How far is Houghton Lake, MI from Sterling Heights, MI?
The driving distance from Houghton Lake, MI to Sterling Heights, MI is about 179.6 miles (289.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 44m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 148.1 miles (238.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 29m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
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 02h 44m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Saginaw County, Michigan, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Houghton Lake and Sterling Heights.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Houghton Lake and Sterling Heights.
-
1
Start on Stone School Road
20 m · 3 sec · Stone School Road
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2
Turn right onto West Houghton Lake Drive
6.8 mi · 10 min · West Houghton Lake Drive
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3
Turn straight onto West Branch Road
108.4 mi · 1 hr 54 min · West Branch Road
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4
Keep slight left
11 mi · 12 min
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5
Keep slight left
36.8 mi · 39 min
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6
Take the exit slight right toward M 59 East: Utica
1392 ft · 47 sec
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7
Merge slight left
9.6 mi · 10 min
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Mound Road, Merrill Road
1449 ft · 35 sec
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9
Continue on Dobry Drive
1046 ft · 26 sec · Dobry Drive
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10
Turn right onto Mound Road
3.3 mi · 5 min · Mound Road
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11
Continue on Mound Road
1212 ft · 36 sec · Mound Road
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12
Turn right onto 17 Mile Road
1.6 km · 2 min · 17 Mile Road
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13
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 17 Mile Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Houghton Lake and Sterling Heights.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
West Branch Road
Turn straight onto West Branch Road
108 mi · 01h 54m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers leaving Houghton Lake and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Sterling Heights.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Houghton Lake to Sterling Heights?
The road trip is about 179.6 miles (289.1 km) and usually takes 02h 44m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Zilwaukee is a useful midpoint, sitting about 88.9 miles from Houghton Lake and 90.8 miles from Sterling Heights.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 148.1 miles (238.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 31.5 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 1:00 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.91 one way or $47.82 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain And Snow Showers around Houghton Lake and Mostly Sunny then Slight Chance Rain Showers near Sterling Heights.
Stop Ideas Near Zilwaukee
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Old City Hall
Bay City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Zilwaukee.
Saginaw, MI
Bay City, MI
Flint station
Owosso, MI
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Houghton Lake and Sterling Heights. Straight-line distance: 148.09 mi (238.32 km).
#1 Houghton Lake
Unincorporated community in Roscommon County, Michigan, USA
| Population | 3,427 |
| Coordinates | 44.3147400, -84.7647500 |
| Altitude | 349 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sterling Heights
The second most populous city in Macomb County, Michigan.
| Population | 131,709 |
| Coordinates | 42.5803100, -83.0302000 |
| Altitude | 187 |
| Country | United States |
End: 17 Mile Road (-83.030204, 42.580347)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 289 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 59m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 33m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.77 | $23.91 | $47.82 |
| Mid-grade | $4.25 | $26.96 | $53.93 |
| Premium | $4.65 | $29.51 | $59.01 |
| Diesel | $5.30 | $33.63 | $67.25 |
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 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.