Michigan’s Three Most Popular Rest Stops?

For many Michiganders who travel north on 127, the favorite place to make a pit stop is the Welcome Center near Clare. But according to a survey taken by over 3,000 truckers and drivers, that center surprisingly does not make the grade.

These three Michigan rest areas are ranked as the state’s best, so say these pollsters:

According to the survey, the Michigan rest stop that comes in at #3 is the Indian River rest area on I-75. Actually called the ‘Topinabee Rest Area’, this indeed is an impressive place to stop.....and not just to pee. It has a side road where you can visit a scenic lookout, especially cool when the fall colors come out. This rest stop is nestled in the woods just off the highway. Sure – many travelers stop here even if they DON’T have to go to the bathroom.

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At #2 (no pun intended) is the Port Huron Welcome Center on I-94 near the Blue Water Bridge. It’s a good distance off the highway and is similar to the Welcome Center in Clare, inside and out. Clean and inviting.....but I’ll betcha the people who were polled never visited the one in Clare...or Indian River.

As for Michigan’s #1 rest stop, according to the poll, is the New Buffalo Welcome Center near the Indiana state border on I-94. Yes, it’s a nice clean stop, plenty of parking and well-kept on the inside. While it is nowhere as scenic as the Topinabee Rest Area or as popular as the Clare Welcome Center, I’m guessing this one made #1 based on its refreshing change after a grueling drive through Chicago and the crazy drivers on I-94 before you get to the Michigan border.