Visiting Detroit area in late July. Actually Hillsdale area. Any neat family sites up to 150 mi. around? Do we need a passport to day trip into Canada?

About the Canada trip, a passport isn't required. When I went with friends, I took my drivers license, for the picture ID, and then my birth certificate - not a hospital certificate, but a certified copy of my actual birth certificate. My friends used their passports and none of us had any problems.

Canada is great - have a wonderful time!

We crossed over into Canada from Alexandria Bay area in Northern N.Y. last summer and they never asked to see anything..just asked where we were born.

Good point Cathie. When we went into Canada they did ask to see our papers, but on the way home, they just asked us where we were born. I think *technically* you need the paperwork, as it would be terrible to be caught without it, but a person shouldn't be surprised if it is never asked for.

We have crossed over into Canada many times--usually BC or Vancouver Island and used our voter's registration card for I.D. Many times never even asked except where we were headed and for how long. Recently ALWAYS asked if we had any firearms.
Great time to go over as exchange rate great...

You do not need a passport to cross into Canada only a photo id if asked. Have crossed many times from Detroit to Windsor and back and only asked where I was born and what I was doing in Canada. Try Frankenmouth for Bavarian flair but it is a tourist mecca. If you have time, Cedar Point in Ohio is about a 4 hour car ride from Detroit.

Nick

I live in Detroit, and long as you are a US citizen you do not need papers to go over to Canada. Just be sure to have a drivers license in case they want to see I.D. Beware, since the casino's are in Windsor the bridge and tunnel can be hectic at times. Just bring your patience and you'll be alright. We do have 3 new casino's which just opened up in Downtown Detroit if your looking for gambling. We also have Comerica Park which is a new baseball park recently opened located Downtown Detroit. You could also take a trip up north- Frankenmuth area for a good chicken dinner or across the way to Birch run for the shopping outlets. Mackinaw Island is also nice but a little drive away. I think 6 hours or more. I noticed another poster mentioned Cedar Point. This is a nice idea. Its about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Detroit. The family would really enjoy this amusement park. It's located in Sandusky Ohio. Take a look at there website- Cedar Point.com
Good luck!

I'm sure it's already on your list, but you shouldn't skip Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. The museum has a variety of historical exhibits, but of course those relating to the car are the best, including Henry Ford's quadricyle. Greenfield Village can take a whole day to visit (but it doesn't have to!); my kids loved the old carousel, the clock, and the workmens' shops like the glass factory.

Canada no longer accepts voter ID cards. You need a photo ID AND a birth certificate (you don't have to be an American citizen to get a driver's license, which is why that doesn't work on its own any more). It's best just to take your passport. Makes life much easier.

Nick-Cedar Point and the Lake Erie Islands are within your mileage requirements.

Call 1-800-Buckeye for more info or check out their web sites:
www.cedarpoint.com
www.lake-erie.com
www.put-in-bay.com/

you do NOT need a pasport. all they ask is where you were born,where you are going and for how long. been there several times. your dollar is worth about $1.45 there. if you like to shop-- try birch run. I75 at exit 136. one of the largest outlets around. have fun