Looking to hit the open road and escape to the lakeshore? There’s nothing quite like a Michigan road trip to New Buffalo. Whether you’re coming from Chicago, Indianapolis, or anywhere across Michiana, this scenic stretch along US-12 or Red Arrow Highway is filled with roadside charm, winding wooded drives, and anticipation of a well-earned getaway.

Before you arrive at Copper Top Ridge, we’ve got a few road trip tips (and local connections) to help you make the most of your journey.

🛣️ Plan Your Michigan Road Trip to New Buffalo

Choose your route based on your mood—fast, scenic, or full of character.

From Chicago:
Take I-94 east until it merges into US-12 near New Buffalo, or hop off early to cruise along Red Arrow Highway, a classic Michigan shoreline route dotted with breweries, farm stands, and vintage signs.

From Northern Indiana:
Head north on M-51 or M-40 through charming towns like Dowagiac or Buchanan. These roads are packed with character and offer plenty of antique stops if you’re feeling spontaneous.

From Indianapolis or South Bend:
Loop through Elkhart or Niles, then connect with US-12. If you’re coming from Elkhart, we always recommend a quick lunch stop at Westwind Brewery or a visit to Wellfield Botanic Gardens before heading north.

🔧 Prep Your Vehicle for a Michigan Road Trip to New Buffalo

Before any getaway, it’s worth giving your vehicle a quick check. The last thing you want is a warning light or flat tire slowing you down. Here’s what we recommend checking before the drive:

• Tire pressure and tread

• Oil and fluid levels

• Wiper blades and washer fluid

• Brake feel and battery

• Headlights and taillights

• Cargo space (for luggage, wine, or vintage finds!)

Local Tip: Need a tune-up or a more comfortable vehicle for your trip? We recommend visiting our extended family at Lochmandy Auto Group, with locations across Michiana:

• Lochmandy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram – Elkhart

• Lochmandy Buick GMC – Elkhart

• Lochmandy Chevrolet – Bremen

• Lochmandy Ford – Knox

They’ve been helping Midwest families get road-trip ready for generations.

🧳 What to Pack for a Michigan Road Trip to New Buffalo

Once your vehicle’s ready, it’s time to pack. Here’s what we suggest bringing for a weekend at Copper Top Ridge:

• Beach towels, sunscreen, and a good book

• Comfortable walking shoes for hiking Warren Dunes

• A cooler for farmer’s market finds and picnic snacks

• A day bag for antiquing along the Old Sauk Trail

• A Bluetooth speaker and road trip playlist

• A camera or phone with plenty of storage

• Cozy layers—it can get chilly by the lake, even in summer

• A bottle of wine or craft beer to enjoy under the stars

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🛏️ Arriving at Copper Top Ridge: Your New Buffalo Road Trip Stay

After your scenic Michigan road trip to New Buffalo, you’ll arrive at Copper Top Ridge—our private vacation rental tucked into the woods just minutes from the beach and downtown.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• A hot tub under the stars

• A fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs

• A modern kitchen to prep your market finds

• Luxury robes, spa-like bathrooms, and a curated coffee station

• Add-ons like e-bike rentals and game day transportation

Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or a vintage-hunting adventure, Copper Top Ridge is the perfect place to recharge.

🌅 Make It a Journey to Remember

You don’t have to go far to feel far away. A Michigan road trip to New Buffalo delivers the best of all worlds—winding country roads, sun-dappled lakeshore drives, roadside fruit stands, antique barns, and family-run wineries. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to mean plane tickets and passports. Sometimes, the most meaningful escapes are found just a few hours from home.

Whether you’re cruising solo with your favorite playlist, taking a long-overdue couples getaway, or packing up the SUV for a family weekend, the road to New Buffalo is lined with stories waiting to be discovered. Small towns like Three Oaks and Buchanan invite you to slow down and wander. Historic trails like the US-12 Heritage Trail carry the echo of generations past. And Lake Michigan’s shoreline greets you at the end of every turn.

This isn’t just a drive—it’s a return to what makes travel feel good: spontaneity, simplicity, and scenery that soothes the soul.

Take your time. Stop often. Savor the moments in between. Because the best road trips aren’t just about where you’re going—they’re about how you feel getting there.

And when you arrive, we’ll be here—hot tub warm, fire pit crackling, porch lights glowing, and everything ready to welcome you home to Copper Top Ridge.