These 13 Michigan Stops Make The Detroit-To-Frankenmuth Drive More Fun
One roadside diner on this route piles a full pound of bacon onto a single BLT. I read that twice, and I still can’t decide if it’s a sandwich or a dare.
That’s only one surprise on the drive north through Michigan. Farther up the road, a working Ferris wheel from 1910 is called the only one of its kind left in the world.
Kids once named a lumpy pile of dirt after a sleeping dinosaur, and the name stuck. I love that a plain highway trip can hide this many odd little treasures along the way.
Most people blast straight past them, eyes locked on the finish line and its famous chicken dinners. So why rush when you could break up the miles with a steam train, a mansion, a planetarium, and some serious bacon? Honestly, your back seat crew might start asking for this route on purpose.
13. Detroit Zoo
Nearly a century ago, this zoo helped push American zoos away from cages and toward open, natural habitats. That bold move started when it opened in its current form on August 1, 1928.
Today, you get 125 acres of space and more than 2,000 animals from over 200 species. That’s a lot of wildlife for one stop, so wear comfy shoes.
The Arctic Ring of Life is a crowd favorite for good reason. Polar bears are the stars, and you can watch arctic animals in a setting built to feel like their home turf.
Big cat fans should head to Devereaux Tiger Forest. Then swing over to the Great Apes of Harambee for a look at some of your closest relatives.
Got a soft spot for fluffy faces? The Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest is ready to steal your heart and your camera battery.
Birds get their own airy space at the Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary. Reptiles and amphibians shine at the Holden Reptile Conservation Center and the National Amphibian Conservation Center.
Visiting in winter? The seasonal Wild Lights event turns the grounds into a glowing evening stroll, which beats sitting in traffic any day.
Hours change with the seasons, so check before you leave home. Parking costs extra, and on-site dining means nobody has to march back to the car hungry.
Start your road trip here, and the rest of the drive has a high bar to clear.
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
12. Downtown Royal Oak
The Michigan drive is the plan, but the detours might end up being the best part.
11. Cranbrook Institute of Science
Standing beneath a T. rex is a pretty great way to feel small in the best possible way. At Cranbrook Institute of Science, that’s part of the plan.
The museum mixes natural history with hands-on science. You can touch a mastodon’s fur, which is a sentence most people never expect to say out loud.
Space fans get even more to love. The Acheson Planetarium reopened after renovations in October 2011, and the observatory got new telescopes in 2012.
Those upgrades tied the two together, so stars and science feel connected. A meteorite exhibit also lets you interact with a real chunk of outer space.
Need fresh air after the dinosaurs? An outdoor science garden and nature trails give you a calmer way to explore the grounds.
Timing matters here, so plan smart. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Here’s a sweet deal for budget travelers. General admission is free on the first Friday of each month through December 2026.
On the first and third Fridays, doors stay open until 10 p.m. That makes an evening stop possible if your drive starts late.
Reflections Café is on site when snack cravings hit. Grab a bite, then let the kids explain the T. rex to you for the next twenty miles.
Address: 39221 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
10. Meadow Brook Hall
A house with 110 rooms sounds like a cleaning nightmare, but it’s a dream to tour. Meadow Brook Hall is an 88,000-square-foot Tudor-revival estate and a National Historic Landmark.
It ranks as the fourth largest historic home in the United States. It’s also the largest in the Midwest, so bragging rights come with the ticket.
The story behind it ties right into Michigan car history. Matilda Dodge Wilson, the widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, lived here with her second husband, Alfred Wilson.
Inside, over 75,000 historic artifacts fill the rooms. You’ll see original paintings, sculptures, furniture, and Dodge Motor Car Company memorabilia.
Look up often during your tour. Carved plaster ceilings, rich wood panels, and crystal chandeliers show off serious old-school craftsmanship.
Planning ahead is a must for this stop. Tour tickets need to be bought online in advance, and grounds passes are required for the gardens.
Visiting around the holidays? Holidays at Meadow Brook brings Winter Wonder Lights outside and a Holiday Walk with indoor decorations.
Summer brings a concert series, and Mystery Dinners add a fun twist for groups. The Hall closes in January and on major holidays, so check dates first.
Pop into the Museum Store before you leave. Then get back on the road feeling like you just visited car royalty.
Address: 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, MI 48309
9. Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
Kids get credit for naming this place, and honestly, they nailed it. Local children thought a man-made hill of dug-up dirt looked like a sleeping dinosaur.
The nickname stuck so well that it became the official name when the preserve opened. That’s a pretty great win for imaginative kids everywhere.
Spread across 16 acres, the preserve feels like a quiet pocket of nature. Trails wind through woods, past a fern meadow, and along a creek.
It’s a lovely spot to shake off highway stiffness. A short walk here can reset grumpy moods faster than another round of car snacks.
Best of all, it’s free. Both the trails and the Nature Center welcome the public without an admission fee.
The trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Nature Center building keeps shorter hours, opening Friday afternoons plus Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Groups can book visits on weekdays by appointment. The preserve also runs environmental education programs and classes for curious young minds.
Visiting in fall? The Halloween Hoot is one of the family events held here, and the name alone sounds like a good time.
Bring the little ones and let them hunt for the dinosaur shape themselves. See if they spot it before you do.
Address: 333 North Hill Circle, Rochester, MI 48307
8. Sloan Museum of Discovery
Climbing a giant globe isn’t something most museums allow. Sloan Museum of Discovery not only allows it, it built an Earth Globe climbing structure on purpose.
The museum reopened in July 2022 after big renovations. It’s named after Alfred P. Sloan, a former chief executive of General Motors.
Hands-on fun is the whole idea here. Four main interactive galleries keep curious kids moving, while a fifth gallery hosts traveling exhibits.
Little ones love the Hagerman Street Early Childhood Learning Gallery. It’s a child-sized neighborhood where small visitors get to run the town.
Science fans should find the Discovery Hall Science Gallery. Its interactive Great Lakes water table is a perfect fit for a Michigan road trip.
History buffs get their turn too. The History Gallery shows regional history plus vehicles, including a WWII Hellcat tank and vintage cars.
Car lovers can also explore the Durant Historic Vehicle Gallery. It shows off rare and historic vehicles from this auto-loving region.
Need a break? The Coffee Beanery Café serves drinks, sandwiches, salads, and snacks, so you can refuel without leaving the building.
Genesee County residents get free general admission, while out-of-county visitors pay a fee. The museum is closed Mondays, so plan your stop for another day.
Address: 1221 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
7. Longway Planetarium
Michigan’s biggest night sky isn’t up north at a campsite. It’s inside Longway Planetarium, recognized as the largest planetarium in the state.
You’ll find it right next to the Sloan Museum of Discovery. That makes it easy to pair the two into one big afternoon of learning.
The dome wraps you in a full 360-degree sound and picture setup. Lean back, look up, and let the universe do the talking.
Shows cover a range of science topics. Some are theater-style experiences, while others work more like lecture presentations led by a guide.
Families with kids who need a calmer setting will appreciate one thoughtful touch. Sensory-friendly shows run on the second Saturday of each month at 11 a.m.
Big upgrades wrapped up in October 2011. Those improvements helped turn the dome into an even better place to explore space.
Tickets work a little differently here. Planetarium shows often need a separate ticket, though combo tickets are available for non-Genesee County visitors.
Hours match the museum next door. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays.
After a long stretch of highway, sitting in the dark under the stars sounds pretty great. Just try not to nap during the Milky Way.
Address: 1310 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
6. Flint Farmers’ Market
Fifty indoor vendors under one roof means you won’t leave empty-handed. Flint Farmers’ Market is often called one of the finest public markets in Southeast Michigan.
Its roots stretch back to at least 1905. The market moved to its current downtown home in June 2014.
Hungry travelers, take note. You’ll find fresh produce, a meat market, poultry, baked goods, and cheese all in one place.
Some produce grows in hoop houses year-round. That’s a neat trick in a state known for serious winters.
Want flavors from around the world? Middle Eastern and Mexican groceries add variety beyond the usual farm stand finds.
A cafe is on site for a quick meal. Grab something tasty and fuel up before heading north again.
Art lovers can browse the market’s art gallery. Gift shoppers will also spot unique items to bring home.
In summer, an outdoor pavilion holds up to forty producers. That bumps the selection even higher on warm-weather visits.
The market also has commercial kitchens, a demonstration kitchen, and a community room. It’s open year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so time your trip right.
Address: 300 East First Street, Flint, MI 48502
5. Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Legend says the train once moved so slowly that riders could hop off, pick huckleberries, and hop back on. That’s how the Huckleberry Railroad got its name.
The railroad started running in 1976, when Crossroads Village opened. Its station is the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad depot from Davison.
The ride lasts about 40 minutes along the shores of Mott Lake. Depending on the day, an authentic Baldwin steam locomotive or a rebuilt diesel engine leads the way.
Tickets often sell out, so buy them ahead. Nobody wants to watch the train chug off without them.
The village itself is a restored, working community. More than 34 historic buildings and shops bring Genesee County’s past to life.
You’ll see a General Store, a Barber Shop, and a real blacksmith shop. There’s also a cider mill and Michigan’s oldest operating gristmill.
Ride fans have treats waiting too. A 1912 carousel spins nearby, and the 1910 Superior Wheel is noted as the only one left in the world.
Summer season runs Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, Thursday through Sunday plus holidays. Halloween and Christmas seasons bring special events later in the year.
Food is sold at three spots in the village. Grab a snack and enjoy a slower pace for a while.
Address: 6140 Bray Road, Flint, MI 48505
4. Birch Run Premium Outlets
Your wallet might want to stay in the car for this one. Birch Run Premium Outlets is known as the largest outlet shopping center in the Midwest.
It first opened in 1986 under a different name. Simon Property Group took over in 2010 and gave it the name it carries today.
Plan for plenty of walking. Well over 100 stores sell discounted clothing, shoes, accessories, and sportswear.
Big names fill the lineup. You’ll find Nike, Coach, The North Face, Lululemon, and Polo Ralph Lauren, among others.
Fashion fans can also browse Kate Spade New York and Michael Kors. Banana Republic, J. Crew, and Tommy Hilfiger round out the classic picks.
Forgot a jacket for that chilly northern weather? This is a smart place to fix that mistake.
Dining options are part of the mix too. That’s handy when shopping fatigue starts to kick in.
Since it sits close to I-75, it’s an easy stop on the way to Frankenmuth. You can shop, stretch, and still make good time.
Set a budget before you park. Then enjoy the hunt, because finding a great deal feels like winning a tiny prize.
Address: 12240 South Beyer Road, Birch Run, MI 48415
3. Wilderness Trails Zoo
Otters have a dinner date every day at 3 p.m., and you’re invited to watch. Wilderness Trails Zoo makes that feeding time part of the fun.
This 56-acre zoo is home to over 200 animals. More than 50 exotic species live here, so there’s lots to see.
Up-close views are the big draw. You’ll feel closer to the animals than at many larger zoos.
Want to get even more hands-on? Select animal encounters run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an extra fee, depending on availability and the animals’ moods.
Kids usually love the petting area. A parakeet encounter adds another fun, feathery option.
Bring your own lunch if you like. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome, and picnic areas make snack time easy.
Parking is free, which always helps. The zoo also offers accessibility for guests with mobility needs.
It’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a big heart. Its 24/7 Community Cupboard food pantry helps neighbors in need.
Young animal fans may want to check out the Future Zoo Crew camps. Before leaving, swing by the gift shop for a fuzzy souvenir.
Address: 11721 Gera Road, Birch Run, MI 48415
2. Alpine Mountain Golf
Two full mini golf courses mean you get a rematch without waiting for next summer. Alpine Mountain Golf has a pair of 18-hole courses ready for friendly battles.
Bragging rights are on the line here. Whoever loses the first round can demand a second, and that’s only fair.
Need more speed? Go-karts let the family racers burn off some road trip energy.
Bumper boats add a splashy twist. Expect laughter, a little chaos, and maybe a soggy sleeve or two.
Basketball fans can try bank-shot basketball. It’s a fun change of pace from regular hoops.
A small arcade is on site for game lovers. It’s perfect for a quick break between rounds.
Ice cream and refreshments help everyone cool down. A picnic area also gives you room to relax for a bit.
Hours are generous, running daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. That means you can stop in the morning or save it for an evening treat.
Traveling with a big crew? Group rates are available, so ask ahead and let the friendly competition begin.
Address: 11873 Gera Road, Birch Run, MI 48415
1. Tony’s I-75 Restaurant
A full pound of bacon on one sandwich sounds like a joke. At Tony’s I-75 Restaurant, it’s the famous BLT, and it’s very real.
The place even goes by the nickname Got Bacon? That tells you plenty about its priorities.
Portions here are known for being huge. Sharing is smart, unless you plan to skip your next two meals.
Breakfast is served all day, which is great news for pancake people. Hot beef dishes and classic diner plates also fill the menu.
Want something different? You’ll also find seafood, Mexican dishes, salads, and desserts.
Vegetarians aren’t left out. The restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly options alongside the bacon mountains.
Here’s a fun extra for big families. Chili and beef stew are sold by the gallon, and fresh bread comes by the loaf.
There’s a kids’ menu for little appetites. Takeout is available too, which helps if you’d rather eat later.
The diner opens daily for breakfast through dinner. It’s been called a Michigan institution for decades, and it makes a tasty final stop before Frankenmuth.
Address: 8781 Main St, Birch Run, MI 48415