Exploring “Upper” Michigan

[WDW]

I’m looking for guidance on planning a trip that would start in Ludington, MI and travel north along the coast, eventually intersecting with US 2 and then heading down to Green Bay. I’ve got the plans before Ludington and after Green Bay outlined, I’m just looking for guidance how to explore / where to stay / exciting experiences in this part of Michigan.

Your input is appreciated.

[bsinmich]

When are you planning this trip? It would be very cold now. When you cross the bridge to the UP you can head straight up I-75 ti Sault Ste Marie. The Soo locks are there and the Antlers restaurant. (definite stop and tell them you have never been there before.) Tahquamenon falls is great with upper and lower falls + campground. Going W on hwy 28 you get to Munising and Pictured Rocks boat tour. Worth the Trip. There are more waterfall in Alger county than any other spot in the state. Keeping W. on 28 you get to the Keweenaw peninsula and fishing towns. 28 will run into hwy US2 at Ironwood. On the way to Tahquamenon Falls you can go to Paradise. (Hell is in the lower peninsula) We actually have both here. I just did most of this in October. There are many campgrounds all over the UP.

[WDW]

This is a next summer trip. After Green Bay were headed to see family in Manitowac and the Badger back across to Ludington.

[bsinmich]

I forgot to mention Mackinac Island. The only vehicles there are horse powered. Just watch out for their exhaust. You can rent a bike and ride around the island. 8.25 miles. You can got to St Ignace and get a campsite closer than in Mackinaw City.

[twogypsies]

Definitely stay in the Leelanau Peninsula - drive the scenic roads along the lake and explore Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore. If you're a music lover check out the performances at Interlochen Music Camp... top performers from all over the world. Take the day ferry from Leland to South Manitou Island. (We lived on the island and gave the lighthouse tours as volunteers.)

Petoskey would be another stop for exploring. Drive along the lakeshore road - Tunnel of Trees (not RV-friendly). Have a meal at Legs Inn in Cross Village. Definitely do a day trip to beautiful Charlevoix.

Naturally stay at either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace for a day ferry trip to Mackinac Island.

Cross the Mighty Mac into the UP and head north to Sault Ste. Marie and watch the big ships.

Stay at Taquamenon Falls State Park and tour Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

Head over to Munising and tour Pictured Rocks Nat'l Lakeshore late afternoon for the best photos.

Stay at Copper Harbor State Park - beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula.

Porcupine Mtn. State Park is worth a stop.

[bobmar]

Hard to add anything else to others suggestions! It’s a great area.

Lots of wineries near Traverse City on the Leelanau Peninsula if you’re into that type of thing.

Watch for wind warnings when going on the Mighty Mac over the straits.

Whitefish Pt Shipwrecks Museum is wonderful.

Take the toad on the Lake Superior shoreline if you like mildly rugged, gravel road adventure from Tahquamanon Falls to Grand Marais. We love doing that.

The north shore of Lake Michigan is beautiful if you take that route.

The Badger is a great way to bypass Chicago. Never had the MH on it tho. Great old ship.

[Kjon]

Been there a few times. Definitely a warm weather trip. Father was from Trimountain Keewenaw peninsula. 250” of annual snowfall.

[SailorSam]

An odd ball FREE place to visit - Lakenenland Sculpture Park on M-28. Drive or walk thru junk yard art.

Stop at Hilltop Restaurant in L' Anse, worlds best sweet roll.
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming, is good for a laugh. Listening to some of their music is good to raise spirits.

[Triangle Drifter]

Why not really put the icing on the cake & do a full Lake Superior loop. Did that last year. There are some great provincial parks to stop at & shoreline in between. The Canada part will take at least a few days.

[grindstone01]

Here is another post on UP information.
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f38/summ...up-514416.html

[bsinmich]

Originally Posted by Triangle Drifter

Why not really put the icing on the cake & do a full Lake Superior loop. Did that last year. There are some great provincial parks to stop at & shoreline in between. The Canada part will take at least a few days.

I did the Canada part a couple years ago. With the new road you barely see Lake Superior and the semi's will push you off the road if you aren't going way over the speed limit.

[grindstone01]

Originally Posted by bsinmich

I did the Canada part a couple years ago. With the new road you barely see Lake Superior and the semi's will push you off the road if you aren't going way over the speed limit.

Very true, the CN part of the Lake Superior loop is just a drive through the woods. Take 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage (150 miles) for a nice lakeside tour and coming back you get a different view. Take the toad or truck and stay in a B&B in Grand Portage.

[kscaddo]

Originally Posted by WDW

This is a next summer trip. After Green Bay were headed to see family in Manitowac and the Badger back across to Ludington.

I'll be darned. Wife is from Manitowoc. Met her while I lived in Two Rivers '76-'82. Married in '79. Learned a trade, married my girl, and had our first daughter until I had had enough of the North and moved back home to Texas in '82. Regards.
p.s. With another couple took our Harley's on the badger and came back around the UP. Good memories. Thanks

[jtovo]

Great Walmart in Escanaba, MI for Overnite stay.