I'm just beginning to do some research on the North Shore area. Reading Tiff's trip report has made me think it's an area we'd really enjoy. But before I get into it too far, I need to get some preliminary information.

We're heading to Madison July 21st for our son's orientation at UW on the 22nd and 23rd. Our hope is to use the rest of the week to take what could very well be our last family trip, at least for all four of us and just the four of us. We'd want to be back in the Chicago suburbs on Saturday.

So is it realistic to think about the North Shore area? Can someone give me an idea of what the drive time would be from Madison? And then back to Chicago? Also, is it already too late to hope to get lodging reservations?

If we decide that's where we're going, I'll post again with questions about the best area to stay and inexpensive lodging, etc.

The other area we're considering is the UP and Mackinac Island. I'm not clear on whether that would be any closer.

Thanks so much for any help!

CAPH52,
I'm not sure about driving times from Madison to the North Shore in MN, but I can tell you that the drive across the UP is easily 5 hours depending on where you are headed. DS is at MTU in Houghton and the drive from there to the Mackinaw Bridge is 5 hours. If you need to be back to Chicago by the 28th, my vote would be to stick with MN.

We are planning a trip from Midland, MI to the North Shore in mid-July to pick up our DD after a backpacking trip. Mapping programs tell me it is 11 hours to Duluth which is the southern edge of the North Shore.

Good luck with orientation and the rest of your week.

Madison to Minneapolis is generally 4 hours, and another 1.5 or so to Duluth, all on the interstate. The shortest route would be I-94 to Eau Claire and then Hwy 53 north to Superior. Probably about the same amount of time either way. You're going midweek and northbound travel won't have the normal amount of hellish weekend traffic, so unless there's road construction (check the WI DOT website) 5.5-6 hours would be a fairly accurate time to Duluth/Superior.

Thanks, Suzie and Weasel! From what you're telling me about the UP, Suzie, and what you're telling me about Duluth, Weasel, it sounds like the North Shore is definitely a better bet, time wise.

Thanks for the good wishes on orientation and the week, Suzie!

Does anyone know whether we've left it too late to find a place to stay in that area in July?

Weasel, you mentioned not having bad traffic going up during the week. I'm guessing the same will be true of coming back on a Saturday (rather than a Sunday)? Since it sounds like it would probably be at least a 10 drive all the way back home, I'm thinking we might drive part way back on Friday.

I would guess that traffic on Saturday going south will not be bad. The heavy traffic is headed north on Friday and south on Sunday pretty much all summer.

I really have no insight on lodging, but I would guess it would be relatively easy to find something in Duluth itself (or Superior). You'd probably have a more difficult (although not impossible) task of finding lodging in some of the smaller towns as they are the more popular destination on the North Shore (such as Grand Marais and Two Harbors in MN, or Bayfield in WI).

Thanks, Weasel!

We have frequently driven from Madison to Grand Marais (not through Mpls, but going thru Superior, WI and Eau Claire and then down I-94) and have made it in about 7-1/2 hours and we have stopped for gas and food for about an hour. We love the North Shore and recommend it highly. It is beautiful.

Madison to Minneapolis is generally 4 hours, and another 1.5 or so to Duluth

It is more like 2 and half hours from Minneapolis to Duluth.

Thanks, Cali and marleneawe! I think it's time to start doing some serious reading. And then I'm going to post again asking for lodging recs, etc.

But, Cali, since you've gone frequently, do you think we'd have a problem finding a place to stay in Grand Marais?

Thanks again!

CAPH, you will love that area. DH and I stayed at Blue Fin and did alot of exploring in the area. I would love to return.
Two very memorable meals on that trip:
Scenic Cafe on the Scenic Highway just outside of Duluth headed north. Outstanding!
Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais, one of the best places ever.
Have a blast.

Thanks, cmcfong! I thought I had remembered you in connection with Tiff's report. As I recall, she thanked you for telling her about the Angry Trout. I'm going to search for that report right now!

You are right. Tiff and I both loved the Angry Trout. Look for the otter family at play in the harbor while you dine. I don't know if they are still there, but they amused the heck out of us. I did a trip report as well so I will top it for you if I can find it, CAPH. I am sure you will enjoy the visit.

CAPH52, you should have no trouble getting a place to stay in Grand Marais, but I would make reservations ahead of time. The one time is is packed in town and very difficult to get any place to stay is the first weekend of Aug. (can also be part of July) when the Fisherman's Picnic is in full swing. Everyone comes home for reunions and other festivities as well as tons of tourist from places south so plan ahead. There are places to stay in Tofte and Lutsen too but I like to stay in Grand Marais. I have not been there this summer but have been told the Harbor Inn has been changed to "Wild Onion" and it is good. It overlooks the harbor right on the main street. Not far from Angry Trout which is also on the harbor. Chez Jude is across the highway from the harbor and also has very good food. Over the years we have also eaten at Birch Terrace quite often and have had good meals there too. Just depends on what you are looking for - Angry Trout for seafood. The little fish shop right above Angry Trout has good sandwiches and things for lunch and a light dinner too. The owner is a Commercial Fisherman and the fish is fresh. YUM!! Have fun!!

CAPH - the North Shore is one of our favorite places in the summer. Beautiful country. I'd agree that MSP to Duluth is more like 2.5 hrs. While maybe a little difficult, don't think it will be impossible to find lodging. One of our favorite places is Thomsonite Beach Lodge in between Lutsen and Grand Marais (they make jewelry out of the Thomsonite stone - DW loves it). Right on the Lake, all rooms are different, many with separate bedroom(s) and have full kitchens.

Agree with cali on restaurants - all are very good. Birch Terrace is one of the more upscale places on the NS (but not overly dressy), and we've always had excellent meals there.

Consider a saling cruise on the restored schooner out of Grand Marais harbor. Trips last a few hours.

For more info on lodging options, restaurants, etc. go to northshorevisitor.com

Thanks again, cmcfong, for pulling up that report. We'll definitely look for the otters!

And thank you again, Cali! I hope we'll be sneaking in just ahead of the busy time you mention. I checked the Best Western last night and they still have vacancies. It looks great and we may wind up going with it. But I'm going to do a little more looking first to see if we can find something a little less expensive (not that it's all that bad, all things considered). As I mentioned, this trip will be just after our son's orientation. With two kids in college, unfortunately, money is a factor!

Thanks a lot for that link, dfr! And for your other info.

Just be sure to post a trip report, CAPH....I'll be waiting for it!

Be careful what you ask for, cmcfong! Have you seen my latest trip report on the Europe board? I'm not good at short and sweet!

I have not seen your report, so I will bounce right over to Europe and read it. I stand by my words, I love to read trip reports and look forward to yours. Travel safely!

Aspen Inn is right next door to Best Western and it is nice. The prices have always been a bit less expensive there. Have fun!!

Thanks for that suggestion, Cali! I took a peek at their web site (following the link from the Grand Marais site) but didn't check their rates. I'll do that now!