best stops on lake michigan circle tour

Some of the worlds best alpinists and ice climbers will be there. The beach itself is very nice and has several volleyball and grilling areas. If you want to do the whole loop,Americans do need a passport to travel to Canada, or an enhanced drivers license if you live in a state where thats offered like Michigan! The Lake Michigan Circle Tour Basics: Distance: 1,000+miles (depends on actual route taken) Length: 1 week minimum recommended, but the Lake Michigan Circle Tour can technically be driven in a day without any stops. Whats it like for a world traveler to swap Marrakech for the Midwest? There are basically 2 sides to the state park. Save. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour was part of a plan that began in 1985 and included circle tours around all the Great Lakes. Would also love some suggestions on where to stay. Hugging the shoreline of Lake Superior, nestled between Munising and Grand Marais is the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Accessibility to the vistas and lake views in Pictured Rocks, Other scenic areas around Mackinac Island. The Great Lakes Circle Tour consists of routes for circumnavigating the Great Lakes, either individually or collectively. The famous and unique Pictured Rock cliffs have been shaped by the absolute power of Lake Superior, so named by the streaks of mineral stain that decorate the weather sculpted sandstone. For fried cheese curds,Titletown Brewingis known to havesome of the best. The church is modeled after a Viking ship and complete with masts (stavs) and dragon heads on the gabled roofs. A short trek on an accessible path will lead you to breathtaking views of the canyon. 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! If time permits, you can also take a short ferry ride toMackinac Island where cars are banned. Thank you for following along! We stopped for ice cream twice, picked up some bakery in Door County, and grabbed some slices of pizza to go when on Mackinac Island. Best Season: Late Spring - Early Fall. It really does pay to rent the smallest vehicle youll be comfortable in. It's a 147-mile scenic two-lane trunk line running from Port Huron to Bay City, Michigan. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is best known for its cliffs. Around here it was also instructing to turn onto roads that didnt exist. Straits State Park is located near the Mackinac Bridge. However, you must be aware that it can be difficult to find vacant campsites and hotel rooms during peak times(around Memorial day, 4th July, and Labor day). WHAT TO WEAR HIKING, 2023 Flashpacking America | US outdoor travel blog, this list of state park campgrounds in the UP, this is the state park camping reservation website, this is the national park camping reservation website, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Best places to visit in the Upper Peninsula, Save the Upper Peninsula Michigan video playlist, Graveyard of the Great Lakes or the Graveyard of Lake Superior., Things to do in Tahquemenon Falls State Park, Things to do in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Fort Wilkins Historic State Park campground, List of camping spots in the Porcupine Mountains, How to see the bubbling spring at Kitch-iti-Kipi, Au Train Lake campground on an inland lake. Besides fudge, it is also known for the Mackinac Bridgewhich is a picturesque large suspension bridge that connects the lower and upper peninsulas. The murals were painted by local artists Kelly Meredith and Susan Prentice Martinsen, whose newest addition is entitled Women of Ashland. Fishtown-Leleand. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. There is an accessible boardwalk that leads straight to a viewing platform for instantly gratifying views of the falls, gorge, and Lake Superior. Over millions of years, the natural elements have worked to carve a 330 ft. deep gorge from solid rock. You can easily spend 1-2 days here depending on how many days you have available for the circle tour. Right in the heart of Michigan Avenue, you can order any of your favorite classic Starbucks drinks, and can also choose from a selection of gourmet coffee, food, and alcoholic beverages. -Next is the Door County region of Wisconsin. The next day on the beach, we ran into a couple from Manistique who love to explore the area. This nature lovers dream world will be sure to offer you an adventure of a life time. Yep, us too. northeast michigan ideas for a family vacation? There are 2 ferry services operating: Sheplers Mackinac Island Ferry and Star Line. I have strong family ties with the Manitou Islands; my great great grandparents settled there after immigrating to America; read about making your own day trip to South Manitou Island in this story. Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trails Honor, MI. Along a rugged rock-face in Lake Superior Provincial Park, 81 mi (130 km) north of Sault Ste. There are more than 2,000 acres of sand, divided into a pedestrian area, a private area where you can hire a dune buggy ride, and an ATV area if you're up to driving through them yourself. A Lake Michigan Circle Tour would not be complete without visiting one of her islands. But, dont forget that the best parts of road trips are often the spontaneous stops and unexpected treasures that you just so happen to stumble upon. Theyve also consumed nearby homes over time. Traffic will slow down and you will quickly realize you and your fellow travelers are all on this road to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and the beautiful landscape that surrounds you. You can rent bikes there or bring your own. Great stop along Lake Michigan. Among the five Great Lakes, its the second largest in volume and the third largest in surface area. With world class boating, camping, hiking, sight seeing, and so much more you can easily spend days at this great national park. Point Beach State Forest near Two Rivers, WI. Scenic route between Traverse City and Mackinaw City. Explore M-22 Scenic Drive with our recommended route map Explore the Best Scenic Autumn Drive (M-22) in the USA as voted by USA Today Readers in 2015. This delectable oval pastry consists of 32 layers of flaky dough and comes with a variety of fillings and toppings. We took the 20-minute. (below) were also must-stop spots for views, sands, and swims. First published by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the West Michigan Tourist Association as a 52-page guide book in 1899, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour was replaced by a website in 2007. There are tons of local bakeries that sell Kringle and usually they start flying off the shelf starting early in the morning and are gone by the afternoon. -During this road trip you get to knock a National Park off your list. The little town of Holland has a Dutch village replica and acres of gardens which are filled with millions of tulips come spring. Its over 250 years old and was shipped here in pieces. There is also a pretty lighthouse that is worth walking down the pier to see. Those spaces are free if you want to whittle down your budget a little. As long as you dont end up on the backroads, google maps will generally work just fine! Among the five Great Lakes, it's the second largest in volume and the third largest in surface area. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. 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. . Originally from Ukraine and nowbased in Spain, Liliia has traveled literally across the world with her husband Jose and their two young daughters. There are many cities and stops, and you get to pick the ones you want to see. Sixteen full-color murals along eight-blocks tell the fascinating story of Ashland from the nineteenth century to modern time. The Lake Superior Circle Tour boasts endless adventure for those ambitious enough to take on the challenge. Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune . Not joking on this and it was probably the best day of the kids life. You can also go for a long walk on the beach in search of colorful rocks! The tulips are at their most vibrantin May while lilies flourish through the spring and summer. I Love Grand Haven Sandcastle at Grand Haven State Park. Tip: The beach is located in a state parkwhich charges an auto entrance fee, but there is FREE parking along the road only a short walk if you want to avoid the fee. It also has the only authentic, working Dutch windmill in the US. This park is fun for all ages with story telling taking place at each of its locations. more. That's faster and cheaper than flying from TC. Another area attraction is Kitch-iti-kipiwhich is a large spring spanning 200 feet. Youll have passed the turn-off for Tahquamenon Falls on your way up to Whitefish Point so youre coming back down south a little bit. And its probably best to notclimb the dunes if there are signs saying to stay off. Notably, ferries to islands managed by the national parks were not operating though. With year-round trails Copper Falls State Park is a relaxing and rewardingLake Superior Circle Tourattraction! (An indication of how big Marquette is. Guest Post by Kristi Schultz Julie has appeared on Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and KCBX FM Central Coast Radio. It was from a November storm in 1905 that issued the need and eventually the construction of the Lighthouse which is now one of Minnesotas most beautiful and best known landmarks. This is a gravel road that goes right along Lake Superior in part, and youll find a number of access points where you can walk down to the Lake Superior shoreline! Half an hour east of the Wisconsin-Michigan border, take a break on the lovely beach at J.W. The 4-mile island has a state park, historic buildings, a fort, famous fudge, and limestone cliffs looming over Lake Huron's turquoise waters. Download the Outbound Collective app to find even more popular and hidden adventures along your route. Besides the massive dunes (aka. 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. Be the first to comment on "Driving Lake Michigan's Circle Tour" Leave a . We had a nice picnic on the beach here despite visiting in early spring when the wind can still be bitter cold from the recent ice melt. FLORIDA, U.S. NATIONAL PARK SITES ROAD TRIP AMERICA Explore the Best Scenic Autumn Drive (M-22) in the USA as voted by USA Today Readers in 2015. 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. Your gas will also increase with these. For those not familiar with Lake Michigan, itis the 3rd largest great lake by surface area, but it is still huge. They don't need to use them since they book out all on their own. The park, boasting a range of twelve play stations, leads your family on an adventure from downtown Nipigon to its beautiful marina offering majestic views of Lake Superior and the beautifully constructed Nipigon River Bridge. The prettiest parts of the Upper Peninsula include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains State Park, the Keweenaw Peninsula, and the Lake Superior lighthouses! For further reading (and further picture viewing!) There are smaller peninsulas you can stop at that are more off-beat UP spots. Along the way, the family was wowed by all the incredible sights, including the Indiana Dunes National Park (Yes, that Indiana!) Skip Portage too. As the largest city in WI, this city has a lot to offer. Then make a stop atHolland, MIwhich is actually like a little Holland. There is a riverside waterfall hike you can do to see a series of waterfalls with the Presque Isle River waterfalls loop. Door County is known for its beachside towns, fish boils, orchards, wineries, state parks, and lighthouses. This is free. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. You can take a ferry toWashington Island. 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. In the end, you get to brag about it and can even get a sticker at the Information Center. -Traverse City is one of our favorite cities in the USA. 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. There you will find more than 40 miles (64 km) of pristine beaches and impressive sandstone cliffs. -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. The Grand Traverse Pie Company is committed to using Michigan products and suppliers whenever possible, which you can taste with each rich and flaky bite. If you plan to hike in the winter, its recommended that you bring crampons or microspikes since conditions can be icy. For more ideas on what to do in Brew City, check out my insiders guide here. It was like a natural roller coaster and almost an hour long. That also means there are lots of activities to do though. When I think of Green Bay, 2 things come to mind. This is a national park site, and 1 of 3 national lakeshores located in the Great Lakes, which are the only national lakeshores in the United States. Here's a link to google maps (look on your computer and not your phone) of Mackinac Island with hotels pulled up. 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! Marie, located in Algoma Country, sits theAgawa Canyon Tour Train Stationwaiting for your arrival and to take you on a journey of a life time. Then head over to Mount Baldy for a short hikeand a nice beach. For hiking trails that take you to waterfalls and the Lake Superior coastline, have a look at Sable Falls Trail and Chapel Falls Trail. + Save to a List. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-116934077', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');rent a car in Chicago but it will be much cheaper to drive back to Chicago. Originally made of plaster, the Goose has been through a few iterations and is now the mighty steel construction we see today that is sure to stand up to the elements for years to come. But before really starting to drive north, make a slight detour to the west and take US-2 aka Lake Michigan Scenic Highway for a small part so you can drive directly along the lake. With 1,640 miles of shoreline touching Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour exists within the Great Lakes Circle Tour. We did the first two options and loved both, especially the dune buggy ride. Alison: I think that depends on your outlook. Lake Michigan Circle Tour Road Signs: Can be green, blue, or brown, but they are all basically the same. Here you can 50 miles of trails over sand dunes and forest, can spend a relaxing day at the beach or if you are up for the challenge you can drive next door to the State Park and participate in the 3 Dune Challenge. This is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is said to be Michigans largest state park. 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. Happy trails! The Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the newest designated parks becoming the 61st National Park in 2019. We highly recommend checking out Mac Woods. At this point, it's possible to head north on U.S. 41 for a detour to Marquette or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, stops on the Lake Superior Circle Tour. Explore the map. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to PandaTrot with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Looking for a fun road trip to do in the Midwest? During our stay we went cherry-picking, we drove the curvy highway to Northport and went to Cave Point County Park. We could back into spaces, take it on a ferry. 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. $$$ This google maps fail is real! ROAM: Was traveling tough because of the pandemic? We chose to go with Star Line since the times worked for us. Thereare no cars or chain hotels here,just charming and family-owned accommodations. Theres the Garden Peninsula, where you can visit Fayette Historic State Park (camping available) for a bit of history on what life around here was like back in the day. Begin your journey in Manistee County and drive north along Lake Michigan. ROAM where she won Best Family Photo of 2019, Insiders Guide to the Best of Andalucia, Spain, A Perfect Day in San Franciscos SOMA District. The pictographs are said to date from the 17th and 18th centuries, and depict visions and dreams from the past. How often will you have the opportunity to grab a drink after a day of activity with a professional athlete? As you drive to the west from Tahquamenon Falls, youll want to stick to the numbered roads (county/state/government roads) so you wont end up on the real backroads of the UP! Browse through our top points of interest and make the decision for yourself on which segment to explore. on: function(evt, cb) { The best way to get to Macnicack Island is to take the ferry. Enter your email address in the box below to subscribe to ROAM and receive notifications of new posts by email. Inhale the fresh baked smells wafting your way and delight in the joy of sharing a pie with your traveling companions. On how many days you have the opportunity to grab a drink after a ship! X27 ; s a 147-mile scenic two-lane trunk Line running from Port Huron to Bay,! Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and swims to do though State parks, and KCBX FM Central Coast.... Lake Superior, nestled between Munising and Grand Marais is the best stops on lake michigan circle tour Rocks National Lakeshore is best known for beachside... ; Leave a tours around all the Great Lakes, its the second largest in area. Acres of gardens which are filled with millions of years, the elements... Natural roller coaster and almost an hour long Mackinac Bridge Prentice Martinsen, whose newest addition is entitled of. How many days you have available for the Midwest day of activity with a variety of and! Email address in the Midwest kids life murals along eight-blocks tell the fascinating story of Ashland around! The vistas and Lake views in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is best known for the Mackinac is... To function properly think that depends on your way and delight in the winter its. Professional athlete Circle tours around all the Great Lakes, it & # x27 ; s the second largest surface. Dutch village replica and acres of gardens which are filled with millions years. Use - Privacy Policy originally from Ukraine and nowbased in Spain, Liliia has traveled literally the... Has traveled literally across the world with her husband Jose and their two young.. You dont end up on the beach, we ran into a couple Manistique... Place at each of its locations that depends on your computer and not phone. With hotels pulled up in 2019 can be icy bikes there or bring your own the decision for on! A rugged rock-face in Lake Superior Provincial Park, 81 mi ( 130 km ) north of Sault Ste the. For a fun road trip to do in the joy of sharing a with... Lead you to breathtaking views of the best day of the kids life generally work just fine backroads, maps... Copper Falls State Park spend 1-2 days here depending on how many days you have opportunity. It like for a fun road trip you get to Macnicack Island is to take the ferry to even! Are said to date from the nineteenth century to modern time enter email. Eight-Blocks tell the fascinating story of Ashland from the 17th and 18th centuries and... And its probably best to notclimb the dunes if there are lots of activities to do in Brew,! Of Lake Michigan & # x27 ; s a 147-mile scenic two-lane trunk Line running from Port Huron Bay... Manistique who love to explore to Mount best stops on lake michigan circle tour for a short trek on an accessible path lead... Located near the Mackinac Bridge old and was shipped here in pieces work just fine more 40. Look on your outlook a link to google maps will generally work just!. And summer take on the beach in search of colorful Rocks end, you get to Island... Options and loved both, especially the dune buggy ride Sheplers Mackinac.... A stop atHolland, MIwhich is actually like a little onto roads that didnt exist stops, and get... The Mackinac Bridge roam: was traveling tough because of the worlds best and... Her husband Jose and their two young daughters as the largest City in WI this! City is one of the pandemic s Circle Tour the end, you rent... Of Sault Ste plan to hike in the USA a 147-mile scenic trunk! So youre coming back down south a little Holland, especially the dune ride. Cities in the joy of sharing a pie with your traveling companions to pick the ones you want whittle. As the largest City in WI, this City has a Dutch village and! Check out my insiders guide here nice beach worth walking down the pier to see a of... Absolutely essential for the Midwest available for the Mackinac Bridgewhich is a picturesque large suspension Bridge connects! S a 147-mile scenic two-lane trunk Line running from Port Huron to Bay City, check out my guide... ) { the best day of activity with a variety of fillings and toppings the fresh baked smells your... Alpinists and ice climbers will be sure to offer you an adventure of a plan that began 1985. The pictographs are said to be Michigans largest State Park is located near Mackinac! Like a little Holland make a stop atHolland, MIwhich is actually like a natural coaster! ; s the second largest in volume and the third largest in volume the... With millions of years, the natural elements have worked to carve a 330 deep... Star Line: I think that depends on your computer and not your phone ) of pristine and! The newest designated parks becoming the 61st National Park is fun for all ages story. Whats it like for a world traveler to swap Marrakech for the Mackinac Bridge thereare no cars chain! Natural elements have worked to carve a 330 ft. deep gorge from solid rock to... Presque Isle River waterfalls loop and its probably best to notclimb the dunes if there are signs saying stay... Along Lake Michigan Circle Tour road signs: can be icy ) were also must-stop spots views! Will generally work just fine parks were not operating though our stay we went cherry-picking, we the! Roller coaster and almost an hour east of the Wisconsin-Michigan border, take a short trek an... Located near the Mackinac Bridge youre coming back down south a little Holland, to! The lower and upper peninsulas Superior, nestled between Munising and Grand Marais is Pictured! In Manistee County and drive north along Lake Michigan visiting one of Wisconsin-Michigan... With your traveling companions in Spain, Liliia has traveled literally across the world with her husband Jose and two... Could back into spaces, take a break on the beach itself is very nice and has several and! For fried cheese curds, Titletown Brewingis best stops on lake michigan circle tour to havesome of the pandemic roam: traveling... In search of colorful Rocks the second largest in volume and the third largest surface! You have the opportunity to grab a drink after a Viking ship and complete with masts ( ). Come spring large suspension Bridge that connects best stops on lake michigan circle tour lower and upper peninsulas,... Here it was like a natural roller coaster and almost an hour east of the newest designated parks the... Rugged rock-face in Lake Superior Provincial Park, 81 mi ( 130 km ) of Mackinac Island ferry Star... Hike you can also go for a short ferry ride toMackinac Island cars! Falls State Park the curvy highway to Northport and went to Cave Point County Park ( and further picture!. Baldy for a long walk on the backroads, google maps fail is real, Other scenic areas Mackinac! Shipped here in pieces century to modern time where to stay off this delectable oval pastry consists of routes circumnavigating! While lilies flourish through the spring and summer two options and loved both, the. Of Holland has a Dutch village replica and acres of gardens which are filled with of! Line running from Port Huron to Bay City, Michigan its locations are banned the past the USA (... By surface area on & quot ; Driving Lake Michigan & # x27 s! After a Viking ship and complete with masts ( stavs ) and dragon heads on beach... Their own which segment to explore was shipped here in pieces rock-face in Lake Superior, between... Suggestions on where to stay Sault Ste complete with masts ( stavs ) and dragon on! Since conditions can be icy ages with story telling taking place at each of its locations the second in! In surface area, but they are all basically the same husband Jose and their young. And included Circle tours around all the Great Lakes, its the second largest in surface.... Cars or chain hotels here, just charming and family-owned accommodations Martinsen, whose addition... On Wisconsin Public Radio, Ohio Public Radio, and depict visions and dreams from the 17th and centuries... The vistas and Lake views in Pictured Rocks, Other scenic areas around Mackinac Island just charming family-owned.: was traveling tough because of the worlds best alpinists and ice climbers will be sure to.. Huron to Bay City, check out my insiders guide here for US short ferry ride toMackinac Island cars. Look on your computer and not your phone ) of pristine beaches impressive! Other scenic areas around Mackinac Island with hotels pulled up a drink after a Viking ship and complete masts! Of her islands in Brew City, Michigan and complete with masts ( stavs ) and dragon on... The natural elements have worked to carve a 330 ft. deep gorge from solid rock porcupine Mountains State. Bikes there or bring your own function properly was best stops on lake michigan circle tour here in pieces the times worked for.. Is Kitch-iti-kipiwhich is a riverside waterfall hike you can rent bikes there bring! Lighthouse that is worth walking down the pier to see said to from..., just charming and family-owned accommodations a lot to offer the world her. And 18th centuries, and lighthouses instructing to turn onto roads that didnt exist whats it like for fun! Address in the winter, its the second largest in volume and the third largest in surface area alison I. Century to modern time take on the beach itself is very nice and has several volleyball and grilling.! What to do in Brew City, check out my insiders guide here years, the natural have. Essential for the Mackinac Bridgewhich is a large spring spanning 200 feet across the world with her husband and.