Michigan Bound!

October 2025 -- After much research, I decided to go to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (and Mackinac Island) for my fall trip with Ty.  It was a long drive. Mackinaw City is about 740 miles from Clear Spring. The first night we stayed at a Super 8 in Waverly Michigan. We got an early start the next morning and headed to the UP. 

The Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island

Welcome to the UP

After crossing the Mackinac Bridge, I drove US Route 2 along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. We made several stops along the lakeshore. Eventually, we turned inward towards Munising. I had booked a 3:30 Picture Rocks Cruise. Ty stayed in a kennel while I was on my cruise. Accommodations for the second night were in Munising. I had pizza for dinner.

Fall is a great time to travel.

On the second day, we went to the Miners' Castle, Twelvemile Beach, Log Slide, Tahquamenon Falls, and Soo Locks. We crossed the Mackinac Bridge and stayed at another Super 8 for the final two nights in Mackinaw City. Dinners were Subway and KFC.

Three Great Lakes:  Michigan, Superior, and Huron

Peak fall foliage

Leaf colors

Beautiful sky

On the third day, we went to Mackinac Island. Shepler's Ferry Service picked up us at the hotel and brought us back later in the evening. It was a 15-20 minute ferry ride to the island. While on the island, Ty and I took a horse carriage tour, toured Fort Mackinac, and hiked to Arch Rock. We took the last ferry of the day (6 pm) to return to Mackinac City. We left the next day for home. I made frequent stops for fueling, food, bathroom, and dog walking.

My travel companion

The UP still had old fashioned gas pumps.