Since it's a single-day trip with a fuel cost around $62, planning one stop for fuel and a break should suffice. Keep an eye on your navigation, as the 'turn-heavy local drive' profile means you'll be making frequent adjustments. Pay attention to local speed limits, especially as you pass through smaller towns along Silver Street, South North Lake Drive, and Greenwood Street.

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.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 205.2 miles from West Ishpeming, MI, or about 4h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 137.3 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 90 miles or 1h 58m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 205.2 miles or 4h 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 6h 38m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lansing, MI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving West Ishpeming, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from West Ishpeming, MI

This is one driving day of about 410.3 miles and 7h 41m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 90 miles from West Ishpeming, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 127 for about 137.3 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city in Michigan, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Cheboygan, MI

205 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

Laketon, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 90 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Boyne City, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 205.2 miles from West Ishpeming, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before US 127 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 137.3 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 Restaurant

Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Munising, Michigan

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.6

+19063873008

Visit website

Miners Pasty Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Munising, Michigan

1.3 mi

Earl E. Byrds

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Munising, Michigan

1.1 mi

Top Coffee Stop

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 410.3

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lansing, Michigan

0.9 mi

Rustic Grounds Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Munising, Michigan

1 mi

Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

+19063873008

Visit website

Miners Pasty Kitchen

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+19063876200

Visit website

Earl E. Byrds

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+19063871414

Visit website

Velodrome Coffee Company

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

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

Ishpeming, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19062732556

Visit website

Lawry's Pasty Shop

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.7 mi from route ~7 min detour $10 to $20

Ishpeming, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+19064855589

Visit website

Circle K

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 58.6

Wetmore, Michigan

Hours: 5 am–12 pm

+19062079956

Visit website

Circle K

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Ishpeming, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19064868122

Visit website

Midtown Bakery & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.4 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Negaunee, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19064750064

Visit website

The Hob Nob

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 410.3

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+15173726899

Visit website

Blue Owl Coffee

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 410.3

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7:30 am–3 pm

+15175756836

Visit website

Rustic Grounds Coffee Co.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

Gallery Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–12 pm

+19063878010

Visit website

Boardwalk Coffee & General Store

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 175.9

St Ignace, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+19069846018

Visit website

Our Town Coffee & Treats

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, right off the route

1 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 263.8

Grayling, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+19892178099

Visit website

Camper's Grinds

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour $1 to $10 mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

Strange Matter Coffee Eastside

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour $1 to $10 mile 410.3

Lansing, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+15172245495

Visit website

Lakenenland

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 29.3

Marquette, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19062505138

Visit website

Da Yoopers Tourist Trap and Rock Shop

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Ishpeming, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19064855595

Visit website

Pictured Rocks Cruises, LLC.

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

+19063872379

Visit website

Wawatam Lighthouse

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 175.9

St Ignace, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19066438717

Visit website

Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum & Iron Ore Heritage Bike Trail Trailhead

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour

Ishpeming, Michigan

+19064851882

Visit website

Museum of Ojibwa Culture at Old Mission Saint-Ignace

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 175.9

St Ignace, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19066439161

Visit website

Pictured Rocks Interpretive Center

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+19063871900

Visit website

Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, Munising

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 58.6

Munising, Michigan

+19063874477

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 18

5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 407.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
0 mi into trip | ~0m in | Silver Street

Turn left onto Silver Street

Navigation decision point

6
4.8 mi into trip | ~9m in | M 28 BUS / Jackson Street

At end of road, turn right onto M 28 BUS / Jackson Street

Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch

5
92.9 mi into trip | ~2h 1m in | M 77

Turn sharp right onto M 77

Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach

7
269.7 mi into trip | ~5h 15m in | US 127

Keep slight right at fork onto US 127 toward US 127: Clare, Lansing

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 249 Toward US 127: Clare, Lansing
7
407.1 mi into trip | ~7h 35m in

Take the exit toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 77 Toward I 496 West: Downtown Lansing

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$64.15 one way

$128.29 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 144 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $70.43 $140.86
premium $4.89 $78.96 $157.92
diesel $5.61 $90.59 $181.18

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$64

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$89–$114

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 143.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 123.1 1 $43.08 $19.69
Efficient EV 102.6 1 $35.90 $16.41
EV Truck/SUV 164.1 2 $57.44 $26.26

Gas CO2

144 kg

EV CO2

48 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.

Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026

Origin

West Ishpeming, MI

Late night in West Ishpeming on Sunday

Local time

12:15 AM

EDT

Current temp

36°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Lansing, MI

Late night in Lansing on Sunday

Local time

12:15 AM

EDT

Current temp

48°F

Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

S 14 mph 93% chance Live forecast

Special Weather Statement

Special Weather Statement issued April 18 at 1:58AM EDT by NWS Grand Rapids MI

Flood Warning

Flood Warning issued April 18 at 12:31AM EDT until April 18 at 6:30AM EDT by NWS Marquette 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

12 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

7h 41m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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...

16 mi from route ~39 min detour $25 near mile 70.7
Park Closure: Munising Falls Trail Closed Until Further Notice
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a turn-heavy local drive on this route, as indicated by its 0% highway share. The longest uninterrupted stretch isn't specified, but the emphasis on local roads suggests a more engaged driving experience with frequent turns and varying speed limits. This isn't a monotonous interstate cruise; rather, it's a drive that keeps you actively navigating through communities. The road will likely feel more intimate, winding through Michigan's landscape rather than bypassing it at high speed.

73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
28 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 137.3 mi on US 127.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on US 127 and I 75. You will hit about 18 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Silver Street.

Driving Effort 5/10

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 410.3 miles you will encounter 18 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 (Silver Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.8 miles (M 28 BUS / Jackson Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 92.9 miles (M 77): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 41m. Total distance: 410.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 41m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 137.3 miles on US 127. 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 is a long drive, so arriving tired and in the dark compounds. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Lansing, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: near the start (Silver Street): Navigation decision point; at 4.8 miles (M 28 BUS / Jackson Street): Complex interchange - multiple decisions in a short stretch; at 92.9 miles (M 77): Sharp turn - reduce speed on approach.

Yes — Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.7 hours each way, a round trip means 15.4 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Lansing, 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, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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