Lake Michigan Destinations photo

Loop the Lake with a Circle Tour Shortcut!

Not enough time to do the complete Lake Michigan Circle Tour in one trip? No worries!

We offer six options to loop the lake with less travel time.

**Please note that the Circle Tour Loops which utilize a car ferry shortcut across the lake will only be possible to travel during May – October, which is when the boats are making their daily crossings.

Choose From SIX TRAVEL TOURS Around Lake Michigan

Six Routes to Tour Lake Michigan

Entire Circle Tour

LOOP # 1

This is the BIGGEST TOUR, with nearly 1,100 miles of shoreline to travel and discover!

Northern Half Tour

LOOP # 2

This is one of two different Half Tours. When you travel the NORTHERN HALF TOUR, you will see some of the most beautiful scenery from around the Lake Michigan shoreline. Cross-lake ferry service from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin is provided by the S.S.Badger car ferry.

Extended Northern Half Tour

LOOP # 3

The best of the north with a little south mixed in.

This EXTENDED NORTHERN LOOP utilizes the cross-lake ferry service of Lake Express, cruising at a fast pace from Muskegon, Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Middle Tour

LOOP # 4

This MIDDLE LOOP gives you maximum time on a boat crossing Lake Michigan. Cruise both car ferries–each one way–for a exciting experience.

One cruise is traveled from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin aboard the S.S. Badger historic (and modernized) car ferry.

The other cruise is traveled from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Muskegon, Michigan aboard the Lake Express car ferry.

Southern Half Tour

TOUR # 5

This SOUTHERN HALF loop takes you through the largest cities on Lake Michigan. Your travels will include a shortcut across the Lake via the S.S. Badger car ferry. The trip takes you from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

Short Southern Tour

TOUR # 6

This tour utilizes the fast Lake Express car ferry from Muskegon, Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to cross Lake Michigan. Your driving time on this SHORT SOUTHERN loop will give you a taste of the lakeshore’s city life.

Pick any one of these six tours around Lake Michigan for a magnificent travel adventure!
Whether you drive your vehicle, or take a drive-cruise trip (part driving, and part cruise ship) for a relaxing break from driving, you will enjoy the scenery and discovery of destinations and attractions along the way.

Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations

Escanaba, Michigan

Escanaba is the site of the Upper Peninsula State Fair and is popular for fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Arcadia, Michigan

While a small town, Arcadia has a lot to offer the adventurous outdoors-man with great fishing, boating, and golfing opportunities.

Oconto, Wisconsin

“The Bird City” of Oconto, Wisconsin is a certified Wisconsin Bird City member and also has a rich historic past.

Beaver Island, Michigan

Beaver Island Michigan is located in Lake Michigan. It is the largest island in Lake Michigan and the third largest island in Michigan

Gary, Indiana

A blue-collar city on the southern tip of Lake Michigan, Gary was built on the hard work done in its once prosperous steel mills.

East Chicago, Indiana

East Chicago, Indiana is part of the Indiana Lakeshore along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Be sure to visit the nearby Indiana Sand Dunes.