Munising to Bay City: Lakes & Landscapes Road Trip Guide

The drive from Munising to Bay City spans the heart of Michigan, crossing the Mackinac Bridge—a 5-mile suspension bridge that is the longest in the Western Hemisphere. This route transitions from Lake Superior's sandstone cliffs down to the Saginaw Bay's flat shoreline.

Road maintenance is generally good, with potholes south of the bridge in spring. The Mackinac Bridge has lane closures and wind restrictions: vehicles with trailers must be accompanied by a shuttle bus.

For families, the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point is a highlight, though it's a slight detour. Kids love the Mystery Spot near St. Ignace. For pets, pet-friendly accommodations exist in Grayling and West Branch.

To manage fatigue, take breaks at rest areas in St. Ignace and Au Gres. This trip is worth driving for the changing landscape, and the best stops are the Seney Wildlife Refuge, Mackinac Bridge, and the Tawas Bay waterfront. Between Munising and Bay City, unique activities include a ferry to Grand Island and a sunset cruise at that nature preserve and (for the full list of hidden gems) the lighthouse at Sturgeon Point. Remember to plan for a full day.

Gas stations cluster near towns and exits, but the stretch between Seney and St. Ignace offers few options; fill up in Munising or Wetmore. The route is direct: take M-28 east to US-2, then I-75 south over the Mackinac Bridge and US-23 to Bay City.

• Arrive the Mackinac Bridge with exact change: the toll is $4.50 for cars.
• South of the bridge, expressway I-75 is free, but US-23 offers a scenic coastal alternative.

If you're wondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, this road trip rewards a flexible schedule—plan stopovers in towns like St. Ignace and West Branch.

The route begins in the Hiawatha National Forest, where Munising's Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore dazzles with 200-foot cliffs. Near Seney, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers chances to spot trumpeter swans.

For UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you'd need to detour north to Isle Royale National Park, but it's off-route. Instead, the Mackinac Bridge itself is a civil engineering marvel. Local commerce thrives in Mackinaw City's fudge shops and Bay City's numerous antique stores.