How far is Chief Lake, MI from Stronach, MI?
The driving distance from Chief Lake, MI to Stronach, MI is about 18.6 miles (29.9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 30m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 12.7 miles (20.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 01m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 00h 30m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Township in Manistee County, Michigan
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Chief Lake and Stronach.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Chief Lake and Stronach.
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1
Start on Chief Road
1.6 mi · 4 min · Chief Road
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2
Turn left onto Nine Mile Road
3 mi · 5 min · Nine Mile Road
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3
Turn left onto Chippewa Highway
7.8 mi · 11 min · Chippewa Highway
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4
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Chippewa Highway
53 m · 3 sec · Chippewa Highway
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5
Exit the roundabout onto Chippewa Highway
1.6 km · 1 min · Chippewa Highway
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6
Continue on East Parkdale Avenue
2.1 mi · 3 min · East Parkdale Avenue
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7
Turn left onto Caberfae Highway
2.2 mi · 3 min · Caberfae Highway
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8
Turn right onto Eastlake Road
2.7 mi · 4 min · Eastlake Road
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9
Continue on Water Street
768 ft · 32 sec · Water Street
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10
Turn left onto 3rd Avenue
12 m · 2 sec · 3rd Avenue
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11
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 3rd Avenue
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Chief Lake and Stronach.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
Chippewa Highway
Turn left onto Chippewa Highway
7.81 mi · 00h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Chief Lake and Partly Sunny near Stronach.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Chief Lake to Stronach?
The road trip is about 18.6 miles (29.9 km) and usually takes 00h 30m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Onekama is a useful midpoint, sitting about 10.3 miles from Chief Lake and 8.3 miles from Stronach.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 12.7 miles (20.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 5.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:28 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $2.49 one way or $4.98 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 5.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Chief Lake and Partly Sunny near Stronach.
Stop Ideas Near Onekama
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Onekama.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Chief Lake and Stronach. Straight-line distance: 12.68 mi (20.4 km).
#1 Chief Lake
Chief Lake is a place in Michigan, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 44.3486100, -86.1023100 |
| Altitude | 234 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Stronach
Township in Manistee County, Michigan
| Population | 842 |
| Coordinates | 44.2133400, -86.2753600 |
| Altitude | 184 |
| Country | United States |
End: 3rd Avenue (-86.275361, 44.213321)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 30 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 27m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 15m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 13m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $2.49 | $4.98 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $2.81 | $5.61 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $3.07 | $6.14 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $3.50 | $7.00 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Michigan · Apr 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.