Chicago to Michigan’s “Gold Coast”: Lake Michigan Beaches & Dunes

Trip Snapshot:

• Distance & Drive Time: Approximately 200–320 miles one-way (depending on how far up the coast you go). That’s roughly 4–6 hours of driving total, but plan for 3–4 days to savor all the beach towns and attractions.
• Best Time: Late June through September is prime beach season, when Lake Michigan’s waters have warmed up and all the lakeside attractions are in full swing. Early fall (late September–October) can be beautiful too, with brilliant foliage and quieter shores (just chillier water!).
• Ideal For: Families with kids who love beach time, couples looking for a mix of relaxation and small-town charm, lighthouse enthusiasts, art and boutique shoppers, and even wine lovers (there are some great winery trails up north).
• Route Summary: From O’Hare, you’ll head around Chicago and east into Indiana, then up into Michigan. Instead of sticking to the interstate, you’ll wind along Lake Michigan’s coast using the scenic Red Arrow Highway and Blue Star Highway. Key stops include the friendly beach town of New Buffalo, the artsy villages of Saugatuck and Douglas, the Dutch-influenced city of Holland, and the classic beach city of Grand Haven. You can choose to end around there, or continue further north to the stunning dunes of Sleeping Bear and the foodie town of Traverse City for the full “Gold Coast” experience.
• Top 3 Highlights: Climbing the towering sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, enjoying an evening fountain light show in Grand Haven, and sipping local wine with a view on the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City (a treat for the adults).

Route Overview:

Heading out from Chicago, you’ll want to beat the city traffic if possible (an early morning departure works great). The drive starts on I‑94 heading east around Lake Michigan’s southern tip. Once you cross into Michigan, though, you’ll swap the busy interstate for the more leisurely Red Arrow Highway (Highway 12) near New Buffalo. This two-lane road meanders right by the shoreline communities, letting you hop from beach to beach. Farther north, it transitions into the Blue Star Highway as you approach Saugatuck and Holland.

Expect a mix of charming harbor towns, farm stands, wineries, and stretches of forest with peekaboo lake views. This is the heart of Michigan’s “Gold Coast,” named for its golden sand beaches. In the evenings, plan to catch sunsets over Lake Michigan each town often has its own beachfront or pier that becomes the gathering spot at dusk. One highlight is Grand Haven, where at nightfall in summer they run a synchronized Musical Fountain show across the river a fun, free spectacle of water and lights set to music.

If you venture all the way to the top, you’ll reach Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where you can drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and stop for panoramic overlooks of Lake Michigan from atop 450-foot high sand bluffs (absolutely worth the trip!). Nearby, Traverse City makes a great turnaround point, with its vibrant downtown and the cherry and wine country of the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas extending into the lake. Then you’ll loop back toward Chicago, possibly choosing a slightly different inland route or even a shortcut ferry (see Detours) to mix things up.

Note: If you’re in a hurry to get out of Chicagoland at the start, you can take the Indiana Toll Road (I‑90) or Chicago Skyway to save time. The Skyway (I‑90 from Chicago into Indiana) is a toll bridge/road that accepts cash, credit, and I‑PASS/E‑ZPass. Alternatively, I‑94 through Indiana is toll-free but can be congested around Gary. Plan your route based on whether you value speed (toll road) vs. cost (free routes). Once in Michigan, I‑94 itself remains toll-free.

Top Stops & Experiences:

• Indiana Dunes National Park Porter, IN:Family-friendly. You don’t have to wait until Michigan to hit a beach just 45 minutes from Chicago, Indiana Dunes offers 15 miles of sandy shoreline and tall dunes to climb. Stop at West Beach (one of the park’s most popular access points) for a swim or to tackle the Dune Succession Trail’s stairs for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. The park has a small entry fee (per vehicle, good for 7 days), but it’s well worth it if you need a nature break early in the trip. If it’s a hot day, nothing beats a quick dip to start your journey. And if you have extra time, the adjacent Indiana Dunes State Park is also gorgeous (separate entry fee) with a large picnic area and nature center. Both are typically not crowded on weekdays, but on summer weekends, arrive early in the day as parking lots can fill by midday.
• New Buffalo, MI Beach & Redamak’s: Family-friendly. Crossing into Michigan, New Buffalo is the first beach town you’ll encounter on the “Harbor Country” stretch. It boasts a wide, sandy public beach perfect for swimming or building sandcastles. After some beach time, head into town for a famous burger at Redamak’s a local institution since 1946. This super casual spot is known for its cheesy burgers and will surely satisfy a carload of hungry travelers. (They close in winter, so check seasonal hours.) Walk off lunch by browsing New Buffalo’s cute boutiques or grabbing an ice cream on Whittaker Street. Chicagoans often day-trip here, so you’ll feel the weekend buzz in summer.
• Saugatuck Dune Rides Saugatuck, MI:Family-friendly. Ready for some adventure? Just south of the artsy town of Saugatuck, you can hop on an open-air dune ride that’s part thrill ride, part nature tour. These “dune schooner” trucks roll and splash over the towering coastal dunes, giving you a rollercoaster-like experience on sand. It’s about a 35-minute guided ride; you’ll laugh, maybe scream a little, and learn about the local ecosystem. Kids and adults alike have a blast. Tours operate daily in summer (and weekends in shoulder seasons); it’s wise to book ahead online or by phone on busy weekends since slots can fill up. While in the area, the twin towns of Saugatuck and Douglas are worth exploring for their art galleries, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. Saugatuck’s Oval Beach is frequently rated one of the best beaches in the Midwest a short drive from downtown, with a small entrance fee.
• Grand Haven Lighthouses & Musical Fountain Grand Haven, MI:Family-friendly. Grand Haven embodies the classic Lake Michigan beach town vibe. First, take a stroll on the Grand Haven Boardwalk a 1.5-mile path along the harbor that leads out to two picturesque red lighthouses on the pier. The walk is flat and stroller-friendly, passing by marinas, eateries (stop for fresh fish and chips or a Pronto Pup corn dog), and ending at the sandy Grand Haven State Park beach. In the evening, grab a spot on the riverbank or bleachers across from the Musical Fountain (located on the north side of the channel). On summer nights at dusk, this fountain comes alive with colorful lights and water synchronized to music, from pop hits to patriotic tunes. Shows last about 20 minutes and run nightly from Memorial Day to Labor Day (and weekends into September). It’s a free show and a beloved local tradition after a day of swimming and sun, your family can cozy up with beach towels or chairs and enjoy the entertainment. Pro tip: Arrive a bit early to get parking and seats; maybe treat yourselves to some ice cream from downtown to enjoy during the show.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Empire/Glen Arbor, MI:Family-friendly. If you drive all the way to the northern extent (about 5–6 hours from Chicago), you’ll be rewarded with one of the Midwest’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a national lakeshore encompassing massive sand dunes, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. The must-do here is the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.5-mile loop road that takes you through the park’s highlights. Along the drive, stop at the Lake Michigan Overlook (Stop #9) a platform atop a 450-foot dune bluff with an endless view of the lake’s turquoise waters and Manitou Islands. (Adventurous folks can try to descend the dune here, but the climb back up is extremely strenuous heed the warning signs!). Another favorite stop is the Dune Climb, a designated big dune face near the park entrance where kids (and kids at heart) can run or roll down and attempt to climb up for fun. Plan at least 2 hours to enjoy the scenic drive and Dune Climb. There is a park entry pass required (buy at the visitor center in Empire or at the drive’s entrance). It’s truly spectacular at any time of day, but near sunset the dunes cool off and the light gets golden just gorgeous.
• Traverse City & Old Mission Peninsula Traverse City, MI (optional extension):Adults-oriented (PG-13). If you’ve made it to Sleeping Bear, Traverse City is only about 30 minutes further and makes a great base for a night. Besides being known for cherries and a fun downtown food scene, Traverse City is wine country. The Old Mission Peninsula, which sticks 18 miles into Grand Traverse Bay, is dotted with wineries and tasting rooms. Drive out M‑37 along rolling vineyards with the bay on either side, and you’ll hit gems like Chateau Chantal, which offers panoramic views of grape vines against the water. Most wineries welcome visitors to sample local Rieslings, cherry wines, or Pinot Grigio; some even have patios where you can watch the sunset over the bay with a glass in hand. If you have the kids along, obviously the wine tasting is adult fun only (hence PG-13), but the scenery can be enjoyed by all one idea is to visit Mission Point Lighthouse at the very end of the peninsula (there’s a beach and park there) to give the kids a diversion while one adult does a quick tasting nearby. Whether you partake or not, Old Mission’s winding roads are a relaxing drive, and you might catch farm stands selling fresh apples, peaches, or cherries in season.
• Milwaukee, WI (alternative first-night detour):Adults-only option (PG-13). This isn’t on the direct route (it’s north of Chicago, on Lake Michigan’s western shore in Wisconsin), but if you’re up for a loop, you could head from O’Hare up to Milwaukee (about 1.5 hours north) for a night, then ferry across Lake Michigan or drive down and around to Michigan. Milwaukee offers a surprisingly cool downtown and is famous for its breweries. One highlight is Lakefront Brewery, which does a fun tour that includes samples of their beer and lots of humor even polka music. Their beer hall serves up Wisconsin cheese curds and sausages that make for a hearty dinner. (The tour itself is PG-13 due to the beer focus obviously only 21+ can sample but it’s a lively time for adults.) If you do this, you can catch the S.S. Badger Car Ferry from Manitowoc, WI over to Ludington, MI the next day (see Detours), effectively jumping to the upper half of the “Gold Coast” route. It’s an adventurous shortcut!

Where to Eat & Stay:

When it comes to food, this route is a treat you’ll find classic beach-town fare as well as some culinary surprises:

• Redamak’s New Buffalo: As mentioned, Redamak’s is burger heaven. It’s very casual (think paper plates and a constant line of hungry beach-goers), but the burgers are juicy and the vibe is nostalgic. Kids will be happy with grilled cheese or chicken strips if burgers aren’t their thing. Heads up: they are cash only (they have ATMs on site) and typically open March–October.
• Local Farm Markets Various: One of the joys of driving through southwest Michigan in summer is the abundance of farm stands. Keep an eye out for places selling sweet corn, blueberries, peaches, or tomatoes all grown locally. Many towns have weekly farmers markets, too (like in Holland on Wednesdays and Saturdays). Picking up some fresh fruit and local cheese can turn an ordinary picnic into a memorable meal by the beach. It’s also a good way to appease picky eaters with familiar fruit or snacks.
• Saugatuck/Douglas Eats: If you stop around Saugatuck for dinner, there are some great family-friendly spots like The Butler (waterfront American fare), or Pizza Mambo for a quick slice. For a more upscale treat (perhaps if the kids are with a sitter or you have older teens), try Everyday People Cafe in Douglas creative dishes and often live music in summer. Also, don’t miss a Saugatuck staple: Oval Beach Ice Cream (nothing tastes better after dune climbing than a scoop of Michigan’s famous Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream).
• Grand Haven Dining: By the Grand Haven boardwalk you’ll find stands selling pronto pups (a type of corn dog) and ice cream, which is perfect during the fountain show. For a sit-down meal, Pavilion Wharf and Snug Harbor are popular, or grab a picnic table at Butch’s Beach Burritos for something quick. If you’re craving a brew, Grand Haven has a couple of craft breweries where kids are welcome until a certain hour (try Odd Side Ales in their downtown taproom you can bring in outside food).
• Traverse City & Wineries: In Traverse City, families should check out Sunny’s Kitchen for breakfast (giant cinnamon rolls!) or Don’s Drive-In for a retro diner experience (and great milkshakes). For the PG-13 wine excursions, many wineries also serve charcuterie or small bites that pair with the wines Bonobo Winery and Chateau Chantal both have gorgeous patios. Designate a driver if doing multiple tastings, or split one tasting between two people (they often pour generous samples).

Now for lodging, you have a range of options depending on budget and how far you go:

• Saugatuck/Douglas: These towns have charming B&Bs and boutique inns (which can be a bit pricey in peak season). If you’re traveling with family, look into renting a cottage for a night or two (many are available via rental sites, often with minimum 2-night stays). There are also chain hotels a short drive away in Holland if you need more availability. Staying in or walking distance to Saugatuck’s center is lovely, as you can stroll along the docks and get morning coffee by the water.
• Grand Haven: There are a few waterfront hotels and many motels/inns around town. Grand Haven’s advantage is that it’s very walkable if you can, stay near downtown or the waterfront so you can walk to the beach, boardwalk, and fountain without dealing with parking (which can be challenging on summer weekends). Some popular spots include the historic Harbor House Inn or modern Courtyard near the waterfront. Book early for summer weekends as this town is popular.
• Traverse City: If you venture this far, you have classic hotels along the East Bay (many with small private beaches). These are great for families because you can have a beach day right at the hotel. Downtown TC also has hotels like the Indigo or the historic Park Place, putting you near shops and restaurants. Another unique experience: stay at a winery B&B on Old Mission Peninsula (like Chateau Chantal has an inn) waking up among the vineyards with the lake in view is magical (though those are more adult-oriented stays).

One more lodging tip: consider splitting your trip into two home bases for example, two nights around the Saugatuck or Holland area, then two nights up in the Traverse City area (if you’re doing the whole stretch). This way you’re not packing and unpacking every single day and can do short day trips out from each base.

Detours & Extensions: Depending on your interests, here are a few additional ideas to enhance the journey:

• S.S. Badger Car Ferry (Lake Michigan Shortcut): As briefly mentioned, there’s a ferry that runs across Lake Michigan from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan. If you wanted, you could actually start by driving from Chicago to Manitowoc (about 3 hours north), take the 4-hour ferry across (you can bring your car on it), and land in Michigan much farther up the coast. The ferry itself is a slice of nostalgia it’s a coal-fired steamship, very large, with a sun deck, cafeteria, even bingo games onboard. It takes about half a day including loading and unloading, so it’s more for the experience than speed. But it could drop you right near the Sleeping Bear/Traverse City region, letting you then drive down the coast rather than up. This is a bit off the typical path (and requires booking tickets), but worth mentioning for the adventure lovers or if you want to avoid driving Chicago to Michigan through Indiana.
• Holland “Big Red” Lighthouse: Holland, Michigan (between Saugatuck and Grand Haven) is a lovely town known for its Dutch heritage (tulips, windmills, etc.). If you stop in Holland, make your way to Holland State Park in the late afternoon for a great view of the iconic Big Red Lighthouse across the channel. You can’t go in the lighthouse (it’s on the other side of the channel entrance), but from the state park beach you get that picture-perfect view of the red lighthouse with often a stunning sunset backdrop. Holland State Park has a big beach and campground very busy in summer but even a quick stop for a photo and to stretch your legs is nice. There’s a small entry fee if you drive into the park.
• Treat Yourself to Beach-town Sweets: A fun mini “detour” for the sweet-toothed: every town seems to have a notable ice cream or candy shop. In South Haven (another beach town you pass), Sherman’s Dairy Bar is a famous ice cream joint. In Frankfort (north of Manistee), there’s the Cherry Hut serving you guessed it cherry pie and cherry sundaes. These little stops can break up driving and give everyone a lift in mood. And if you’re a fan of artisan food, keep an eye out for cheese shops or smokehouses (like Duna’s in Ludington for beef jerky) along the way. Part of the joy of a road trip is sampling local goodies!

Practical Tips:

• Parking & Fees: Most beach towns have metered or paid parking near the prime beaches. On busy weekends, you might find lots fill up by midday. An early start (or going later in the afternoon once some people leave) can save headache. Some notable fees: Indiana Dunes National Park has a $25 weekly pass per car, and Sleeping Bear Dunes has a $25 per vehicle weekly pass (or use your National Park Annual Pass). Michigan state parks (like Holland State Park or Grand Haven State Park) charge entry fees for vehicles without a Michigan plate (usually around $10–17). Carry some cash just in case, though most accept cards these days. If you plan multiple state park stops, you could consider Michigan’s $39 annual non-resident Recreation Passport which grants access to all state parks but for a short trip it’s probably not necessary unless you’re hitting many of them.
• Beach Gear: Pack some beach essentials so you’re always ready for an impromptu swim or picnic. Quick-dry towels, a folding beach blanket, sunscreen (don’t skimp those lake breezes can fool you but the UV is strong on the sand and water), and maybe a small umbrella. If traveling with kids, having a frisbee or beach ball in the trunk is great. You can buy cheap sand toys at dollar stores in the beach towns if the kids need buckets and shovels. Also, water shoes can be helpful for some beaches that have small rocks or for walking on hot sand. Lake Michigan beaches are generally soft sand, but a few spots (like Petoskey, if you ventured that far north) are known for stones.
• Timing the Musical Fountain: Grand Haven’s fountain showtime varies throughout the summer roughly at dusk (which could be 10 PM in late June!). Check the schedule on the Visit Grand Haven site or ask a local. Plan to get there a bit early to find seating. Pro tip: Bring bug spray. Occasionally the mosquitos can be out just after sunset near the water.
• Expect Cooler Evenings: Even in July or August, Lake Michigan’s influence can make nights cool. After a hot day in the sun, the temperature might drop into the 60s (°F) or even high 50s in northern parts by late evening. Have a light jacket or hoodie for those sunset strolls and definitely if you’re doing the ferry (it gets breezy on deck). Also, “lake effect” weather means it can be clear inland while foggy on the coast, or vice versa. If you wake up to a foggy morning by the lake, don’t worry it often burns off by midday.
• Driving Considerations: The scenic routes (Red Arrow/Blue Star) are two-lane roads with lower speed limits (often 45–55 mph). Embrace the slower pace. If you get stuck behind a slow RV, take a breath remember this is a relaxing trip! There are passing lanes occasionally. The interstates (I‑94, I‑196) are faster if needed, but you miss the charm. Also, be mindful of holiday weekends (like Fourth of July) traffic heading to Michigan can be intense on a Friday, and returning to Chicago on a Sunday of a holiday weekend can mean huge delays. If you can, travel on weekdays or off-peak hours for a smoother ride.

Rentals & Logistics: This trip doesn’t require any special vehicle features, but choosing the right rental can make it even more enjoyable. For a family, a minivan or a 3-row SUV is golden not only for the cargo room (think coolers, beach bags, stroller, etc.), but also for the comfort of spreading out and maybe even DVD players to keep kids entertained on longer stretches. Many minivans also have sliding doors and rear DVD systems; you might request those specifically. If it’s just two of you, a midsize SUV or even a convertible could be fun (cruising by the lake with the top down is a vibe just pack soft suitcases to maximize limited trunk space). Whichever vehicle, consider asking the rental company for all-weather mats or liners, since sand has a way of getting everywhere. Another tip: if you’ll use the Chicago Skyway or any Illinois toll roads on your return, see if the rental offers an I‑PASS transponder to save time, or be prepared to pay online after. Lastly, map out roughly where gas stops are especially if heading into more remote stretches (north of Muskegon gets rural) but generally, gas stations are frequent along this tourist route.

One cool thing about a beach road trip is flexibility if the weather turns rainy, you can pivot to inland attractions (say, a children’s museum in St. Joseph or a movie in TC). And if the sun is shining and you’re loving a particular beach, you can linger longer and shorten the next leg. The distances here aren’t huge, so you have a lot of freedom to play it by ear.

CTA: Craving sun and sand yet? Make it happen by securing the right wheels for your journey. Book your Chicago O’Hare car or van rental now get ready to chase the Lake Michigan shoreline your beach-hopping adventure awaits!