From root beer to boat tours to casinos, check out this epic Michigan summer road trip

Cassandra Lybrink, Tess Ware, Kortny Hahn and Brendan Wiesner, The Holland Sentinel
·5 min read
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Between skyrocketing gas prices and COVID spikes, some Michiganders are considering playing it close to the vest this summer — and keeping their travel plans within a tight radius.

Not sure where to start? Try this USA Today recommended road trip, starting in the colorful streets of Saugatuck and Douglas and traveling north along Lake Michigan, then all the way into Sault Ste. Marie.

This historic concession-stand-turned-seasonal-business is the result of a years-long, community-driven project in Douglas.
This historic concession-stand-turned-seasonal-business is the result of a years-long, community-driven project in Douglas.

Douglas' Root Beer Barrel

Address: 501 W. Center St. in Douglas

This historic concession-stand-turned-seasonal-business is the result of a years-long, community-driven project in Douglas. From inside, the barrel slings hot dogs, root beer floats, sundaes, potato salad and daily specials.

While you're in the area, take a walk through the artistic streets of downtown Saugatuck and Douglas — twin towns that make up an eclectic community.

There's more than just the beach when you visit Holland State Park. The mile-long stretch of road leading toward the sandy shores is lined with seasonal businesses.
There's more than just the beach when you visit Holland State Park. The mile-long stretch of road leading toward the sandy shores is lined with seasonal businesses.

Holland State Park

Address: 2215 Ottawa Beach Road in Holland

There's more than just the beach when you visit Holland State Park. The mile-long stretch of road leading toward the sandy shores is lined with seasonal businesses.

Enjoy chili dogs, shakes and smoothies at Dune Dogz, immerse yourself in local history at The Pump House Museum and grab supplies from Ottawa Beach General Store. Then, make your way along Holland State Park's lengthy shoreline — and don't forget pictures of the famous Big Red Lighthouse.

The synchronized water and light show at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain is set to a variety of music, and each 20-minute show has a different theme.
The synchronized water and light show at the Grand Haven Musical Fountain is set to a variety of music, and each 20-minute show has a different theme.

Grand Haven's Musical Fountain

Address: 1 N. Harbor Drive in Grand Haven

Looking for a family-friendly, free activity? It doesn't get better than Grand Haven's Musical Fountain, a nightly spectacle throughout the warm months. The synchronized water and light show is set to a variety of music, and each 20-minute show has a different theme.

Built in 1962, the fountain is the world's largest musical fountain of its kind, according to Grand Haven's website. The show is best viewed from Waterfront Stadium (address provided), but can also be seen from most of the Grand Haven Boardwalk. Learn more at facebook.com/ghmusicalfountain.

Owned by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Odawa Casino is a great evening destination.
Owned by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Odawa Casino is a great evening destination.

Odawa Casino

Address: 1760 Lears Road in Petoskey

Owned by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Odawa Casino is a great evening destination. Aside from gaming, the casino offers dining with restaurant Sage and Copper Cafe, as well as concerts in Ovation Hall.

Learn more at odawacasino.com.

The backlot is an outdoor beer garden offering craft beer, wine and cider, local food trucks and live music.
The backlot is an outdoor beer garden offering craft beer, wine and cider, local food trucks and live music.

The Backlot Beer Garden

Address: 425 Michigan St. in Petoskey

The backlot is an outdoor beer garden offering craft beer, wine and cider, local food trucks and live music. Try out the menus at Happy’s Taco Shop, The Reel Deal Fish and Chips, Cheese and Co., Phoxy’s Phillies and Grindage, Mim’s Mobile Grill and Full Moon Pizza.

The backlot also has music scheduled through October. The full line-up is available at thebacklotpetoskey.com. After you eat, take a walk through downtown and explore the shops while looking out onto the bay.

Petoskey State Park is a popular attraction with options for hiking, bike trails, rock hunting and water activities like kayaks and paddle boards.
Petoskey State Park is a popular attraction with options for hiking, bike trails, rock hunting and water activities like kayaks and paddle boards.

Petoskey State Park

Address: 2475 M-119 in Petoskey

Petoskey State Park is a popular attraction with options for hiking, bike trails, rock hunting and water activities like kayaks and paddle boards. The park has two trails — the half-mile-long Petoskey-Old Baldy and the mile-long Petoskey-Portage Trail.

Old Baldy ends with a flight of stairs leading to the top of a sand dune. The Portage Trail is mostly flat and easy to walk.

The Cross in the Woods Shrine overlooks one of the world's largest crucifixes. The facility has a number of shrines, as well as a doll museum and gift shop.
The Cross in the Woods Shrine overlooks one of the world's largest crucifixes. The facility has a number of shrines, as well as a doll museum and gift shop.

The National Shrine of Cross in the Woods

Address: 7078 M-68 Highway in Indian River

Since the 1950s, millions of people have come to Indian River and the National Shrine of Cross in the Woods to see one of the world's largest crucifixes, with a cross that's more than 50 feet high and more than 20 feet wide.

The property is also home to a number of statues, sculptures and shrines, as well as the Hall of Saints. The on-site church offers daily mass Tuesdays-Fridays and several masses on weekends.

Learn more at crossinthewoods.com.

Yeck's Family Drive-In plays host to several different car show events each summer. The restaurant is a staple of the Cheboygan community.
Yeck's Family Drive-In plays host to several different car show events each summer. The restaurant is a staple of the Cheboygan community.

Yeck's Family Drive-In Restaurant

Address: 1304 Mackinaw Ave. in Cheboygan

This authentic drive-in restaurant is famous for carhops, delicious shakes and malts, deep-fried pizza, olive burgers and friendly service. Sit in your car to enjoy your food, take advantage of the provided picnic area or grab-and-go.

The restaurant is open from just before Memorial Day until just after Labor Day and sits along Heritage US-23, which runs along the coast of Lake Huron from Standish to Mackinaw City.

Learn more at facebook.com/YecksFamilyDriveInn.

Mackinaw Crossings in Mackinaw City offers a wide range of specialty shops featuring jerky, fudge, tattoos, t-shirts and a mirror maze.
Mackinaw Crossings in Mackinaw City offers a wide range of specialty shops featuring jerky, fudge, tattoos, t-shirts and a mirror maze.

Mackinaw Crossings

Address: S. Huron Avenue in Mackinaw City

The Mackinaw Crossings shopping center has a little something for everyone, combining shopping, dining and entertainment.

There are more than 50 unique shops in the complex, whether you want homemade fudge or ice cream, a new pair of moccasins or an old-time photo to commemorate your visit to Mackinaw City.

The shopping center also features a five-screen movie theater, an open air stage with nightly laser light shows, a haunted house, a house of mirrors, an arcade and several restaurants.

Learn more at mackinawcrossings.com.

Kewadin Casinos is a popular local destination for conventions and events.
Kewadin Casinos is a popular local destination for conventions and events.

Kewadin Casinos

Address: 2186 Shunk Road in Sault Ste. Marie

The Sault Ste. Marie tribe of Chippewa Indians offers gaming opportunities for adult attendees, as well as dining at DreamCatchers and the Trail Deli and live concerts.

Kewadin Casinos is also a popular local destination for conventions and events, including weddings and outdoor demolition derbies. Learn more at kewadin.com.

Located in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Brewing Co. is a classic local eating and drinking destination.
Located in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Brewing Co. is a classic local eating and drinking destination.

Soo Brewing Co.

Address: 100 W. Portage Ave. in Sault Ste. Marie

Located in the heart of downtown Sault Ste. Marie, the Soo Brewing Co. is a classic local eating and drinking destination. The restaurant, brewery and winery has been making drinks for the Soo community for over a decade, with signature brews like Maggie’s Irish Red, Soo Brew and GoldiLocks.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating in downtown Sault Ste. Marie — close enough to the shore to hear and see freighters as they pass through the locks.

Learn more at soobrew.com.

Since 1959, the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours have been teaching the history of Sault Ste. Marie's locks system with up-close and personal tours.
Since 1959, the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours have been teaching the history of Sault Ste. Marie's locks system with up-close and personal tours.

Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours

Address: 515 E. Portage Ave. in Sault Ste. Marie

Since 1959, the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours have been teaching the history of Sault Ste. Marie's locks system with up-close and personal tours.

The 90-minute tour takes passengers along St. Mary’s River and through the lock system. The locks themselves are one of the most significant attractions in the area, and support much of the local economy.

Learn more at famoussoolocks.com.

— Contact reporters Cassandra Lybrink, Tess Ware, Kortny Hahn and Brendan Wiesner at newsroom@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Save on travel expenses with this Michigan summer road trip