Michigan road trip
Mar 6th, 2009, 05:09 PM
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Michigan road trip
I am planning a trip to Michigan with a friend this summer. We will be traveling in a van equipped for camping. The only plan as of now is to see northern MIchigan. Interests includes moderate hiking. We are coming from the Philadelphia area and will have 7 days of travel time in Michigan. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Mar 6th, 2009, 06:05 PM
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Michigan in the summer is wonderful. In Northern Michigan there are plenty of travel destinations. On the west side of the state traveling up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline is a popular destination.
There is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park where you can climb a dune and then walk to Lake Michigan. Up in Traverse City there are nice drives to take and even their own 'wine' country.
Mackinaw Island is a wonderful place to go and offers hiking and biking opportunities as no cars are allowed. The U.P. of Michigan also offers waterfalls and hiking trails.
If you are interested in camping I would get a book of Michigan State Parks and see which ones have the activities you are interested in. Be aware though, that the state parks in MI get filled up quickly in the summer.
There is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park where you can climb a dune and then walk to Lake Michigan. Up in Traverse City there are nice drives to take and even their own 'wine' country.
Mackinaw Island is a wonderful place to go and offers hiking and biking opportunities as no cars are allowed. The U.P. of Michigan also offers waterfalls and hiking trails.
If you are interested in camping I would get a book of Michigan State Parks and see which ones have the activities you are interested in. Be aware though, that the state parks in MI get filled up quickly in the summer.
Mar 7th, 2009, 06:38 AM
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Thanks for your reply. I don't like making reservations in advance. Do you think it is possible to get a campsite mid-week without reservations? It has been my experience that as long as we move into a campground before the weekend we can get a site.
Mar 7th, 2009, 08:19 AM
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Google 'tour of Michigan'. You will get many websites which will point out interesting things to see along your drive. You don't have to take the tours to take advantage of what they know about the area and use it to guide your own tour. I have seen many 'commercial' tours of this area which appeal to me...and would be good planning material for you...but right now, I cannot come up with their promoters. You might try Tauck, Collette or Globus for a start.
Mar 7th, 2009, 04:22 PM
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Mares--You shoudn't have a problem in the middle of the week as long as it isn't a holiday week ie 4th of July. Some parks, howver are always full. One of them is Ludington State Park, by Lake Michigan. It is very hard to get a reservation there or a walk-in campsite.
Some of the state parks have an 80-20 policy which means they only reserve 80% of the sites and save 20% for drop in campers. Not all of the parks have this.
The other alternative is private campgrounds which are located near most state parks and handle the overflow. They are usually a bit more per night, but most are nice and have good accommodations.
There is really a lot to see and do in Northern Michigan and the UP. You didn't mention canoeing but there are many scenic canoe trips you can take.
Enjoy your trip.
Some of the state parks have an 80-20 policy which means they only reserve 80% of the sites and save 20% for drop in campers. Not all of the parks have this.
The other alternative is private campgrounds which are located near most state parks and handle the overflow. They are usually a bit more per night, but most are nice and have good accommodations.
There is really a lot to see and do in Northern Michigan and the UP. You didn't mention canoeing but there are many scenic canoe trips you can take.
Enjoy your trip.
Mar 7th, 2009, 06:52 PM
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Hooray! I was just thinking that I was sick and tired of no one ever asking about Michigan. For tourism, it is really more of a summer state and I was finally tired of all the Hawaii and Arizona topics!
If you will be living from the van I would definitely add the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to your list. It will be very easy to find a campsite and there are many beautiful waterfalls as well as the Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior coast. It isn't that much farther to drive from Mackinaw City. Getting over to the western UP is actually pretty far, but the area north of the bridge is close.
How old are the two of you? Men or women? That would help with suggesting things to do. Sleeping Bear Dunes along Lake Michigan is a wonder of the world. Mackinac Island is great, but you can't camp there nor take your van. Petoskey State Park is a great place to camp. The Traverse City area has amazing wineries.
I guess we need some more interests and info. Do you want to do some driving every day or sort of set up camp and park?
Northern Michigan in the summer is just glorious. It is the reason we put up with all the months of winter.
Tell us more, ask more questions, finally someone talking about Michigan. I'm beside myself. Maybe spring really is on its way.
If you will be living from the van I would definitely add the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to your list. It will be very easy to find a campsite and there are many beautiful waterfalls as well as the Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior coast. It isn't that much farther to drive from Mackinaw City. Getting over to the western UP is actually pretty far, but the area north of the bridge is close.
How old are the two of you? Men or women? That would help with suggesting things to do. Sleeping Bear Dunes along Lake Michigan is a wonder of the world. Mackinac Island is great, but you can't camp there nor take your van. Petoskey State Park is a great place to camp. The Traverse City area has amazing wineries.
I guess we need some more interests and info. Do you want to do some driving every day or sort of set up camp and park?
Northern Michigan in the summer is just glorious. It is the reason we put up with all the months of winter.
Tell us more, ask more questions, finally someone talking about Michigan. I'm beside myself. Maybe spring really is on its way.
Mar 8th, 2009, 07:23 AM
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I am going with my sister-in-law, we are in our early 50's. I love hiking - she tolerates it for me. Setting up camp only takes a few minutes since I have a van so I would like to stay a night or 2 and then move on. I love waterfalls so I will take your advice and be sure to hit the Upper Peninsula. I'd also like to look into a canoe trip that cgenster mentioned (although I prefer kayaking). I'm glad your excited about my inquiry! My husband (who has sinced passed) spoke often about making Michigan one of our vacation destinations - he was the one that researched our trips. I'm not great at planning so all of your help is greatly apprecatied.
Mar 8th, 2009, 07:31 AM
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Another vote for the Upper Peninsula. My favorites are Pictured Rocks, Mackinac Island and Tahquamenon Falls. I'm not a hiker, but I know there's good hiking near (as in, above) Pictured Rocks. Also, if you visit the Falls, you can visit Paradise, which is next door to Tahquamenon Falls. You can also go to Hell, Michigan, but it's nowhere near Paradise! Really! (But Hell really isn't much to see at all--I'd skip it unless you have more time. And I'm not joking on this one.)
I also love the Traverse City area and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. You can climb the dunes and hike/walk through the sand to Lake Michigan. If you do that, bring along some water--I think it's about 3 miles or so.
There are also a number of state parks along Lake Michigan where you can camp. A favorite is Mears, near Pentwater.
Check out www.michigan.org for tourism info. If you're a AAA member, order their Michigan Camping book.
I also love the Traverse City area and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. You can climb the dunes and hike/walk through the sand to Lake Michigan. If you do that, bring along some water--I think it's about 3 miles or so.
There are also a number of state parks along Lake Michigan where you can camp. A favorite is Mears, near Pentwater.
Check out www.michigan.org for tourism info. If you're a AAA member, order their Michigan Camping book.
Mar 8th, 2009, 10:38 AM
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Ok - here is what I have come up with so far....
1st stop: Muskegon area (picked this as a starting point not for any particular reason other then it is a 760 mile drive for us. I am thinking about leaving after work on a Thursday and drive a bit and then finish up on Friday. Any suggestion on a different starting point? Should we just plan on starting around Glen Haven or south of there?
2nd stop: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
3rd stop: Traverse City
4th stop: Pictured Rocks National Seashore
5th stop: Paradise
6th stop: Mackinaw City
I think we'll have 9 nights once we hit Michigan. Questions....what do you think of this itineray and how should we split the time?
1st stop: Muskegon area (picked this as a starting point not for any particular reason other then it is a 760 mile drive for us. I am thinking about leaving after work on a Thursday and drive a bit and then finish up on Friday. Any suggestion on a different starting point? Should we just plan on starting around Glen Haven or south of there?
2nd stop: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
3rd stop: Traverse City
4th stop: Pictured Rocks National Seashore
5th stop: Paradise
6th stop: Mackinaw City
I think we'll have 9 nights once we hit Michigan. Questions....what do you think of this itineray and how should we split the time?
Mar 8th, 2009, 02:42 PM
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Your itinerary looks good. It will be a drive from Traverse City to Pictured Rocks, but it would be an enoyable one.
When you are in Paradise, make sure that you go go to Tahquamennon Falls State Park. Actually I would camp there. We usually camp at the Lower Falls campground, but there is one at the rivermouth that is newer and looks nice, but we haven't camped there.
You can hike from the lower falls to the upper falls, but it is a bit strenous. There are also quite a few stairs to walk down at the upper falls. But it is all well worth it.
A canoe trip that we always do while in Paradise is down the Two-Hearted River. It is one of the few 'natural rivers' around and it is beautiful. The Rainbow Lodge rents canoes and provides transportation. You end up back there and this is where the river joins Lake Superior, which is a spectacular location on the Lake. There is a small primitive state forest campground there also.
Whitefish Point is close to Paradise also and has a lighthouse, and shipwreck museum that you can tour.
I am not sure if I missed when you are coming or if you didn't say, but the only drawback to the UP is black flies. If they are out, you don't want to do anything outside. We usually go there mid to late August and haven't had a problem.
As far as your time table I would spend 2 to 3 days in the Lake Michigan area, Sleeping Bear, Traverse City etc. Then 3 to 4 days in the UP. I would spend one night on Mackinaw Island, then head back home.
When you are in Paradise, make sure that you go go to Tahquamennon Falls State Park. Actually I would camp there. We usually camp at the Lower Falls campground, but there is one at the rivermouth that is newer and looks nice, but we haven't camped there.
You can hike from the lower falls to the upper falls, but it is a bit strenous. There are also quite a few stairs to walk down at the upper falls. But it is all well worth it.
A canoe trip that we always do while in Paradise is down the Two-Hearted River. It is one of the few 'natural rivers' around and it is beautiful. The Rainbow Lodge rents canoes and provides transportation. You end up back there and this is where the river joins Lake Superior, which is a spectacular location on the Lake. There is a small primitive state forest campground there also.
Whitefish Point is close to Paradise also and has a lighthouse, and shipwreck museum that you can tour.
I am not sure if I missed when you are coming or if you didn't say, but the only drawback to the UP is black flies. If they are out, you don't want to do anything outside. We usually go there mid to late August and haven't had a problem.
As far as your time table I would spend 2 to 3 days in the Lake Michigan area, Sleeping Bear, Traverse City etc. Then 3 to 4 days in the UP. I would spend one night on Mackinaw Island, then head back home.
Mar 8th, 2009, 02:59 PM
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Here is a website for Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point and the Two-Hearted River.
http://hunts-upguide.com/tahquamenon...ish_point.html
http://hunts-upguide.com/tahquamenon...ish_point.html
Mar 8th, 2009, 04:26 PM
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I drove all over MI last July while taking photographs for smalltowngems.com. The weather was fine and we had no trouble with lodging. Keeping to the back roads there was little traffic. If you are interested in popping into some lovely small towns, check out smalltowngems.com and view the photographs taken last summer.
Mar 8th, 2009, 05:39 PM
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That sounds lovely.
There are canoe trips all over that area. This is a very nice canoe/kayak rental trip place. We've been several times and they run a nice operation. The river is very nice (we have a family house on it) is lovely.
http://www.bigbearadventures.com/
This place is in Indian River, right on I-75 about 40 minutes south of the Mackinaw Bridge.
But with your new itinerary, it might be out of the way. But there is lots of canoeing and kayaking all over the state.
While in Traverse City and if you like wine at all, drive up the Old Mission Peninsula. It looks just like northern California.
http://www.oldmission.com/
You should jaunt over to Mackinac Island for the day as well. It is wonderful.
http://www.mackinacisland.org/
Google waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. Tahquamanon is the biggie, but I know there are more. There are also lighthouses all over if that is your thing. There is a very nice one in Mackinaw City that doesn't take long to tour.
http://www.mackinacparks.com/
Every summer month is Michigan is lovely. Early June brings the lilac festival on Mackinac, but it can be a bit cooler. July and August will be nice. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I think there may be a black fly time along Lake Michigan. Does anyone know when that is?
If you want an unusual hike, stay for Labor Day and walk across the Mackinac Bridge. It is a goofy tradition that I did once as a kid.
http://www.mackinacbridge.org/annual-bridge-walk-7/
If you are a bear fan, the kids and I did this a few years ago. We got to pet two baby black bears. If interested, you should call and see if there are babies to pet:
http://www.superiorsights.com/oswaldsbearranch/
I'm sure I will think of more!
There are canoe trips all over that area. This is a very nice canoe/kayak rental trip place. We've been several times and they run a nice operation. The river is very nice (we have a family house on it) is lovely.
http://www.bigbearadventures.com/
This place is in Indian River, right on I-75 about 40 minutes south of the Mackinaw Bridge.
But with your new itinerary, it might be out of the way. But there is lots of canoeing and kayaking all over the state.
While in Traverse City and if you like wine at all, drive up the Old Mission Peninsula. It looks just like northern California.
http://www.oldmission.com/
You should jaunt over to Mackinac Island for the day as well. It is wonderful.
http://www.mackinacisland.org/
Google waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. Tahquamanon is the biggie, but I know there are more. There are also lighthouses all over if that is your thing. There is a very nice one in Mackinaw City that doesn't take long to tour.
http://www.mackinacparks.com/
Every summer month is Michigan is lovely. Early June brings the lilac festival on Mackinac, but it can be a bit cooler. July and August will be nice. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I think there may be a black fly time along Lake Michigan. Does anyone know when that is?
If you want an unusual hike, stay for Labor Day and walk across the Mackinac Bridge. It is a goofy tradition that I did once as a kid.
http://www.mackinacbridge.org/annual-bridge-walk-7/
If you are a bear fan, the kids and I did this a few years ago. We got to pet two baby black bears. If interested, you should call and see if there are babies to pet:
http://www.superiorsights.com/oswaldsbearranch/
I'm sure I will think of more!
Mar 29th, 2009, 01:19 PM
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Your itinerary sounds great! You definitely want to go over to Mackinac Island for a day. You can rent bikes and ride around the island or take a carriage ride. And eat some fudge of course. We did a camping trip a few years ago and had a wonderful time - left SW MI and up to the UP and did day trips to the areas that have been mentioned and then down to Traverse City / Sleep Bear Dunes for a few days then back home.
Mar 31st, 2009, 05:24 PM
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We've done a couple of cool things in the Pictured Rocks area. One was to take a shipwreck cruise. They take a glass bottom boat - the water's very clear - and you cruise right over the shipwrecks. Last summer we did a kayaking trip. It was a bit more strenuous (Hubby and I are 50) but the clear turquoise water and the rocks were stunning.
Apr 1st, 2009, 04:36 PM
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Thanks everyone for your responses. I am now working on nights in each area. This is what I've come up with:
1 night - Muskegon
2 nights - Sleeping Bear Dunes/Traverse City
3 nights - Picture Rocks area
3 nights - Paradise area
1 night Mackinaw Island area
Please comment on the length of stay at each location and I can also use recommendations for campgrounds -preferably state parks.
Thanks for your help!
1 night - Muskegon
2 nights - Sleeping Bear Dunes/Traverse City
3 nights - Picture Rocks area
3 nights - Paradise area
1 night Mackinaw Island area
Please comment on the length of stay at each location and I can also use recommendations for campgrounds -preferably state parks.
Thanks for your help!
Apr 22nd, 2009, 02:30 PM
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If you want a slower pace at the beaches, consider the east side of Michigan such as Caseville and Sleeper State Park. It is a beautiful beach and sometimes not as crowded as the West side beaches. Marquette is another nice place to visit with lots of waterfalls and hiking.
