driving from Mackinac Island to Chicago....
Jun 2nd, 2008, 12:44 PM
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driving from Mackinac Island to Chicago....
We will be driving from Mackinac Island to Chicago in August. What is the best route to take? On a state map, t looks like we can take Hwy 31 thru Traverse City along the shore of Lake Michigan or Hwy 131 thru Grand Rapids. Is 131 a lot faster? Is 31 more scenic? Any recommendations for stops along the way? Any suggestions are appreciated.........Thank you!
Jun 2nd, 2008, 01:07 PM
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From Mackinac you might want to consider taking the Lake Express Ferry from Muskegon to Milwaukee then head south. If you make your reserations early enough you can take your car on the Ferry and get the best of all worlds - a little scenery, since you'll still be traveling from Mac through Traverse City, to Muskegon - you'll be ON the water for a couple of hours - which is a nice relaxing break - and you'll avoid the horrible traffic around the 80/90/94 bend to Chicago.
Jun 2nd, 2008, 03:15 PM
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I took the Express Ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon en route to Mackinac Island a couple of years ago and really enjoyed the respite from driving around the south end of Chicago/South Bend/Gary etc.
31 is more scenic than 131, but if you take the ferry you can save time and have good scenery.
31 is more scenic than 131, but if you take the ferry you can save time and have good scenery.
Jun 13th, 2008, 04:33 PM
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There are actually two ferries across Lake Michigan. The SS Badger crosses between Ludington, MI and Manitowoc, WI. Check www.ssbadger.com.
The Lake Express Ferry site is www.lake-express.com.
The Lake Express Ferry site is www.lake-express.com.
Jun 17th, 2008, 03:37 PM
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US 31 is definitely more scenic, however the storm this past weekend washed away part of the road. Not sure when it will re-open. 131 is pretty fast once you are on "highway" and you would come down to Grand Rapids and then 196 to 94. Traffic in the northern IN area and Chicago IS a pain in the behind.
We are going to Milwaukee next month and are planning to take ferry to avoid chicagoland traffic. The ferry is not cheap, but by the time you figure in gas and frustration, it is worth it!
We are going to Milwaukee next month and are planning to take ferry to avoid chicagoland traffic. The ferry is not cheap, but by the time you figure in gas and frustration, it is worth it!
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