One of the most scenic routes in the Midwest is around the beautiful Lake Michigan. It is the fifth largest fresh water lake in the world and is 715 kilometers ( 444 miles) from Michigan to Wisconsin. The views from the lake of the sand dunes, sand beaches, spectacular sunsets and colorful skies are enough to make any traveler weak in the knees. But for those who want to know, “How many miles is it to go around Lake Michigan?”, the answer is much more than just the general distance from shore to shore.
Michigan’s shoreline, along with the other three Northern states it touches, is a mix of coastlines, bays, and inlets, many of which are connected to other bodies of water. Consequently, travel along this route would include many detours, including several that are much longer than the distance required to go around the entire lake and others that add in some of the large bodies of water nestled into the shore. To avoid breaking the physical barrier of the main part of the lake and going down the wrong side of the lake, a driver would have to cover the entire distance of the lake plus the extra miles, which could include almost two hundred extra miles depending on the route chosen.
In addition, Lake Michigan has many bridges connecting the two sides, which can add miles and can alter the route. The closest bridge is located in Michigan, but the most direct bridge is located in Wisconsin. This bridge is the MacDonald-Cartier Bridge that connects the Michigan side of the lake to the Wisconsin side and although it is the most direct route, it adds almost fifty additional miles.
Traveling around Lake Michigan can take from a full day up to a week depending on where the drive begins and the route chosen. On the Michigan side, the cities of Gulliver, St. Ignace, and Muskegon, which is along the northeastern shore, are popular starting and stopping points. As one continues along the shore, they will also pass by the ports of Manistee and Charlevoix as well as Vermillion in the Saginaw Bay before crossing over the bridge in Wisconsin. The drive continues southward through the cities of Kewaunee and Sheboygen with a final stop at Kenosha, located at the southwestern tip of the lake.
Boat Tour Option
Although the driving route is almost 715 kilometers (444 miles) long, which can take a full day or even a week, there is another option for travelers that want to explore the entire lake and its inlets. Taking a boat tour is a great way for travelers to get close up all of the majestic beauty, geology, and wildlife of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.
These tours usually take around 3 days and provide all the same views as the driving route. Passengers will often wake up each morning with a new view and a chance to explore the shoreline. Depending on the type of boat tour, passengers may have the opportunity to take part in activities such as whale watching, fishing, and swimming in the Tahquamenon River.
A boat tour shows how vast the area really is and is a great way to experience Lake Michigan in its entirety. Plus, with the sometimes cramped schedule of a road trip, there is little or no time to enjoy the sights along the way. Boat tours also provide the opportunity to learn about local culture and customs without ever leaving the boat.
Kayaking Excursions
For travelers that want to get up close and personal with Lake Michigan, a kayaking excursion is another great option to explore not just Lake Michigan, but all the connecting water ways. Visitors can take the Lake Michigan Water Trail from one of the starting points, such as South Haven, and follow it around the lake.
The Lake Michigan Water Trail is an actual established trail where instructors, guides and group coordinators can provide detailed information about the lake. It provides visitors with an unprecedented level of comfort and assurance that they are headed in the right direction around the lake.
Travelers can stop and view the spectacular sunsets, and explore many of the inlets and bays. Kayak trails can take anywhere from three days to two months depending on the traveler’s pace and how much they plan to explore.
The Great Lakes Water Trail
For people looking for an even longer more adventurous exploration of Lake Michigan, there is the Great Lakes Water Trail, which connects all five of the Great Lakes – the Michigan, Huron, Superior, Erie, and Ontario. This trail starts in Sault Ste. Marie, near where Lake Michigan drains into Lake Huron, and extends around all five lakes.
Starting from Sault Ste. Marie, the trail sweeps up the coast of Lake Superior and loops around the northern shoreline further down around Isle Royale before dipping south into Lake Huron at Mackinaw City. Passing through various scenes of wildlife, visitors will be able to explore parts of the shoreline with the paddle of a kayak before venturing into Saginaw Bay. The trail then switches to the southern side of the lake, where fish, wolves and white-tailed deer can be seen dotting the landscape. The trail then finishes at the western corner of Lake Michigan, ending in Chicago.
The Great Lakes Water Trail is an ambitious and exciting expedition, taking climbers and adventurers to the spiritual and natural beauty of the Great Lakes. Covering an estimated distance of over 3,400 miles, the trail is for experienced adventurers who have a good understanding of the Great Lakes since it is quite a challenging undertaking.
Safety Tips When Traveling Around the Lake
Visitors should always familiarize themselves with safety information before taking a trip around Lake Michigan, as the lake can be dangerous, and the objective should be to have a good time in a safe manner.
It is important for visitors to regularly check the weather for both the lake and the region since weather can be unpredictable. As such, taking an emergency kit with extra necessities is a good idea when setting out on a longer excursion. This can include water, snacks, and extra layers of clothing. Navigating the lake can also be tough due to limited cell phone coverage, so it is best to bring a map and GPS device.
When kayaking or taking a boat out, always wear the appropriate safety gear. This can include a life jacket and a helmet for whitewater kayaking or a more structured helmet for extreme kayaking. Hypothermia can also be a danger when the water temperature is colder than usual, so be sure to check ahead of time what the current temperature is.
Lastly, visitors should be aware of local laws, regulations, and closures; remember to keep all necessary permits in order, and stay aware of invasive species. Knowing the rules and exercising caution can not only save lives, but also ensure that future generations can enjoy the lake in its entirety, as Lake Michigan is a precious natural resource.
