lake michigan circle tour in 4 days

The highlight of the day is Mackinaw Bridge. They are perfect for field trips as well. 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. An architectural gem,open to people of all faiths and it has pretty gardens. WhatsApp . We want to include a day on Mackinaw Island plus visit other lesser known towns near the shoreline. This restaurant offers a tapas brunch starting at 8:30a every Wednesday through Sunday. Hollandthe "Tulip City"was founded in 1847 by Dutch Calvinists fleeing persecution in The Netherlands. The bridge opened in 1957 and connects Michigans Upper and Lower peninsulas. Michigan , Wisconsin & Minnesota, and a huge portion of northern Ontario, Canada. Since I plan to write a future article about from whence I came, I won't get into that now. We travel through the scenic Wisconsin countryside to Green Bay and tour storied Lambeau Field, home of Green Bays football team! The grocery store makes a different kind each day and they will fill you up like an entire meal. No Better Way to Spend An Afternoon than with Teri! Next, step back in time at the Music House Museum to explore a unique collection of rare antique musical instruments including nickelodeons, music boxes, and pipe organs. Just a topple. Your 9 day trip is much different so you really should start your own question. A place you may want to look at is Au Train in the Upper Peninsula. The forest realm has a tiger walk where tigers can go near the path and roam between multiple areas. I noticed that these enterprises were very clean, and seemingly all dressed up, as if expecting a crowd. Then panic set in. And well, I guess I just like a good time too much to learn. Answer 1 of 9: Our small group of 4 are planning a circle tour of Lake Michigan in Sep, starting and ending in Chicago. Actually, these two lakes are one lake. What are safety concerns and precautions when experiencing nature in North America? Open Thursday through Sunday at 8:30a The National is just south of downtown Milwaukee where they make everything from scratch and have a diverse menu from a full English breakfast to huevos rancheros, to what they call the ultimate breakfast sandwich. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Answer 1 of 9: Hello! Other than the animals, the park is home to the funicular which is a monorail/tram that runs up and down the hill to the forest realm, so you dont have to walk all the way back once you reach the corner of the park! The Grand Haven Musical Fountain was built in 1962, at that time the world's largest such fountain. At Jacks you might notice a freestanding hot station filled with foil packages. Hell, I survived losing my mind in a zero visibility hailstorm outside Marfa, TX not long ago too. Or maybe it was indifference. Should I rent an RV to save money on a road trip? There are some short, easy to moderate, hikes in this area. The Petoskey Stone is the state stone of Michigan; it is a fossilized coral found only in the Traverse City region. I did a tour around Lake Michigan last year. You can then come back to mainland in the morning and continue to Traverse City. Book Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Georgia on . It is a relaxing drive, Lake Michigan is surrounded by friendly people, and there is no shortage of motels and bed-and-breakfasts in which to lodge. They even have vegan options! Anywhere near Lake Michigan a sweater might be needed in July let alone September. The water is five to ten degrees warmer on the Michigan side during summer. I drove through the lovely hamlet of Pullman and found a great little grocery store, Preferred Market. we are not doing sleeping bear as we live near dunes in belgium. Enjoy a guided tour of architect Earl Youngs mushroom houses, famously custom built to fit natural landscapes resulting in a fairytale appearance. Our carriage tour ends at the elegant Grand Hotel for a sumptuous Grand Lunch Buffet! The campground offers firewood and ice, but youll want to head to nearby Manistique for your food. Planning a road trip- lodging in the national parks, Thinking of a long, family road trip in the west? I grew up on Lake Michigan, the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States, and the largest lake on earth entirely within one country. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature. Midwest camping is an up and comingChicago-basedsite devoted to providing travelers information about the best campsites and camping gear in the midwest! We squeezed out of our soaked gear, cranked the room temp to 90 and tried to shake the soggy chill from our tired bones. M-25 is calling. Perhaps also a short hike at a State Park or Foredt if possible. The last coal-fired passenger and vehicle ferry on the Great Lakes, the S.S. Badger (S.S. stands for steamship), still sails 60 miles across Lake Michigan and back (four hours each way) every day between from Manitowoc and Ludington, MI. A few more fun, winding roads too. Make plans to search for parking and you may have to walk a short distance. As the name implies the Great Lakes Circle Tour follows state highways around Lake Michigan, through Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan creating one of the most memorable road trips where you can see over 80 of the iconic lighthouses that lace the Lake Michigan shoreline. An hastily conceived and ill-advised motorcycle trip pits two old friends against frigid fall weather to see just what the Midwest is really made of. Great trip report and pictures, Light. The Dairyland Surf Classic, the largest lake surfing competition in the world, is held each year at Sheboygan. We travel south along the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline to the charming waterfront town of Charlevoix. From the mainline Lake Michigan Circle Tour route at the western jct US-10 & US-31, the route heads westerly along US-10 into downtown Ludington, turning southerly via US-10 /James St to the S.S. Badger carferry docks. Looking for fun and educational mini-trips for you and your kids? I am going to rethink the number of days and see what I can come up with. The two National Lakeshore areas along the lake: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Traverse City has a lot of choices for lodging & eating - we spent a couplt nights there in Sept. a couple years ago & enjoyed it. I was very impressed by Ludington. Leaving Escanaba, I drove east 142 miles, through forests mostly, near the Lake Michigan coast of the Upper Peninsula to St Ignace, Michigan. To 5th girl, In high season most Door County hotels require a two night stay. When I asked the nice girl at my motel how to get to the address, she said, "I've never been to that part of town. This city of 12,000 people sits 25 miles north of Milwaukee and is the cleanest city I saw on my journey. Traveling the lighthouses of southwest Michiganin this article, we will visit Muskegon, Grand Haven, Big Red, and South Haven lighthouses and explore their history, locations and features. There is a roadside exit just before the bridge that gives you a great view before you leave the upper peninsula. Before reaching Charlevoix, I came to a spot on Lake Charlevoix where the road ended. Our final morning brought about temps in the low thirties, and after that didnt thwart us, endless lane splitting nearly did. http://www.exploringthenorth.com/northwoods/resort.html. It is a high-end town, in one of the most beautiful areas of Michigan. Our accommodations for the next two nights are on Mackinac Island. Now toss in a few (read: many) logging trucks and cut visibility to a dozen feet with incredibly dense fog and youre looking at exactly what we spent another hour plus riding in. One look at its harbor and I could see why. We are planning a late August 2012 trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Now he was head to toe in size way-too-big camo. I also like Ludington State Park's hike in sites (really just a mile down a gravel road). We have 8 nights/9 days for everything- we are coming from Kentucky. But I couldnt help but gripe that it would be nice to see the lake, as you know, its a big deal in the region. of Michigan! It was windy as all get out. The two of us have been dodging the clink together for over a decade now, and in that time you'd think I'd have learned to just sit back and enjoy the ride when with him, but I haven't. Go walking or cycling on car-free Mackinac Island. You can even explore a map of their farmers on their website! The UP is great for camping. I should have mentioned that I am somewhat familiar with the MI coast side, have visited New Buffalo, Holland, Saugatuck, South Haven (love them all) and also Door County. I certainly wouldnt call myself one, nor Nick, but man, I sure left US 2 with my tail between my legs. This 150-year old town, with 19th-century shanties, is known as Fishtown and was saved for preservation by the locals 11 years ago. Today, Saugatuck is a top tourist destination for its lovely harbor, unparalleled beaches, and quaint downtownfull of art galleries and unusual shops. I didn't go there, but I did go out to hear a hot, live, avant-garde jazz-reggae band called "Shaker and the Egg" at a dive named IQ's. Either keep camping using any number of state parks outside Traverse City, search around for some cabin camping, or check out Hipcamp where we were able to find a fun restored 70s trailer to slowly transition from camping to the big city again. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Luckily so far this year in Milwaukee area there is a drought and we have not had problems with them. The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one of those great road trips that you always hear about. Door County and Sheboygan, Wis. Several of the state parks around the lake, which offered plenty of hiking. There are a lot of access points to choose from and multiple trails leading to waterfalls. Farther north a bit, we drive through Racine, Wisconsin. We want to include a day on Mackinaw Island plus visit other lesser known towns near the shoreline. Whatever the Upper Peninsula had in store for us, Ive faced worse. But I didn't, so we didn't. We are now headed straight north. Fresh pavement and empty roads were the perfect excuse to do so. We explore the unique exhibits and learn about the rich shipping and fishing industries of the area. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour features excellent roads, plenty of campsites, nature trails for hiking, huge sand dunes, beautiful vistas galore, fabulous beaches, and nearly 100 historic lighthouses. Sounds like a fun adventure to me! That makes 3 great lakes in one trip! Here's our tips on the top must-see sites. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Click the lock icon to choose another destination. Just past the city, we find Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Malted milk and the garbage disposal were invented in Racine, Wisconsin. Easy peasy. Lake Michigan Circle Tour ( Great Info on this web site for a motorcycle tour in Michigan. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature. more. The first bank robbery by "Baby Face" Nelson was committed in Grand Haven. Circling Lake Superior means driving around the lake through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario (Canada)! Members who are extremely knowledgeable about this destination and answer travellers questions frequently. All of the tours combined comprise the Great Lakes Circle Tour. We travel into Peninsula State Park to tour the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and view the beautiful woodland and scenic shoreline within the park. Break it into two separate tripsthe north loop and the south loop. Cherries, lighthouses and winding shoreline roads are all part of a 4-day Circle Tour. Tips for foreigners: Renting or buying a vehicle in the USA? Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature. Lake Michigan is 307 miles long and 118 miles wide at its widest point. Then US35 from Escanaba,Mi. You can park in any of the small lots bordering the road for an out and back walk that takes you by the local lighthouse and ends at the boat marina. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures. Kenosha, WI, with a population of 100,000, is the first city we come to after crossing the border from Illinois to Wisconsin. During a Cruis Theres More To Wine Country Than Wine New Yorks Finger Lakes Region, 10 Things to Do and See in San Antonio: a Weekend Plan. Many Door County businesses are only open in season. Old Mans Graveyard Road read the sign. Set up camp and then head into town to stock up and find dinner! Au Train is next to Lake Superior, Au Train River and Au Train Lake. A lot more. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Jun 18, 2016 - Seven-day Lake Michigan Circle Tour road trip itinerary roundtrip from Chicago. (Side note: It was right about here when I realized by bike in fact came equipped with heated gripsa feature that would have been REALLY nice to know of just 20 hours earlier.). It has a little bit of everything, beaches, water sports, hiking trails, wineries, lighthouses, and is close to amazing parks like the Sleeping Bear National Shoreline. TIA!! 4-DAY ROADTRIP AROUND LAKE MICHIGAN Written by Joia Have you heard of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour? I knew that 4 days would be pushing it for a decent circle tour. From its beginnings, Milwaukee drew large numbers of German immigrants, who brought their love for beer with them and made Milwaukee the beer capital of the world. What documentation do I require to enter Canada ? CA Residents Only: Do Not Sell My Personal Information, Exceptional Accommodations Included with Baggage Handling, Low Deposit, Guaranteed Prices, & No Hidden Costs, 2 nights at Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay, 2 nights at the Lake View Hotel on Mackinac Island, 1 night at the Embassy Suites Grand Rapids Downtown, 1 night at the Sonesta Chicago OHare Airport, Scenic ferry ride to/from Mackinac Island, Mackinac Island horse-drawn carriage tour, Grand Luncheon Buffet at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner in Chicago. The islands Victorian architecture recalls a time of days gone by. The downtown area surprised meit is clean and lively and very cool. The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. I don't mind visiting again, but if anyone has any suggestions on other quaint towns that are interesting or a stopover for some views or short hikes that would be helpful. On my way, I stopped at a convenience store that sold delectable home-made sandwiches, produced by a local woman. A couple hundred yards in and the gravel turned to sand, my glasses fogged and so did my helmet's face shield. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour is just one of the designated scenic road systems around the Great Lakes. Alternatively, you may use, Baymont by Wyndham Bridgeport/Frankenmuth. It is magical in the evening. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. At the southern end of the bridge is Mackinaw City where we board a high-speed ferry for our crossing to Mackinac Island. The boat is hand operated and available for groups to take across and back to get a fantastic view of the entire lake and river. are there a lot of mosquito's , what is best thing to do against them? Racine, which means "root" in French, is home to 80,000 souls. Our rain gear held strong and confidence grew. Green Bay, population 300,000, is best known as the home of the Green Bay Packers football team, so named because the city is a major center of the meatpacking industry. The shoreline path from Port Huron to Bay City is one segment of the Lake Huron Circle Tour route. While adding a little time to the route, youll be able to go alongside the lake the majority of the time, soaking in as much of lake Michigan as you can! It's a nice way to bring attention back to the matter at hand, like a sip of coffee in the midst of a boring meeting. ! Still I hauled enough gear from Brooklyn to both break my back and keep us covered for a few days well outside the city. The time has come for the five-hour drive from Traverse City to Chicago but that doesnt mean you have to go straight home! Begin with a tour of Lambeau Field and the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Lake Michigan Circle Tour - The Great Bike Touring Adventure (part 2) March 13, 2023. Spend a day or a week exploring this lakeside road. But we found lunch at some funny named town next to another funny named town, between two more towns with funny names. TIA! It may not be winter in September, but depending on how late in the month the leaves will be changing in the UP. looking for a room to rent that accepts couples . It is home to 6,000 people today. During prohibition, Charlevoix, MI was a hangout for Chicago gangsters. Only one vehicle has ever blown off the bridge to the waters 200 feet belowit was a Yugo. 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For the remainder of our Lake Michigan Circle Tour, we will head straight south, following the Lake Michigan coast. Our route passes through evergreen forests, hardwood forests, and along portions of Lake Michigans scenic shoreline. We thought about taking 500 last year, but ultimately decided not to. Michigan gonna eat you alive, he texted just before my arrival. The chief employer is a paper mill. I also suggest you get to Mackinaw City or St Ignace for your second night if you want to spend a day on Mackinac Island. And the area between there & Traverse City has some lovely wineries. Classic Great Lakes Self-Drive Tour 14 days from 3,560pp Jump to: Day-to-day Itinerary Reviews When to go USA trip ideas Tour highlights Visit the cosmopolitan city of Chicago. The lake forms a small river that winds out of view through the pine trees. The workforce is more blue-collar than most American cities. The H. J. Heinz Company has operated the world's largest pickle factory in Holland, MI since 1897. The Great Lakes, massive freshwater lakes that almost appear to resemble the ocean based on their sheer size, are certain to amaze. A factory tour is a great option! Milwaukee is also the proud home of Harley-Davidson. Lake Michigan circle road trip itinerary Day 1: Indiana Dunes, Holland, & Grand Haven From Chicago, drive 45 minutes over the state line to the Indiana Dunes. It doesn't sound super relaxing to me, but okay. Tips for foreigners: Renting or buying a vehicle in the USA? Enjoy delicious Door County cherry pie for dessert, a regional treat. Of all the Michigan Lighthouses, those on Lake Superior stand alone. We had no choice. Mackinaw is a cool little town, home to the largest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere, and really the only thing keeping Michigans Upper Peninsula connected to the real worldor from being annexed by Canada for that matter. As in, blow-you-off-your-bike-with-ease windy. Muskegon is the most populous town on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan. Any suggested itineraries? Stop 4: Traverse City, MI. We only have 4 days Fri-Mon. I went Mossy Oak, like a real local. The catch of the day is fresh Whitefish from Lake Michigan. Driving south from St. Joseph along the Lake Michigan shoreline, we reach the Indiana state line in 30 miles. The S. S. Badger sails across Lake Michiigan between Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan. Getting to late in the day for not knowing where we were going! Been to Mackinaw Island twice - it's nice /fun. Were a big fan of the classic hot dog on a stick for our first day at the campground since theyre so easy and you dont need much equipment or dirty many dishes! For this evenings Holiday Vacations Welcome Dinner we are guests at a fish boil, a scrumptious tradition from Door Countys Scandinavian settlers. The most outstanding feature of this area is the magnificent Mackinac Bridge. I believe the record is 58 bratwursts in ten minutes. On the other side of the bridge, youll find Mackinaw City known for ice cream and fudge, you might want to take some time to stop off and explore the town a little bit! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. There are 2,000,000 residents in the Greater Milwaukee Area. Greater Traverse City is also known for its wine production, but tourism is the lifeblood of Traverse City. I drove up and around the Leelanau Peninsula, which is as picturesque as you might want it to be, and home to a thriving organic farming movement. It sits on a strip of land between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoixpretty good sized at over 17,000 acres. The Lake Michigan shoreline is 1,640 miles long. I would be starting and finishing in Chicago and I would like to do it in 3 nights/4 days. Our small group of 4 are planning a circle tour of Lake Michigan in Sep, starting and ending in Chicago. There is so much to see along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Grand Haven Coast Guard coordinates all Lake Michigan Coast Guard activities. Enjoy your trip and Kitchitikipi! I was wondering if anyone has driven the Lake Michigan Circle tour? My near neon orange coat has long been a standby. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-41511658', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mackinaw Island and wanted to finish the trip coming home on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, going through the Upper Peninsula and then back down through Wisconsin to finish up in Chicago on Sept. 2. After settling into our hotel, we enjoy a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner. We only have 4 days Fri-Mon. Youll pass through a number of small towns along the way that you wouldnt hit if you took the interstate the whole way! Route 66 - how long do I need and where should I stop? It is a university town, a Great Lakes port, and a regional hub of commerce, culture, and recreation. After your mini tour of Door County, head to the last indoor waterpark on the trip and stay at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. The route then traverses Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry. The Upper Peninsula is beautiful. Any suggested itineraries? This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Because I'm stubborn, and because camping is fun, and because I thought itd make for some nice photos. It sucked. Both are pretty neat little towns, and a world apart from those we passed in the UP. It was really rainy too. Also, bear in mind winter comes early in the far north. Thanks everyone. Route: Mostly dedicated bicycle paths including the Lakefront Trail, Oak Savannah Trail, and Prairie Duneland Trail, then farm roads to Michigan City.I was expecting horrible urban and industrial riding and was pleasantly surprised. When I told my daughter Sarrah I was going on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, she said, "That sounds like fun! I have also read that Milwaukee is a haven for Lesbians. Door County, Wisconsin, is a peninsula that juts into Lake Michigan and a popular family vacation area. Seeing the rawness of the UP and mainland Michigans Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park instilled a new admiration for the state known to many outside (and probably many inside) the midwest as the Murder Mitten. With 142 miles to go before the designated lunch spot, we posed for a few last second photos and Adventure Dad and Cool Guy set off. Saugatuck became a noted art colony over a hundred years ago, during the Arts & Crafts Movement. Twitter. Touch device users, explore . Shifted to sixth gear and hit the ton. It makes you look funny, and even though literally no oneNO ONEcares what you look like when youre hurtling down a remote highway at a mile-a-minute in pissing rain, its still funny. Lake Kitch-iti-kipi is a pristine spring-fed lake that with a small boat to view the underwater gushes and churning sand as ten thousand gallons pour from under the lake every minute! What documentation do I require to enter Canada ? Lake Michigan Circle Tour Itinerary 10 years ago Save We are planning a late August 2012 trip to Mackinaw Island and wanted to finish the trip coming home on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, going through the Upper Peninsula and then back down through Wisconsin to finish up in Chicago on Sept. 2. Perhaps also a short hike at a State Park or Foredt if possible. As you head out of Green Bay, youll reach the state line and enter the Upper Peninsula of Michigan! Thanks! And then I found the Hagar Bar & Grill on Lake Michigan Beach, seven miles north of St Joseph, where I stopped and sang a bit of Karaoke. While making plans for Mackinac Island, keep in mind that 185, the road that goes around the island is still closed for repaving. One more trip to Walmart brought about a tough decision: Real Tree or Mossy Oak. We just chose to ignore it. It was wet. A relaxing drive brings us to Navy Pier in the heart of Chicagos lakefront. 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Instead I picked up my BMW R 1200 GS from Countryside, IL and we hit the road with the goal of running the iconic Lake Michigan Circle Touror the Michigan Loop, as we preferred. Experience the beauty of Lake Michigan and scenic locales in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois including two nights on Mackinac Island. Look for wildlife in Michigan's unspoilt Upper Peninsula. Minutes later the shouldering trees receded and we were all alone on the waters edge. Watch. Sheboygan is called home by 115,000 people, many of them of German ancestry. And the area between there & Traverse City has some lovely wineries. some nice things between racine and chicago ? The Lake Michigan Circle Tour features excellent roads, plenty of campsites, nature trails for hiking, huge sand dunes, beautiful vistas galore, fabulous beaches, and nearly 100 historic lighthouses. Tour of Lake Michigan Circle Tour route open in season am going to rethink the number of days see... 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