Mo on the Go

Mo on the Go Morgan & Haven on the road full time exploring all 50 states and beyond!

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07/04/2026

How much does a 9-day Michigan road trip actually cost?

I tracked every dollar from my Michigan itinerary, including the rental car, gas, hotels, Airbnbs, food, national park stops, Mackinac Island, Pictured Rocks kayaking, and my Isle Royale seaplane.

This trip started and ended in Chicago, covered about 1,750 miles, and included stops at Indiana Dunes, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island, Marquette, Pictured Rocks, Isle Royale, the Porcupine Mountains, Madison, and more.

Full 9-day Michigan road trip itinerary is on my website!

07/02/2026

The final stretch of my 9-day Michigan road trip included one last Upper Peninsula stop before heading back toward Chicago.

I stopped at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park to see Lake of the Clouds, which was absolutely worth the detour even with limited time. I had hoped to hike Summit Peak too, but my sprained ankle said absolutely not.

After that, I drove to Madison, Wisconsin for cheese curds, a Wisconsin-style old fashioned, Capitol Square, and a quick overnight stop before returning my rental car in Chicago.

Next up: the full budget breakdown for this 9-day Michigan road trip!

06/30/2026

I took a seaplane to Isle Royale National Park for Day 7 of my 9-day Michigan road trip, and it ended up being one of my favorite national park experiences so far.

I flew from Hubbell, Michigan to Rock Harbor with Isle Royale Seaplanes, hiked part of the Stoll Trail toward Scoville Point, grabbed lunch at Greenstone Grill, and spent the day soaking up Lake Superior views before flying back to the Upper Peninsula.

If you’re planning a trip to Isle Royale National Park, book transportation early — seaplane flights and lodging can fill up months in advance!

06/29/2026

I spent $178 kayaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and it ended up being one of the best things I did on my 9-day Michigan road trip.

The tour with Pictured Rocks Kayaking was about 5 miles and lasted around 4–5 hours, with unreal views of the cliffs, caves, rock formations, and Lake Superior water. If you’re planning an Upper Peninsula road trip, I’d absolutely add Pictured Rocks to your itinerary.

Would you kayak Pictured Rocks?

06/29/2026

Marquette, Michigan completely surprised me. From hiking Sugarloaf Mountain to exploring Presque Isle Park and seeing the historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock, this ended up being one of my favorite stops on my 9-day Michigan road trip… until I sprained my ankle on the Lake Superior shoreline. 😅

Would you add Marquette to your Michigan itinerary?

06/27/2026

Rainy day on Mackinac Island? Here’s what I still recommend doing.

Day 4 of my 9-day Michigan road trip itinerary was Mackinac Island, and even though the weather ruined my original bike rental plans, I still took Shepler’s ferry, explored Fort Mackinac, grabbed lunch at Pink Pony, did a Mackinac Island fudge taste test, took a carriage tour, visited the Grand Hotel, and got drinks at the Cupola Bar.

If you’re planning a Mackinac Island day trip, this is a good rainy day itinerary to save.

Follow for Day 5 as I head into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!

06/26/2026

One day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? Here’s exactly how I spent Day 3 of my 9-day Michigan road trip itinerary.

I hiked Empire Bluff Trail, found the difference between the Dune Climb and the big dune overlook on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, hiked Pyramid Point Trail, stopped for lunch in Glen Arbor, and then drove to Mackinaw City for the next part of the trip.

If you’re planning a Michigan road trip, Sleeping Bear Dunes is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary — just know the Dune Climb and the big dune overlook are not the same thing!

Follow for Day 4 on Mackinac Island.

06/25/2026

Day 2 of my 9-day Michigan road trip itinerary: driving the Leelanau Peninsula portion of M-22 Scenic Highway.

This was one of my favorite days of the trip, with stops in Traverse City, Suttons Bay, Northport, and Leland/Fishtown. I grabbed coffee at The Outpost, explored Cherry Republic and Grand Traverse Commons, had lunch at Hop Lot, visited Grand Traverse Lighthouse, stopped at Barb’s Bakery, and ended the day at Mission Point Lighthouse for sunset.

If you’re planning a Northern Michigan road trip, don’t just drive M-22 straight through — give yourself time to stop along the way.

Follow for Day 3 at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!

06/24/2026

Day 1 of my 9-day Michigan road trip itinerary: driving from Chicago to Traverse City with stops at Indiana Dunes National Park and South Haven along the way.

I hiked the Dune Succession Trail at West Beach, explored South Haven’s lighthouse and downtown, grabbed lunch at Clementine’s, and turned what could have been a boring travel day into part of the trip.

Full Michigan itinerary is on my website, and follow for Day 2 driving M-22 through the Leelanau Peninsula!

06/23/2026

I spent 9 days road tripping through Michigan and it completely surprised me 🚗🌊

This Michigan road trip itinerary started and ended in Chicago and included Indiana Dunes, South Haven, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinaw City, Mackinac Island, Marquette, Pictured Rocks, Isle Royale National Park, the Porcupine Mountains, and Madison.

Over 9 days, I drove about 1,750 miles through the Great Lakes region and packed in beach towns, scenic drives, national parks, ferry rides, kayaking, a seaplane, and the Upper Peninsula.

If you’re planning a Michigan road trip, Upper Peninsula trip, Mackinac Island visit, or Great Lakes summer itinerary, I posted the full 9-day Michigan itinerary on my website!

Follow along for the full Michigan road trip series — I’ll be breaking down each stop, what was worth it, what I’d change, and how much this trip actually cost.

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