Roadtrip with RVshare Louisville to Traverse City

The road trip from Louisville, KY, to Traverse City, MI, takes travelers almost due north from the Ohio River to a port near the intersection of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron. Louisville, founded in 1778 by George Rogers Clark, was initially established as a portage point to move goods past the Falls of Ohio — the only obstruction limiting access to the Mississippi from the colonies on the eastern seaboard at the time. On the other hand, Traverse City is a small community that is the child of technological advances that increased shipping and railroad access to an area where lumber and mining opportunities lay awaiting energetic laborers. A road trip that connects the two takes advantage of the historical, cultural, and social significance found along the trek. You pass through hundreds of small communities, many large urban areas, and several national and state parks on this journey. Take advantage of this route to uncover hidden gems along the way.

Nearby National Parks

Mammoth Cave National Park

Before embarking on your Louisville to Traverse City RV road trip, take a 100-mile drive south to visit the fantastic Mammoth Cave National Park. The caverns here include over 400 miles of explored caves with untold miles of caves yet unexplored. Your detour gives an unexpected boost to your road trip from Louisville to Traverse City with visions of frozen flowstone and impressive stalagmites and stalactites. 

Gateway Arch National Park

At Indianapolis — 114 miles into your road trip from Louisville to Traverse City — make a 245-mile detour to the west to visit Saint Louis, MO, and the Gateway Arch National Park. Completed in 1965 and named a national park in 2018, the arch symbolizes the connection of the East and West Coasts of the United States. The arch is located at the same spot from which the Lewis and Clark Expedition explored and claimed rights to the Louisiana Purchase and beyond. Visitors use a trolley to reach the top of the 630-foot-high arch, where an observation post provides impressive views of the city and its rivers. In addition to the arch, the park includes 91 acres of riverfront property where reconstructed buildings hold museums and exhibits describing other important events in Saint Louis, such as the Dredd Scott incident, which contributed to the Civil War.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

After you visit the Gateway Arch, return to Indianapolis and take another detour 320 miles east to see the incredible Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This park’s natural beauty draws over 2.2 million visitors each year. The valley follows the Cuyahoga River for 100 miles until it spills into Lake Erie in Cleveland, OH. It features over 100 waterfalls, 125 miles of trails, and a scenic railroad. The park is known as one of the most beautiful spots in Ohio.

Indiana Sand Dunes National Park

After leaving Cuyahoga Valley National Park, travel due west through South Bend, IN, to visit another natural wonder. Indiana Sand Dunes National Park sits at the southern tip of Lake Michigan, where currents and wave action have deposited millions of tons of lake sand over thousands of years. The 15 miles of sandy lake shoreline are stunning and offer visitors the opportunity to fish, swim, and boat in the lake. Included in the park are 40 square miles of inland dunes and marshlands that provide incredible wildlife habitat. 

Nearby State Parks

General Butler State Park

Before you go north, add General Butler State Park to your road trip itinerary from Louisville to Traverse City. This park is the first state park set aside by Kentucky to preserve the state's natural beauty. Located about 52 miles northeast of Louisville and along the Ohio River, this park is the perfect spot to familiarize yourself with your RV. Guests at this park are treated to the only view in Kentucky of the convergence of the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. The campground sits beside beautiful Butler Lake, where migratory birds flock to feed. Boating, swimming, and fishing are allowed on the lake. Miles of hiking trails let guests visit original sites such as the historic Butler Home.

Brown County State Park

Take the opportunity to stop at Brown County State Park for your first night’s rest on your Louisville to Traverse City road trip. To get there, detour west 18 miles when you reach Columbus, IN. With over 16,000 acres of rocky ridges, hills, and ravines, Brown County is Indiana's largest state park. You can relax here by hiking miles of trails, fishing the streams, or swimming in the small lakes. The park is a gorgeous spot to stop, rest, and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Holland State Park  

When you reach Grand Rapids, about 375 miles into your road trip from Louisville to Traverse City, detour 30 miles west to stop at Holland State Park. This 142-acre park boasts views of Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, and the iconic “Big Red” Lighthouse. With the park's location next to two large bodies of water, guests can swim, fish, or boat on both lakes and the Holland Channel that connects them. Hiking and biking trails allow visitors to elevate above the lakes for an astounding view.

Along the Way

Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Sponsored and operated by Kalamazoo Community College, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum features over 50,000 artifacts. The mix of items includes an Egyptian mummy, Native American pottery, and tools brought from the East Coast by immigrants. 

KISS Monument

When you reach Cadillac, MI, 490 miles into your Louisville to Traverse City RV road trip, stop for a moment to witness one of the most heartwarming stories in modern America. During a losing season, Cadillac football coaches began playing KISS music before practices and games. The team started winning. When KISS learned of the turnaround, they adopted Cadillac as their hometown and played a concert at the homecoming game. Forty years after the event, Cadillac raised a 4,000-pound granite slab imported from India to commemorate the group. KISS happily showed up for the unveiling — to the eternal joy of their Cadillac fans.

Old Mission Point Lighthouse

To finish your road trip from Louisville to Traverse City, visit the Old Mission Point Lighthouse, otherwise known as the Old Mission Lighthouse. Constructed in 1870, this quaint lighthouse takes you back in time to when ships were caught on hidden shoals extending into Traverse Bay. The lighthouse acts as the centerpiece of a lovely park where you can hike, bike, picnic, or sit back and enjoy the incredible view of two Great Lakes — Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis is a major intersection servicing communities from every direction. It is Indiana’s largest city and the state's capital. Inside its boundaries are numerous parks, museums, unique shops, and ingenious restaurants. Stopping in or near this city lets you explore its remarkable history, people, and indomitable spirit. The city is home to multiple dump stations and campgrounds where travelers can stop to clean their tanks and rest for the journey ahead.

South Bend, IN

If you were to take the direct route on your road trip from Louisville to Traverse City, then South Bend would be the midway point of your journey. Home of the University of Notre Dame and large businesses and positioned as a major intersection between Cleveland and Chicago, South Bend receives a lot of RV traffic. Visitors are welcome to use the dump stations available throughout the city. RV campers find many campgrounds where they can stay to enjoy the sites around the town.

Grand Rapids, MI

When you reach Grand Rapids on your Louisville to Traverse City road trip, you are within 141 miles of your destination. Grand Rapids is a fast-growing community with an incredible mix of restaurants, shops, museums, and points of interest. Take advantage of the numerous dump stations the town offers while you are here. Many visitors come to this city to enjoy the campgrounds for their beauty, cleanliness, and quality.

Find Adventure from Louisville to Traverse City

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Louisville to Traverse City, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Louisville or Traverse City.