The days are getting longer, the air feels warmer, and before you know it, summer’s calling you to the open road. While road trips offer a unique sense of freedom, financial logistics can sometimes dampen the excitement. Gas, lodging, and activities can add up quickly. The good news is a memorable road trip doesn’t have to force your budget into the red. There are many road trip-worthy spots in the Great Lakes State that won’t break your budget. Here are some of the top destinations:

Southeast Michigan

• Detroit: Stroll the Detroit Riverwalk, visit the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), or explore Eastern Market for fresh foods and local art.
• Belle Isle Park: Kayak along the Detroit River and visit the historic Belle Isle Aquarium.
• Port Crescent State Park: Swim, camp, or stargaze along peaceful Lake Huron beaches. Visit one of Michigan’s designated Dark Sky Preserves to gaze at the stars.

Southwest Michigan

• Grand Rapids: Tap into your inner foodie with many great dining options, visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, and explore the Grand River waterfront.
• Ludington State Park: Hike to Big Sable Point Lighthouse, and swim or boat in Lake Michigan or Hamlin Lake.
• Holland: Visit Windmill Island Gardens, see “Big Red” Lighthouse, and bask in the charm of Dutch-inspired architecture. Spring visitors can see Veldheer Tulip Gardens in bloom.

Northern Lower Peninsula

• Traverse City: Relax along Grand Traverse Bay, enjoy the quaint downtown area, or tour wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. Summer travelers can go cherry picking or even attend the National Cherry Festival from July 4th-11th.
• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Climb the massive sand dunes or drive the scenic Pierce Stocking Drive.
• Mackinac Island: Ride a horse-drawn carriage, tour Fort Mackinac, and try the island’s famous fudge. Access the island by ferry or personal watercraft – no cars are allowed.

Upper Peninsula

• Kitch-iti-Kipi: Ride the self-propelled observation raft across this crystal-clear spring to look for fish and bubbling sand vents below.
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park: Explore waterfalls, hiking trails, boating, and camping. This park has it all.
• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Kayak or boat along Lake Superior’s towering sandstone cliffs or hike to scenic cliffside overlooks.

But what about my budget?

There are many strategies to help you stick to your budget while on the road. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Plan fuel stops ahead of time using apps like Upside or Waze to avoid high prices in remote areas. Use your MSGCU Rewards Visa card at the pump and earn 2X fuel rewards through Labor Day.
2. Book lodging early to secure better rates and avoid last-minute fees.
3. Purchase the Michigan Recreation Passport for unlimited state park access. The pass costs $15 when you register your vehicle with the Secretary of State or when visiting any Michigan State Park.
4. Pack meals and snacks from home to save money and keep everyone happy.
    

How can MSGCU help you travel The Great Lakes State?

If you’re feeling the financial pressures of a summer road trip, we can help turn your Michigan travel plans into reality. We offer a variety of practical tools designed to support you at home and on the road:

• The MSGCU Rewards Visa credit card lets you earn points or cash back on gas, dining, and lodging, helping to offset your travel costs. With the MSGCU Rewards Visa card you can earn 2x fuel rewards through Labor Day.
• MSGCU offers market-leading auto loan rates that can help you upgrade your vehicle to something more reliable, with additional financing available for RVs, boats, and other recreational vehicles. Our flexible terms make repayment manageable.
• GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance from MSGCU provides protection if your vehicle is totaled or stolen by reducing or eliminating the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and auto loan balance.
• Mechanical Repair Coverage from MSGCU helps pay for major repairs beyond your manufacturer's warranty (including engine and transmission issues), giving you added peace of mind while on the road.
• Free financial counseling from MSGCU can also help you with restoring credit, establishing a budget, finding ways to trim spending, or optimizing your cash flow to help you out with expenses for your upcoming trip.

If you need additional help with any of the options above, give us a call at 866-674-2848, make an appointment at any of our 24 branch locations, or contact us online. With the right destinations and financial planning, your Michigan summer road trip can be the best one yet.

Category: Holiday & Fun