Michigan Gets Snubbed in ‘Best States for a Summer Road Trip’ List

Now that summer is officially here and the kids are out of school, it's time to take advantage of the warmer weather, pack up the car, grab some snacks, and take a road trip! But where to?

That is the age-old question, isn't it... where should we go? Keep in mind though, picking a destination is only half the battle. The route and adventures you take along the way will likely influence your decision-making. Not to mention costs, safety, and other factors. Which is probably why WalletHub decided to help us out with this.

The Best and Worst States for Summer Road Trips

WalletHub recently looked at the 'Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips' this year, and while I admit that they have the data to back the list, I still have a huge issue with where Michigan ranks.

First things first, in order to determine this ranking, WalletHub looked at three main categories; costs, safety, and activities. And from there, each of those categories was broken down further.

Costs looked at gas prices and car repairs, hotel and camping prices, and the general cost of living. Safety looked at traffic indiscipline (think driving and texting, speeding, etc), quality of roads and bridges, and car thefts. Activities looked at how much of that state's land is designated as National Parkland, and places to visit like zoos, botanical gardens, amusement parks, and attractions.

Which State is the Best for a Summer Road Trip?

Taking that methodology into account, WalletHub determined that the best state to take a summer road trip is Texas.

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But do you wanna know where Michigan lands? Michigan isn't in the top five or the top ten. Heck, Michigan isn't even in the top 15... Michigan ranks all the way at number 19.

Related: Clothing Optional—6 Places in Michigan Where Nudity is Allowed

Data aside, and perhaps the lifelong Michigander taking hold, I take a HUGE issue with this. Sure, Michigan roads aren't the best, and gas prices aren't great either. But Michigan is absolutely brimming full of things to do and gorgeous sites to take in.

You can swim in one of the thousands of inland lakes or in the Great Lakes; Lake Michigan was just named THE best lake to visit in Michigan this summer.

You can do all kinds of seasonal fruit and flower picking, including strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and lavender. You can walk around museums like The Henry Ford or Greenfield Village. You can take a bike tour or horse-drawn carriage ride around Mackinac Island while you eat fudge.

All of this is to say that I feel like Michigan is an excellent state to take a summer road trip in, list or not. If you'd like to see where each state ranks on this list, check it out HERE. And, happy adventuring!