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.
Experience the Lake Michigan Circle Tour
Lake Michigan Circle Tour
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour connects over a hundred lighthouses and is one of the most scenic routes in the United States.
Northern Lake Michigan Circle Tour
The Northern Lake Michigan Circle Tour is considered by many to be the most beautiful half of the trip around the big lake.
The History of the Official Lake Michigan Circle Tour
The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is one of the scenic road systems around the Great Lakes. The other Great Lakes also have circle tours.
Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour
The Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour goes from Manitowoc, Wisconsin around Lake Michigan, eventually ending in Ludington, Michigan.
Lake Michigan Travel Regions
Michigan
- Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
- Northern Michigan
- Northwest Michigan
- Central West Michigan
- Southwest Michigan
Wisconsin
Indiana & Illinois
Discover More Lake Michigan Destinations
St. Ignace, Michigan
Located in the Straits of Mackinac, and known as the “Gateway” to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace has more than 300 years of history.
Winnetka, Illinois
Winnetka is a beautiful place for many activities within its forest preserve land and twenty-seven parks surrounding Winnetka.
Manitowoc, Wisconsin
On the western shore of Lake Michigan lies Manitowoc, a community of roughly 35,000 and rich in maritime history.
Menominee, Michigan
Among the water activities, shopping, and dining, Menominee, Michigan offers historical museum, beaches, and parks.
Winthrop Harbor, Illinois
Winthrop Harbor is located on the northern border of Illinois. It is a suburb of Chicago and houses the largest marina on the Great Lakes.
Frankfort, Michigan
Frankfort is located along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and is home to attractions like the Betsie Pointe Lighthouse and The Garden Theater.