Michigan's UP Options

[bbrown]

We plan on going there in the next 2 weeks. Camping and B&B's. Where to stay and what to see? Also what to avoid.

Thanks

[GWN7]

Highway 75 North of Oak Grove has signs along the way advising you not to pick up hitch hikers....as they are more than likley from the prison near by.....

Bay City has a nice Hooters......... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Ferg]

Pretty much see everthing!

Pictured Rocks is great, if you have time, Mosquito Beach is a good place to do some snorkling. Boat trip is ok, but kinda long, and not very hands on.

Plenty of waterfalls to see, most are easily reached from the car with a short hike.

If you have never been to Mackinaw island it's a fun day trip, if you like riding bikes, rent a bike and ride around the island, great time and very relaxing, you don't have to be in super shape.

Copper harbor is a great camp site, very close to water, northern lights, bears very cool rocky beach, lighthouse within walking distance

When in Marquette take a drive and do a picnic on Presque Isle, nice swiming/rock diving, deer, (one albino if still alive) very nice spot.

Porcupine Mtns. If you like hiking, hike to lake of the clouds, very cool, and great views

If you plan on looping through WI, definately plan a stop in Bayfield WI, awesome town, canoeing to apostle islands, great campsite just west of town on the water.

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

[Zimms]

Whitefish Point past paradise has the shipwreck museum that is pretty cool.

Shipwreck Museum

It was interesting to see how many ships have gone done or been severe;y damaged in that area.

[KaptKaos]

I just got back from the UP. Where are you heading? I was in the western part near the top of Wisconsin. Porcupine Mountains is great. Walk the mouth of the Presque Isle river, into Lake Superior. Great stuff to see there.

I think that there is a fair in Ironwood next week too.

What do you like to do? There is the Sylvania preseve near Watersmeet that's all old growth forest, huge trees, awesome fishing and good camping.

[bbrown]

I just got back from the UP. Where are you heading? I was in the western part near the top of Wisconsin. Porcupine Mountains is great. Walk the mouth of the Presque Isle river, into Lake Superior. Great stuff to see there.

I think that there is a fair in Ironwood next week too.

What do you like to do? There is the Sylvania preseve near Watersmeet that's all old growth forest, huge trees, awesome fishing and good camping.

Mostly southern and eastern area. Hiking, historic sites. She'll need decent lodging (B&B and good camping) and a nice evening meal once a day.

[KaptKaos]

I just got back from the UP. Where are you heading? I was in the western part near the top of Wisconsin. Porcupine Mountains is great. Walk the mouth of the Presque Isle river, into Lake Superior. Great stuff to see there.

I think that there is a fair in Ironwood next week too.

What do you like to do? There is the Sylvania preseve near Watersmeet that's all old growth forest, huge trees, awesome fishing and good camping.

Mostly southern and eastern area. Hiking, historic sites. She'll need decent lodging (B&B and good camping) and a nice evening meal once a day.

So you will be on the otherside. That's easily a 2+ hour drive along route 2 to get where I hang out up there. Sorry I can't help you too much but it is sure a great place to go.

FYI - buy lots of bug spray. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Ferg]

Tahquamenon Falls are worth a look.

Mackinaw is very tourist driven, which is why I suggest the ride around the island on bikes (no cars on the island) I think it's only 8 miles around and a fun bike ride on a neat bike path.

I've never done it, but you could also tour the Locks in Sault Ste Marie.

Drummand Island is good for fishing, Ferry runs pretty often, and there is a nice resort on the island.

I'm jealous, being a MI native, I've spent a lot of time in the U.P. it's been five years since my last trip there, it's in my top five favorite places in the U.S.

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

[davep]

I remember having lots of fun in the area of Traverse City (1989 PCA Parade site). Big thing about Michigan the last few years I drove through it is all the deer on the highways. I would not want to drive in the dark. Fine in daylight if you keep you eyes peeled.

[bbrown]

Tahquamenon Falls are worth a look.

Mackinaw is very tourist driven, which is why I suggest the ride around the island on bikes (no cars on the island) I think it's only 8 miles around and a fun bike ride on a neat bike path.

I've never done it, but you could also tour the Locks in Sault Ste Marie.

Drummand Island is good for fishing, Ferry runs pretty often, and there is a nice resort on the island.

I'm jealous, being a MI native, I've spent a lot of time in the U.P. it's been five years since my last trip there, it's in my top five favorite places in the U.S.

Ferg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

Mackinaw is not us. We like Georgian Bay's Bruce Peninsula. Good trails not too many people. Clean small town's, friendly informative people. Eat where the locals go.

[lotus_65]

tahquamanon falls

the iron in the water makes it look like coca-cola.

porcupine mountains, pictured rocks and check out the bridge too.

maybe take a sunny afternoon and enjoy the huge beach west of st. ignace (perfect sand).

paul

[Eric_Shea]

Paul just beat me to it.

Tahquamenon Falls
Pictured Rocks
Whitefish Bay (find a small smoke house and get ya some)

You're gonna make me scan my pics... my first 914 and a trip to the Keweenaw peninsula. I've got it on film!

[TJB/914]

Bbrown,

Eric nailed it along with the others. Yooper land (UP) is a big wide open place. It's beautiful country. Try to go up to Copper Harbor and take the Brookway Mountain drive. Can't remember the name of of lodge we stay at, something like Brookway Mountain lodge??? It has a golf course and was built by cheap labor back in the 30's. Largest stone fireplace you will ever see & food is good. Have a pastie (local food used by miner's back in the early days). Enjoy yourself & try to go through Houghton, Michigan. It's home to Michigan Tech Univ. a top Engineering school. Great college town. Try the Library bar & grill. My son graduated from there & we go there often. Great town & area. It's a 5-1/2 hr. drive from the Mackinaw bridge. All the other places are a must also. You will enjoy the UP.

Tom
BTW: Look for Eagles flying along the Lake Superior coastline.

[TJB/914]

Bbrown,

I found it, I found it. Look up the web site of "Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Copper Harbor, MI (906) 289-4403 This is a must stay place. It used to be reasonable priced & probably still is. Take the drive along Brockway Mountain & you can see miles & miles of Lake Superior and wilderness that will take your breath away. Hope you enjoy this special place in the UP. The last great wilderness frontier. Yooper's are warm & friendly, eay, They talk like our Canadian neighbors to the North & may still be wearing their winter long john's!!!!

Tom

[bbrown]

Bbrown,

I found it, I found it. Look up the web site of "Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, Copper Harbor, MI (906) 289-4403 This is a must stay place. It used to be reasonable priced & probably still is. Take the drive along Brockway Mountain & you can see miles & miles of Lake Superior and wilderness that will take your breath away. Hope you enjoy this special place in the UP. The last great wilderness frontier. Yooper's are warm & friendly, eay, They talk like our Canadian neighbors to the North & may still be wearing their winter long john's!!!!

Tom

Tom,

Thanks for the information. This is just what were looking for. Buckeyes heading to that land up north. Too bad it won't be in the 914.

[davep]

They talk like our Canadian neighbors to the North & may still be wearing their winter long john's!!!!

I hear the record snowfall out in that area is just shy of 900 inches. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

[KaptKaos]

I hear the record snowfall out in that area is just shy of 900 inches. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

I thought that was the average. I need to look that up.

[lotus_65]

They talk like our Canadian neighbors to the North & may still be wearing their winter long john's!!!!

I hear the record snowfall out in that area is just shy of 900 inches. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/av-943.gif)

oh, there's no place that get snow like houghton, mi. if there's one place on earth that can get 3-digits of snow in 1 DAY, it's freakin' houghton!

...and there are roads that track at a 27° slope without those weenie switchbacks like in san fran.

we need a avalanche-obliterating-smilie!

[TJB/914]

Bbrown.

Glad to help, those cabins are wonderful & clean. Be sure to take jackets, it gets cool at night & be sure to make reservations. Don't want to be disappointed. Watch out for bears & take a flashlight in case they lose power at night. Typical UP stuff.

Davep & Lotus 65 & others.
I believe the average snowfall around Houghton, MI is 300" (that's 25 ft.) If I remember correctly there is a telephone pole along the road showing the average snow fall in inches and topped off at the 25' mark. Looking up that's a lot of snow. Guess that's why them Michigan Tech Univ Engr's drink lots of beer in the winter. Another bit of news. Look for the (slow down) Moose Road Crossing sign somewhere in that area. It's a trophy for them MI Tech. guys. Only (2) Moose Crossing road signs in all North Amer. Do you Canadian guys know anything about that Moose Road Crossing Signs?? Do you have them??

Tom
BTW: Another great destination is Grand Marais, MI on the shore of Lake Superior. It's not as far to travel if you want a shorter trip. About 3-hr from the bridge. It's close to the picture rocks location.

[Eric_Shea]

We got 700+ this year and 720 last (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)