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Great Lakes Road Trip 2025: Lighthouses, Sand Dunes & Cherry Pie Stops

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Hit the road for the ultimate Great Lakes road trip in 2025! Explore stunning lighthouses, towering sand dunes, and the best cherry pie stops across Michigan—with local secrets and must-see spots.

The Ultimate Great Lakes Road Trip 2025

If you’ve ever dreamed of a road trip that blends breathtaking scenery, charming small towns, and a taste of the Midwest’s best flavors, then the Great Lakes Road Trip 2025 is calling your name. From towering lighthouses to the golden dunes of Lake Michigan, this journey is a love letter to the nostalgia of Americana road trips—complete with cherry pie stops that will make your taste buds sing.

Roll down your windows for a road trip where freshwater waves mimic oceans, dunes tower like mountains, and cherry pies wait at every stop.

Lake Michigan Circle Tour: Lighthouses & Dunes

Big Sable Point Lighthouse & More

As you begin your loop around Lake Michigan, make a stop at Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park. Its striking black-and-white striped tower is an iconic sight, standing as a sentinel over Lake Michigan’s rolling waves. A two-mile sandy hike leads to this historic beacon—worth every step for the postcard-perfect view.

Other must-see Lake Michigan lighthouses:

  • Point Betsie Lighthouse – A picturesque spot near Crystal Lake with vibrant red roofs and prime sunset views.
  • South Haven Lighthouse – A classic red lighthouse with a charming boardwalk stroll.
  • St. Joseph Lighthouse – A stunning wintertime attraction, but equally dazzling in the summer with waves crashing around it.

Sleeping Bear Dunes: Where Sand Meets Sky

Your Sleeping Bear Dunes guide wouldn’t be complete without tackling the Dune Climb, where golden sands stretch endlessly before plunging into Lake Michigan’s sapphire waters. For a mesmerizing sunset experience, head to Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive’s Overlook #9, where you can watch the sky paint itself in fiery hues while the lake mirrors the spectacle below.

Upper Peninsula: Nature’s Masterpiece

Pictured Rocks Kayaking Adventure

Venture into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for a bucket-list kayaking trip along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. These multicolored cliffs, carved by time and the elements, rise dramatically from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Superior. Rent a kayak in Munising and paddle past Chapel Rock and Miners Castle, where nature’s artistry is on full display.

Tahquamenon Falls & a Brewery Detour

No UP adventure is complete without visiting Tahquamenon Falls, Michigan’s largest waterfall. The rust-colored waters cascade dramatically, offering perfect photo opportunities. After soaking in the scenery, warm up at the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub, where you can sip on their signature Blueberry Wheat Ale and savor a hearty pasty—a local favorite.

Foodie Stops: The Cherry Pie Showdown

Traverse City’s Cherry Pie Rankings

You can’t do a Great Lakes road trip 2025 without indulging in Traverse City’s legendary cherry pies. But where should you go?

  • Grand Traverse Pie Company – A Michigan institution, famous for its Old Mission Cherry Pie with a perfect balance of tart and sweet.
  • Cherry Republic – Known for its playful flavors, try the Cherry Crumb Pie with a nutty streusel topping.
  • Bunbury’s – A lesser-known gem where locals swear by the handmade cherry turnovers.

Monetization & Travel Resources

Planning your own Great Lakes road trip in 2025? Here are some must-have travel essentials:

Final Thoughts: The Midwest’s Best-Kept Secret

The Great Lakes road trip 2025 isn’t just a drive—it’s a journey through time, tradition, and natural wonder. Whether you’re climbing Sleeping Bear Dunes, paddling the Pictured Rocks, or debating which cherry pie reigns supreme, this adventure will leave you with a heart full of memories and a car full of local goodies.

So, pack your bags, cue up your favorite road trip playlist, and hit the road—the Great Lakes are waiting.

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