South Lake Michigan

If you just want to check a box and get a photo op, just pop up to Warren Dunes State Park and then go back down. Huge disservice to the area but that will prove you were there.

Don't mind staying in Michigan overnight, just wasn't sure where - have you stayed at Warren Dunes SP?

Would love to try and get a short hike and/or spend time along Lake Michigan, but it will likely be the following morning.

Also, want to stop at Indiana Dunes since it's a National Park ;) before continuing West. Trying to make it to the Badlands for DD's 18th birthday, otherwise we'd stay in the area longer.

Wow. Just... wow! As someone who grew up in Michigan and who tries to get back nearly every summer to the beautiful lakes and trees of that state, my mind is boggled! How in the world can anyone visit all 49 of the other states and miss this gem?

I hope you decide to leave about 3 days earlier and tour Michigan. You'll skip the horrible Chicago traffic by driving up the Lake Michigan side, over the mighty Mackinaw Bridge, and through the Upper Peninsula. Many great sights to see along the way. Then follow US 2 westward!

(edit: I've assumed you are doing this in summer weather. If you are contemplating an imminent departure, forget what I said... Michigan is probably just white right now.)

sunfan03 wrote:
Driving up from Nashville to South Michigan to check off the last state in the Union to visit. Heading west afterwards back to the Pacific Northwest.

1) best place on Lake Michigan (Michigan side, preferably close to Indiana/Michigan border) for a brief visit and photo op (teens request)

2) ideas for overnight? 32' Class C motorhome in early May, so probably need electric hook-ups? Was thinking Indiana Dunes State Park after we stop in Michigan

Planning for a long drive from Nashville, so will leave early.

If your going to Michigan why not make it worth while? Northern Michigan is the best part of the state in my opinion. Very worth while.

Dan

Hammerboy wrote:

sunfan03 wrote:
Driving up from Nashville to South Michigan to check off the last state in the Union to visit. Heading west afterwards back to the Pacific Northwest.

1) best place on Lake Michigan (Michigan side, preferably close to Indiana/Michigan border) for a brief visit and photo op (teens request)

2) ideas for overnight? 32' Class C motorhome in early May, so probably need electric hook-ups? Was thinking Indiana Dunes State Park after we stop in Michigan

Planning for a long drive from Nashville, so will leave early.

If your going to Michigan why not make it worth while? Northern Michigan is the best part of the state in my opinion. Very worth while.

Dan

They don't want to VISIT Michigan; they just want to check it off their list. As stated earlier, just go to Warren Dunes, and then escape through Chicago.

I stayed at Warren Dunes about five years ago. I really liked it. There were wild turkeys roaming the section I stayed in.

Indiana Dunes is going to be more crowded.

Leaving Indiana Dunes take I94 west and pick up I80 west. That keeps you out of Chicago. Getting to I80 will give you a feel of the traffic you will be skirting around. I80 west to I29 north is probably the fastest route to the Bad Lands.

Thanks all. Would love to spend more time and visit Northern Michigan, but that will have to be another trip.

The goal is to pick up DD from college in Nashville and "squeeze" in a family road trip. TBH we contemplated having her take college finals on the road so we could have more time in Michigan, but decided she'd be more successful if she stayed on campus, finished finals and THEN packed out. It's complicated with other factors, so I tried to keep initial post simple.

Any thoughts on overnighting at Warren Dunes vs Indiana Dunes?

Warren dunes has wooded sites, sand dunes to climb, lake Michigan Beach. But, get your reservation in.

sunfan03 wrote:
Any thoughts on overnighting at Warren Dunes vs Indiana Dunes?

Only been to Indiana dunes. Nice place, no complaints. Just showed up with no reservation, don't know what it's like now.

rexlion wrote:
Wow. Just... wow! As someone who grew up in Michigan and who tries to get back nearly every summer to the beautiful lakes and trees of that state, my mind is boggled! How in the world can anyone visit all 49 of the other states and miss this gem?

I hope you decide to leave about 3 days earlier and tour Michigan. You'll skip the horrible Chicago traffic by driving up the Lake Michigan side, over the mighty Mackinaw Bridge, and through the Upper Peninsula. Many great sights to see along the way. Then follow US 2 westward!

(edit: I've assumed you are doing this in summer weather. If you are contemplating an imminent departure, forget what I said... Michigan is probably just white right now.)

I was floored also. MI is in my top handful of states to visit. And you are doing yourself a Tremendous disservice by not spending some time in the UP. I had never been there until i attended an in-laws wedding in Marquette but after that I look forward to going back as often as possible. I just avoid the cities.