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Road Trip

Detroit, MI to Traverse City, MI Road Trip — Best Stops Along the Way

The best attractions, restaurants, and scenic stops between Detroit, MI and Traverse City, MI. 255 mi, approximately 3 hours 55 mins of driving. Real drive times, real ratings, real photos.

Detroit, MITraverse City, MI

255 mi · 3 hours 55 mins drive · 12 stops found

12 stops along the way

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn, MI 48124
1

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Dearborn, MI 48124

17 min from Detroit4.8 (30,852)HistoryAttraction
DavidLand Roadside Attraction, Clawson, MI 48017
2

DavidLand Roadside Attraction

Clawson, MI 48017

20 min from Detroit4.5 (32)Attraction
Carpenter Lake Overlook, MI 48033, USA
3

Carpenter Lake Overlook

MI 48033, USA

24 min from Detroit4.8 (15)Attraction
The Boulder Garden, Southfield, MI 48033
4

The Boulder Garden

Southfield, MI 48033

24 min from Detroit4.8 (48)Attraction
Dam Overlook, MI 48033, USA
5

Dam Overlook

MI 48033, USA

25 min from Detroit4.3 (10)Attraction
Pond Outlook Deck, 40900 W 14 Mile Rd, Commerce Township
6

Pond Outlook Deck

40900 W 14 Mile Rd, Commerce Township

30 min from Detroit4.7 (6)Attraction
Marsh Overlook, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323
7

Marsh Overlook

West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323

36 min from Detroit4.4 (5)Attraction
Bear ‘n Chair, Wixom, MI 48393
8

Bear ‘n Chair

Wixom, MI 48393

36 min from Detroit4.8 (13)Attraction
Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor
9

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor

38 min from Detroit4.8 (3,361)Attraction
Kensington Nature Center, MI 48380, USA
10

Kensington Nature Center

MI 48380, USA

40 min from Detroit4.9 (706)Nature
Seven Lakes State Park, Holly, MI 48442
11

Seven Lakes State Park

Holly, MI 48442

55 min from Detroit4.7 (2,276)Nature
Genesys Nature Trails, Grand Blanc Township, MI 48439
12

Genesys Nature Trails

Grand Blanc Township, MI 48439

55 min from Detroit4.6 (213)NatureAttraction

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Detroit, MI to Traverse City, MI?

The drive from Detroit, MI to Traverse City, MI is 255 mi, taking approximately 3 hours 55 mins without stops. With stops for food, gas, and sightseeing, plan for a full day.

What are the best stops between Detroit, MI and Traverse City, MI?

The best stops include scenic overlooks, state parks, historic towns, and local restaurants along the route. Check the stop cards above for top-rated options with real drive times and ratings from Google.

Is the Detroit to Traverse City drive scenic?

Yes. The route between Detroit, MI and Traverse City, MI passes through several interesting areas. The stops listed above highlight the best scenic, cultural, and food destinations along the way.

Should I make the Detroit to Traverse City trip a road trip or just drive straight through?

We recommend making it a road trip. The stops between Detroit, MI and Traverse City, MI are worth the detour. Most add less than 30 minutes to your total drive and offer experiences you won't find at highway rest stops.

Don't know where to go?

Tell us your interests, budget, and how far you want to drive. We'll find the perfect trip for you.

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