Calling all Michigan experts
 

We are planning a road trip (Great Lake Circle Tour) around Lake Huron and are wondering what the route is like south of Sault Ste. Marie - specifically the road following the shore (Hwy. 23) to Bay City and then south from Bay City to Port Huron (Hwy. 25). Looking for nice scenery but also need roads that will not take us four hours to drive 100 miles. Only have four days from Toronto. Any auggestions/advice greatly appreciated - thanks!

Is it four days for the whole trip or four days to get to Port Huron?

From the Soo to the Mackinaw bridge is about an hour down I-75. But you have many options if you swing east and follow the shore.

Once over the bridge, you pick up US 23. It is a scenic drive that should take 3-4 hours depending on day and time.

I'm not sure about M-25 to Port Huron but it again would be about 3-4 hours.

Thanks SuzieTrue, we have four days for the whole trip (ie. back to Toronto) so it sounds like it is definitely possible without driving ten hour days. Appreciate your help!

Forgot to ask also if there are any places of interest we should be sure to check out on the route and/or accommodation suggestions around Mackinac and Port Huron. Thanks!

In the Soo, the locks are right in the center of town. It is amazing to see the big boats rise or fall right next to you. You can also take a boat trip through the locks.

In Mackinaw City you have Old Fort Michilimackinaw. The entrance is underneath the ramp for the bridge. Just outside of town is Old Mill Creek. It is where they milled the lumber for Mackinac Island buildings.

As you continue south there are a number of state parks with beaches. Tawas park is popular.

Port Huron was the boyhood home of Thomas Edison and has some interesting landmarks.

Both Mackinaw city and Port Huron have all the chains. Try to get a motel on the beach in Mackinaw City.

Between Mackinac and Bay City, you'll drive along some pretty coastal areas with small towns; Tawas/East Tawas being an especially charming area. From Bay City to Port Huron via 25 is about 150 miles. You will pass through some nice small towns (Caseville, Port Austin, Harbor Beach), each with some type of local attraction. Bay City has a nice downtown area with antique shops, cafes, specialty shops, a planetarium, and a historic district with lots of old homes/mansions that were once owned by lumber barons.

Enjoy your road trip. There's lots to see on the sunrise side of Michigan, and with four days, it can be a relaxing trip.

Thank you both so much. This is just the info. I was hoping to get. Once again, Fodorites come through. Happy travels!