Backroads & Byways of Michigan: Drives, Day Trips & Weekend Excursions 

by Melissa Michaels and KariAnne Wood

Maybe you’d rather avoid the city and take the scenic route. Author Matt Forster expresses the sentiment that “if the highway is the short cut, I want to take the longcut.” The book is divided into trips, and each gives an estimated length in miles, estimated drive time, highlights, and directions for “getting there.” Each section ends with “in the area” lists suggesting accommodations, attractions and recreation, and dining. Forster even provides a key to pricing for these suggestions to help you budget for your trip.

Lost in Michigan: History and Travel Stories from an Endless Road Trip

 by Mike Sonnenberg 

Now spanning three volumes, Mike Sonnenberg’s Lost in Michigan series will help you to get off the beaten path as you explore The Mitten. The books are broken up into regional sections: Southern Lower Peninsula, Central Lower Peninsula, Northern Lower Peninsula, and Upper Peninsula. Each tells the story of various locations throughout Michigan. Some locations could have entire books written about them, while others remain fascinating places despite their stories being lost to time. Pick a story that piques your curiosity and go get lost!

Michigan Day Trips by Theme

by Michael Link

 Maybe you’re less interested in exploring by region and more likely to seek out adventures associated with your interests. In that case, this is the book for you. It is organized into 22 themes including outdoor adventures, fun getaways, lighthouses, waterfalls, festivals, historic buildings & architecture. There’s even a section for bird watchers and nature lovers! Websites are listed for each location featured, but I would highly recommend checking them for currency and accuracy before venturing out as this book was originally published in 2013.