Road trip from So Missouri to Mackinac Island

How will you be heading north?

If you are planning on the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan (which I would suggest), you should make it a point to visit Door Co. It's a quaint peninsula that juts out into Lake MI just south of Green Bay. If you continue northward in WI, I would recommend hitting Pictured Rock SP from a late afternoon cruise on your way to Mackinac Island.

If you're going the MI side of Lake MI, make sure you hit St Joseph, Holland, or South Haven (or all three). As others have said, if you like Christmas you need to stop in Bronner's in Frankenmuth, and Henry Ford near Detroit is a must do if you're within 100 miles.

Not sure what your tastes are, but the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland OH, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame is in Canton, OH.

Hopefully that will give you some ideas that you like.

Doug

We just back from Michigan trip and all good suggestions, enjoy your trip.

Just a quick glance at prices - some start at $100. Haan's 1830 Inn starts at $62. So it looks like you could get a reasonable room if one's available.

https://www.mackinacisland.org/lodging/

Actually I think seeing the Island and the Grand Hotel is one of the must do trips in a life time. Yes, everything is expensive so stay on the mainland and ferry over for the day, BUT, if you don't mind the expense then stay on the island. A unique experience.


If you are traveling I-75 make an overnight stop in Frankenmuth and have a chicken dinner at the Bavarian Inn. Get baked goodies at Zenders bakery right accross the street from the Inn. Bronner's is a huge Christmas store that even if you don't like Christmas its amazing to see what they have.

We found that they are very meticulous about cleaning up after the horses.

I disagree with those who say it really smells bad. Also there's nothing like staying the night on the island. Check prices and enjoy

doxiemom11 wrote:
I would stay in St Ignace and then take the ferry boat ride over to the island for the day, or multiple days if you wish. I'm pretty sure places to stay on the island will be fairly expensive.

We did just this last fall! GREAT idea...... Also Dick B. NAILED it!! It is expensive, quaint picturesque but what stood out in MY mind err nose was the overwhelming aroma of what the live stock on the island left behind! :E

Dan

Hope you're not doing this trip now! :)

Although Mackinac Island is wonderfully quiet when the day trippers leave it is also expensive. I'd suggest doing it as a day trip and staying in St. Ignace if you want a reasonably-priced room.

I would stay in St Ignace and then take the ferry boat ride over to the island for the day, or multiple days if you wish. I'm pretty sure places to stay on the island will be fairly expensive.

There isn't anything moderately priced on the Island. You know, of course, that there are no cars allowed. No McDonalds, Arby's, etc. Just lots of ways to spend money.
Two things you will remember after a visit: the clop clop sound of the many horses down main street and the smell of those horses and what they leave around.
But still it was one of our favorite places to ride our bikes until they now forbid electric bikes even for grandparents.
BTW the island is pronounced like it was spelled mackinaw not the gutteral ack sound.