Sorry, I don't know of any lodging, but I drove one early October from Milwaukee to the ferry for Mackinac Island. The UP portion is a beautiful drive. Unfortunately the good fall colors are generally the beginning of October, but you might be lucky. Out of Marinette, instead of taking Hy 41 which is inland, a prettier drive is Highway 35 out of Marinette, which rejoins 41 at Escanaba. I hope you can hit the fall colors (we went around October 1-4) because they are magnificent in that region.

Thank you. I wrote down that route. We were thinking of spending a couple of days in Door County before making our way to Mackinac Island. Are the locks in UP worth seeing?

Can't say about the locks--never saw them, but I can say that Door County around the second week in October is generally at its peak fall colors and it would be a great time to visit there. If you're going to stay in Door County on a weekend at that time, you'll need a reservation cause it's very busy that peak weekend. However, if it will be weekdays you should be okay. There's lots of wonderful lodging in that area. Early Octob er is a great time to travel in Wisconsin.

Having grwon up in the area, I am used to the Locks, but most people that visit them are impressed.

I would visit Tahquamenon Falls & Whitefish Point at well.

Although you will be past the peak on colors, they are slightly different each year and you could be pleasently surprised. If you stay close to the big lakes, they colors will not be as far gone as they will be inland.

Once you cross to the Lower Peninsula the colors will get better. Consider going over to Cross Village, then south on M-119 with its spectacular tunnel of trees on a winding road along a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Continue south on US-31 and the colors should be great.

Keith

These suggestions are great! Any dining favorites? We are in to local places vs. chain restaurants.

I saw that the ferry to Mackinac Island is $25 per person. If we stay in St. Ignace, do you think one day of traveling over to the island would be good, or should we try to stay a night there too.

Thanks!

You should get some great specials that time of year. Spend a night on the Island. It will be particularly quiet that time of year, but that sounds like what you would enjoy.

In my opinion the ferry ride to the Island from the Mackinaw City side of the Straits is much more beautiful and fun.

Keith

Hi Amere. We drove around Lake Michigan in early 90's, starting and ending in Chicago following the lighthouse trail. We also went in mid-Oct and timing was perfect for fall foliage so maybe you will luck out also. The colors were spectacular!

We did Mackinac Island as a day trip and it worked out nicely. It was enough time for us. We loved Soo Locks and found it fascinating to watch the ships altho we nearly froze out on the platform (very cold). It was chilly everywhere so be prepared. Agree on Tahquamenon Falls (path to/from a canopy of yellow), Whitefish Point, and Point Iroquois if you like lighthouses.
There is a scenic outlook near the LH (opposite side) that had great views of the lake, looking out over sea of colors--gorgeous photos.

Many restaurants/hotels shut down for the winter and mid-Oct many were already closed. Chain hotels were open but B&Bs might be iffy. The crowds were non-existent in many places, often we were the only ones at a LH. Nice time of the year to travel. Hope you have as great of time as we did in the UP!

Thanks for the great ideas! I have been researching so many B and Bs and I find it interesting that they are still pricey for that time of year. Sounds like instead of booking things now I should wait and see if they offer any deals closer to the time, but for Door County I should go ahead and book something.

Door County is over rated but some love it. I would basically just take a driving tour. (many things closed) Search the web for scenic roads and natural sites and make those sections part of the trip. One of the very best things I do in the fall is simply drive the scenic roads. Every twist and turn yields another beautiful autumn vista. It truly is an autumn activity in its own right. Early morning mists and fogs and afternoon sunny delight. Wildlife and Canadian geese honking overhead. I love it.

I see no point in staying very long in one place. Web search the UP waterfalls. Search for the west shore sand dunes on Lake Michigan. (buggy, jeep tour?) Grand Haven worlds largest musical water fountain will be closed for the season when you get there. As will many other things on this trip this time of year. Harbor House B&B is cool though. (can watch fountain from porch in summer)

You might want re-route/detour from Makinaw City to catch the world class Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn. It will be open this time of year.

Indy has a pretty cool war memorial central square and a neat Congressional medal of Honor memorial over by the university/museum/canal. Only 2400 or so recipients. Some were Indian scouts with neat names and titles. Pretty neat green glass set up memorial. Across the canal from the museum steam clock.

ps HOW COULD I !!!!!!!!!

How could I fail to mention that you must consider taking in the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, Atrium and even a game. Forget door county and do this. Even if you are not a football fan web search and learn of the Title town USA appeal. Quite possibly he best quarterback to ever play the game just got done playing 16 seasons. Children have grown up never knowing another. A very unique spot on earth in this respect.

Another question - we are trying to figure out if we should spend 2 days in Door County area and 3 days in Mackinac Island area and maybe see the locks, or should we spend 3 days in Door County and 2 in Mackinac? Not sure of the amount/variety of things to do in each area.

For dining and depending on your route south in Michigan, you might check out Tapawingo in Ellsworth, south of Charlevoix. It is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in the state. Because of color tours, it should still be opein in October. Torch Lake, further south of Ellsworth, is also incredibly beautiful.