lmont

Trying to plan an impromptu trip for July. Driving from Ohio. Became enchanted with photos of the Pictured Rocks and couldn't believe we haven't explored such a beauty relatively close to home. Need help with lodging and general tips. We have 3 children - 14,12 and 10, looking for a moderate place to stay - hotel chain is fine, kitchenette would be better. We like to be outdoors as much as possible, so basically clean and close location are the priorities.

My husband also wants to try the sand dunes near the Silverlake / Sleeping Bear area. Any recommendations where to stay?

We are looking at splitting the two areas over a period of 8 days - leaning towards more time in the UP area since we like to hike, perhaps rent a boat for fishing.

Any help is appreciated !

cd

Driving 31 up the coast of Lake Michigan will take you thru some great areas, a lot of boating towns that we enjoyed. We loved Old Mission Peninsula: http://www.oldmission.com/ But we traveled it with just the two of us. Not sure what to suggest with children that they would enjoy except the Sleeping Bear area and then further north to Mackinac Island. If you've never been to Mackinac renting bikes to tour the island is a lot of fun.

tomboy

On the way to Pictured Rocks, you might take a rest stop at Palm Book State Park, which has a spring-fed small lake, and a raft that takes you out to the middle where you can look 40 feet down thru crystal-clear water. Also Google Taquamenon Falls.