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Question about Northeast Wisconsin along the lake

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Old May 19th, 2013, 05:18 PM
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Question about Northeast Wisconsin along the lake

We are taking a road trip up to Michigan Upper Peninsula. We are going up on the east side of Lake Michigan and back down on the west side past Chicago. As this is the leg home we will be short on time ½ a day to 1 day max for sightseeing.
I was thinking we would drive out on the peninsula there at Green Bay and looking around but, now I am not sure if this would be the best use of that time. So my question to you guys is if you could do one thing on the way home what would it be? What are the one or two not to miss attractions along the west side of Lake Michigan? The trip will be towards the end of June if that helps. We would really appreciate any help.
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Old May 20th, 2013, 05:36 AM
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Not knowing what you like, that is hard to answer, but I will try.

I would probably not do the Door Peninsula this time. You have a short time, and the drive up there will cut into the sightseeing you can do.

A couple of my favorite attractions along that shore are the Wisconsin Maritime Museum and the World War II submarine USS Cobia in Manitowoc, and the Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan. Be sure to get brats in Sheboygan.

There are many nice lighthouses to check out in either Door County or along the Lake Michigan shore.

When you cross from Michigan to Wisconsin, check out the ships under construction at Marinette Marine, along the river just below the bridge. If there happen to be any splash launches scheduled for the time period that you are in the area, it would be worth changing you schedule to see it.
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Old May 20th, 2013, 06:38 AM
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Door County is worth a few days, not just a few hours, IMO.
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Old May 20th, 2013, 11:22 AM
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Manitowoc is interesting. Subs were built there in
WWII and one still is on display..Makes you appreciate the wide open spaces..All along Mich shore are great beaches and dunes. Are you driving all the way up to Mac Bridge, across UP and down?? Lots to see if you just cruise along the shore drive, lovely towns, scenic outcrops, sandy beaches, rough rocky beaches, and outstanding lighthouses.. I love this part of the States and return as often as possible..You, however , won't like cruising with the crazies around Chicago!!! Hope "home" is further west so you can miss this stress!!
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Old May 22nd, 2013, 12:29 PM
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What sort of things are you looking for? Sports? Hiking? Biking? Shopping? Arts? Scenery? Brewery tour? Harley Museum? Are you a foodie? Give us a clue and we are glad to help.
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Old May 22nd, 2013, 06:20 PM
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Will be a bit short on time on the why home so sports, Biking & hiking will not be in the cards.

likes: Scenery, Brewery tour, Harley Museum, Museums in general. and foodie? would be a great start. Like I said this will really be a scraping run on the way home. I know there is a lot to do but will only have a day to mess around. Just wanted to find a few really neat thing to do. Thanks for all ideas so far really appreciate all the help
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Old May 22nd, 2013, 09:07 PM
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I agree that there isn't time to visit Door County. Do come back another time because it is a great place. I'll list some other possibilities for you. hopefully something will fit the bill.

I’ll start at Green Bay and head south to give you a few possibilities.

While you are in Green Bay you may want to consider the tour of Lambeau Field. (It is a big deal for the male population in our family.) http://www.packers.com/lambeau-field/stadium-tours.html

Heading south from there we like to stay as close to Lake Michigan as possible. I agree with Keith that the Manitowoc area has a charm of its own. It is right along Lake Michigan and there are some lovely lookout areas just to the north of town. My husband enjoys touring the submarine Cobra and visiting the Maritime Museum.

Our next stop is Kohler, home to some of the PGA golf tournaments as well as the Kohler Showroom. We browse the Shops of Woodlake, eat lunch there at Cucina’s and the John Michael Kohler Art Center has a gallery shop there. We also enjoy checking out the Kohler Design Center across the street. http://www.americanclubresort.com/vi...gn_center.html

Near Kohler is Sheboygan which has some nice beaches and also a river walk.

Farther south, Cedarburg is a quaint town built along Cedar Creek with a winery, pottery, shops, restaurants and antiques. It’s a nice place for a stroll. http://www.cedarburg.org/

I would encourage a stop in Milwaukee. There is a lot to see and do in the area near the lake. Lincoln Memorial Drive is quite lovely and I recommend a stop for coffee at Alterra’s across from the water. http://www.alterracoffee.com/InCafes...attheLake.aspx

The Art Museum is a magnificent building right on Lake Michgan and certainly worth a look even if you don’t have time to tour. http://mam.org/visit/details/detail_burke.php

If you have children along I’d highly recommend Discovery World Museum. Heck, we go without kids. It is right near the Art Musuem and also right on the lake. http://www.discoveryworld.org/

Milwaukee is also known for a vast array of ethnic festivals (also nearby on the lakefront). If you are visiting on a weekend you might want to check it out the schedule. http://www.summerfest.com/henry-maie...ndar-of-events

The Harley Museum is fun as is the Lakefront Brewery tour.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US...formation.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Wisconsin.html

Also in the same general area is the Historic Third Ward. To quote from their website it boasts an “array of restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and unique boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting.” http://www.historicthirdward.org/abo...ethirdward.php


Hopefully I’ve come up with something you might enjoy. Let me know if you have questions. Have a great trip.
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Old May 23rd, 2013, 05:56 AM
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Wonderful overview and suggestions, mdwest..Hope some of them are followed and that will make this trip really good!!!
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Old May 23rd, 2013, 09:48 AM
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Thanks, Amer-can. As airline travel gets more and more annoying, I really enjoy staying closer to home and finding lots of good stuff. With the Mississippi River to the west and Lake Michigan on the east there are a lot of resaons to travel around Wisconsin. Especially if you get off the highways. Don't you agree?
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Old May 23rd, 2013, 10:27 AM
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Absolutely..I love to drive from Western Canada to Michigan along #2, across the Up and over the bridge, on down. Or #2 to Wolf Point,MT south to Glendive, #I94 east and on to Milwakee or Manitowac, over on the ferry and there I am..Love that beautiful country and never, never go by Chi. anymore..I'm not crazy about 94 as I don't like super highways and it is harder to get involved with off track wonders of areas but still when you get to MN and WI you are scenically enriched. The Great Lakes circle is outstanding and should be on everyone's bucket list..
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