I am interested in driving up to the Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, MI. I only have a couple of days, including driving time from around Grand Rapids, MI.

Questions for the Forum:

How long does it take to drive from Whitefish Point to Sault Ste. Marie to see the locks?

Are there any lighthouses along Whitefish Bay?

Are there any places to stay other than the Best Western? I've heard about lighthouses up there converted into B&Bs. We'll need two rooms....one for my husband and myself and one for my 17 y/o stepson.

Not really interested in doing Mackinac Island this trip due to time constraints. Anything else we shouldn't miss in the triangle from Mack. Is. to Whitefish Point to Sault Ste. Marie?

Thanks for all responses!

Nancy, I'm not real familiar with this area but have a friend who is. I'd be happy to pass your address along to him, is your address really "nospam"?

It would be a shame to go up to Whitefish Point without stopping to see Tahquamenon Falls. It's probably less than a 30 minute drive from Whitefish Point and if you've never seen the falls it's worth the effort.

There's a B&B (http://www.lighthousebandb.com/) that's a lighthouse, but it's not in the area you'll be traveling through and it's booked pretty heavily. Maybe next time?

hi nancy,
i love sault st marie and try to go up about 4 times a year. and it would be a shame to not go on the agawa canyon rail tour. you have to book it in advance although you may get lucky to get some seats that day but why chance it. their no is 1-800-242-9287 i believe the ride is from 8-5pm.
also there are soo lock boat tours and dinner cruises. that no is 800-432-6301.
there are a couple of places to stay near the locks, one is the upscale ojibway hotel and conf ctr/800-654-2929 or the lockview motel/800-854-0745
or you could live dangerously and stay at the kewadin casino hotel and conv ctr/800 kewadin which is a beautiful place. if you go make sure you see the wonderful indian art that is diplayed in the art room. i live in detroit where i have access to 3 major casinos over here but i have never been to any of them. they just do not call my attn. but i love the kewadin. other hotels are holiday inn, super 8, hampton inn, budget host which is a small motel but very very clean. i recommend it. 800-955-5213. single bed rooms are about 50.00. also make sure you eat at abners restaurant for their w/e brunch. just fantastic. its kind of hokey but i love ssm. i just happened to have my travel guide for ssm and thats how i had those tel num. Hope you have fun, cant wait till i am there again. linda

My hobby is photographing lighthouses. There are two at Whitefish Bay. One is at the mouth at the Shipwreck Museum and another called Iriquios Light lower down the Bay. It is one of my favorites. Very pretty. On the state map it is on a point north of the little town of Bay Mills. The flies are usually terrible at Whitefish point. Take along repellent. The museum is very interesting though and an easy drive from the Soo. We took the side road along the water and it took about an hour and a half but I drive slow looking for waterfalls and the like. That doesn't include the time at Iriquois Light.
At the Soo there is a Sleep Inn on the Canadian side that is only 2 years old and has a view of the river and the ship traffic. It is next to a riverside park for a stroll. Since the exchange rate is so good for American money right now, staying in Canada is well worth the small toll to cross the bridge. Dinner there will be a bargain for the same reason. Soo Canada is a much bigger city too so you have more options. Be sure to get donuts at Tim Horton's! We love them. The previous note about a lighthouse B&B is right. I think the nearest one is by Marquette. The lighthouse in Macinaw City just before you cross the bridge is pretty cool too. It looks like a castle and sits in a park with a view of the bridge. It is just east of the bridge. Stop there for a nice break in your drive. Restrooms are located near by which after driving from GR you will be ready for. If you need any other help, feel free to email us.