August 2021
Trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Recommendations
- Pack a cooler with food/drinks. Restaurants and convenience stores are not as easily found on most routes.
- Restrooms can be found on most marked scenic stops.
- Bring a paper map or download offline maps as there is limited cell phone coverage.
- Bring shoes for hiking as many scenic outlooks include a bit of a walk.
- Bring bug spray.
Colonial Michilimackinac Park
This was a nice park with great views of the Mackinac Bridge. A historic lighthouse is also in the park, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. This is the last chance to stop before crossing the Mackinac Bridge. There are picnic tables and restrooms at this park.
The Gateway to The Upper Peninsula. (You can also route through Wisconsin)
Mackinac Bridge
You must go through the toll booth in order to cross the Mackinac Bridge. The cost for most passenger cars is $4.00.
It is a good idea to check the weather and bridge conditions before traveling. On high wind days there are chances of the bridge being temporarily closed.
The bridge conditions can be found on the Mackinac Bridge Authority page:
https://www.mackinacbridge.org/fares-traffic/conditions/
The Mackinac Bridge can be a bit scary to cross. I recently learned that prior to 2018, you were able to hire a driver to take you across the bridge. This program is no longer in place. If you are frightened of large bridges, you may decide on the Wisconsin route.
Things to know when crossing the Mackinac Bridge
- Bring cash for the toll. The majority of lanes are cash only.
- Bridge is 5 Miles in length. There is no turning back once you enter the bridge. Check your fuel!!
- Speed limit is a maximum of 45
- If you break down, stay in your car. Someone will come to assist
The bridge can get pretty busy and congested with traffic. We crossed the bridge on an August Saturday morning and it took approximately 30 minutes.
More facts about the Mackinac Bridge can be found here:
https://www.mackinacbridge.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Brochure.jpg
Palms Book State Park (Kitch-iti-kipi)
https://www.michigan.org/property/palms-book-state-park
Our first stop in the Upper Peninsula was Palms Book State Park. This park is located approximately 100 miles West of the Mackinac Bridge and is home to Michigan’s largest freshwater spring.
The park requires a Michigan recreational pass to enter. If you are from out of state you can purchase a one day pass, if you are a resident you will be required to purchase the entire yearly pass. Most of the parks in the area require this pass. You can purchase for a lesser cost if you purchase prior to the park.
In the park is a glass bottom observation raft, where you can view underwater. This raft is sel operated, but is free! A nice perk included in the park. There is also a smaller observation deck if you do not want to (or do not have time, this was us) go onto the raft.
The park was quite busy, but nothing unexpected for a Saturday during summer.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Our next stop was Pictured Rocks Cruises at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
The Pictured Rocks Cruise is located approximately 55 miles north (an hour drive) of Palms Book State Park. You are able to kayak or hike to view the scenery, but taking the cruise is the easiest and faster option.
They offer 3 types of cruises, but most seem to fill up quickly. We booked the Classic Cruise. Ticket cost was $40 per person for adults. This cruise travels approximately 32 miles of shoreline on Lake Superior and lasted about 2.5 hours. You will see Lover’s Leap, Indian Head, Miner’s Castle, and Chapel Rock on this cruise.
Seating is first come, first serve. Plan to arrive early if you have a preference in the location of the boat as the line fills up quickly. The cruise offers both outside (on the deck top) or inside seating. Bathrooms are also located within the cruise, but weren’t the cleanest.
As the lake is pretty big, the waters can be quite choppy. They also warned us prior to departure. Be prepared if you experience motion sickness, etc.
Tahquamenon Falls
Our last scenic stop of the day was Tahquamenon Falls.
We packed a lot into one day!
There are 2 parts of the falls, Upper and Lower. We chose to see the Upper Falls. It is 94 steps down to the first viewing area. You can take additional steps to the gorge. We only stayed at the main landing. Beware as the steps are metal, but very wet from the Falls.
You can capture quite a bit of scenery from this spot without going the additional steps.
You will need a recreation passport to access this park. If you don’t have a Passport, vehicles will cost you $17 for the purchase of the yearly pass. Day passes are not an option.
There are also restrooms and a small gift shop located at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Bay Mills Casino
Our final stop was Bay Mills Resort and Casino, located in Brimley, Michigan. Although a smaller property, Bay Mills Resort Casino has hotel rooms, restaurants, RV sites and a golf course. They are also located right on Lake Superior and offer a large amount of waterfront views.
Rooms are a bit older, but were extremely clean. The rooms offered all basic amenities, including a mini fridge and a microwave.
The casino has a variety of slot machines and table games. The slot machines were open 24 hours, but tables ended around 11pm. This may change based on Covid restrictions. This casino offers $5 Blackjack! One of the few in the entire state. Since this is so rare, prepare for the table to be fairly full as they only had 1-2 tables at this rate.
