Road Trip Planning| Miles Kms | Item | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 0.0 |
US 2 west from the Mackinac Bridge |
Welcome to beautiful Upper Michigan. Highway US2 connects the east and west coasts of the United States and delights the traveller with scenic beauty all along the way. This business area is a great spot for gas, restaurants, curios or perhaps a round of golf at the St. Igance Country Club. You will notice some spellings of Mackinac and Mackinaw, they are pronounced the same. The c is silent, so the last syllable is 'naw'. Mackinac is the French spelling of the Indian word. |
| 3.0 4.8 |
Gros Cap Cemetary |
Founded in 1889 this cemetary displays early historical grave markers providing a window on the past. |
| 3.7 6.0 |
Scenic Overlook |
Enjoy a spectacular view of the Straights of Mackinac and snap a photo of the 'Mighty Mac' Bridge framed with white birch trees from this bluff. |
| 6.5 10.5 |
Hiawatha National Forest/ St. Igance District Ranger Office |
Visit here for free information on hunting, camping, fishing, berry-picking spots. |
| 7.0 11.3 |
Tourist Roadside Park |
A perfect spot to stretch the legs, walk the dog, or enjoy a picnic. Fresh breezes blow among the trees. From this bluff top vantage point you will have a view of quaint St. Helena Island in Lake Michigan below. |
| 8.0 12.9 |
Cheeseman Rd, Silver Mountain Ski Hill |
Local ski area provides hours of winter fun to locals and visitors alike during the winter. Tow rope and warming area. Modest fees. |
| 8.8 14.2 |
Pointe aux Chenes River marsh |
Woods and water make the Upper Peninsula the beautiful area it is. Keep your eyes open along this stretch for osprey and eagle nests. In summer the ponds are covered in water lilies. Muskrat houses dot the pond edges. |
| 12.2 19.6 |
North Country Trail |
The North Country Hiking Trail crosses the highway here at Brevort. For detailed information phone or write: North Country Trail Assoc., Lowell, MI, 49331. |
| 13.5 21.7 |
Lake Michigan shoreline, Hiawatha National Forest |
This is it! Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white caps break along the white sand beach. Ample roadside parking and handicap accessible observation platforms makes this a perfect spot for a dip in the water or a stroll along the beach. Please observe the restricted area where native grasses are transplanted as part of a restoration project. |
| 15.3 24.6 |
Brevort River |
To the casual traveller this appears to be just another small northern stream. To those in the know this is a terrific stream for dipping smelt. Smelt are shinny 6-8 inch long fish that make an annual spring spawning run from Lake Michigan into small streams. Enjoy these tasty fish featured local restaurant menus or come during April for real northern fun! |
| 17.5 28.2 |
Hiawatha National Forest Campground entrance |
Bluff top camping. A perfect spot to pitch a tent or park the camper and capture lake breezes. No electric or sewers are available but the park is full most nights in the summer so arrive early to secure a camping spot. |
| 18.0 29.0 |
Lake Michigan beach |
Notice the huge slabs of limestone used to stabilize the roadway from the relentless pounding of Lake Michigan's waves. Ice piles into high hummocks atop these rocks during winter. |
| 20.2 32.5 |
Swimming beach |
Another great Lake Michigan beach. Summer days find cars parked and families enjoying the sparkling sandy beaches and rolling waves. No restroom facilities. |
| 20.4 32.8 |
Brevort Campground, Hiawatha National Forest |
A popular shady northern campground conveniently located just off the highway. Swimming beaches and the little community of Brevort are nearby. |
| 20.5 33.0 |
Brevort area |
Brevort is a collection of modest motels and restaurants. Don't miss the smoked fish at Gustafson's Marathon Station. Many days the maple smoke puffs out of the smoking sheds located on the east side of the building. The Trinity Lutheran Church continues its midsummer pole tradition on the third Sunday of June, 9 a.m. |
| 25.0 40.2 |
Cut River Bridge and Roadside Park |
A striking deep gorge and a dramatic bridge. Stop, get out, enjoy the view and take photos.
Two comfortable picnic areas provide a rest spot for those who take the trek down to the gorge bottom. |
| 26.0 41.8 |
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| 27.0 43.5 |
Epoufette |
Settled as a fishing village in 1859 today this 'wide spot in the road' offers two modest restaurants that serve great fish dinners. Pronounce the name EE-poo-FETT is you want to sound like a native Yooper. |
| 27.5 44.3 |
Scenic Overlook |
No restrooms or ammenities, just another terrific view of Lake Michigan! |
| 35.5 57.1 |
Hog Island State Forest Campground |
Shaded campsites along the sand beaches of Lake Michigan. Good swimming and woodland hiking. No sewers. A perfect spot for a campfire and marshmallow roasting. |
| 36.0 57.9 |
GarLynn Farms Zoological Park |
Featuring native and exotic animals from around the world. Open weekends spring and fall, all seven days during the summer. Admission fee. |
| 40.0 64.4 |
Michigan's most beautiful rest area |
Being a native Yooper, I am perhaps overly fond of the Upper Peninsula but it is no idle boast to say we have the most beautiful rest area in the state of Michigan! This comfortable log cabin rest area offers a great spot to stretch the legs along the shore of Lake Michigan. Summer afternoons find the parking lot full of visitors and locals who come to swim. Northern most point of Lake Michigan, four miles east of Naubinway. |
| 43.0 69.2 |
Naubinway |
A small historic fishing village that still boasts great freshly caught Lake Michigan whitefish. Captain Carl's Galley serves whitefish daily and features an 'all you can eat' Friday night special. Banks with ATMs, gas stations and a marina complete the offerings of Naubinway. |
| 49.0 78.9 |
Junction M117 and US 2 |
Head north up M117 for gas or snacks in the little farming and resort community of Engadine. Comfortable country lodging available 7 miles north at the Sandtown Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast |
| 50.5 81.3 |
Big Knob Scenic Drive |
Scenic 6 mile drive through the forest leads to a quiet state forest campground and miles of sandy Lake Michigan beach. Enjoy clumps of white paper birch, wild iris in July, blueberries and wildflowers. Day hiking trails. |
| 57.0 91.7 |
Junction US2 and H33 |
Locals say, 'It wouldn't hurt us to go to Curtis' which is exactly where H33 will take the traveller. Nestled between three large inland lakes the area offers rustic cabins, excellent fishing and miles of snowmobile trails. |
| 60.0 96.6 |
Milakokia Lake Forest Campground Entrance |
Rustic camping just right for travellers or fishing. |
| 66.0 106.2 |
Junction US2 and M77 |
Seventeen miles north is the Seney Wildlife Refuge, no admission fee. Excellent viewing and information on birds and northern wildlife. This refuge did much of the early work to restore the sandhill crane population. Resting ponds for migratory waterfowl. Open mid May until mid October; winter weekends for cross-country skiing. |
| 74.0 119.1 |
Mead Woodyard. |
Catch a quick roadside glimpse of the huge storage and shipping yard for pulp wood (paper making). You will understand the importance of forestry to the Upper Peninsula economy. No tours. |
| 75.0 120.7 |
Gulliver, County Road 432 to Seul Choix |
Seul Choix is French for 'only choice'. The lighthouse beacon of Seul Choix marked safe harbor for early maritime travellers. The keepers home and light tower are restored and open courtesy of the Gulliver Historical Society from mid-May until mid-October and again in December. Is the keepers house haunted? I don't want to spend the night to find out!! Plan a leisurely visit to the site. Port Inland limestone quarry is visible across the bay. Follow Co, Rd 432 then 431, well signed. |
| 76.5 123.1 |
Gulliver Lake Rd. |
Public lake acess and picnic area on Gulliver Lake. |
| 87.0 140.0 |
Manistique |
In the Upper Peninsula we call this town a city; it's a great place to call home. You'll notice the city park and acess to the terrific board walk along the lake shore. Gas, lodging and wide variety of restaurants. Manistique Paper is one of the areas largest employers. Tourist information center located on the west side of town. |
| 88.0 141.6 |
Paul Bunyan statue |
Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox make a great photo stop for those travelling with children. The Manistique Visitors Bureau Center is just the place to find information about the area. Clean public restrooms. |
| 90.0 144.8 |
Stoney Point Golf Course |
Opened summer 2002. Unpack your clubs as the public is welcome. |
| 91.0 146.4 |
Beach pull out |
Sandy shoreline for vacation enjoyment. No restrooms. |
| 92.0 148.1 |
Tourist Roadside Park |
Another great little free roadside picnic and beach park. Drinking water, restrooms. |
| 93.0 149.7 |
Junction US2 and M149. Thompson |
Turn north for Indian Lakes State Park/Campground, 4 miles. Continue on to Palms Book State Park featuring Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's largest spring with an all new handicap accessible raft allowing visitors a view of the awesome spring, 9 miles. The Thompson fish hatchery is just one mile north of US2, open weekdays for tours of their fish rasing and restocking progarm information. |
| 100.5 161.7 |
Alternate route to Big Spring or Kit-iti-kipi. |
Travel County Road 442 (6 miles) to M149 then (r miles) to Michigan's largest spring. You really don't want to miss this amazing deep spring gushing out of the deep. Handicap accessible raft makes this a great stop for everyone. |
| 101.0 162.5 |
Hiawatha National Forest Lands Office |
Excellent information to help you learn of the northern forest - recreational ideas, camping information, forest management details. Free admission Monday through Saturday. |
| 103.0 165.8 |
Rest Area |
Rustic log building offers sparkling clean restrooms; picnic area and dog walking facilities, too. |
| 104.0 167.4 |
Garden Corners, Fayette |
Follow M183 the 17 scenic miles toward Lake Michigan and the historic town site of Fayette. Fayette was an early 1900 iron smelting village that is now a delightful state park. Interpetive center, paved walkways for touring, sailboats in the harbor and camping. |
| 105.8 170.3 |
Fish Dam River Acess |
Popular public boat launch for those wishing to fish Big Bay de Noc of Lake Michigan or up river. |
| 105.8 170.3 |
Fish Dam River Access |
Popular public boat launch for those wishing to fish Big Bay de Noc of Lake Michigan or up river. |
| 113.0 181.8 |
Sturgeon River and Campground Entrance |
Large numbers of fishermen visit the cold waters of Lake Michigan and this is but one of many rivers offering acess out into Lake Michigan. National Forest Campground offers basic, primitive camping for those stopping overnight or those wishing to spend several days relaxing and fishing. |
| 113.0 181.8 |
Sturgeon River and Campground Entrance |
Large numbers of fishermen visit the cold waters of Lake Michigan and this is but one of many rivers offering access out into Lake Michigan. National Forest Campground offers basic, primitive camping for those stopping overnight or those wishing to spend several days relaxing and fishing. |
| 125.0 201.2 |
Hiawatha National Forest Ranger Station |
Stop here for oodles of information about flora, fauna, camping and recreation opportunities in the National Forest and other nearby areas. Maps. Fishing information. |
| 126.0 202.8 |
Junction US2 and M41, Rapid River |
Gas stations, restaurants, lodging and grocery store are all available here in Rapid River. Guess the name of the fast flowing river that cuts through town? Highway M41 heads north to Trenary (Home of the Trenary Home Bakery, thos famous toast folks) and on to Marquette, the Upper Peninsula's largest town. |
| 126.0 202.8 |
Junction US2 and M41, Rapid River |
Gas stations, restaurants, lodging and grocery store are all available here in Rapid River. Guess the name of the fast flowing river that cuts through town? Highway M41 heads north to Trenary (Home of the Trenary Home Bakery, those famous toast folks) and on to Marquette, the Upper Peninsula's largest town. |
| 132.0 212.4 |
Marble Arms Factory Showroom, Gladstone |
An historic Upper Peninsula factory long known for high quality hunting and pocket knives. Open Monday - Friday, daytimes. They are no longer able to give full factory tours but all models of knives produced are on display and available for sale. |
| 132.2 212.7 |
Gladstone Business District |
Locals refer to Gladstone as 'Happy Rock'. The business district follows the lakeshore offering gas, restaurants, lodging and supplies. Enjoy a picnic at the waterfront park of Little Bay de Noc. A restored Soo Line Railroad engine is on dispay in the rail yard parallelling US2. During winter, hundreds of fishing shanties cover the ice of Little Bay de Noc. |
| 135.0 217.3 |
Terrace Bluff Golf Course |
Even Yoopers like to lay down the fishing poles and put away the snowmachines. Grab the golf clubs and head out for a challenging round on this public welcome course. |
| 135.5 218.1 |
Fish Market |
Fish doen't come any fresher than this! Stop at this local market to purchase fresh fish from Lake Michigan or excellent smoked fish.
|
| 135.5 218.1 |
Fish Market |
Fish doesn't come any fresher than this! Stop at this local market to purchase fresh fish from Lake Michigan or excellent smoked fish.
|
| 136.5 219.7 |
Department of Natural Resources Office |
Regional off ice of the Michigan DNR. Excellent resource for fishing, hunting and recreation information. Information about the UP Forestry Auto Tour is also available. Local foresters have placed numbers marking different foresty features along roadsides in much of the Upper Peninsula, very interesting as you drive our scenic highways. |
| 137.0 220.5 |
Escanaba River and Dam |
One of the largest rivers in the Upper Peninsula cascades over a power dam along the highway on it's way to nearby Lake Michigan. Public Access .3 miles to the west on County Road 426. |
| 139.0 223.7 |
Bay Area College |
A terrific community college that has added much to the community of Escanaba and the entire Upper Peninsula. Two year and speciality training programs. 906 786-5802 |
| 139.5 224.5 |
UP State Fair Entrance |
Home of the Upper Peninsula's State Fair, the fairgrounds and grand stands offer programming year around. Each August brings 'the fair': showcasing UP agriculture, manufacturing, thrilling rides and carnival games. |
| 139.5 224.5 |
UP State Fair Entrance |
Home of the Upper Peninsula's State Fair, the fairgrounds and grand stands offer programming year around. Each August brings 'the fair': showcasing UP agriculture, manufacturing, thrilling rides and carnival games. |
| 140.0 225.3 |
Dobber's Pasties |
No visit to the UP is complete without a pasty! These tasty meat pies were brought to the area by Cornish miners and soon gained popularity with all. Dobber's makes a great pasty, several varieties in fact. They serve 'em hot and fresh, frozen or pack and ship via UPS. Try them plain or with gravy, you'll know why these hand held pies were a great lunch for hard working miners. |
| 140.5 226.1 |
Junction US2 and M35 and M41 |
Head south along the Lake Michigan shoreline (M35), west to Iron Mountain and Wisconsin (US2/M41) or east into downtown Escanaba. The intersection is busy but clearly marked. Escanaba is the Upper Peninsula's second largest city offering a wide variety of commericial, recreational and artistic activities. The restored Sand Point Lighthouse in the downtown waterfront park is excellent. Follow US-2 and 41 east to Ludington Street. Harbor and marina. |