Bloomington, IL to Michigan UP and Back

The drive along the lake on US-2 west of St. Ignace is nice.
See the Big Spring at Palms Book SP.
Fayette SP has interesting historic buildings and artifacts.
Tahquamenon Falls near Paradise, and Whitefish Point lighthouse.
Pictured Rocks: try to get on the sunset cruise on a clear, calm day.
If you get int the western UP, Bond Falls near Paulding is picturesque.
The drive along the west shore of the Keweenaw Peninsula is also nice.
Porcupine Mountains, both east and west units.

Most of the SP campgrounds have electric (but you often need 100' or so of extension cord). The Ontonagon municipal CG and Woodland Park CG in Grand Marais are both on Lake Superior and some sites have good lake views.

Speaking of M-35 and US-41, watch your speed in the sister cities of Menominee, MI and Marinette, WI. Especially Marinette. 25 MPH through most of the town and they mean it. I have not gotten a ticket, but I've been warned by those who have.

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.

Wow, that's a great trip. Lots to see on that route. My daughter lives in Escanaba and it is gorgeous up there, especially along Lake Superior. Make sure to visit Painted Rocks National Lakeshore. Lots of waterfalls in the area. I have no CG recommendations because we'll only be staying up there the first time with the trailer in a few weeks.

Since it's just you and your wife I highly recommend a few days in Door County, that's the "thumb" of WI. While there are family friendly things to do there, it's much more geared to adults. Very beautiful and relaxing place to visit. Often referred to as "little Cap Cod", quaint little harbor towns, lots of shoreline, great state parks, lighthouse tours (Eagle LH in Peninsula State Park, Cana Island LH near Baily's Harbor), great places to ride bikes, lots of really good restaurants, art gallerys, shops, etc. We are there 2 to 4 times a year. Make it a point to see Cave Point County park too. We always stay at Egg Harbor Campground. Egg Harbor is pretty central to Door County and you can get to most of the best within a 20 minute ride. Peninsula State Park is excellent to camp in to but electric sites are booked up 11 months in advance. If you choose Door County, try and go during the week. On weekends that time of year you can barely get through the small towns there is so much traffic.

Along I-90/94 just north of Madison is Baraboo and Devil's Lake State Park. You probably won't get in the SP but if you can stay nearby it's worth a day to hike the bluffs and see the park. It's one of the best SPs in WI.

Also nearby is the Wisconsin Dells. I would not recommend too much there. It's very commercialized and geared toward families. But one worthwhile thing is the Ducks Tours of the WI River.

crossing the mac bridge is a fun, we had to be escorted the wind was high , we were first in line ,the guy said slow about ten mph , you could feel the bridge moving. coming down stay away from chig.