Petoskey to West Point Road Trip Guide: Best Stops & Drive Time

The 840-mile drive from Petoskey, MI to West Point, NY crosses the Straits of Mackinac, traverses Ontario's farmland, and ends at the oldest continuously occupied military post in the United States, founded in 1802.

This route uses I-75 south to Detroit, then I-94 east through Canada (Windsor–Detroit Tunnel) and I-90 across New York, avoiding Chicago's congestion. Total driving time is about 13 hours and 30 minutes without stops.

Between Petoskey and the Canadian border, you'll pass the Petoskey State Park, where you can hunt for Petoskey stones (fossilized coral). In Ontario, Lake Erie's north shore offers scenic farmland, and the Welland Canal near Niagara Falls is an engineering marvel.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a short detour include Point Pelee National Park (Canada, 1986) and the Statue of Liberty (NY, 1984) — both accessible, though Point Pelee adds ~2 hours round trip.

For how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, use apps like Roadtrippers or Atlas Obscura to locate quirky roadside attractions.

The route is well-maintained: I-75 is four lanes with shoulders, Ontario's 401 is modern, and the NY Thruway is in good condition. Winter travel (Nov–Mar) can bring snow in Michigan and New York; check weather and carry emergency kits.

• Family-friendly stops: Detroit's Henry Ford Museum, Niagara Falls, and the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester.
• Pet-friendly: Many hotels (e.g., La Quinta, Motel 6) allow pets; rest areas on I-90 have green areas for walking.
• Fatigue: Plan rest every 2–3 hours; notable rest stops include the Birch Run Service Plaza (MI) and the Clifton Springs Service Area (NY).
• Hidden gems: The Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie (if you detour) or the Corning Museum of Glass (off I-86).

Budget about $120–$150 for fuel, as gas prices average $3.20 per gallon. Toll costs include the Mackinac Bridge ($4 to cross), the Windsor–Detroit Tunnel (around $5 USD), and New York Thruway tolls (~$20).

• Driving distance: 840 miles (1352 km) via I-75, I-94, and I-90.
• Time: 13.5 hours without stops; plan 16–18 hours with meals and breaks.
• Is it worth driving Petoskey, MI to West Point, NY? Yes, if you enjoy varied landscapes and historic sites, but flying saves time.