The drive from Dearborn, MI to Ironwood, MI covers 603.8 miles and takes about 11h 29m behind the wheel.
It usually feels better as a 2-day road trip than as one long push.
The route leans on I 75, M-28, US-2 West for much of the mileage,
and the overall profile is long-distance drive.
The longest uninterrupted segment is about 232.9 miles on I 75.
At current regular gas prices, budget about $94.40 one way before food or hotel costs.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
3 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
301.9 miles from Dearborn, MI
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 5h 19m into the drive
.
Drive Character
At 603.8 miles and 11h 29m of driving, this is a route where fuel stops, weather, and timing matter more than any single turn. The main roads are I 75 and M-28.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 40 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 75 is the longest continuous segment at about 232.9 miles.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,598 ft591 ft
Total Climb
2,558 ft
Total Descent
1,647 ft
Highest Point
1,598 ft
~517.5 mi in
Elevation Range
1,007 ft
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 75 and M-28. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.8 miles in.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 603.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles (I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
8
6.8 mi into trip|~10m in
Take the exit toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 216A
Toward I 75: Flint, Toledo
7
6.8 mi into trip|~10m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 75 North: Flint
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 75 North: Flint
5
7.3 mi into trip|~11m in|I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Merge onto I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
64.9 mi into trip|~1h 13m in|I 75
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75 toward I 75: Saginaw
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward I 75: Saginaw
6
297.8 mi into trip|~5h 13m in
Take the exit toward US 2: Manistique, Escanaba
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 344B
Toward US 2: Manistique, Escanaba
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Dearborn, MI to Ironwood, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Escanaba along the way.
Escanaba
297.8 mi in|~5h 13m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
I 75
232.9 mi
4h
M-28
70.9 mi
1h 23m
US-2 West
62.1 mi
1h 12m
US 141
59.4 mi
1h 8m
North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
57.6 mi
1h 1m
US 41
41 mi
53m
M 28
19.1 mi
23m
M 77
17.3 mi
20m
Longest stretch:
I 75
— 232.9 mi, about 4h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dearborn, MI and Ironwood, MI.
1
Start on US 12
0.6 mi·1 min·Michigan Avenue
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward I 94 East: Detroit
3
Merge onto I 94
0.3 mi·23 sec·Detroit Industrial Expressway
4
Continue on I 94
5.6 mi·7 min·Edsel Ford Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
302 ft·5 sec
Exit 216AToward I 75: Flint, ToledoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward I 75 North: FlintUse the slight left lane.
7
Merge onto I 75
58 mi·1 hr 1 min·North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
52 mi·56 min·I 75
Toward I 75: Saginaw
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75; US 23
63 mi·1 hr 3 min·I 75; US 23
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 75
118 mi·2 hr 1 min·I 75
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·1 min
Exit 344BToward US 2: Manistique, Escanaba
12
Merge onto US 2; I 75 BL
0.7 mi·1 min·US-2 West
13
Continue on US 2
3.2 mi·3 min·US 2
14
Continue on US 2
61 mi·1 hr 11 min·US-2 West
15
Turn right onto M 77
17 mi·20 min·M 77
16
Turn sharp left onto M 28
35 mi·41 min·M-28
17
Continue on M 28
0.2 mi·28 sec·Cedar Street
18
Enter roundabout onto M 28
194 ft·11 sec·East Munising
19
Continue on M 28
2.2 mi·4 min·East Munising
20
Continue on M 28
36 mi·42 min·M-28
21
Continue on CR 551
1.8 mi·2 min·Cherry Creek Road
Use the straight lane.
22
Turn right onto CR 480
13 mi·18 min·County Road 480
23
Continue on Rail Street
0.4 mi·36 sec·Rail Street
24
Turn right onto Division Street
503 ft·10 sec·Division Street
25
Turn right onto M 28 BUS
440 ft·12 sec·West Main Street
26
Turn left onto M 28 BUS
0.5 mi·52 sec·North Teal Lake Avenue
27
Turn left onto US 41; M 28
2.7 mi·4 min·US Highway 41
28
Enter roundabout onto US 41; M 28
83 ft·4 sec·US 41; M 28
29
Continue on US 41; M 28
0.9 mi·1 min·US 41; M 28
30
Enter roundabout onto US 41; M 28
88 ft·5 sec·US 41; M 28
31
Continue on US 41; M 28
40 mi·51 min·US 41; M 28
32
Turn left onto US 141; M 28
59 mi·1 hr 8 min·US 141; M 28
33
Continue on M 28; M 64
19 mi·23 min·M 28; M 64
34
Turn right onto US 2
11 mi·14 min·US 2 West
35
Turn left onto US 2 BUS
0.4 mi·38 sec·Douglas Boulevard
36
Continue on US 2 BUS
454 ft·12 sec·East Frederick Street
37
Turn left onto US 2 BUS
474 ft·10 sec·North Suffolk Street
38
Turn right onto East Ayer Street
461 ft·22 sec·East Ayer Street
39
Turn right onto North Lowell Street
97 ft·4 sec·North Lowell Street
40
Arrive at destination
North Lowell Street
Trip Plan
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 301.9 miles from Dearborn, MI, or about 5h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 232.9 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 133 miles or 2h 25m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 301.9 miles or 5h 19m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 301.9 miles or 5h 19m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 10h 17m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Ironwood, MI than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Dearborn, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Dearborn, MI
Aim for roughly 302 miles and 5.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Ironwood, MI
Aim for roughly 302 miles and 5.7 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 133 miles from Dearborn, MI.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 3 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 75 for about 232.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 301.9 mi from Dearborn, MI
· 5h 19m into the drive
The midpoint is around 301.9 miles from Dearborn, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before I 75 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 232.9 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stop
For a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 302 miles or 5.7 hours on the road.
Arriving in Ironwood, MI
The final approach into Ironwood, MI usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Ironwood, MI.
On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Ironwood, MI with some flexibility left in the schedule.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
National Lakeshore
Sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline beckon you to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's coa...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
$25
near mile 395.6
Park Closure: Munising Falls Trail Closed Until Further Notice
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$94.40 one way
$188.79 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg211 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$103.64
$207.29
premium
$4.89
$116.20
$232.39
diesel
$5.61
$133.31
$266.62
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$94
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$224–$334
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 211.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $63 in charging
· 2 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
181.1
2
$63.40
$28.98
Efficient EV
151
1
$52.83
$24.15
EV Truck/SUV
241.5
3
$84.53
$38.64
Gas CO2
211 kg
EV CO2
71 kg (66% less)
Plan for 2 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Dearborn, MI
Morning
in Dearborn on Friday
Local time
8:21 AM
EDT
Current temp
61°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Ironwood, MI
Morning
in Ironwood on Friday
Local time
7:21 AM
CDT
Current temp
35°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
56°F
Flat Rock, MI
399 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
Time zone
1 hour earlier
The destination clock does not match departure time, so double-check hotel check-in windows and late arrival plans.
Temperature spread
26 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
11h 29m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Dearborn, MI to Ironwood, MI covers 603.8 miles and takes about 11h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 75, M-28, US-2 West. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 302 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 301.9 miles from Dearborn, MI. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $94.40 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 3 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 603.8 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 6.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles (I 75 / North Walter P. Chrysler Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Dearborn, MI to Ironwood, MI, road signs begin pointing toward Escanaba along the way.
Gently rolling terrain. The route ranges from 591 ft to 1,598 ft elevation with about 2,558 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
How this page is built
Compiled and maintained by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy (Helsinki). Each route is built from authoritative open government and mapping datasets rather than crowdsourced reviews. Distances and geometry come from
OSRM
over
OpenStreetMap.
Fuel cost uses
EIA
weekly regional averages.
Elevation is sampled from
USGS 3DEP.
National park proximity is from the
NPS API.
Pages are published only after passing our data-quality checks; our
methodology page
documents refresh cadence, editorial standards, and known limitations.
