Lake Michigan is the only one of the Great Lakes that lies entirely within the United States. Few summer destinations in America grab hold of a visitor as tightly as the upper reaches of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, aka “the mitten.”. Join us on our Upper Peninsula Michigan Road Trip vacation as we tour pristine vistas, jaw dropping waterfalls, great views of Lake Superior and exciting attractions in Michigan's pristine UP. On South Manitou Island, climb the lighthouse for a glimpse into the past and majestic peaceful views, hike the dunes and bluffs, explore old growth forest with giant white cedar known as the Valley of the Giants, and fields punctuated with dazzling wildflowers. August 1, 2005. Grand Rapids, Michigan (1 Day/Night) Drive about three hours south to reach Grand Rapids, Michigan. But you can't miss a ride on the electric streetcars or the sculpture walk. The Living Great Lakes: Searching for the Heart of the Inland Seas is the definitive book about the history, nature, and science of these remarkable lakes at the heart of North America. The Ultimate Road Trip Along Lake Michigan in a Cadillac Escalade By Katy Spratte Joyce June 29, 2021 Few summer destinations in America grab hold of a visitor as tightly as the upper reaches of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, aka "the mitten." Point Betsie Lighthouse - Photo courtesy of Aaron . And if you know of great scenic routes, please send us a . Plan your road trip with Roadtrippers. You can take M-28, featuring gorgeous views of Lake Superior, from the west. Fly In: Chicago O'Hare. This 150-year old town, with 19th-century shanties, is known as Fishtown and was saved for … Chicago’s location on the shores of Lake Michigan makes it a great starting point for a circular road trip through the four US states that border the lake. Few outside the Midwest take the scenic trip up Michigan's western shoreline . In the fall, vibrant colors and farm markets line the road of this scenic highway. Living in a lighthouse Around the Great Lakes, volunteers keep the light on for . Another can’t miss while in the park is the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This 500-mile road trip starts in Traverse City and ends in Copper Harbor, bridging Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, while visiting three out of five Great Lakes. The east coast of Michigan is sometimes forgotten in favor of the Lake Michigan shore, so take time out to appreciate the Mitten State’s other amazing coastline. Finally, end your trip at Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse where you'll see a great view of the bridge to . I did a road trip from Chicago to Michigan last summer, visiting Indiana Dunes on the way then New Brighton, Saugatuck and Holland in Michigan. Renowned for its natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities, Michigan is a state best explored with plenty of time to spare. Lake Michigan was an unlikely destination for me, but after listening to a group of motorcycle riders straight from the Upper Peninsula chatting up the region's virtues during last year . It just takes a bite, and some patience, to get hooked while fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan. We took a trip to torch lake, if you have never been there it is really hard to find a public access for swimming as we found out. … Munising, Michigan Upper Peninsula. Explore the map. Gary is the western bookend of Indiana Dunes National Park, one of the country's newest national parks and a patchwork of beaches, marshland, prairie, scrub and forest running for 25 miles alongside Lake Michigan. I just would like to know if there are any must see places along the way and. Read on for a detailed 7-day Lake Michigan circle road trip itinerary! Staying there for a night or two. There are two ways to tackle this 900-mile, 14.5-hour drive. But I say the middle coast is incredibly underrated. Also want to do some exploration of Grand Rapids, where my Dad is from - Traverse City (Sleeping Bear dunes) 1 night - Mackinac Island 2 nights - Munising, Michigan for Pictured Rocks, Sault locks, Shipwreck Museum 2 nights Motorcycle Touring Around Lake Michigan. Just north of Manistee, take Motorway 22 to stick to the lake route to catch a picture-perfect sunset as you pull into Glen Arbor for fried smelt and local Vernors sodas at 1934-landmark Art's Tavern. Mackinac island has an 8-mile road that runs along the outside edge of the island and while it is paved with two lanes, you won’t find a single car on it. Western Ohio's Historic National Road is a straight-as-an-arrow drive from Kirkersville to the Illinois border. Upper Peninsula Drama: 75 . Michigan's east coast offers shipwrecks, huge Paul Bunyan roadside sculptures, secluded beaches, hiking trails, kayaking opportunities and adventures galore! We're from the UK and both mid 50's. A few months ago I asked for feedback on my itinerary and made major changes based on the very helpful advice I received. County Road H-58 is the primary road artery through the park. Found insideBrimming with kitchen wisdom, cooking tips, information about domestic and imported ingredients, menus, quotes, and lore, this timeless book feels as fresh and exciting as the day it was first published. One day, you could boat on one of hundreds of lakes and rivers; another could be spent sipping a cold craft beer and munching on farm-to-table cuisine. ... road trip-perimeter of lake michigan from chiacgo to chicago - Road Trips Forum. Save. Head east across the heart of Michigan through farmland dotted with small, quaint towns to Detroit . Alanson. Break it into two separate trips—the north loop and the south loop. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, these neighbors blend quaint rural heartland with lakefront city. An Unexpected Find on the Northern Michigan Road Trip. 6. If you’re really adventurous, continue on the Dunes Trail (3.5 miles r/t) and take a refreshing swim in Lake Michigan. The Charlevoix South Pier Light, now located along a small bay in Lake Michigan, still actively guides boats passing through the large lake. Visitors to this resort town, 30 miles north of Milwaukee, can swim or yacht on the Lake Michigan shoreline, or head deeper with Port Deco Divers weekend scuba diving trips, which explore one of more than a dozen local shipwreck sites at the bottom of the lake. Through more than 200 photographs, this book documents the cities' development from the time when pioneers first struggled to create a community in the wilderness. See below for a little bit more info about what's on the map and tips on planning your Lake Superior lighthouse tour and UP road trip! We always bring a cooler with drinks, cheese, protein shakes and other snacks. Found insideJutting south from US2, two quiet peninsulas stick their thumbs out into Lake Michigan. Both have forests, fruit orchards, and a few lighthouses, ... Author Jamie Jensen's full-color guide includes over 125 driving maps and key sights along the eleven cross-country road trip routes featured on this site. This little town is built along the shore of where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. Circling Lake Michigan A road trip around this sandy inland sea uncovers multiple personalities. Other stories in "Lake Michigan" Lake Michigan's greatest hits A nine-day Circle Tour itinerary takes in the highlights of this ultra-scenic drive. I'm hitting the road next week to visit my homestate, Michigan. The Ultimate Road Trip Along Lake Michigan in a Cadillac Escalade. Traffic will slow down and you will quickly realize you and your fellow travelers are all on this road to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and the beautiful landscape that surrounds you. Upper Peninsula Michigan Map of Our Road Trip! M-22 is a scenic drive along the coast of Lake Michigan. The other? Petoskey. Answer 1 of 14: My husband and me have a 19 night road trip booked for this September. We plan to take this exact trip again this year, we had so much fun! The 30th Anniversary Edition has a new introduction by the author as well as several new waterfalls to visit. For over 30 years, it has been the go-to guidebook for nature enthusiasts, who appreciate the concise directions to each falls. Found insideTheir grandeur takes our breath away. Their gentle sounds complement periods of meditation. Let professional photographer and Michigan native Greg Kretovic guide you to the top-ranked waterfalls in the state. MAP: Lake Superior lighthouses to visit during your Michigan lighthouse tour . 5 years ago. Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state, and this driving tour includes some of the state's most gorgeous lighthouses full of history and charm. Day 1 to Door County somewhere, Day 2 to St. Ignace, Day 3 Mackinac Island, Day 4 drive the whole way down Michigan back . Soak up the scenery and stop along the way for wine and cherries along the shores of Lake Michigan. This is a hiking trail (backpacking trail) that extends for 4,600 miles across many states from the midwest to east coast. (But, it's unknown whether you'll be able to do the full loop in summer 2021 since the border may or may not be open…) Sandwiched between three of the greatest lakes in the world, it's filled with peaceful forests, magnificent waterfalls, ancient rock formations, quiet and cozy towns, and miles and miles of shoreline — making it the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind road trip. This trip follows the Huron Shores Heritage Route, which covers 200 miles of shoreline along US-23. While not the best lake for beachgoers due to limited access points, it's an amazing place for boaters. Jamie Elvidge, Photography by Jamie Elvidge. 4.5. And for more lighthouses around the Great Lakes, see about making it a Lake Ontario lighthouse road trip in New York! Lake Huron Road Trip Map The Lake Superior Circle Tour Trip Planner is the perfect tool for planning your trip around Lake Superior. Start your Kenosha adventure with a trip to Jelly Belly Center in the village of Pleasant Prairie. The Michigan Gold Coast area is a great place to visit so if you end up doing another Chicago road trip I definitely recommend visiting there A mile-by-mile guide to sites and services along the entire length of Route 66. Top 20 road trips from Spring Lake (Michigan) Spring Lake to Chicago. Separated from Canada by the Detroit River, which flows from scenic Lake St. Claire into Lake Erie, "Motor City" Detroit is an iconic stop for your Great Lakes road trip. )), but the Lake Superior coast line is very scenic. We've all been told to "follow our dreams", but what happens when those dreams aren't working out? The Midwest’s five Great Lakes make up the largest freshwater system in the world. The Smithsonian Institute-affiliated Air Zoo displays more than 50 aircraft; the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is part science, part history and part children's museum; and at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, 16 trails cover 10 miles of habitats. Lake Michigan & Lake Superior Circle Road Trip. Lake Michigan is one the largest lakes in the world, and one of five Great Lakes: Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Superior are the others. A ferry . The first is to complete it all at once. While the city is cute and full of cool tourist traps, Mackinac Island is the real draw. ; America's freshwater Riviera On Lake Michigan's gorgeous beaches, everyone can find a spot in the sun. You'll get a little bit of everything along this scenic route, including sand dunes, wineries, windmills, and, if you visit in autumn, jaw-dropping fall foliage. Chicago's location on the shores of Lake Michigan makes it a great starting point for a circular road trip through the four US states that border the lake. Lake Michigan is one the largest lakes in the world, and one of five Great Lakes: Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Superior are the others. That will be a very rural trip in parts (north woods across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (referred to as the U.P. Found inside" Mikel B. Classen is a longtime resident of Sault Sainte Marie in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. His intimacy of the region, the history and its culture gives this book a feel of authenticity that is rarely seen. We take route 31 for a 64-mile straight road to Munising in the Upper Peninsula. The Door County peninsula is a unique geographic feature that separates the bay of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, and accounts for 300 miles of shoreline. Kenosha and Racine. Throughout the year visitors and locals alike flock to Michigan's west coast to experience some of the most picturesque landscape that Mother Nature has to offer. Plan your road trip with Roadtrippers. One lesser known attraction and maybe the best deal in the state, is the narrated history tours offered most days mid-summer in Bay City on the Islander boat operated by Bay City . The trip spans 4 different Midwestern states and dozens of different cities. Traverse City. If you have four days and you want to spend an entire day on Mackinac Island, you have three days (and you need ferry reservations) to cover 900 miles. To get you started, here’s an online tour of some of the state's harbors along the Lake Michigan shore. Fall is the perfect time for a quick weekend getaway or road trip: the summer vacationers have thinned out as kids head back to school, leaving popular tourist spots uncrowded and eagerly awaiting visitors. Escape to the "Michigan Riviera," home to historic lighthouses, sophisticated art colonies and the best beaches in the Midwest. The Loneliest Road. There is also something called the North Country Trail which is a national scenic trail. Sights of Sheboygan Surfers, sculptors and sausage makers all follow their passion in this Wisconsin town. Why not drive around Lake Michigan? Spin a Michigan day trip around a series of bayfront communities, also known as the Great Lakes Bay region, which are all easily accessed by I-75 and wrap in some of the state's best—and lesser-known attractions. Re: Lake Michigan circle tour in 4 days? Found inside – Page 106Grand Rapids is a very comfortable community and their fans come out consistently for the West Michigan Nine. Take your time and drive along the Lake ... view all routes. Salt Lake City to Michigan drive (tap on any row to expand for more details) Salt Lake City [ ] Rock Springs (Wyoming) [ ] Cheyenne [ ] Ogallala [ ] Omaha [ ] Des Moines [ ] Chicago [ ] Michigan [ ] driving / 4 days / no pets / no RV. 7 Things to Do in Detroit; Affordable Summer Road Trips: One-Tank Escapes From 9 Cities There's a weathervane in the shape of a sailboat on the top of this 49 foot lighthouse. You don't have to be a wine lover to enjoy this tour, there are plenty of activities affording travelers the opportunity to take in the stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. Travel along the West Michigan Coast - Lakeshore Destinations. One is the Forever Curious Children's Museum - a non-profit organization created to spark a love for learning in kids of all ages. Manistee is also considered the gateway to one of the most prized stretches of road in all of the Midwest; M-22 of Northern Michigan. The lakes’ shores are lined with sand dunes, and inland in Michigan and Wisconsin you’ll also find dense forests, waterfalls, and natural springs. Redefine the colors of fall along Michigan's scenic byways with golden sand, red lighthouses and pure-blue water and feel the tinge of anticipation for what's around the next bend. Way up here in Michigan's pinky, a . Starting in late July 2020 we left our home in Southern California to road trip across America and move to New York. Plus, this is an inexpensive Michigan road trip if you pack your own snacks and food. Two trails from Two Rivers On Lake Michigan, bicyclists ride the breezes between a lighthouse and a submarine. The drive on Hwy 13, Forest Highway 13 … Western Michigan, USA: Scenic Road Trips to Lake and River Towns The Great Lakes, massive freshwater lakes that almost appear to resemble the ocean based on their sheer size, are certain to amaze. A route from Pictured Rocks, Munising to St. Ignace could be taken by going down to Fayette Historic Town site which is part of the Fayette State Park on the Garden Peninsula and from there to St. Ignace. The trip hugs Lake Michigan for the most part after that, making occasional easterly runs to Cadillac and Grand Rapids before heading back east to … Found insideMoon Michigan reveals the best of the Great Lakes State's charming small towns, vibrant cities, and vast, untouched wilderness. Among all five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the second largest in volume and third largest in surface area. The color of the water will lead you to believe you've been transported to the warm waters of the Carribean Sea. Hi guys I am planning a trip with my friends to go from chicago, holland, mackinaw island, upper peninsula to green bay and milwaukee before returning to chicago. In total, there are about 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline in the Indiana Dunes area, and some beach areas are wheelchair accessible. Lake Michigan Road Trip Itinerary. After days off the beaten path, Grand Rapids will provide a fun city experience toward the end of your road trip. By Sarah Bence. Lake Michigan Beach Trip road trip makes stops at Ypsilanti, MI, United States, Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails and others. "The way I see it, the further north you go, the better it gets," the old timer tells us as we fill up with fuel at Grand Marais, an end-of-the-road town in northern Michigan, on the shore of Lake . This inland, glacier-cut lake is nothing short of astonishing. 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