We're thinking about taking a short trip sometime this summer, probably in August, relatively close to home. One of the places we're considering is Mackinac Island.

But we hate dealing with the traffic issues going from Chicago to Michigan. Does it make any sense to drive up through Wisconsin, the UP and over to Mackinac Island? I realize it would add time to the drive. But how much would it add?

Also, I realize this is pretty short notice. We would be going during the week. Are we likely to be able to get reservations at one of the towns near Mackinac Island?

I know there was a fairly recent thread about that area. And I'm going to try to find it. But, offhand, does anyone have any opionions about the best town to stay in near there?

Thanks!

Hi Caph52,

I live in Grand Rapids and from here, it's almost 4 hours to the bridge. I can also usually get from here to Chicago in 2-1/2 hours - of course, that depends on the time of day and the construction. So, you're probably looking at almost 7 hours total going this route. I have no idea how long it would take going through the UP, but I'm sure it would be much more beautiful and more leisurely.

Another option of getting over here is either the fast ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon, or the slower ferry from Manituwoc to Ludington. Muskegon to the bridge is probably about the same - 4 hours, but Ludington would shave off at least an hour or more.

Here's the fast one:
www.milwaukee-muskegon.com/
And the slower, less expensive one:
www.ssbadger.com/

As for towns near Mackinac Island, I prefer St. Ignace, north of the bridge, over Mackinaw City, south of the bridge. To me, Mackinaw City is just way too commercialized. St. Ignace is smaller, seems to have a little more character, and a wonderful view of the island.

We just reserved a room mid-week in July at the Colonial House Inn in St. Ignace for $59 a night. They have B&B type rooms and a motel attached. The B&B part was booked, so our room is in the motel part. Here's the web site:
http://www.colonial-house-inn.com/

It's directly across from the Arnold Ferry dock. The guy said it was ok to leave our car parked in his lot for the day too.

Here are some other sites you may want to check out, if you haven't already:
http://www.mackinacisland.org/
http://www.mackinac.com/
http://www.arnoldline.com/
http://www.stignace.com/

Welcome to Michigan!
Heidi

Thank you so much, Heidi! You're wonderful!O That's great info and just the sort of stuff I needed.

It gives us a lot to think about. I've always been curious about the ferry. So this might be the time to try it. Then again, we've never driven farther north in Wisconsin than Door County. Maybe we should think about going one way and returning the other.

Not only is this great help with the possible trip, it also gives me something fun to do this afternoon while my DH and son are at the Cubs/Sox game and my daughter is downtown. Something to keep me home instead of in the stores spending money!

Hi CAPH52,

Definitely try to go one way and return the other if you have the time. We've gone through the UP to Mackinac Island and it's a very nice drive. We live in NW Wisconsin so not as far for us but still a nice drive. Have fun - sometimes those last minute trips turn out to be the best trips
Pam

Glad I could help, Caph52. And remember, there's always Fodors to entertain you if you get bored!

Thanks, Pam! Would you be able to give me a ballpark idea of how long it might take from Milwaukee?

I'm glad to hear that it's an enjoyable drive. We still have to work out the logistics -- a week that both DH and DD can take off work and when no one has anything else planned. You never know where you're gonna hit a glitch with this last minute stuff when you're dealing with the schedules of four people. But this is beginning to look like just the sort of trip we're after: a relaxing, leisurely and pretty drive somewhere we've never been that's relatively close!

We go to the Traverse City area every summer from southeast Iowa. My husband doesn't care how many extra hours it takes to drive the UP, we go that way. We hate the Chicago/Gary route, always end up dead stopped in construction - a real pain. The UP is beautiful. Take the south UP hwy there and the northern UP route home. Great views along Lake Superior.

Sounds good. Thanks, JAGM!

Sorry CAPH52 for not getting back to you sooner but that darn nice weather had us on an all day convertible drive
Milwaukee to the beginning of the UP would be at least a 7 hour drive or more if you stop along the way. The UP itself is probably another hour or two again depending on stopping. These are just my guesstimates I'm sure mapquest or similar programs would give you something more accurate. Also like JAGM's idea of driving the south route there and the north route back. No matter which way you go I'm sure you'll have a great time. Happy travels!

The UP drive from Menominee to St. Ignace is close to 200 miles. You are looking at close to 4 hours of driving since most of the drive is on 2 lane roads. There are some great places to stop along the way as well.

"Milwaukee to the beginning of the UP would be at least a 7 hour drive or more if you stop along the way."

That would be a whole lot of stopping along the way. It's only a 3 hour drive on Mapquest. You said you're going during the week, so traffic shouldn't be a big concern, unless you hit rush hour or get stuck in the construction around Milwaukee. Just check on the construction and route yourself around it.

Thanks Pam, Suzie and Weasel! We're starting to hit some glitches trying to plan this. But, even if it doesn't work out this summer (and I'm still hoping it will!), this is definitely info I'll file away for another time. It sounds like it would be a wonderful trip.

We took my children last summer (9, 6, 4) to Mackinac Island and all loved it. We traveled from Chicago the first day and stayed in Traverse City at the Beach Condos. They were very clean and the beach was right outside of your back door. The next day we headed up to Sleeping Bear Dunes, which my kids loved, then to Mackinac City and boarded the ferry. We stayed on Mackinac Island at the Mission Point Resort (loved it and kids ate free) and biked. ate tons of fudge, and visited the old fort on the island.