Fall is a wonderful time to visit the Great Lakes State. The various bodies of water take on a different appeal when Mother Nature adorns herself in red, yellow, and orange. These three regional itineraries for the Upper Peninsula, Northwest Michigan, and Northeast Michigan will help you and your RV make the most out of autumn.
Upper Peninsula: From Shore to Shore
Distance: 123 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
This tour will lead you to two Great Lakes in one day, provide you with spectacular views, and take you to some uniquely UP destinations.
Stop #1: Munising
You could easily spend a couple days in and around Munising alone. In the fall, this area is majestic. You can take a boat cruise of the painted rocks at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, go on a glass-bottom boat tour of the Alger Underwater Preserve, or go waterfall hunting. Some of the nearest waterfalls to town are Alger Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Tannery Falls.
Stop #2: Trenary
Drive 32 minutes south to the little town of Trenary, birthplace of Trenary Toast. About four miles from town, on the way, is Whitefish Falls and worth a stop. The bakery was established in 1928. Trenary Toast, now a UP staple, is twice baked Finnish bread. Cinnamon is the traditional flavor, but you can also find Cinnamon Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Cinnamon Raisin, Tart Cherry Sugar, and Cardamom. To eat, dunk it in a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. It can also be eaten with your favorite spread. The bakery makes more than its famous toast, however. Pick up some bread or cinnamon rolls while you’re there to take back to the campsite.
Stop #3: Rapid River
Drive another 20 miles to Rapid River, home of Rapid River Knife Works. These knives are things of beauty. Stop in for a look at the craftsmanship for yourself.
Stop #4: Stonington Point
Now it’s time for a leisurely drive out onto Stonington Peninsula that sits between Little Bay de Noc and Big Bay de Noc, which are part of Lake Michigan. Drive 20 miles along a serene, fall-colored road until you reach Peninsula Point Lighthouse. According to the Visit Escanaba website, “The last mile of road is not recommended for recreational vehicles or trailers over 16 feet long or 8 feet high. A parking area for RV’s is available at the beginning of the narrow, winding final mile of road.” It’s an easy climb up the 40-foot-high lighthouse, which gives you a gorgeous panoramic view from the top. This area is also unique in that it’s a stopping point for migrating monarch butterflies in the fall. They stop here before they continue their migration across Green Bay.
Stop #5: Kitch-iti-kipi
From the lighthouse, it’s about 50 minutes to the final destination. You can drive back on the road you came in on or elect to take the central road in the peninsula, County Road 511. Either way, return to US 2, then turn right. Go through the villages of Isabella, Garden Corners, and Cooks, then head slightly north to Kitch-iti-kipi. Located in Palms Brook State Park, Kitch-iti-kipi means “The Big Spring” and was nicknamed by the Ojibwa as the “Mirror of Heaven.” There isn’t a better place to feel encapsulated and enchanted by autumn. The crystal-clear water rarely freezes since it’s a natural spring. Board the free, crank-propelled raft to cross the spring and view the beauty below the water as well as around you. It’s wheelchair accessible and pets are welcome.
Nearby MARVAC members: Jack Pine Lodge and Campground; Manistique Lakeshore Campground
Northwest Michigan: Around Lake Charlevoix
Distance: 42.4 miles
Driving Time: 1 hour, 22 minutes
Lake Charlevoix, an inland lake with a channel that leads directly to Lake Michigan, is the third largest inland lake in Michigan – and it’s quite a beauty. This fall itinerary takes you around its perimeter as well as nearby areas. It’s best to take a vehicle rather than the RV on this route.
Stop #1: Friske’s Farm Market
About 12 miles south of Charlevoix and conveniently located on US-31 is Friske’s Farm Market. There are plenty of activities for the kids, a full market with crafts, fresh produce, baked goods, pies, maple syrup, and a café with delicious sandwiches. They are especially known for their classic cake donuts, but they also make pumpkin spice donuts during the fall season.
Stop #2: Fisherman’s Island State Park
After that delicious food, drive 11 miles north on US-31 to Fisherman’s Island State Park to stretch your legs. This park has six miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline, rolling dunes, and a 2.5-mile hiking trail, which is gorgeous to walk in the autumn. Rock hounds will love exploring the beach for Pure Michigan souvenirs. A Recreation Passport is required.
Stop #3: Charlevoix
It’s only four miles to downtown Charlevoix. The Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays 8 am -1 pm through October at East Park if you’re interested in local produce. Small businesses line both sides of the street that passes through town and over the drawbridge. The fall ferry that leaves for Beaver Island departs at 1:20 PM every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays. That’s the perfect time to watch the drawbridge in action. Take into account your arrival time to Charlevoix and the fact that you need to cross this bridge to continue in your tour. Visit the shops or walk to the South Pier Light Station for a view of the Great Lake.
Stop #4: Boyne City
Get back in the vehicle to start your drive around the north and east portions of Lake Charlevoix. You’ll follow the shoreline, enjoying the autumn foliage, 17 miles (23 minutes) to Boyne City, another small Michigan town with history and character. You can go on a self-guided walking tour of the town and visit the local shops for some shopping. Stop in at Kilwin’s for classic fudge (or any flavor you desire). Continue on your drive around the lake on Lake Shore Drive, through the small village of Advance, and to Ironton, home of the Ironton Ferry.
Stop #5: Ironton Ferry
Fall is your last chance to catch the Ironton Ferry, a historic barge that transports vehicles and people across 1/8 of a mile of narrow water that’s part of Lake Charlevoix. It’s been in operation since 1876. Pedestrians can ride for free. Vehicles, about four at a time, can cross for $5 (cash or by purchasing a pass at the Charlevoix County Treasurers Office). The Ironton Ferry runs seven days a week from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. The crossing takes less than 10 minutes, and it offers a unique view of the fall colors. As David Miles, the curator of the Charlevoix Historical Society, stated: “If you don’t ride the Ironton Ferry on a visit to Charlevoix, you have not really completed your Charlevoix trip… It is just something that you will remember your whole life.”
Nearby MARVAC members: Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor; Magnus Park Campground; Jellystone Park Petoskey
Northeast Michigan: Sunrise Tour
Distance: 106 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 6 minutes
Stop #1: Oscoda: Highbanks Trail with Scenic Overlook
There is no better way to see Michigan in the fall than to view it from above and to see one of the most beautiful rivers in the state. The scenery, views, and wildlife are outstanding. It’s easy enough for the entire family to enjoy as the trail is most level along the tops of the bluffs. Iarago Springs is a half-mile, moderately challenging out-and-back trail that will give you one of the best panoramic views of the Au Sable River. There are 300 steps to reach a viewing platform, but it’s definitely worth the effort. This entire trail stretches seven miles to Sawmill Point; however, the most popular section is the 4-mile walk from Iargo Springs to Lumberman’s Monument. You’ll need to backtrack to return to your vehicle or RV unless you drop off return transportation at Lumberman’s Monument. This monument stands 14 feet high on its own and is situated on a hand bank with the Au Sable River providing a backdrop. The visitor center, which has lots of interesting information about the history of the logging industry in Michigan, is open until late October.
Stop #2: Harrisville: Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
Drive 32 miles, approximately 40 minutes, to Sturgeon Point Lighthouse. The whitewashed brick is accented by red shutters and red details on the light itself. Tours take place during the summer (call ahead to check) on a limited schedule (usually weekends). Even if you can’t climb the tower, you can walk the extensive grounds and take in the view of Lake Huron. Take a stroll along the shore as well for a different perspective of the lighthouse, which is still operational.
Stop #3: Alpena: Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve
There are more than 100 discovered shipwrecks beneath the waves of the beautiful Lake Huron. Their stories and their histories are remembered through the Thunder Bay Marine Sanctuary. You can explore some of these shipwrecks, and get a gorgeous view of the fall foliage, by embarking on a two-hour glass-bottom boat tour to visit some of the sites. According to the website, “Learn the exciting tales of many famous ships and the history, legends, and lore of Lake Huron.”
Stop #4: Rogers City: Ocqueoc Falls
It might be a bit cold for swimming in autumn, but it might still be worth dipping in your feet in this this is a popular summertime watering hole. Ocqueoc Falls are the largest waterfalls to be found in the Lower Peninsula, as well as was the first universally accessible waterfall in the United States. There are four small rapids and a pool. There is also a network of trails if you feel like taking a wander through the woods. The fall colors surrounding the flowing waters are breathtaking.
Nearby MARVAC members: Oscoda KOA Campground
We will continue with Part 2 later on the fall.