Oak Park to Munising: Scenic Lake Superior Road Trip

Before leaving Oak Park, note that this Chicago suburb is the birthplace of Ernest Hemingway, who lived here until age 18. The drive to Munising, MI, spans roughly 500 miles, taking about 8 hours without stops. Along the way, you'll traverse the industrial heartland of Indiana and Michigan, then curve north along Lake Michigan's eastern shore, ending at the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

This route offers a mix of urban highways, rural byways, and a dramatic finale on the shores of Lake Superior. To make the most of it, consider breaking the journey overnight in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, where the Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan's two peninsulas. The bridge, completed in 1957, spans 5 miles and is a toll crossing ($4.00 for cars).

From Oak Park, take I-290 west to I-90/94 north, then I-94 east into Michigan. Near Benton Harbor, switch to I-196 north along Lake Michigan, then merge onto US-31 north, which becomes I-75 north near Grayling. Continue on I-75 across the Mackinac Bridge, then take US-2 west and M-28 west to Munising. Road quality is generally good, with well-maintained asphalt on all major highways; the final stretch on M-28 is a two-lane road with scenic views.

Fuel prices vary, but expect to pay around $3.50 per gallon in Michigan, slightly higher than Illinois's average. Plan for three fuel stops: near Kalamazoo, near Gaylord, and in Munising. Along the way, you'll find a robust network of rest areas with picnic tables and restrooms, especially on I-75. For EV drivers, charging stations are available at Meijer stores in Grand Rapids and Traverse City, and at the Mackinaw City Welcome Center.

• Suggested overnight stop: Mackinaw City, home to Colonial Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 18th-century fort.
• Budget hotels in Mackinaw City start around $100/night; in Munising, around $80/night.

Winter driving can be hazardous between November and March; check weather forecasts and carry emergency supplies. I-75 and M-28 are well-maintained, but remote stretches may have limited cell service. To manage fatigue, plan to stop every 2 hours; notable rest areas include the one near Exit 2 on I-75 and the Mackinac Bridge Welcome Center. For families, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis is the largest in the world, but off-route; instead, consider the Traverse City Zoo, which has a petting area.

Pet-friendly options abound: many state parks along the way allow leashed pets on trails, and most rest areas have designated pet exercise areas. In Munising, the Sunset Motel is pet-friendly, and the nearby Munising Dog Park offers a fenced space. For dining, look for diners like the Driftwood Motel Café in Munising, known for its fresh whitefish. Keep in mind that some local restaurants are seasonal, so call ahead in late fall or early spring.

• Recommended family stop: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where kids can climb the dunes (one-hour detour).
• Safety note: Moose are prevalent on M-28, especially at dawn/dusk—slow down and use high beams.

The route transitions from flat farmland in Illinois to rolling hills in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, then to the rocky shores of Lake Superior. The most dramatic scenery is on M-28, with views of the lake and forests. Munising is the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a 40-mile stretch of cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves, best seen on a boat tour or by hiking. Nearby, the Grand Island National Recreation Area offers backcountry camping and a 20-mile bike loop.

Along the way, stop at local markets and orchards for seasonal produce, such as cherries near Traverse City. In Munising, visit the Munising Bay Area Historical Museum to learn about the region's lumber and fishing industries. For a unique local experience, try a pasty, a meat-and-potato-filled pastry brought by Cornish miners in the 1800s.

For discovering more offbeat attractions, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.