My family and I will be traveling by car from Minnesota to the UP of MI. I'm wondering if there's a ferry we could take across Lake Superior or Lake Michigan and if so from what town does it leave? Will we need reservations? I'd also like to stay in a lighthouse on the UP that welcomes children under the age of 12. Any suggestions?

Hmmmmmmmmm,

I've read that Lake Superior is so big that a ship can travel for three DAYS at times without seeing land on any side...

(depending upon direction, etc.)

There is one that leaves from Ludington, MI. Goes to WI.

Other than the Madeline Island ferry, there is nothing that fits that bill on Lake Superior. If offered, do not ride on the Edmund Fitzgerald!

I am confident that tinathetoad meant to say that the ferry goes from Manitowoc, WI to Ludington across Lake Michigan but that would not help your trip. Just do the drive across Hwy. 8 or 70 and enjoy it. Keep an eye out for deer and bears on the road.

The only thing between MN and the UP of MI is Wisconsin. MN, WI and the UP are all on the shore of Lake Superior. There are boats that can take you to Isle Royale NP, but no cars allowed.

There is a lighthouse B&B in Big Bay north of Marquette, MI. Don't know about age restrictions.

There is a boat that goes from MI (I think Houghton or Hancock) to Grand Portage and two other boats that go from Isle Royal to Grand Portage, MN. Again, no cars so no way to get around on the other shore unless someone has dropped off a car for you.

http://www.sandhillslighthouseinn.com/

http://www.bigbaylighthouse.com/