OT - Michigan Road Trip Ideas

Submitted by 1989 UM GRAD on

So the 1989 UM Grad family is about to embark on a "Pure Michigan" road trip.  We've taken the kids to multiple places around the state...but this is our first time doing an old-school road trip with multiple stops...rather than spending a weekend in one place.

Looking for suggestions on the weird/unusual/goofy attractions at which we can stop along the way...things like The World's Largest Ball of Twine...etc.

We are coming from the Birmingham/Bloomfield area...with the 1st night in Grand Rapids, 2nd in Traverse City, 3rd on Mackinac Island, 4th in Paradise (Tequamenon Falls)...and then back home.

On the way to GR, we are planning a stop in Hell...so the theme of the trip is "From Hell to Paradise."  (yes, it took many hours of brainstorming to come up with that)

I figured this topic might be useful for others planning Michigan road trips...or inspire some of you to hit the road and enjoy this beautiful state.

Thanks for your tips!

 

SATURDAY EDIT:  Thanks to all of you for your suggestions.  Even though I'm a life-long Michigander/Michiganian, there were quite a few I hadn't thought about. 

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DrewGOBLUE

June 27th, 2014 at 9:56 PM ^

The Porcupine Mountains are a nice place to visit. Obviously they're not huge, but most people probably don't even know Michigan has a little mountain range. There's lots of great hiking and fantastic views. The most popular thing to do there is probably going up the escarpment to see Lake of the Clouds and be able to look out onto the entire surrounding area.

There's also a good chance of seeing wildlife you wouldn't normally. When I was there several years ago we saw a few bears and a very big moose. Wolves and mountain lions are in the area as well. So although you may get eaten, it's worth the risk.

Joined: 12/03/2011

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rob f

June 28th, 2014 at 7:25 AM ^

several of the trails in Porcupine Mountains State Park and I agree: the hiking is great!  Also saw a bear and a porcupine while hiking there.  Camped right on the beach just 50 ft from the waters of Lake Superior. 

If you're backpacking into the park make sure you're fit and prepared, especially the footwear.  There is some rugged terrain along the way, and the hike up the escarpment from the lake to the top will be a bit of a challenge unless you're in decent shape.

I've skied the Porkies, too, and it has the best powder skiing I've ever experienced in Michigan.  Porcupine Mountain Ski Area looks out over Lake Superior and the views are fantastic.  That area regularly gets 200-300" of snow most winters so very seldom is there not some powder to ski in.

Silver City is just east of the park entrance, it's just a little town with a couple decent eateries.  Years ago my buddies and I spent a few night pounding down the beers at a bar/restaurant there named "Paul's Supper Club" and became 'regulars' there ourselves for a few days.  One evening we literally took over the bar, pouring drinks for the barmaids and customers---good times!

Joined: 11/11/2010

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Go Blue Rosie

June 27th, 2014 at 11:08 PM ^

The Fish Ladder on Grand Rapids. Or if you are open to conventional, the Gerald R Ford Museum. Won't take long to see the whole thing and it pays tribute to a great Michigan alum.

Joined: 01/06/2011

MGoPoints: 2761

XM - Mt 1822

June 28th, 2014 at 7:02 AM ^

like you mentioned, then you should stop in at 'da yoopers' museum in ishpeming, which is about 12 miles west of marquette on the 41.   in marquette go climb sugarloaf mountain (trail hike) for wonderful view of lake superior.  easy enough for the kids, or you to have kid backpack on while you do it.

you might even visit the court house in marquette, it's where they filmed 'anatomy of a murder', easily the most famous movie ever filmed in da UP, maybe all of michigan for that matter.

Joined: 12/21/2011

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jamcon3

June 28th, 2014 at 8:22 AM ^

But in my opinion the East side is the best. It's still has that old up north feel to it. 1- in the Mio area is the Ausable River. Great tubing or canoeing 2- close by in Fairview is the Michigan Ausable Railway. It's an absolute must see for kids and adults. Check out the website. It's cool. Been taking my kids there for years! 3- The sinkholes north of Atlanta are a neat little hiking trip. Clear Lake in the same area is one of the most under rated small lakes in the state. Bluest water I've ever seen. 4- just west of Onaway is Oqueoc Falls. Another must see. Take some old shoes to get wet because everyone gets out in the water and walks up and down the falls. If you haven't done it before.....Do it! 5- Alpena has the maritime museum. Check the calendar for when they do the cardboard boat races. Always a lot of fun. They also do shipwreck tours from there on the lake. Check out Burgies while you are in town. Cool little burger place. Skipping to the UP.... I know everyone is going to tell you all about it but I have an aunt I visit regularly on the west end and a few of the things I like to do on the way are: 1- Always hit Marley's bar in Manistique. They make a boiled burger there. Boiled hamburger you ask? Sound gross? It's weird but fantastic and it'll freak the kids out when you tell them. 2- just west of Manistique is Big Springs or Kitchen-iti-tipi. Google it and then do it. Another must do!

Joined: 12/25/2011

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jamcon3

June 28th, 2014 at 8:59 AM ^

Kitchi-iti-kipi And if you're running short on time in the UP I would skip the porcupine mountains in favor of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Check out Gino's in Hancock. I don't know if I was just really hungry when we went or if they have some of the best thin crust pizza ever!

Joined: 12/25/2011

MGoPoints: 128

imMaizeNBlu

June 28th, 2014 at 10:47 AM ^

Spent the day up there by myself once and it was pretty cool. Beautiful beaches, pretty girls, tranquil and quaint, I spent a lot of time downtown so I'm sure I missed some stuff, but even so I enjoyed it.

Joined: 08/01/2013

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Perkis-Size Me

June 28th, 2014 at 12:07 PM ^

I know I'm late to the party, but you've got to do Petoskey and Charlevoix. My family and I used to vacation up there for the summer, and there aren't too many better places in the country that time of year.

Joined: 11/30/2011

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GoBLUinTX

June 28th, 2014 at 3:04 PM ^

So much to choose from.  If you're in the Traverse City area and would like to take in some culture you can't go wrong with an evening at Interlochen Center for the Arts. 

As you travel north take the scenic route around Little Traverse Bay with a stop in Petoskey.  Great shopping and more importantly some fantastic Victorian architecture homes in Petoskey and nearby Bay View.  Ernest Hemingway found himself in Petoskey for a few summers, so there must be something to it.  Don't forget your Petoskey Stones.

 While traveling through Mackinaw City don't forget to buy some fudge and while you're there take a few minutes to watch the process.  The bridge museum is actually a pretty interesting stop, as is Fort Michilimackinac.

Seriously though, with so much history and so much beauty, plan for multiple trips over multiple years and seasons.  Why would you go to Traverse City and not go during Cherry Festival time?

Joined: 12/02/2013

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Double-D

June 29th, 2014 at 11:21 AM ^

Stay at Amway Grand in downtown GR. Ask for a Spectrum Health rate. Museum across the street for kids. Founders Brewery and Brewery Vivant for adults. Vivant burger is off the charts. Park place inn is right d town t city. Go to the roof top for the view and the coconut shrimp. Try the Apache Trout Grill has great food and view of GT Bay. Winery tours and a great drive up the peninsula. The drive to leggs inn and Cross Village is really amazing. Pink Pony for a drink on the island. Ask for Bob. Never been to T Falls. Is it cool? Sounds like a great trip.

Joined: 12/21/2013

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LKLIII

June 29th, 2014 at 12:49 PM ^

Lots of great ideas already mentioned.

 

Eats on I-94

If you are headed back home on I-94, a few places might be worth hitting up. Keep mind I haven't been to either one in years, but as far as well-known local eateries are concerned, you could always:  1) Stop for dinner at Win Schuler's Restaurant in Marshall, MI, and then for desert about 30 minutes later hit up; 2) Jackson's All Star Dairy in Jackson, MI.  Last time I was there it was an old-school ice cream parlour, huge servings, and some historical information about the local dairies in the Jackson area.

A few more ideas:

 

Good luck!

 

Joined: 11/06/2013

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EthanBryan

June 25th, 2015 at 5:52 AM ^

 if your children haven't seen the trees and natural beauty, then it is a time to show them natural scenaries. The White Pine is such a rich part of the heritage, and even the entire country. Those trees won't be there forever. parking at luton.

Joined: 06/25/2015

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brookehiggins007

June 26th, 2015 at 2:56 AM ^

Road trips are the best way to enjoy the natural beauties in your country. You can not only enjoy the beauty in your way but can stop to explore the place you want. Road trip from one place to another place allows you to find the differences between the cultures of different areas of a same country. Road trips are ideal for family trips. car parking at luton airport

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