Bloomington, IL to Michigan UP and Back
Planning a trip to visit family near Petoskey, MI the last half of July. Thinking of driving up through MI then on up into the UP and then back home through WI. I have never been into the UP. I k...
Forum Discussion
Just south of Petoskey, US 31 is under major reconstruction. Northbound is detoured onto back roads that eventually dump onto US 131... follow detour signs until you meet up with US 31 again. Southbound is open, one narrow lane, no shoulder.
US 31 North of Petoskey to the bridge is very rough, especially once you get near Pellston, very very rough - I wasn't able to comfortably drive more than 35 mph for about 30-40 miles of road with my truck and small trailer.
Before crossing the bridge, dispose of any firewood you have at the Welcome center in Mackinaw City or risk getting a ticket on the other side - no firewood is allowed across.
US-2 along the Northern shore of Lake Michigan (in the U.P.) was in good shape last I was on it (2014). Very beautiful drive. People drive it crazies, always eager to pass you. Plenty of campgrounds along US-2, without having to go deep into the UP unless you want to.
If you do want to venture deep into the UP, there's nothing much to see along M-28, it's pretty much a boring road from the Sault to Marquette. It does have some interesting stops when you get to Munising and follow the Lake Superior shoreline. M-123 will take you to Tahquamenon Falls, very nice area, very remote.
Michigan M-35 is decent and pretty rural. It'll take you south along Lake Michigan and into Wisconsin, plenty of campgrounds along the lake. Eventually the road merges with US-41, heading south towards the big cities.
US 31 North of Petoskey to the bridge is very rough, especially once you get near Pellston, very very rough - I wasn't able to comfortably drive more than 35 mph for about 30-40 miles of road with my truck and small trailer.
Before crossing the bridge, dispose of any firewood you have at the Welcome center in Mackinaw City or risk getting a ticket on the other side - no firewood is allowed across.
US-2 along the Northern shore of Lake Michigan (in the U.P.) was in good shape last I was on it (2014). Very beautiful drive. People drive it crazies, always eager to pass you. Plenty of campgrounds along US-2, without having to go deep into the UP unless you want to.
If you do want to venture deep into the UP, there's nothing much to see along M-28, it's pretty much a boring road from the Sault to Marquette. It does have some interesting stops when you get to Munising and follow the Lake Superior shoreline. M-123 will take you to Tahquamenon Falls, very nice area, very remote.
Michigan M-35 is decent and pretty rural. It'll take you south along Lake Michigan and into Wisconsin, plenty of campgrounds along the lake. Eventually the road merges with US-41, heading south towards the big cities.
