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Western Michigan's Magical Shore

Western Michigan's Magical Shore

Bridgman Holland Ludington Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes Petoskey & Mackinac Island
Trip length7-10 days
Route distance328 mi
Stops5
Customize this tripFree account · edit dates, stops & pace

Trip overview

The shores of Lake Michigan are beautiful everywhere, but its famed western shore (in eastern Michigan) is a showstopper and an ideal spot for a summer RV trip. Start with giant sand dunes at Warren Dunes State Park, continue to windmill-filled Holland, then on to the lighthouses of Ludington. As you head to northwest Michigan, the water and sky seem to get bluer as the temperatures drop. Bustling Traverse City, with nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and wonderful cherries, will energize you with its many activities and natural beauty. See charming small towns dotted along the Lake as you head toward Petoskey and historic Mackinac Island. This trip is filled with tons of state, county, city, federal, and private campgrounds. Summer is a perfect time to take this trip to enjoy all that Lake Michigan (and the hundreds of smaller inland lakes) has to offer. Let AdventureGenie help you plan your trip up the eastern Lake Michigan shoreline!

Who will love this trip
The fabulous outdoor activities and charming towns will delight kids, adults, and seniors alike!

Trip tips

  • Visit in Warm Months: Visit Lake Michigan during the Summer and Fall seasons to take advantage of the plentiful outdoor recreation available. Nights can be chilly so bring layers to stay warm.

  • Be Trail Smart: Cell service can be nonexistent on National Park trails, so carry a map and compass and know how to use them.

  • Prepare to be Outdoors: The state parks of Michigan and Wisconsin provide plentiful adventurous opportunities such as fishing, camping, kayaking, hiking, biking and more. Pack sunscreen, protective footwear, and plenty of snacks, as well as an eco-friendly water bottle.

  • Plan for Porcupine Mountains: Dispersed camping is not permitted in the Porcupine Mountains. The on-site rustic cabins are very popular, be proactive in booking your stay six months or more in advance.

  • Kayak in Door County: Take advantage of one of the prettiest and most popular sites for kayaking. Go between June and September to avoid frigid water temperatures. Try one of the varieties of guided tours provided here: https://www.doorcountykayaktours.com/

  • Enjoy Summerfest: Milwaukee hosts an annual 3-week music festival usually during late June and early July. Summerfest includes over 800 live bands, scenic lakefront photo opportunities, local eats, drinks, shopping, and children’s areas. Many local bars allow parking and provide shuttle services to the venue.

Your route

Route map: Western Michigan's Magical Shore
1Bridgman2Holland3Ludington4Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes5Petoskey & Mackinac Island
1
Stop 1 1-2 day stay

Bridgman, MI

Bridgman, MI

Start your journey at Warren Dunes State Park with its nearly 2,000 acres, 3 miles of shoreline, and hundreds feet tall sand dunes.

Top things to do

This is an activity-rich place! Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy your stay at Warren Dunes:

1
Climb the Sand DunesHike the many easy and challenging sand dunes, some of which are more than 200 feet high. You can even sandboard down some!
2
Try Hang-GlidingWatch or try your hand at hang-gliding (with a permit, of course).
3
Hit the Hiking TrailsEnjoy the park’s six miles of hiking trails.
4
Enjoy the BeachesEnjoy relaxing, swimming, and hiking on the sugar sand beaches.
5
Paddle on the LakeBring your own or rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board (SUP) on the lake.

Bridgman, MI activities

HikingBikingSwimmingBeachesPhotographyGolfClimbing Sand DunesBoatingFishingKayaking, Canoeing, & Paddling

RV campgrounds near Bridgman, MI

Warren Dunes State Park has almost 200 campsites, most with electricity. There are a few private campgrounds nearby. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best place to camp near Warren Dunes!

Next stop: Holland
2
Stop 2 1-2 day stay

Holland, MI

Holland, MI

This Dutch-themed town on both Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, is a celebration of all things Dutch – tulips, wooden shoes, windmills, and delicious food and desserts. There are great beaches and water activities on both lakes.

Top things to do

Here are a few fun things to do in and around Holland, Michigan:

1
Windmill Island GardensSee America’s only authentic working Dutch windmill. It produces grain for baked goods around town and for purchase in the Gardens’ shop. They have 36 acres of flower beds as well as a Dutch organ and carousel.
2
Holland State ParkThis 142-acre beachfront park has a beautiful historic “Big Red” lighthouse, wide beaches, public boat launch, paddle rentals, playground, and camping.
3
FestivalsHolland hosts its annual Tulip Festival in May as well as dozens of other events and festivals throughout the year.

Holland, MI activities

HikingBeachesSwimmingBoatingFishingKayaking, Canoeing, & PaddlingBikingHorseback Riding

RV campgrounds near Holland, MI

Holland State Park has two campgrounds with 138 sites. There are several nearby private campgrounds. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground near Holland, Michigan.

Next stop: Ludington
3
Stop 3 1-2 day stay

Ludington, MI

Ludington, MI

Ludington is known for its wonderful beaches, Ludington State Park, outdoor activities, lighthouses, and its ferry across Lake Michigan.

Top things to do

Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Ludington, Michigan:

1
Community Beach BonfireOn the fourth Thursday in June, July, and August, join this free community event with live music and, of course, a big bonfire!
2
Waterfront Park and Sculpture ParkVisit this downtown park with a marina, band shell, and sculpture garden with original bronze sculptures celebrating the town’s history.
3
S.S. BadgerTake a ride across the lake to Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on the nation’s last coal-fired ferry which takes cars, trucks, RVs, and passengers.
4
Ludington State ParkEnjoy 28 miles of shoreline on 5,800 acres with sugar sand beaches, sand dunes, hiking trails, forests, wetlands, three campgrounds, a lighthouse, and a fishing pier.

Ludington, MI activities

BeachesBikingHikingSwimmingFishingKayaking, Canoeing, & PaddlingHorseback RidingBoating

RV campgrounds near Ludington, MI

Ludington State Park has over 350 campsites, many with electricity. There are several private RV parks nearby. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground near Ludington!

Next stop: Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes
4
Stop 4 2-5 day stay

Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI

Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI

The area around Traverse City is some of the most beautiful in the Great Lakes region. There are dozens of sparkling inland lakes, quaint towns filled with vacationing Midwesterners, delicious cherries, locally grown produce, wineries, great restaurants, and all the fun things one can do in and around its many lakes. Traverse City sits on Grand Traverse Bay which spills into Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 7,100-acre lake front park with many sand dunes (large and small), hiking trails, and great camping. Summer days here are mild and nights are cool. This part of Michigan is popular for camping, and there are many wonderful public and private campgrounds in the area – from basic to luxurious.

Top things to do

Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Traverse City:

1
Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreSituated 450 feet above the blue water of Lake Michigan, this wonderful park has plenty of hiking trails, sand dunes, kayaking, and two rustic islands only reached by boat.
2
Downtown Traverse CityThis vibrant downtown is wonderfully walkable and has dozens of eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants. Stop by the famed Cherry Republic Store to sample all things cherry – wine, jams, salsa, cookies, sweets, etc. Bring an appetite!
3
Wine TastingsKnown as the Traverse Wine Coast, there are dozens and dozens of wineries in and around Traverse City, with the most concentrated group on the Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula. The wines are growing in quality, with its vineyards located on the 45th Parallel – the same as some of the top wine regions in Italy and France. For beer lovers, Traverse City has several craft breweries to enjoy as well.
4
Outdoor ActivitiesTraverse City is an outdoor enthusiast's dream! The area is teeming with bikers, boaters, hikers, runners, beachgoers, paddlers – pretty much anything you can imagine is available here to enjoy!

Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI activities

HikingBikingBoatingKayaking, Canoeing, & PaddlingFishingHorseback RidingBeachesSwimmingPhotographyWine Tours

RV campgrounds near Traverse City & Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI

It can be hard to decide where to camp given the variety and number of state, city, federal, and private campgrounds. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for you near Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Next stop: Petoskey & Mackinac Island
5
Stop 5 2-4 day stay

Petoskey & Mackinac Island, MI

Petoskey & Mackinac Island, MI

As you head northeast from Traverse City, before reaching the Upper Peninsula, you will drive thorough many charming, happy lakefront towns until you reach yet another one, Petoskey. A century ago, Petoskey was one of the main summer playgrounds for wealthy Midwestern industrialists and their families escaping the summer heat. The historic homes that remain are grand and charming. Today it has plenty of outdoor recreation and a wonderful downtown with great shops and restaurants. Famed Mackinac Island (reached only by passenger ferry) is a "must" for a memorable day trip. With no cars allowed and steeped in charm and history, Mackinac Island will enthrall with its grandeur and beauty.

Top things to do

Here are some wonderful things to do in and around the Petoskey and Mackinac Island area:

1
PetoskeyThis small town boasts plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities – biking, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, beachgoing and golf. Like many other small towns in this area, the population swells in the summer but there are plenty of restaurants, shops, museums, farmers’ markets, and festivals to keep you busy.
2
CharlevoixConsider stopping here on your drive to Petoskey for a quick stroll to sample its locally famous Murdick’s Fudge and admire the charming and grand century-old cottages around town. Consider also one of its many scenic drives around Lake Charlevoix, Torch Lake, or the Tunnel of Trees.
3
Mackinac IslandThis often-filmed romantic island can only be reached by a short passenger ferry from nearby Mackinac City. No cars (or RVs!) are allowed on the island – but there are charming horse drawn carriages, bikes, and walking paths to explore the island. With grand Victorian homes from yesteryear, historic Fort Mackinac over a dozen history museums, and plenty of charming shops, ice cream parlors and restaurants, you will not regret spending a day here. Be sure to stop by the famed Grand Hotel – built in 1887 and a National Historic Landmark –for a bite to eat, drink or to enjoy a rocking chair on its super long front porch.

Petoskey & Mackinac Island, MI activities

HikingBikingBeachesHorseback RidingCarriage RidesGolfFishingBoatingMuseumsHistory ToursKayaking, Canoeing & PaddlingSwimming

RV campgrounds near Petoskey & Mackinac Island, MI

The Petoskey area is filled with dozens of great campgrounds – city, county, state, federal and private. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground in the Petoskey and Mackinac Island area!

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