As the summer winds down, many Michiganders are planning last-minute road trips as gas prices jump to the highest price since May, according to the American Automobile Association.
According to a AAA survey
, 59% of Michiganders were expected to travel between Memorial Day (May 31) and Labor Day (Sept. 7). Many families are heading out now to get in a last summer vacation before kids head back to school.As families pack up and hit the road, however, gas prices in Michigan have risen 13 cents from a week ago. Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $4.36 per gallon for regular unleaded, according to AAA.
The price is up 31 cents since last month and is about $1.22 more than this time in 2025.
"Michigan motorists continue to see higher costs
at the pump, with gas prices reaching their highest level since May," Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson, AAA-The Auto Club Group said in a news release. "While market conditions remain volatile, drivers may continue to see prices fluctuate."
Need to book a hotel for your summer road trip? Find one here
How much should I expect to pay while traveling?
For those planning road trips throughout the state, here's what gas prices are at popular tourist locations, as of Thursday, Aug. 6:
- Mackinac County: $4.45
- Wayne County: $4.23
- Muskegon County: $4.26
- Kent County: $4.07
- Grand Traverse County: $4.31
- Ingham County: $4.25
- Marquette County: $4.04
According to AAA, the cities averaging the highest average price for a gallon of regular gas are:
- Ann Arbor: $$4.32
- Benton Harbor: $4.17
- Flint: $4.20
- Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland: $4.12
- Jackson: $4.27
- Lansing-East Lansing: $4.23
- Marquette: $4.04
- Metro Detroit: $4.26
- Saginaw-Bay City- Midland: $4.24
- Traverse City: $4.27
Why are gas prices so high?
Fuel prices have increased dramatically, due to a continuing conflict with Iran that has blocked about 20% of the world's supply of oil and gas from transiting the Strait of Hormuz for months.
Additionally, U.S. gas prices typically peak between April and June when refineries switch to a more expensive "summer blend" of gasoline, which functions better in warm weather.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Last-minute summer trip? How much you'll pay this week for gas
