Cleveland to Upper Peninsula of Michigan

If money is no object and you're bridge averse, consider the Lake Michigan Car Ferry from Ludington to Manitowoc as an alternative...

It's not cheap for a truck + trailer or motorhome, but it is enjoyable.

afidel wrote:

nickthehunter wrote:

Trekkar wrote:
… If you just want a break from I75, you could pick up US23 north of Woodville. This is a nice route along Lake Huron that will still take you to the bridge.

Have a good trip!

??? Woodville and US23 are nowhere near each other

US-23 heads east after splitting off I75 about 5 miles north of Woodville, that's pretty close to me..

Well you learn something new every day. When you google "Woodville, MI" you get three separate locations. One near Standish (as afidel and Trekkar notes), one near Big Rapids (the one I am familiar with), and one near Jackson. All are apparently unincorporated bergs so I guess they all can colloquially be "Woodville MI".

Trekkar wrote:
As has already been stated, the bridge is very safe. (It will be closed to traffic on Labor Day for the Bridge Run).

I75 is your quickest route, but good alternatives have already been suggested if you have the time. If you just want a break from I75,
you could pick up US23 north of Woodville. This is a nice route along Lake Huron that will still take you to the bridge.

Have a good trip!

As I said earlier, US23 north of Woodville (or Pinconning) would give you a break from the freeways. (Exit 188 on I75)

nickthehunter wrote:
I would definitely go up 23 through Ann Arbor rather the going through Detroit; for one thing it’s more direct.

Yes, but as an OSU alum I always go around Ann Arbor:)

On a serious note, lots of great suggestions. If you like state parks the Huron Lake side is a nice drive, with many great camping options like Tawas Point, Hoeft, Harrisville. We also enjoy Wilderness SP just west of the bridge.

nickthehunter wrote:

Trekkar wrote:
… If you just want a break from I75, you could pick up US23 north of Woodville. This is a nice route along Lake Huron that will still take you to the bridge.

Have a good trip!

??? Woodville and US23 are nowhere near each other

US-23 heads east after splitting off I75 about 5 miles north of Woodville, that's pretty close to me..

Trekkar wrote:
… If you just want a break from I75, you could pick up US23 north of Woodville. This is a nice route along Lake Huron that will still take you to the bridge.

Have a good trip!

??? Woodville and US23 are nowhere near each other

As has already been stated, the bridge is very safe. (It will be closed to traffic on Labor Day for the Bridge Run).

I75 is your quickest route, but good alternatives have already been suggested if you have the time. If you just want a break from I75,
you could pick up US23 north of Woodville. This is a nice route along Lake Huron that will still take you to the bridge.

Have a good trip!

I would definitely go up 23 through Ann Arbor rather the going through Detroit; for one thing it’s more direct. Do note, no matter which route you take, there is construction going on and you will be delayed; very likely stop and go at times.

If you have the time go up the west side like Gizmosmom said. Great drive and plenty of towns to stop in like South Haven, Holland and Grand Haven, all the way up is neat towns to stop in. That's what I mean if you have the time to do that. If time is limited then go up 75 and get to Munising and enjoy yourself. Planning any overnights or just going straight through? Long drive if straight through.

The bridge is no big deal but if you have some phobia of sorts then they will drive you across. Details are on their website, the Mackinaw bridge authority. It truly is one of our national treasures.

As a former resident of western Michigan I also suggest traveling up the west side of Michigan. Take US 31 north. A beautiful ride is on Michigan Highway 22. Take US 31 to Highway 22 just past the little town of Beulah. Enjoy the views, the people, the fruit and the lake air!