Mackinaw Township, MI β†’ Detroit, MI

252 mi Β· 5h 2m (driving)

⚠️

Current Risk

Medium Risk

Fog expected

Driveable now

Driveable - use caution

Based on weather forecast

Add traffic to your estimate
🌫️

Mackinaw Township

65Β°

β˜€οΈ

44.6Β°

62Β°

β˜€οΈ

43.5Β°

63Β°

β˜€οΈ

Detroit

66Β°

GOING
Sat, Aug 15

Trip Briefing

3 segments Β· 252 mi Β· 5h 3m

Weather

β˜€οΈ Clear sky

62Β°F, wind 5 mph

Rest Stops

10

Restrooms, information, Truck svc

Clear driving conditions expected

Rest stops in this segment:

  • ● Mackinaw City Welcome Center 409 🚻
  • ● Rest Area 🚻
  • ● Hebron Rest Area 408 🚻

Normal Traffic

No traffic incidents reported

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Traffic Cameras

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Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.

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Via I-75 South β†’ I-375 South

South Huron AvenueSouth Nicolet StreetI-75 SouthI-375 SouthEast Congress Street

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7 cameras
City of Windsor – Ouellette Avenue and Giles Boulevard
1

City of Windsor – Ouellette Avenue and Giles Boulevard

ON Β·

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and Hall Avenue
2

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and Hall Avenue

ON Β·

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and Aylmer Avenue
3

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and Aylmer Avenue

ON Β·

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and McDougall Street
4

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and McDougall Street

ON Β·

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and Walker Road
5

City of Windsor – Wyandotte Street and Walker Road

ON Β·

City of Windsor – Goyeau Street and Elliot Street
6

City of Windsor – Goyeau Street and Elliot Street

ON Β·

City of Windsor – Goyeau Street and Park Street
7

City of Windsor – Goyeau Street and Park Street

ON Β·

Rest Stops Along Your Route

29 stops available

Swipe to see more

Mackinaw City Welcome Center 409

Near start

Open
Restrooms
Info
Mo-Sa 08:30-17:00 Directions

Rest Area

Near start

Open
Restrooms

Hebron Rest Area 408

Near start

Open
Restrooms

Topinabee Rest Area 407

7% along route

Open
Restrooms

Vanderbilt Rest Area 406

17% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

17% along route

Open
Restrooms

Gaylord Rest Area 405

20% along route

Open
Restrooms

Hartwick Pines Rest Area 404

26% along route

Open
Restrooms

Grayling Rest Area 403

29% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

29% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Nine Mile Hill Rest Area 434

35% along route

Open
Restrooms

West Branch Rest Area 433

45% along route

Open
Restrooms

Ogemaw Roadside Park

46% along route

Open
Restrooms

Alger Rest Area 625

48% along route

Open
Restrooms

Linwood Rest Area 626

57% along route

Open
Restrooms

Bay City Rest Area 605

62% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

64% along route

Open
Restrooms

Flying J Travel Center

65% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food
WiFi

M-81 Express Stop

65% along route

Open
Restrooms

TA

0198 β€’ 67% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

67% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Love's Travel Stop

67% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Clio Rest Area 612

72% along route

Open
Restrooms

Dodge Road Rest Area 631

72% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

73% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Rest Area

77% along route

Open
Restrooms
Fuel
Food

Davisburg Rest Area 908

84% along route

Open
Restrooms

Clarkston Rest Area 904

84% along route

Open
Restrooms

Rest Area

Near destination

Open
Restrooms
πŸ””

Get Weather Alerts for This Route

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⚑ Recent Weather Events on This Route

Premium users received alerts for these conditions:

  • 🌫️
    Aug 10:Β Dense fog warning for morning departures - visibility below 1/4 mile

Don't miss the next alert β†’

The 252-mile full-day drive from Mackinaw Township to Detroit stays within MI and takes about 5h 2m without stops. We track 7 live traffic cameras and 29 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.

7-Day Driving Outlook

Today

Aug 15

πŸŒ«οΈβ†’β˜οΈ

80Β° / 65Β°

No precip

Caution

Tomorrow

Aug 16

πŸŒ¦οΈβ†’πŸŒ¦οΈ

75Β° / 68Β°

No precip

Caution

Mon

Aug 17

πŸŒ€οΈβ†’β˜οΈ

75Β° / 62Β°

No precip

Safe

Tue

Aug 18

πŸŒ¦οΈβ†’β˜οΈ

73Β° / 65Β°

No precip

Safe

Wed

Aug 19

β›…β†’πŸŒ¦οΈ

71Β° / 62Β°

No precip

Safe

Thu

Aug 20

πŸŒ€οΈβ†’β˜οΈ

71Β° / 61Β°

No precip

Safe

Fri

Aug 21

β˜€οΈβ†’β˜οΈ

78Β° / 65Β°

No precip

Safe

πŸ—“οΈ Weekend Outlook

Saturday

Good to Go

🌫️ Fog at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination

Sunday

Good to Go

🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Slight rain showers at destination

Plan This Route

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Current Conditions

Mackinaw Township, MI

🌫️

65Β°F

Wind: 4 mph

Detroit, MI

β˜€οΈ

66Β°F

Wind: 5 mph

Weather data updated in real-time

Driving from Mackinaw Township, MI to Detroit, MI

The 252-mile drive from Mackinaw Township, Michigan to Detroit, Michigan takes approximately 5h 2m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially across open plains where severe weather and high winds can develop quickly. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.

This moderate route stays within Michigan, connecting Mackinaw Township and Detroit. A drive of 252 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the trip.

Common Weather Hazards on This Route

  • Winter storms and heavy snowfall (November through April)
  • Black ice on mountain passes and bridges

Seasonal Driving Considerations

The Midwest corridor of this route is susceptible to rapid weather changes. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a real threat from April through June, while winter brings heavy lake-effect snow, ice storms, and dangerously low wind chill. Flat terrain means high crosswinds can affect vehicle stability year-round, especially for taller vehicles. Spring flooding can also close highway underpasses and low-lying road segments.

Best Time to Drive Mackinaw Township to Detroit

For medium-distance drives like this 252-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.

Driving Strategy

A 252-mile drive from Mackinaw Township to Detroit takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.

Pro Tip

Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there β€” not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the drive from Mackinaw Township to Detroit?

The drive is approximately 252 miles and takes about 5h 2m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.

What's the best day to drive this route?

Based on current forecasts, Tuesday, Aug 18 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions

Is it safe to drive from Mackinaw Township to Detroit today?

Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.

Are there rest areas on the Mackinaw Township to Detroit route?

Yes, there are 29 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.

Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?

Yes, Route Outlook shows 7 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.

What highways does this route use?

This route primarily uses Other. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.

Are there any road closures on this route right now?

No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly β€” this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.

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