Michigan and Mackinac Island

RV Trip Planner

Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island

Trip Distance: 891 miles

Discover Michigan’s Upper Peninsula for culture, maritime history, wildlife, wilderness adventures, and scenic beauty — or just for the fun of it.

First Stop

Detroit

Detroit, the birthplace of the mass-production car industry, is a vibrant city with plenty for you to do. It has a rich cultural scene, is the hometown of such famous singers as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Bob Segar, and Kid Rock, and has excellent museums and is home to one of the nation’s biggest art galleries.

A trip to Dearborn and a visit to Greenfield Village is almost a must if you are in and around Detroit. The Village lets you tour the living history of not only Ford Cars but homes of the era as well. We saw an old-time baseball game when we were there and it was a lot of fun.

A visit to Belle Isle, an island park, offers a zoo, aquarium, and conservatory. Take time to watch the boats, hike & bicycle.

Second Stop

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is 3 miles long and 2 miles wide with high cliffs, ravines, natural bridges, caves, and rock formations. Hiking, biking, carriage tours, golfing, and visits to the shops are popular activities when visiting the island. Experience a mix of fascinating history, interactive displays, and memorable demonstrations. The Island allows no motor vehicles except emergency type. Milk is delivered by horse and buggy and iced down. A tour of the island by, of course, horse and buggy are not only informative but quite scenic.

There are several places to board a high-speed boat and make the trip from the mainland over to Mackinac Island. Have lunch at the Officer’s Quarters at Fort Mackinac and then take a tour of the Fort on foot, perhaps catch a court marshal trial being staged for that period.

Third Stop

Mackinac Straits

Take a walk back in history. The main attraction is the narrow strip of land between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, the Mackinac Straits, whose name is derived from the Algonquin word for “big turtle”. Traffic crossing the large bridge and river traffic can best be observed from the west side of Mackinac Island. It was once of great strategic importance, and Fort Michilimackinac, a British fort built in the late 18th century, was the scene of fierce fighting between British and French forces. Fourteen buildings have been restored, and private cars are banned on the island. Ferry services operate from Street Ignace and Mackinaw City. The fort is operational with people all in period dress and using the language of the time.

Fourth Stop

Sault Ste Marie

Sault Ste Marie is known locally as the “Soo” and links Lakes Huron and Superior. Ships pass through two mighty locks (the Soo Locks), one on the Canadian and the other on the American side, which can be seen on boat trips. Explore the historical vessels on display in the Maritime Museum located on the waterfront, and see how the crew lived, slept, and worked – definitely worth a visit. The Tower of History soars 210 feet above Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Locks, offers you a spectacular view of the world’s busiest inland shipping channel.

Fifth Stop

Traverse City

There’s a place that remembers playtime. It was built for it-Traverse City. Surrounding the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City offers visitors a rich blend of adventure and relaxation. Kick back, hunt for treasure, or build a sand castle along 180 miles of sugar-sand lakeshore. Bike through miles of pristine pines, hike up the towering Sleeping Bear Dunes, and play a round on our championship golf courses. And end your day witnessing some of the most glorious sunsets ever created. Traverse City is also well known for its annual Cherry Festival which attracts visitors from all over.

Final Stop

Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids offers all the big-city amenities and excitement you can imagine. There is a diversity of things to do, all close together and easy to get to along with an abundance of natural wonders, outdoor activities (fishing, boating, biking, hiking), museums, and other unique attractions including Frederik Meijer Gardens and John Ball Zoo. Grand Rapids was also the boyhood home of the 38th U.S. President, Gerald Ford.

Plan Your Next Trip

Contact Us Today

Of course, the list above isn’t all-inclusive. If you’d like to plan your own trip for any reason at all or have any other questions, simply contact our agents at 866-838-4465. We offer delivery and pickup service to the entire country, including Pennsylvania, Florida, and California.