Summer 2023 Wisconsin and the UP.

[Cmftblynumb]

We are planning on going though this area in 2023 as well. We will be heading east out of the Dakotas through Minnesota then Wisconsin and the UP so very interested in the tips coming in for this area.

[Rexlion]

If you get as far as the eastern UP and into the Lower Peninsula, you'll be crossing the Mackinaw Bridge which is quite an experience in itself. Mackinaw Island has been mentioned, it can be reached either from St. Ignace or Mackinaw City via ferry, and I'd suggest a bicycle ride all the way around the island. See the fort, see the Grand Hotel, check out all the little shops, buy fudge and souvenirs. Mackinaw City also has plenty of little shops, and be sure to stop at the local bakery just north of the main strip to get some cinnamon bread and pecan rolls, they are great. There's another fort to tour here and also a couple of lighthouses.

Farther south, drive through Petoskey and head northwest along the Tunnel of Trees (narrow road, don't take large RVs) to Cross Village, where you will want to eat at historic Legs Inn (the name comes from the iron stove legs used to decorate the roofline); they have a picturesque interior and exterior, and their specialty is Polish cuisine (not as good as my mother made, of course) .

[SailorSam]

One more kitschy, small town option, the worlds largest gemstone:


Jasper Knob is commonly known as the “World’s Largest Gemstone”. The formation is a 1.874 billion-year-old rock outcrop in the city of Ishpeming, Michigan, and is accessible by a foot trail. Please park on the north side of the road near the intersection of Hill and Jasper streets. Enter the trail using the steps through the wall of stone. A common misconception of the area is that a local mining company owns it. In fact, the property is owned by the city of Ishpeming.

The world’s largest gemstone is a banded iron formation (BIF) that is comprised of jaspilite, which consists of alternating bands of jasper (a cryptocrystalline quartz), red hematite, and silvery-gray specular hematite. This type of iron ore is not profitable for mining because the iron content is only about 40%. Thus, this beautiful example of natural occurring gemstone is preserved for all to visit and admire.


GPS coordinates: N 46° 29.208 W 087° 39.275

[Wench]

Really appreciate all the great reply! Thank you very much for your input and insight to what looks like a fabulous area to explore!

[rfg9585]

Originally Posted by rfg9585

Spent time at both in 2020.... my list was

The Dells, (upper river boat tour, lower river jet boat)
Duluth (mining region, jeeping, state parks, apostle islands wish i had stayed in Bayfield)
Tomahawk (not the lake, but city), Minocqua, jeeping snowmobile trails, Bonds Falls on way to UP.
Marquette, wish I had stayed in Munising
Petoskey (absolutely beautiful area for sightseeing
Sault Ste Marie (Anne Osborne campground on river watching big ships, locks, ask about "The Cut"
Back to Petoskey (Hearthside Grove, nicest resort I been in)

Forgot to mention.... camp at the Wisconsin river near Spring Green,WI and visit the Frank Lloyd House and definitely the House on the Rock. This was and all day adventure thru a house of crazy things collected that will amaze anyone.

[Wench]

Right up there on the "wierd roadside attractions". Love that kind of stuff! Thank you Sailor Sam!

[jimcumminsw]

I see no one has mentioned M22 in lower MI. This either starts or stops in Traverse City, MI. You follow this two-lane road through all sorts of small towns along the bay and up and down the Leelanau Peninsula. This roadway travels to Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire MI. With one of our favorite towns to visit on M22 is Glen Arbor. There is one store you must visit in Glen Arbor called Cherry Republic. The road either starts or stops in Manistee MI and its total length is 116 miles with some of the best scenery along the western shore of MI.

One of our favorite RV resorts to stay at when we are near Sleeping Bear Dunes is Indigo Bluffs RV Resort and campground in Empire MI.
Good luck.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Wench

Right up there on the "wierd roadside attractions". Love that kind of stuff! Thank you Sailor Sam!

Well then.... you have to stop at Da Yoopers in the UP. Also, have a pastie meal.

https://dayoopers.com/

https://www.lehtospasties.com/pages/pastie-history

[jmck1737]

You have lots of great places mentioned already but I will highlight a few. We spent all of July last year in the UP and had a great time. Beautiful area to visit.

Do not miss Saulte Ste. Marie and definitely stay at Aunie Osburn right on the river. Also go to West Pier for a burger while there.

The Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish is worth the drive and it is beautiful up there. Do not miss eating fresh caught Whitefish at Browns Fish Market in Paradise. It doesn't look like much but the fish is the best you will eat.

Tahquamemon (sp) Falls is also a must see. Very short hike to the falls.

Munising and the Pictured Rocks Lakshore is also a must. Definately do the Pictured Rocks Cruise. They also have a shipwreck cruise which we didn't do but most folks we spoke with said if you only do one the Pictured Rocks Cruise is the one to do. Also there is a pastie shop just west of Munising, Muldoons, which is a must stop for a pastie.

Pictured Rocks RV Park is a newer park and has full hookups and is just west of Munising in Christmas.

Marquette is also a very nice place to visit. Great small town vib with restaurants and pubs plus great bike trails right on the water.

We stayed at the Hancock City park and it is right on water but most sites are for smaller rigs and some can be very unlevel.

Copper Harbor is worth the drive with lots of scenery in the area.

Sorry this got too long but it is a great area to visit.

Enjoy your trip.