Top Places to See When Driving from Auburn Hills, Michigan to East Lansing, Michigan

Are you planning a road trip from Auburn Hills to East Lansing soon? Then you must be excited about the adventure ahead. You may not be looking forward to the long drive, but you can at least break the monotony by making a few stops along the way. There are several picturesque towns and phenomenal attractions you can explore. To make your trip more enjoyable, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit on your journey.

The Adventure Begins: Auburn Hills, Michigan

Auburn Hills is a beautiful city in Oakland County, Michigan. As you set out, you can explore the local attractions such as the SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, or the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, which provide incredible shopping experiences. Once you hit the road, here are the top places you shouldn't miss:

Stop #1: Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad

Crossroads Village is a charming, picturesque town in Genesee County, Michigan that takes you back to the 19th century. It's loaded with historic buildings, shops, gardens, and a tranquil lake. The Huckleberry Railroad is a restored train that runs through the town and takes you on a journey to relive Michigan's railroad history. Both attractions are part of the Genesee County Parks system, and they make for an excellent day trip for families with kids.

Stop #2: Frankenmuth

Frankenmuth is a quaint German town that's best known for its world-famous Christmas store, Bronner's Christmas Wonderland. This store is a holiday lover's paradise, and it's open year-round. If you're not in the holiday mood, you can explore the town's Bavarian architecture, restaurants, and shops. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the city's stunning parks and enjoy the fall foliage.

Stop #3: Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

As you get closer to East Lansing, take a detour and visit Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. This location, located along the Shiawassee River, is a favorite among birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can spot several bird species, including ducks, geese, herons, eagles, and songbirds. The refuge has hiking trails, boardwalks, and observation platforms where you can view wildlife and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Stop #4: Michigan State University

Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, is a world-renowned public research university and considered the top college town in the U.S. You can take a tour of the university's massive 5,200-acre campus, which houses several landmarks such as Spartan Stadium, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, among others. You can also grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or explore the many boutiques unique to East Lansing.

Stop #5: Potter Park Zoo

To cap off your road trip, visit Potter Park Zoo, located in Lansing, Michigan. This 20-acre zoo is home to over 160 species of animals, including primates, big cats, reptiles, and birds. The zoo has an interactive aviary and conservation programs aimed at educating visitors about wildlife conservation. After touring the zoo, you can relax at one of the nearby parks, including Hawk Island, Frances Park, and Adado Riverfront Park.

Conclusion

As you hit the road from Auburn Hills to East Lansing, there's no need to feel overwhelmed by the journey. Instead, take advantage of the journey and explore the several landmarks that this road trip has to offer. These five stops we've mentioned above are just a few of the many other attractions that make Michigan the perfect destination for road trips. So fuel up your car and embark on this incredible experience – you won't regret it!