Underrated American Summer Road Trips

Five realistic itineraries highlight how Americans can savor the country’s diversity without a cross-country marathon. The Lake Superior Circle starts in Duluth and loops through northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and Ontario, Canada. Completing the circuit takes about 24 hours of driving, so travelers typically pace it as a week-long trip, with northern segments offering waterfalls, boreal forests, and state parks, and the southern leg passing Ottawa National Forest toward Pictured Rocks. The emphasis is on rugged shorelines, historic towns, and lake life, with numerous stops for outdoor activities along the way. The routes balance scenic payoff with practical travel time and opportunities for side trips.