Cadillac to Petoskey: The Ultimate Road Trip

If you're planning a road trip from Cadillac to Petoskey, you're in for a treat. Michigan is a beautiful state with picturesque small towns, rolling hills, plenty of outdoor activities, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. In this article, we'll go over some of the different routes you can take, the distance of each route, and the time it takes to travel. We'll also recommend some great places to stop along the way.

Route 1: Taking the Scenic Drive

If you're not in a hurry and want to take in as much of the natural beauty Michigan has to offer, take Route 131 north through Manton, Fife Lake, and south of Kalkaska. From Kalkaska, take 131 North, toward Mancelona and Boyne City. Stop in Boyne City, where the crystal-clear waters of Lake Charlevoix meet the town's quaint charm. Take an hour or two to roam the streets and check out the shops before continuing north through East Jordan and Charlevoix. From Charlevoix, Petoskey is a quick 15-minute drive along US-31. This route is approximately 83 miles and takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes driving time.

Route 2: The Fastest Route

If you're more interested in getting to Petoskey as quickly as possible, take US-131 North to US-131 BUS. This highway will take you straight into Petoskey. This route is approximately 76 miles, and driving time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is the quickest route, but it does not have the scenic views of Route 1.

Route 3: The Quaint Route

For those looking for a mix of scenery and small-town life, take M-115 West to Mesick. This quiet town offers an escape from the daily hustle. From Mesick, head northwest on M-37 to Traverse City. Traverse City is known for its charming downtown area, featuring numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants, along with its beaches and cherry orchards. Continue northbound along the shore of Lake Michigan to Petoskey. This route covers approximately 122 miles and takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes driving time.

Places to stop along the way

No matter the route you choose, there are plenty of places to stop and admire the beauty of Michigan. In Manton, stop for breakfast at Manton Cafe, famous for its homemade pies and family-style meals. Traverse City is a foodie's paradise with plenty of options for all your cravings, from the Traverse City Pie Company to the world-renowned Little Fleet food truck park. Step into magical small-town life in Boyne City, where a stroll through the historic main street is a must. In Charlevoix, visit the Earl Young Mushroom Houses - a series of unique, whimsical homes designed by Earl Young. Finally, stop at the Petoskey State Park, home to a beautiful beach and stunning views of the Bay.

Conclusion

Whatever route you choose, the drive from Cadillac to Petoskey is a beautiful one. Be sure to enjoy the ride, take in the scenery, and make plenty of stops along the way to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Michigan. We hope this article has helped you to plan your trip and discover some hidden gems that you may have missed otherwise. Enjoy your travels!