The Ultimate Road-Trip: The Top Places to See When Driving From Belleville, Michigan to Shelby Charter Township, Michigan

There's no denying that Michigan is a state with an abundance of natural beauty, rich history, and exciting destinations. If you are planning a road trip from Belleville to Shelby Charter Township, you're in for a treat. The area offers an amazing variety of charming towns, wineries, nature preserves, and attractions to keep you entertained. In this blog post, we've put together a list of the top sights to see along the route. So, buckle up, gas up and get ready to explore everything that Michigan has to offer.

Discovering Michigan: Roadside Attractions & Hidden Gems

If you're itching for adventure, pack your bags and hit the road. Take your time and stop at these hidden gems and roadside attractions that make driving through Michigan so much fun.

Belleville Area Museum

Start your journey with a visit to the Belleville Area Museum. This museum is housed in the old Red Schoolhouse and is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Belleville and Van Buren Township. It features exhibits about the area's rural and agricultural heritage, Native American culture, and the Great Lakes. The museum is free and open to the public, making it a perfect starting point for your road trip.

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation

Just a short drive away, located in Dearborn, this museum is a must-visit for any history or technology buff. The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation is one of the largest indoor-outdoor museums in the USA and covers everything from transportation to industry, and food to sporting history. Enjoy interactive exhibits, view historical artifacts, and even tour the facility where Ford's Model T was once produced.

Moraine State Park

This beautiful park is located about an hour's drive from Belleville, and it's a perfect spot for a quick picnic with stunning views. Moraine State Park is known for its crystal-clear lake, where fishing, boating, and swimming are popular activities. The park also boasts an extensive trail system, ideal for hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers, and in the winter months, you can take advantage of its ice-skating or ice-fishing opportunities.

Yankee Air Museum

Located within the Willow Run Airport, less than 30 minutes' drive from Belleville, Yankee Air Museum is an aviation museum that houses a remarkable collection of vintage aircraft and artifacts. Visitors can learn about the history of aviation and the part it played in the war effort during WWII while getting up close and personal with planes like the B-17 "Yankee Lady" and the C-47 "Yankee Doodle Dandy."

Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill

Finally, your road trip would not be complete if you didn't stop at a Michigan cider mill. Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill is a charming family-owned and operated orchard that's been in business for over 75 years. Their apple cider and made-from-scratch donuts are a must-try, and if you visit in the fall season, you can also enjoy picking your pumpkins, apple picking, and hayrides.

Unbelievable Wineries & Vineyards

Michigan might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of wineries, but it should be. The state has a wealth of wineries and vineyards that offer a fantastic wine-tasting experience. If you're a wine-lover, the following wineries should definitely make it onto your must-visit list.

Sandhill Crane Vineyards

The first winery to check out on the way is Sandhill Crane Vineyards, located about an hour's drive from Belleville. It's a winery that prides itself on its environmentally sustainable practices and produces award-winning wines that are both delicious and unique. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating options, live music on the weekends, an extensive selection of cheese, and, of course, wine tastings.

J. Trees Cellars

10. Trees Cellars is located in Tecumseh, around a 45-minute drive from Sandhill Crane Vineyards. The winery is named after the J. Trees vineyard, which produces grapes that are used for their heartfelt and handcrafted wines. The tasting room is cozy, and the staff is knowledgeable and welcoming, creating an atmosphere that's perfect for a relaxing wine-tasting experience.

Cherry Creek Winery

Located in Brooklyn, about an hour's drive from J. Trees Cellars, is Cherry Creek Winery. The winery has been producing wine for over 30 years and has earned a reputation for its family-style atmosphere, award-winning wines, and friendly staff. They offer wine tastings, tours of the winery, and have a restaurant with a selection of savory dishes ranging from flatbreads to juicy burgers.

Sandstone Cellars Winery

Sandstone Cellars Winery is located in picturesque Lapeer, about a 45-minute drive from Cherry Creek Winery. This winery produces small-batch, handcrafted wines that are sure to please any wine enthusiast. They offer an extensive selection of wine, and guests can enjoy beautiful views of the vineyard from their wine terrace. They also offer outdoor seating options, live music on the weekends, and picnic areas for guests who want to stay and enjoy the wine.

Cranberries Cafe & Winery

Near the end of this road trip is Cranberries Cafe & Winery, located in Goodrich, which is about an hour's drive from Sandstone Cellars Winery. This winery offers a unique dining experience; they offer a selection of small plate dishes that pair perfectly with their wine, creating a fantastic dining experience like no other. They have a friendly staff, beautiful vineyard views, and an extensive wine list that is sure to satisfy any guest.

Conclusion

This Michigan road trip is perfect for the ultimate adventure-seekers, wine-lovers, and history buffs. By visiting each of these places, you'll experience everything Michigan has to offer, from its beautiful parks to its award-winning wineries. Make sure to plan your route well and take your time to enjoy all of the hidden gems and roadside attractions along the way. Trust us, you'll never forget the memories made in Michigan.