Spring Break Trips – Driving Distance From Grand Rapids
Go on a much-needed adventure this spring break season by visiting one of our recommended road trip destinations. Stretched across a mere 20-mile span, you won’t have to go far from Grand Rapids to have the best road trip experience of 2024! Nearby, you’ll find whimsical tree tunnels with small towns, bright blue water with beaches and dunes, local dining, shops to explore, and so much more! Keep reading to see the one-of-a-kind trip you could create with just a car full of friends and a heart ready for fun and spontaneity. Make it a day trip or take the weekend, either way, you’ll have a grand time.
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used, which means if you purchase via my link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
Pin it!
Tunnel of Trees
Distance From Gand Rapids: 20 to 50 miles; 40 to 90 minutes
Why we suggest it: As mentioned above, the tree tunnel spans about 20 to 30 miles on M-119 and gives you the most beautiful natural arches covered with foliage! Just imagine what the trees will look like as they spring (literally) back to life! Drive through this scenic route and find the following amazing places along the way. Below, we’ve listed a couple choice stops along this particular route!
- Horton Bay General Store – Boyne City This stop is the favorite of a famous historical figure—Ernest Hemingway! Hemingway spent time at this shop and you can still get old fashioned malts, small bites, and more!
- Harbor Springs With parks, nature preserves, and even a farmhouse getaway with a petting zoo and fine dining, you’ll be certain to enjoy your time here.
- Petoskey Area This area has many activities that will certainly interest you, but our favorites are the Odawa Casino and Bear River Valley. The casino has luxurious amenities and entertaining performances while Bear River Valley provides a setting to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Distance From Grand Rapids: 160 miles northwest; 2 hour and 45-minute drive
Photo courtesy of Pure Michigan
Why we suggest it: If you’re a lover of beaches and beautiful scenery, the dunes of Sleeping Bear need to be a top priority! See some of purest blue water, explore islands and lighthouses among the lakes, and snuggle with a loved one beneath the stars. This is a famous and highly traveled destination for good reason—the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has been named, “the Most Beautiful Place in America” on shows like ABC’s Good Morning America in 2011 and again in 2017. After enjoying the areas historic lighthouses, lovely museums, and fine wineries, you may want to challenge yourself with the Dune Climb. You can even bring your bike along! There are so many places and ways to explore on your road trip, especially Pyramid Point!
Bonus Travel Tip: Hit up the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: It’s a 7-mile scenic route that takes you to the spectacular overlooks of Lake Michigan, Glen Lake, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. There are two picnic stops along the way perfect for a family outing or romantic date.
Traverse City
Distance From Grand Rapids: 142 miles; 2 hours and 20 minutes- a great place to visit for your Spring Break Trip!!
Image from: https://www.traversecity.com/meetings/media/photos-and-videos/
Front Street
Various Shoppes, Locations, and Prices
Enjoy a wonderful bay breeze and relaxing walk down front street where you can find everything you could possibly need! From their famous local theater, which you can always see about showings, to boutique shoe shopping, fine dining, and more—you can’t miss out on this area of Traverse City for your trip!
The Village at Traverse Commons
Various Shoppes and Prices
As a refurbished asylum this building is currently doing pretty well for itself as an indoor shopping center and place to display local art. Shop around for unique clothing and miscellaneous items, have a delicious lunch, and finish up at their underground cheesecake factory.
Boat Sails & Cocktails
- Price: $149-$350
- Duration: 3+ hours
Image from tripadvisor.com
Live luxuriously while drinking delicious cocktails and relaxing on one ofTraverse City’s many beautiful Wind Dancer sailboat tours. This crew spoils its guests with tasty local fare, wine and beer samples, and whatever information you’d like to know about the city. They also teach anyone who wants to learn the basics of sailing by letting them help them throughout the tour. There are different tours to choose from, ranging in prices, length and activities. This is a must-try for any boat or water lovers out there!
5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour:
- 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
- Price: $99 per adult with limit of 20 people
- Click here for itinerary. Tastings not included in prices. Tastings range from $5 to $15.
Photo courtesy of: Trip Advisor
Avoid costly transportation costs and confusion by taking this amazing wine tour. Not only will they take care of travel from location to location but also your reservations! While this price doesn’t include wine tastings at each location, the prices are fairly reasonable ranging from $5 to $15 for flights and tastings. Visit four popular wineries along the Leelanau Peninsula, and take in unforgettable, green, and luscious views. This tour will make you feel like you’ve taken a portal to Italy at some locations, with their high class winery and scenery surroundings. Check out more details about this tour here.
Chicago
Distance From Grand Rapids: 142 miles; 2 hours and 20 minutes- the perfect spring break road trip!
Photo courtesy of: https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/essential-chicago-tours
Take a Tour
There are so many tours you can take to learn about or just simply enjoy the city of Chicago. One of the most popular choices is the Chicago River Front Cruise Tour for only $47. Plus, you don’t even have to pay it right away to reserve your spot! You can also take a tour of the famous Sky Deck, visit the bean, or make your own coffee shop hop. You can even learn about the exciting history of mob crimes on this particular tour. Click here for a full list of tours as well as more details and where to book.
Chicago Pizza
You obviously can’t go to Chicago without trying their famous deep dish styled pizza! The top three pizza joints in Chicago according to trip advisor are:
Since you already can’t go wrong with most pizza, we just know your taste buds are going to be satisfied with any of these places during your trip. Great for family outings or date nights alike!
Chicago Bagel Authority
Another recommendation our team can’t go without mentioning is Chicago Bagel Authority (CBA). They have two locations and boast the “best sandwiches since 1998”. The menu is full of options for breakfast, “Steamwiches”, Snacks, Soups, Salads, and more! If you’re looking for a place to stop along your road trip for a great meal that is also memorable, you’ll have to give CBA a try.
Museums and More
There’s so much rich history as well as culturally diverse and simply beautiful art to explore in the City of Chicago. If you’re on a family vacation, you might want to check out the Field Museum or Adler Planetarium! There are also a variety of art museums to choose from, but one of the most popular is the Art Institute Chicago.
Whatever destinations you decide on, Chicago will certainly not disappoint.
Indianapolis
Distance from Grand Rapids: 293 miles; 4 hours and 35 minutes
Image Credit: https://www.outfrontmedia.com/find-your-market/indianapolis
Take an Old World Gondola Ride
Did you know you can get a taste of Italy in Indianapolis? What a great date night idea for couples looking to get away from the stress of everyday life! You’ll be serenaded as you explore the wonders and scenery of downtown Indianapolis. But that’s not all, Indianapolis is also known for their horse carriage rides around downtown!
Courtyard Dinner for Two
Image Credit: VisitIndy.com
After your relaxing gondola ride, we’re sure you’ll want a bite to eat! How does a romantic courtyard dinner sound? Bluebeard boasts one of the most intimate and romantic experiences with its elegant atmosphere and ambiance. You might enjoy trying their popular cheese board with Amelia’s Bread. If you like this idea, you’ could also check out: Iozzo’s Garden of Italy, Traders Point Creamery, and Late Harvest Kitchen.
Family Fun
Image from: https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/rides-and-attractions/
If you’re on a family vacation and looking to see and experience as much as possible, we highly recommend investing in an Indy Attraction Pass. With this pass, you’ll have the freedom to come and go from various locations through out the day without a time limit and for one price! Find out what’s included in each pass here. In the pass you’ll find things like museum entry, special access and even the zoo!
Thanks for choosing Wander West Michigan to guide your 2024 spring road trips and destinations! We’re determined to always give you the best recommendations.
Don’t forget to save this for later or send it to a friend planning a spring break road trip!
Get your Spring Break Road Trip Essentials!
Book your Spring Break hotel room!
Booking.comPin it for later!
Staying in town for Spring Break? Check out fun things to do in West Michigan!
Logan Imber
Logan Imber is a self taught Freelance Digital Marketer & Copywriter currently located in Ohio, but works remotely for clients all over the world. She also dabbles in Graphic Design, Web Design and Music. She doesn't like to pin herself down, as there is always something to learn, a culture to take in or new food to eat. In her free time, Logan likes reading, yoga, and spending time with her beloved cat. She also loves playing and sharing music with others. Essentially, most of her time is either spent writing, contemplating, or creating something - and she wouldn't have it any other way.
- Logan Imber#molongui-disabled-link
- Logan Imber#molongui-disabled-link
- Logan Imber#molongui-disabled-link
- Logan Imber#molongui-disabled-link
