From the Great Lakes to the Great Plains, a Second Edition anthology helps travelers re-discover their home state through Midwest Road Trip Adventures.
“The book takes travelers along some of the most storied highways and byways in the nation, including The Great River Road and Route 66. Stops include historic lighthouses along the shores of Lake Erie in Ohio, canyons in Kansas, the four of the five Great Lakes in Michigan, Underground Railroad history in Illinois, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and authentic fish fries in Wisconsin’s Door County. Movie fans can visit the ballpark from “A League of Their Own” in Indiana or tour Iowa covered bridges showcased in the “The Bridges of Madison County.”
How It Began
Hi, Piper here!
It turned out to be quite an exciting 2020 summer despite all that was going on with the pandemic. In June, Dannelle Gay, a writer from Wisconsin, contacted me about a project she was working on with the Midwest Travel Network. She was curating a travel anthology that would feature one chapter of each of the 12 Midwest states, and she wondered if I would be interested in writing the Michigan chapter. The first book scheduled was the Midwest Road Trip Adventures. However, they planned more books, over the next couple of years.
I immediately jumped at the chance, since my summer travel plans had been canceled and I’d just bought a new Chevy Equinox, so I was ready for some road tripping.
As a life-long resident of Michigan, I can’t wait to share with you the result of my summer road trip adventures. The Michigan chapter describes four of my favorite Michigan road trips and some of the extraordinary places they have to offer! Michigan has over 20 byways, so I chose four that represented various aspects of the state. While I was limited to four, I have to admit, choosing was difficult! I’m sharing some images of my adventures to entice you to plan your own.
Michigan Road Trips
With a view of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway starts in St. Ignace and follows the Lake Michigan shore to Manistique. Whether you’re a foodie who wants to sample your first pasty or an outdoor enthusiast who wants to explore state parks, you’ll enjoy this scenic route.
Then follow the Sunrise Coast (US-23) from the Straights of Mackinac along Lake Huron to Standish, where you’ll encounter an International Dark Sky Park, 16 lighthouses, and a shipwreck alley.
Next, we’ll explore US-12 Heritage Route, an east-west corridor, from Detroit to New Buffalo, which leads history buffs and automotive enthusiasts on an adventure through time. Just down the road, from Jonesville, doing some time travel will be as much fun as your road trip travel. You’ll find the antique shopping at Allen, a treasure hunter’s heaven.
Finally, explore the West Michigan Pike (US-31), which features Michigan’s Gold Coast. Charming small coastal towns that not only are a draw for boating enthusiasts but art lovers too.
Explore Traverse City, Michigan on your next Michigan Road Trip.
Road Trips in Other Midwest States
Here are the other 11 Midwest states represented in the book and some of their road trips. The authors packed details in their chapters that only the locals would know. Take a look at their sites and get some tips to help you on your next road trip adventure.
- Illinois – Chicago begins the Mother Road Trip – Route 66
- Indiana – Indiana’s Historic National Road – US Highway 40
- Iowa – Great River Road
- Kansas – Explore Kansas’ “Little Switzerland” on Glacial Hills Scenic Byway
- Minnesota – A Simple Breakfast for Eating Healthy on Road Trips
- Missouri – Exploring the Beautiful Covered Bridges of Missouri
- Nebraska – Follow the Lewis and Clark Scenic Byway
- North Dakota – Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway through the capital of Bismarck
- Ohio – 5 Road Trips You Can Take with Your Family
- South Dakota – Cruising Along the Enchanted Highway
- Wisconsin – Take the Lake Geneva Adventure from Kenosha to Racine
“The Midwest is a magical collection of twelve states that are frequently overlooked. As a lifelong Midwesterner, the most exciting aspect of this project is the passion the authors have for their individual home states and for the region as a whole. I’m passionate about finding what makes a place unique, and am a firm believer that you don’t have to go far to find adventure. Midwest Road Trip Adventures proves it!”
THERESA L. GOODRICH, Emmy-award winning writer
Pin this to your favorite Road Trip Board!
While Piper is a lifelong Michigander, she’s had adventures worldwide. Bomb-sniffing dogs chased her in the middle of the night in Bogota (working late), gate agents refused her boarding to Paraguay (wrong visa), and US Marshals announced her seat number on a plane while looking for a murder suspect (she’d traded seats). It’s always an adventure! She even finds exciting activities in her home state of Michigan, where she lives in Lansing with her husband, Ross Dingman, her daughter, Alexis, and two granddaughters.
There’s so much inspiration content here for the midwest. I’ve not spent a lot of time there but really appreciated the elements you highlighted – like the antiques and lighthouse. I’ve done road trips in South Dakota but that’s really the only extensive one. This is some great food for thought and inspiration!
Thank you, Jamie! I hope you come explore!
How great to be invited to participate in the book series, especially as this is your home region. The bric a brac in the Antique shop in Allen mall has my name all over it!
And there are so many shops and each shop has many booths. You could spend days there!
We RVed through all these states and I am as excited about the book. We have missed some things from your list!
I can feel the passion for your state throughout the article. Also, it is nice that you got the chance to participate in such a wonderful collaborative effort for the book series, Congratulations!
Definitely dont have TO GO FAR TO FIND ADVENTURE, BUT i’M ITCHING TO GET OUT!!