There are several attractions as you drive from Chicago to Traverse City along the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. Here is a potential tour of the parks and lighthouses during this trip. (Cities are italicized)

- New Buffalo : This city has has two great parks: Warren Dunes State Park and Galien River County Par.

- St Joseph : While you are here you can see the North Pier Outer and Inner Lighthouse as well as visit the beautiful Silver Beach County Park.

- South Haven and Saugatuck : Both of these cities allow you to visit the great Michigan sand dunes and lighthouses. South Haven has the Van Buren State Park and the South Pier Head Light (lighthouse). Saugatuck has the Saugatuck Dunes and the Kalamazoo River Lighthouse.

- Grand Haven : Grand Haven offers several attractions including the Grand Haven State Park and Beach, the Grand Haven Boardwalk, and two lighthouses.

- Muskegon : If you want to stretch your legs, the Pere Marquette Park Beach is a great stop.

- Ludington : There are several options here including the Sterns Park Beach, Ludington State Park Beach, the North Breakwater Lighthouse, and Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

A map of these locations is shown.