Community Forums

IlliniCathy · 08-02-2015, 04:28 PM

Wondering about traveling in Michigan and Wisconsin without toad. We are 38 ft. Will we be able to site see in MH? Want to go to mackinaw especially. Thanks all!

rhusak · 08-02-2015, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniCathy

Wondering about traveling in Michigan and Wisconsin without toad. We are 38 ft. Will we be able to site see in MH? Want to go to mackinaw especially. Thanks all!

First.. No cars on Mackinaw Island.. Have to take a ferry over (Passengers only)
I would sure want to take a toad.. Many small 2 lanes to explore!
Originally from Michigan..
Enjoy the trip

**CLIFFTALL** · 08-02-2015, 04:34 PM

You'll be limited as to sight seeing IMO. We never left home without our toad. Do you have a toad ? Furthermore as I recall you can't drive any vehicle on the island. We took the day ferry.

nothermark · 08-02-2015, 04:40 PM

Assuming you mean Mackinaw Island I'd call the ferry service about parking. It looks like you can find a spot but you might want to be really early to get something you are willing to deal with. Cannot take any motor vehicle to the island. You know the drill for the rest.

CampDaven · 08-02-2015, 04:57 PM

Much to see!
Fort Mackinac, Copper Harbor, Fort Wilkins.

Be a Yooper!

loisjop · 08-02-2015, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniCathy

Wondering about traveling in Michigan and Wisconsin without toad. We are 38 ft. Will we be able to site see in MH? Want to go to mackinaw especially. Thanks all!

We're in St. Ignace Mi now. I guess anything is possible, but not very practical. Hooking and unhooking, fuel and trying to park would be problems. Right now there are 1500 Mini Coopers in town. In a couple weeks is Goldwing weekend so it is crowded around here.

jacwjames · 08-02-2015, 06:03 PM

I'm from northern Wisconsin and worked, lived and traveled in the UP 2011-2013.

There are several nice campground in Mackinaw City that probably have shuttle services into town or to catch the ferry to the island but once you get in the UP there will be limited alternate forms of transportation.

There are lots of sites to see that would be inconvenient or almost impossible to see in an a RV.

We had a smaller Class C before our current coach and didn't pull a toad. For the first ~year we had our current Class A we didn't have a toad. Went to Alaska without a toad, really regretted that. We now pull a Jeep GC and pull it pretty much everywhere, even on shorter trips.

My recommendation would be to pull a toad.

wildtoad · 08-02-2015, 06:51 PM

We went to macinac a couple of years ago and parked at the KOA. What we found was no rental cars and only one cab serving two towns.

Kazoo Tom · 08-02-2015, 07:06 PM

If you are planning to stay in the lower peninsula consider staying at Petoskey KOA, or Hearthside Grove for a true resort experience. There is an Enterprise rental in Petoskey that will pick you up and drop you off at both places. We've stayed at both and used Enterprise there several times.

Petoskey is only about 1/2 hour to Mackinaw City. Lots to see and do in the Petoskey area too, much easier in a car than a MH.

There is also a very large campground, Mackinaw Mill Creek, just SE of Mackinaw City. Not 100% sure, but I believe they have a shuttle to the ferry docks. Call first to be sure. The ferry docks are right in downtown Mackinaw City so sites there are in walking distance. As stated in the above posts no cars on Mackinaw Island.

All of the ferry services have very large open lots, but they get very crowded quickly. You should probably call ahead to inquire about over size vehicle parking. Of course there are no hook ups in the lots so things like the fridge will be running on propane and your batteries.

My choice has been to set up in Petoskey and rent a car there. You can then continue your trip after your Mackinaw visit in your MH crossing the bridge. Be aware that windy conditions can make the bridge crossing very interesting. Currently there is some work going on along the south side of the bridge causing some lane closures. The drive across the U.P. to Wisconsin will be a very nice drive.

rodz · 08-03-2015, 01:32 AM

I go there a few time's a year I a 39' . There's no problem going anywhere you want. If you plan on going to the island, I suggest using the St. Ignace port. Mackinaw City side gets crowded fast. There's a free shuttle from the KOA in St. Ignace to the ferry.

IlliniCathy · 08-03-2015, 04:53 AM

Thank you all for information. We do plan on ultimately setting up for toad, but none of our vehicles will work 4 down and have not yet decided between open and closed trailer. Would like to travel while we mull over decision. going to pesos key and renting car sounds like great plan. Great group here:Thanx

nothermark · 08-03-2015, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlliniCathy

Thank you all for information. We do plan on ultimately setting up for toad, but none of our vehicles will work 4 down and have not yet decided between open and closed trailer. Would like to travel while we mull over decision. going to pesos key and renting car sounds like great plan. Great group here:Thanx

If you have a front drive car buy a used dolly with surge brakes. Rent if you do not want to buy.

daydream37 · 08-03-2015, 09:37 AM

Stayed in St. Inace at a campground. The ferry service provided free transportation to the ferry and back again. Of course as previously mentioned. No cars allowed on the Island.

twogypsies · 08-03-2015, 04:00 PM

We'd never travel in a large RV without something small to tour around. You'll be missing a lot and parking in places will not be fun.

One above-poster stated "there's no problem going anywhere you want" but I disagree. There are many, many places in Michigan that you won't be able to get to. Guess it depends if you want to 'see' Michigan or just go to the 'hot spots'. We lived there and there are awesome places to explore - in a small vehicle.