My husband and I are planning a first time trip to Michigan in September. We definitely will go to Henry Ford museum area and then will head toward Muskegon on up the coast. If you had to pick one town/city in which to overnight between Muskegon and Traverse City, where would you stay? And, the criteria we would prefer: lodging under a $100, a decent size tourist area to walk around, and also a scenic one? For the same reasons, a good place to stay in the Traverse City area? i.e. TC is fine or any town close by. Of St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, which is preferable? We plan to include Lake Superior region also. Which side of the Soo Locks is better for an overnite - U.S. or Canada? And also, where to stay near Pictured Rocks. Any input greatly appreciated!

St. Ignace is definitely the choice between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. It is a quaint community, has a very walkable waterfront boardwalk connecting beautiful parks, plenty of restaurants and lodging and has the closest and most scenic ferry crossing to Mackinac Island, if you are inclined to visit the island. As for the Soo Locks question, you will want to stay on the U.S. side for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that the big ships come through the U.S. locks, so that park (free admission) gives you the best view and access to the Locks and ships. Also, lots to see and do on Michigan side of the border - museums, parks, beaches, lighthouses, boat tours, etc.

Your trip sounds wonderful! Enjoy!

Pick St, Ignace and try hard to find time to visit the Ialand. See the fort, circle the island by bike, foot or horse and cariage. At least walk past the Grand Hotel and it's long wood porch.
If you are looking for some place to stop between Muskegon and TC, I'd pick Ludington, 2nd choice Manistee. But TC would be better than either.
Near Pictured Rocks, Munsing and Grand Marias are the top choices. More lodging options around Munsing.

St. Ignace is a county seat, and a larger community. It has a casino, a couple of small museums and a nice state park with camping near the bridge. It is tucked around the corner from the bridge and doesn't have the beautiful bridge standing above it. It is quieter in July and August when there are big crowds and will appeal to those who aren't wanting to do as much, but the crowds are a factor in September The business district is spread on the lakeshore on a single street that extends a couple of miles or more.

Mackinaw City is a smaller town, but with more lodging. It is a tourist destination with Fort Michilimackinac, two lighthouses which are open to the public, a 290' retired Coast Guard Cutter that is now a museum, Mill Creek State Park, lighthouse cruises, Wilderness State Park (largest state Park in Michigan), a water park, lumberjack show and free entertainment at the band shell and on the stage in the Crossings. The business district is centered on the corner or Central Avenue and Huron and with a well chosen motel or B&B, you can walk to the majority of things.

Both communities have special events through much of the year and several of them are in September.

When you drive up the Lake Michigan shore, be sure to turn off US31 onto M-119 just north of Petoskey. The drive between Harbor Springs and Cross Village is through a tunnel of trees along a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.

Keith

I will try to write more later, but of the issue of St. Ignace or Mackinaw City, I say neither, and stay instead on Mackinac Island. It is truly amazing at night after the last boat leaves. If you book now over the winter, you can probably find some B&Bs or small hotels for under $150. It is definitely worth it.

And in Traverse City, be sure to drive up the Old Mission Peninsula. There is a website out there that will tell you all about it. There are places to stay there, but September will be tough because it will be harvest season and the peninsula is filled with wineries. It really looks like Napa Valley up there.

Have fun!

I am ever so grateful for everyone who has taken the time to write and give me suggestions!

We have stayed in both St Ignace and Mackinaw City and I much preferred Mackinaw City. There are more places to stay, restaurants and shopping in Mackinaw City than in St Ignace in my opinion. I also say you should try to spend at least one night on Mackinac Island. It is fun. We also really like Traverse City, Harbor Springs and Charlevoix. So many neat places in Michigan.