Cruising Michigan via EV: 3 Must-Do Road Trips

Michigan is home to dozens of unforgettable travel experiences that can easily be enjoyed on an EV road trip.

A woman charging her eclectic car at a charging station.
EV Charging Station at Clinch Park | Photo Courtesy of Starboard and Port

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Explore Michigan’s largest city center in Detroit, and trace the edges of the state’s Thumb. Take in the rainbow sherbet glow of a Lake Michigan sunset from Michigan’s charming beach towns, climb a century-old lighthouse and shoot Instagram-worthy pics of the Mackinac Bridge.

You’ll find more than 1,000 EV charging stations across Michigan, with more online every day thanks to a recent investment of more than $20 billion in the clean energy sector. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Planning an EV Road Trip in Michigan, then hit the road for one of these must-do EV road trips.

Road Trip 1: Detroit to Tawas City (310 miles)

Lighthouse near the shore of Lake Huron during summer
Tawas Point State Park | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Stop #1: Detroit

  • Begin your Michigan EV road trip in the Motor City, where the American automobile was born and where its green alternative is being built today. Overnight at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center located on the city’s Riverwalk with public art, colorful flowerbeds and a Great Lakes-themed carousel. Plug in at the Marriott’s charging station, then explore the downtown sustainably, on foot, via the People Mover or the QLine. Or head to Belle Isle, where you can plug in your EV in the Nature Center parking lot while you hike the island’s trails or visit its lighthouse.
  • Head to Beacon Park for people-watching and dining at Lumen or SavannahBlue, with easy access to EV chargers.

Stop #2: Port Huron

Stop #3: Bay City

Stop #4: Tawas City

Road Trip 2: Holland to Ludington (95 miles)

Dutch-style buildings along a canal
Nelis' Dutch Village in Holland | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Stop #1: Holland

Stop #2: Muskegon

Stop #3: Ludington

Road Trip 3: Traverse City to Mackinaw City (105 miles)

A group of people gathered by the Mackinac Bridge on the shore.
Sunset Under the Mackinac Bridge | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Stop #1: Traverse City

  • Travelers love this Lake Michigan resort town known for golden beaches, miles of bike and cross-country trails, and some of Michigan’s finest wines.
  • Overnight at the Park Place Hotel downtown, an easy walk from numerous shopping and dining hotspots as well as ample EV charging stations. Dining favorites in Traverse City include Amical, Red Ginger and the Grand Traverse Pie Company, all near charging stations located downtown and at the Clinch Park beach.

Stop #2: Charlevoix

Stop #3: Mackinaw City

About the Author: Amy S. Eckert writes about travel in destinations around the world from her home base in Holland, Michigan. amyeckert.com