NYC to Northern Michigan (Charlevoix)

If it were me, I would crossover the Blue Water (Sarnia, ONT/Port Huron, MI) but that's because I don't like dealing with Detroit traffic. Can't say anything about the wait at the Blue Water. I know sometimes customs is easy, sometimes its a nightmare.

Another way you could go is thru upstate NY to Niagra Falls, then drop back down into Michigan. That's how we went when we left Delaware from a family visit to head back to MI. As far as a current wait time, I don't know. Laxer regulations when we did this.

Best bet (you'll save a ton of time) is to go through Canada, but you either must have a passport or a enhanced driver's license to cross the border. And be aware, I am assuming you will be towing or in an RV, there are many regulations about what you can and can not have when you cross the border.

Cross into Canada at Niagara and go through to Sarnia. It will be the shortest, quickest, and least traffic. The QEW north to the Red Hill Creek Expressway (Hamilton), then Hwy 403 to HWY 401 and Hwy 402 to Sarnia/Port Huron crossing. Then I69 and I75.

Spent the time the last 2 summers in Charlevoix. Beautiful little town and surroundings.

Agree with those suggesting that you go through Canada and cross at Sarnia/Port Huron. I-69 to I-75 (actually I-475 around Flint) and north to exit #282 (Gaylord) and then west via M-32 to Charlevoix.

We've gone through Canada to upstate NY and also at Sault Ste Marie with our camper. Going into Canada is usually quite easy, but coming back into the U.S. can be a PITA. In NY they sent us through a building sized x-ray machine of some sort after asking us more questions than I thought necessary. I know security is important, but the rudeness was unnecessary.

From Las Vegas to NYC via the upper part of Michigan's southern peninsula, I'd take I-75 south to 69 to Port Huron/Sarnia. Much shorter route to the falls, just be aware of the Customs regs while towing. You will need your passports for everybody to gain re-entry into the USA. I've crossed there a few times, was never asked for a passport by Canada Customs. Every one of them has been surly, like they have a chip on their shoulder or something. Crossing into the USA there, I always get a 360 degree dog sniff, but the USA Customs guys are pretty decent.

Kennedy's answer is best.
We live in Michigan, DW has family in Canada and we both have family back east. We do this a lot.

If you have passports or enhanced driver's licenses, definitely the cross Canada route is best. Buy all the fuel you can tank in the US before the bridge (I don't recall if the Duty Free there sells fuel or not). Don't be carrying any guns (well, you will be coming from a no-gun state so that is easy) and have only essential alcohol on board when you enter Canada. Don't buy any produce or other food in Canada as it is real hard to find out what you can bring back into the US.

We have never had the hard time with Canadian customs that we have often had with US. Just always remember, they are trying to do a job. Don't answer any question you were not asked. Do your best to keep answers short.

Matt

Thanks, guys! Appreciate all the guidance!