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
Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour
The Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour goes from Manitowoc, Wisconsin around Lake Michigan, eventually ending in Ludington, Michigan.
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.
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.
Highways, Byways, & Scenic Routes
There are many wonderful scenic routes and tours to help discover all the beauty of the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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
Ottawa County, Michigan
Ottawa County is located in southwestern Michigan and is popular among boaters. The Grand River flows through the area.
Kenosha, Wisconsin
In Kenosha, the past is blended into the present with a focus on making the city more beautiful for the sake of generations to come.
Lake County Indiana
Lake County, Indiana is popular for the Indiana Dunes National Park. Lake County, Indiana is part of the Southern Lake Michigan Circle Tour.
Evanston, Illinois
Evanston, just north of Chicago, is alive with diverse entertainment options, courtesy of the creative students at Northwestern University.
Carlsville, Wisconsin
Carlsville is located between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor. This small town is home to an impressive amount of famous Door County goods.
Charlevoix County, Michigan
Charlevoix County is located in Northern Michigan and includes communities like Charlevoix, Boyne City, and East Jordan.