Nothing says quality family time like a good old-fashioned road trip, and the Great Lakes are a great destination for your trip. Whether you want to go for a leisurely cruise on a sunny day or you’ve got a family looking for adventure, the Great Lakes offer plenty of opportunities for the whole family. When hitting the road with the whole crew, one of the hardest questions to answer—besides “Are we there yet?”—is “What’s for lunch?” Here are some of our favorite foodie spots to check out when taking a family road trip to the Great Lakes.

Lawry’s Pasty Shop

Michigan is home to some of the most unique food in the country. A staple among the people of this great state is a simple yet delectable food called the pasty. These can be grabbed just about anywhere in the state, but if you find yourself touring Marquette, Michigan along the banks of Lake Superior, you are going to want to pop into Lawry’s Pasty Shop.

 

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Brought to the state by Cornish copper miners, Yoopers can’t get enough of these yummy hand-held pastries. Lawry’s is a family owned shop serving traditional beef, potato, onion, and rutabaga pasties as well as a garden vegetable version. They even have mini pasties for kids and those with smaller appetites.

National Coney Island

If your travels take you to the southernmost part of Lake Huron, or if you are checking out the beauty of Lake Erie, stop into the Motor City itself for some of the best Americana cuisine around. National Coney Island boasts 17 locations in and around Detroit and offers a fun atmosphere and amazing food. They have a fabulous menu that caters to a variety of appetites.


You and your family can choose from burgers and fries, salads, desserts and, of course, America’s favorite—the hot dog. Have a larger group to feed or want to “grab and go”? No problem! National Coney Island also has party trays guaranteed to please every member of your crew. Definitely worth stopping here for a full meal or a sweet treat.

Fatty Lumpkins’ Sandwich Shack

Hidden in the quaint town of Muskegon, Michigan on the eastern coast of Lake Michigan is a hidden gem called Fatty Lumpkins. Featuring fabulous hoagies of all varieties, salads to fill you up, and plenty of sides, drinks, and more, this shop is a great place to stop when touring the Great Lakes with your crew. Dine in or grab and go for a great picnic and ultimate family time.


Just as the Great Lakes offer plenty of sight-seeing opportunities, they also offer great, hidden gems for the ultimate foodie road trip. Pop in to our favorites or find a few of your own. You will not be disappointed.