Family trip to the UP of Michigan

Thanks for the input. Will keep looking.

Do a search for "Upper Peninsula" in this forum and there will be numerous posts to browse through.

Where is Travelnutz when we need him?:B:B His list is mighty Loooong.

One of the highlights for our UP trip was to head up to Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keeweena Peninsula. We camped at Fort Wilkins State park and walked over to the Living History exhibits at the Fort. This was definitely a high point of our trip! The Copper Harbor Lighthouse tour was exceptional also. Link to the State Park

Also the Glass Bottom boat tour out of Munising was excellent also: Weblink to the tour

pegdiver wrote:
We were at Antlers this June / July - food was good. We liked the specials. If you haven't been since the new owners took over a few years ago, lots of the animals are gone but the best are still there. Still has the bells and whistles.
Can't help with full hookups - we stay at town campgrounds or state parks.

It's been longer than a few years since last there, so can't speak since the new owners! Bummer most of the animals are gone.

Will post up if we stop by there next month if the family snowmobile trip happens (weather, work, etc cooperates!).

Got me interested, thanks for the info.

ExxWhy wrote:
How are the bugs in the summer up there?

It can depend on a lot of factors. Where exactly you are, what time of year, what the weather is like, what the weather last winter was like, luck of the draw, etc.

For example, biting black flies can be notoriously bad along the Superior shore around late July/early August. But not exactly the same every year, and not every place along the shore. One time during first weekend of August, the flies chased us out of Muskallonge Lake in a matter of minutes. But we went west (about 15 miles?) to Grand Marais, camped and had a great time, no problems.

If you go to an area and the bugs are too bad, move someplace else.

How are the bugs in the summer up there?

We were at Antlers this June / July - food was good. We liked the specials. If you haven't been since the new owners took over a few years ago, lots of the animals are gone but the best are still there. Still has the bells and whistles.
Can't help with full hookups - we stay at town campgrounds or state parks.

Need-A-Vacation wrote:
As for Antler's in the Soo, glad to hear the food was good! Last I had heard quality was down, but maybe that was just a bad meal! It has been a few years since we have been there. Maybe stop on the way home next month from the cabin and try it again if I can convice the wife & In-laws!!!

Hmmmm.....we haven't been there in 3 years and were looking forward to going back this July. Bummer it might have gone down hill since then but we'll give it a try and see how it goes. If you happen to stop by in the next few months and the place has turned south, maybe send me a pm and I will save myself the hassle!

michigansandzilla wrote:

jagocampers wrote:
Greetings. We are currently planning a trip to the UP of Michigan. Looking for any information on private campgrounds around the Lake Superior area. Looking for full hookup, with things for kids 12-13 to do. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks,
Shane

We always stay at state parks in the UP, so can't help you on the campgrounds.

We went to the UP 3 years ago and are going back this summer because we enjoyed it so much.

We really enjoyed Pictured Rocks (which is a national lakeshore). It's beautiful, but you need to see it from the water, driving by or walking on the shore just won't do it justice. If you don't have a kayak, go on the 3 hour cruise offered out of Munising.

Stop by Tahquamenon Falls, the upper falls. The lower falls are pretty as well but much less impressive than the upper falls. Close to Tahquamenon is Whitefish Point with a wonderful lighthouse and keepers house. You can also view the shipwreck museum which is all on the same grounds. The beach at Whitefish point is full of smooth flat stones, very unique and it has stuck with me.

If you get over to Soo Locks and are looking for a meal, go to Antlers in Sault Ste Marie. Great food. We still remember this place from 3 years back and plan on stopping by again this summer.

If your kids want to swim, Brimley State park is between Tahquamenon and Sault St Marie. It's in White Fish Bay and is supposed to be the warmest part of Lake Superior. My kids enjoyed swimming there.

Mackinac Island is also a must. You can catch a ferry from either the UP or the LP. It's a unique experience. If you're really into biking, you can take your bikes, but the island is very hilly so be prepared for a workout. Last time we went we had younger kids so we took the horse-drawn wagon ride through the park. It stopped at Fort Mackinac, which was the highlight of my son's trip. Don't forget to have some fudge.

All great suggestions!!!!

As for the Mackinac Island biking, there are rentals available. Though they aren't your own bike! Lol Not sure if Doc is still doing the bike tours, but he would meet I think at the bike shop on the island Mon-Sat at 10am, and take bikers on a couple hour tour. Giving some of the folklore stories of the island along the way! Price- donations accepted! If you stay on the outside of the island, it isn't bad concerning hills, just 8 miles around. But can be very busy!!!!

Mackinac Island Fudge- the BEST is at the Murray Hotel!!!! Which is across the street from the Arnold Line Ferry Dock. They run a special each day for fudge bought before 10am last I knew!

IF you end up in Mackinaw City with the trolls, and like hot wings, go to the Keyhole Bar and Grill, which is necxt to the Pancake Chef!!!! Favorite wings to date!!!!

As for Antler's in the Soo, glad to hear the food was good! Last I had heard quality was down, but maybe that was just a bad meal! It has been a few years since we have been there. Maybe stop on the way home next month from the cabin and try it again if I can convice the wife & In-laws!!!