Scenic route between Traverse City and Mackinaw City. They also makesandwiches, salads, quiches, and pot pies! A short hike will lead you to Brule River, which splits in two as it goes over the Devils Kettle waterfall. Any season can be road trip season! The Casque Isle hiking trailhead begins at the parking lot and is said to be the most popular segment of this incredible 33-mile (53 km) trail along Lake Superior. There is no better way to witness the beauty of Algoma Country then from your comfortable and relaxing Agawa Train. Before you leave, however, be sure to stop and see the lighthouses here (we recommend a visit to Ludington State Park). Wisconsin is the #1 cheese-producing state in the country and it wouldnt be right to pass through the state without having a cheese-related experience! PICTURED ROCKS MI If youll be driving from Tahquamenon Falls to Pictured Rocks (next on the list! How often will you have the opportunity to grab a drink after a day of activity with a professional athlete? Dont underestimate the beauty and magnetism of this Midwestern body of water. This city has so much lip-smacking delicious fudge that if you arent careful you will leave with a bellyache. The last piece Alison wrote for ROAM was on their weeksexploring the sands of Morocco. Please if anyone can advise how this sounds. If you have the time or are stopping for the night, try out one of the hands-on or demonstration classes andlearn how to make coffee toffee and hot cinnamon peanut brittle, curate your own bottle of gin, etc. Traverse Citya.k.a The Cherry Capital of the World provides a nice change from all the MI beaches and lighthouses (although it has those too). Bikers like the drive as it offers many places to turn off for a rest, find a biker friendly place to eat, or take a bit of shelter during a storm. Weve got you. There are a few beach stops along the way. Itll be held from February 8-12, 2023. The Casque Isle hiking trailhead begins at the parking lot and is said to be the most popular segment of this incredible 33-mile (53 km) trail along Lake Superior. Not only will you be preventing man made erosion, but you are staying safe. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is best known for its cliffs. Both Grand Haven and Muskegon are great stops for beach adventures, spectacular views of lakeside dunes, wilderness trails and more. And it's Mackinac Island. Thereare no cars or chain hotels here,just charming and family-owned accommodations. They cruised through four states, rode ferries to two islands, hit numerous state and national parks, rode dune buggies, rented bikes, fought pirates, and, of course, splashed in the only Great Lake to sit entirely inside the U.S. Alison: About 2 weeks. Then make a stop atHolland, MIwhich is actually like a little Holland. As I mentioned earlier, some of the stops on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour are only accessible by boat/ferry, namely the Manitou, Beaver, and Squaw Islands. However, you can order a printable copy of the map to be sent to your home address (we have this and like it). For the visual, heres the basic route thats outlined on the list below. Holland is an extremely charming town featuring European-style architecture, tulip fields, and windmills that could easily be mistaken for a village in the Netherlands. In this space, you will find a little bit about our travel as well as tips and resources to make your adventures easier. You can rent your own buggy, or can go on a dune buggy tour. The Indiana Dunes sits at the very southern tip of Lake Michigan, and is a getaway retreat for Chicagoans. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Wawa Goose Poised over the junction of the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 101, stands the Wawa Goose. (These are backroads that you dont want to end up on!). With a must-see marina and the beautiful Upper Harbor Lighthouse this piece of Marquette should not be missed along yourLake Superior CircleTour! What time does your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116934191', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight land? Plus because you are the driver and on your own schedule, you can stop only where you feel comfortable. With an all new childrens section, and many different and interactive exhibits, your family will be sure to have a great time while learning some great Canadian history. Keep in mind, and this is no reflection on you, but spelling is key when looking up hotels in the various cities. Traverse City, MI - The Cooks House Restaurant Glen Arbor, Michigan: 7:30am: Quick to-go order at the hotel's on-site Dunkin' as we head 45min west for a scenic drive. We set our expectations around this, and even with some adjustments, never felt disappointed by what we did on a given day. Other notable stops include the Milwaukee Public Market, Lakefront Brewery, and Miller Brewery. Cottages??? This adventure offers panoramic views of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, North and South Manitou Islands, Lake Michigan, and Leland, MI. WIND CAVE SD more. Neither of us had plans, so we thought why not? But dont expect too much! I Love Grand Haven Sandcastle at Grand Haven State Park. YourCircle Tour wouldnt be complete without a visit this attraction! This included the Manitou Islands in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (lower peninsula) and Isle Royale National Park from Copper Harbor or Houghton (upper peninsula). A lot of the beach towns along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour become dead in the winter. Around here it was also instructing to turn onto roads that didnt exist. Kitch-iti-kipi is where you can see the bubbling big spring! In Escanaba, see the 1868 Sand Point Lighthouse. Did you know you can have a very European experience right in the state of Michigan? Are you feeling lost or craving something fun to do with friends, but dont quite know where or how to start planning? . The bottom, or foot of Lake Michigan is about the opposite experience from Michigans Upper Peninsula as it gets (we dont have any published stories on the U.P, but well fix that soon, eh!) Its also another homage to the Scandinavian heritage proudly on display in Door County, Wisconsin. No trouble. Thanks so much. Sixteen full-color murals along eight-blocks tell the fascinating story of Ashland from the nineteenth century to modern time. Astoundingly, while one side of the river continues into Lake Superior, the other half disappears. The RV trip is the one trip that survived, since we could still travel locally if we felt comfortable. WYOMING Transport yourself to grandmas kitchen with a trip to this pie-lovers destination! Spend a day sampling culinary delights, visiting brewpubs and art galleries while watching the bridge raise and lower for water traffic. We took the 20-minute @starlinemackinacislandferry over to Mackinac Island, which is completely car-free and filled with fudge shops in their place 17 total shops in less than 4 square miles! Among the five Great Lakes, its the second largest in volume and the third largest in surface area. Lake Michigan Circle Tour Road Signs: Can be green, blue, or brown, but they are all basically the same. On your way to the next place on the list, you might want to go to Bond Falls! The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is located at the very northern tip of Leelanau Peninsula. church, based on drawings of one built in Norway in 1150 AD. For having a population of only 3,000 people, Manistique has a lot to offer. This year, the skating ribbon opens November 18, 2022. Visit Oswalds Bear Ranch on the way. Entertainment was very reasonable as well since many things were covered by state park passes. This is another college town, where Michigan Tech University is located. Its about 90 minutes long, half of which the pirate crew spent engaged in a massive sword fight with all the kids on board. Youll need to take a ferry from Mackinaw City, MI to arrive at the beautiful and serene Mackinac Island. Ludington, located in Central Michigan, is known as one of the best campgrounds on Lake Michigan. You can stop at NavyPier, Soldier Field, bike or walk Lakefront Trail visit some of the Museums, and stop at Millenium Park to see famousThe Cloud, better known as the Bean. In Dorion, 40 miles (64 km) northeast of Thunder Bay, Ouimet Canyon serves as a testament to the sheer force of nature. Then head over to Mount Baldy for a short hikeand a nice beach. State campgrounds were generally $30-40/night. That's faster and cheaper than flying from TC. Our eating out was under $50 in total. Travel south from Sheboygan and make a stop in Port Washington, home of the famous Pirate Festival. } Browse through our top points of interest and make the decision for yourself on which segment to explore. It is accessible by a prayer path though the woods and looks so striking nestled among the trees. In the fall, vibrant colors and farm markets line the road of this scenic highway. You can take a ferry toWashington Island. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour (LMCT) is 1,092 miles long and is the only Great Lakes Circle Tour that does not cross into Canada, as Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake situated entirely within the U.S. More than half of the LMCT exists within Michigan, while nearly a third of the route occurs within Wisconsin. Looking for colorful agate stones is a thing on the shores of Lake Superior, and you can do this in Pictured Rocks too. !Even if you arent a climber, the event is fun to spectate or attend for climbing photography experience. You can rent bikes there or bring your own. You can climb up to the top of this lighthouse. Yes, you can (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Read the comments on youtube. Tip: Mackinac is pronounced the same as Mackinaw[mack-i-naw] . Located in Michigans Lower Peninsula, this National Lakeshore features truly stunning sandy dunes and forests. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is part of this system. Begin your journey in Manistee County and drive north along Lake Michigan. SOUTH DAKOTA Camp overnight to extend your time enjoying all this place has to offer like: Hike the Cowles Bog Trail, Photograph the Chicago Skyline, Hike the Dune Succession Trail. Theres a Meijer here. If you are flexible with your trip, Id also recommend that you do notbook hotels or campsites ahead of time. For Michigan state park campgrounds, be sure to see this list of state park campgrounds in the UP that will give you amazing views of the Great Lakes! Baymont by Wyndham Bridgeport/Frankenmuth. During our stay we went cherry-picking, we drove the curvy highway to Northport and went to Cave Point County Park. The use of wood rather than stone allows much artistic and cultural expression. This is free. We were extremely rushed and missed some stops towards the end of our journey. Lake Michigan is the fifth largest lake in the world! In the center of Sault Ste. Not sure what to eat for lunch? 119 curls around Petoskey State Park, then linking up with the pleasant route 31 into Charlevoix where we once again abandon our bikes for the remainder of the day. BIG ISLAND Since the route is a loop, you can start anywhere you want (Chicago is popular)! The Great Lakes tour is a circle road trip route through the United States and Canada to scenic destinations along Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Erie. This national historic landmark is a must see during anyonesLake Superior Circle Tour! OAHU Known as the Historic Mural Capital of Wisconsin, Ashlands business district is covered in works of art depicting the citys rich and vibrant history. Although they are a winery, they also have excellent hard ciders and to-die-for wood-fired pizzas. Arcadia Bluffs Overlook. You must take a ferry to this popular tourist destination. Yep, us too. Check your inbox for an email to confirm your subscription, click the link and youre ready to ROAM! -Explore Mackinaw City and then cross the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge, aka Big Mac or Mighty Mac, the longest suspension bridge with two towers in the Western Hemisphere into Michigans Upper Peninsula. All Rights Reserved | Manistee County Visitors Bureau : 310 First Street, Manistee, MI : (877) 626-4783 | Powered by RSDG, Explore M-22 by our recommended tour route - or - Explore on your own, Lake Michigan Coastal Tour M22 Scenic Drive, Downtown / Commercial District Historic Tour. I grew up in West Michigan, so lets start there. There is a riverside waterfall hike you can do to see a series of waterfalls with the Presque Isle River waterfalls loop. -Traverse City is one of our favorite cities in the USA. There are 373 campsites over four campgrounds. Wanna brag to your friends back home that you went to Holland for vacation? My husband and I have a wedding in Chacago inJune and are thinking of doing a road trip on Lake Michigan for 9 nights beforehand. The State of Michigans slogan is Pure Michigan and you can get plenty of that with a trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan aka a trip to the UP! We saw just the garage remnants from a property adjacent to the dunes that recently went under as well. Michigander here! This time? Check out some of her best work at www.juliehenning.com. Learn more advanced skills and receiveinstructions during courses, clinics, and socials to connect with people in the climbing community! Anyone who interested in ice climbing, whether youre someone who has no experience, some experience, or an expert, should definitely check out this renowned ice climbing event! Ice Skate at Maggie Daley Park Chicago, IL. Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. Most importantly, this means that it would be a very good idea to download offline google maps before you go. Full of history, great views, and fun times for the entire family the Great Lakes Shipwreck museum will be one of your most memorable visits along yourLake Superior Circle Tourjourney! Union Bay is the side with the visitor center and famous Lake of the Clouds overlook. NEW YORK MOUNT RUSHMORE SD How much did the whole trip cost? PEARL HARBOR HI The downtown area is home to many breweries and restaurants in addition to a beautiful lakefront. The RV allows you to be contained and self-sufficient in terms of eating, sleeping, and bathroom use, so we had low risk being away from home. For the more ambitious, and those looking for the true Apostle Islands experience, you can make your way to the islands themselves by embarking on a cruise or by taking a water taxi. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is located here, and there is a lighthouse here too. and get out of the car to walk along the top of small sand dunes and the beach. Years ago, there was a hotel near Ford Field - help me! Would it be better to retrace our steps to Traverse City and then onto Chacago or continue all the way around the lake. Visit Sleeping Bear while in Charlevoix. When I arrived at Muskallonge Lake, the state park worker there said a ton of people had been rescued from there! The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is a ~1,100-mile loop that passes through Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana following the shorelines of Lake Michigan. (right next to the ferry line, super easy) and rode around the island with many stops to eat fudge of course. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is said to be Michigans largest state park. Also if you want to make a detour to the next destination, you can go to the Soo Locks, which is a narrow water crossing where massive cargo ships go through. Not only can you see millions of tulips, but there are parades, a craft fair, dutch dancers, and carnival food. The beach itself is very nice and has several volleyball and grilling areas. We also spent a couple of nights boondocking too which is camping in non-camping private spaces (e.g., sporting good stores, truck stops, Walmarts, federally managed forests) without the electrical hook-ups. It also has the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the US. The downtown is a cute little area. There was a long wait when we went, but the smoked salmon plate and the Eggs Benedict that we devoured was worth it. Magney State Park, the Devils Kettle is a rock formation that has bewildered visitors for decades. It is also the home of the striking Stavkirke church, based on drawings of one built in Norway in 1150 AD. Chicago has a beautiful lakefront, and even has an 18 mile trail along the shoreline that is great for biking, skating, or walking. GPS mostly works around the UP, so as long as you have offline maps, then youll be able to navigate even if you arent able to get data. At bedtime each night, the kids were just beaming saying This was the best night ever! only to repeat it again each day. The goal is to drive around Lake Superior and enjoy its vast beauty. We were extremely rushed and missed some stops towards the end of our journey stay we went but. Culinary delights, visiting brewpubs and art galleries while watching the bridge raise and lower for water traffic its another... Grand Haven Sandcastle at Grand Haven and Muskegon are Great stops for beach adventures spectacular. 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