How to Get the Most Out of Time in Michigan
My wife and I are planning a trip to the Midwest from the Seattle area next June. The purpose is primarily to visit family in central Illinois and see sites going and coming. However, we also want to ...
Forum Discussion
I've lived, traveled, or camped throughout most of Michigan. My favorite areas are NW Lower Peninsula, specifically the Leelanau Peninsula from Manistee (take M-22 north) to Leland/Suttons Bay and then down to Traverse City. This would include Sleeping Bear. Indigo Bluffs Campground near Empire is a good location to visit this area. It is a busier area for good reason.
You can follow US-31 up the coast through Charlevoix and Petoskey to Mackinaw City. Wilderness State Park west of Mackinaw City is an option if you can' get into Straits State Park in St. Ignace. The Island is definitely worth visiting. Also get up to Sault Ste. Marie to see the Soo Locks. We also like Brimley State Park west of the Soo. Tahquamenon Falls (upper & lower falls) near Paradise is very nice.
Further west is Munising. Take the Pictured Rocks cruise. Tourist Park just west of Munising is a nice campground right on the water with views of Grand Island.
For a short stop on the way from Munising west you might want to check out Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming. It's right on M-28/US-41. Corny tourist stuff. There are several state parks along the way to Copper Harbor and Fort Wilkins State Park. The old fort is a very short walk from the campground. A short drive from Copper Harbor along M-26 goes to Eagle Harbor and just south of that is an interesting stop at the Jampot Bakery run by monks. Some delicious goodies can be found here.
The Porcupine Mountains State Park is huge. If you enjoy short hikes and waterfalls this park has them. My favorite, by far, is at the south end of the park near the rustic campground (Union Bay campground is at the north end & has electric). The south end of the park is a bit of a drive from the north end, but if you're down there try to take the hike along the Presque Isle River. You can hike both sides of the river if you have time. Plenty of water falls and virgin forest. In spots you can walk right out into the river on rocks. From there you can hook back up to M-28 and US-2 on your way to Wisconsin.
Happy Travels!
You can follow US-31 up the coast through Charlevoix and Petoskey to Mackinaw City. Wilderness State Park west of Mackinaw City is an option if you can' get into Straits State Park in St. Ignace. The Island is definitely worth visiting. Also get up to Sault Ste. Marie to see the Soo Locks. We also like Brimley State Park west of the Soo. Tahquamenon Falls (upper & lower falls) near Paradise is very nice.
Further west is Munising. Take the Pictured Rocks cruise. Tourist Park just west of Munising is a nice campground right on the water with views of Grand Island.
For a short stop on the way from Munising west you might want to check out Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming. It's right on M-28/US-41. Corny tourist stuff. There are several state parks along the way to Copper Harbor and Fort Wilkins State Park. The old fort is a very short walk from the campground. A short drive from Copper Harbor along M-26 goes to Eagle Harbor and just south of that is an interesting stop at the Jampot Bakery run by monks. Some delicious goodies can be found here.
The Porcupine Mountains State Park is huge. If you enjoy short hikes and waterfalls this park has them. My favorite, by far, is at the south end of the park near the rustic campground (Union Bay campground is at the north end & has electric). The south end of the park is a bit of a drive from the north end, but if you're down there try to take the hike along the Presque Isle River. You can hike both sides of the river if you have time. Plenty of water falls and virgin forest. In spots you can walk right out into the river on rocks. From there you can hook back up to M-28 and US-2 on your way to Wisconsin.
Happy Travels!
