Things to do / Travel Guide
Driving is the best way to see northern Michigan. While the major interstates and highways don't reach the nooks and crannies, the state road systems are up-kept with great care. Even during the winter, the major state roads are regularly cleared of snow and salted. Maintenance, side, and logging roads, particularly in the Keweenaw Peninsula and other areas of the Upper Peninsula, may be of dirt or gravel. A four-wheel-drive vehicle, though not required, may be very helpful in reaching areas with good views.
There is no train service in Northern Michigan, and while Greyhound Bus Lines do provide transportation between northern Michigan towns, this is not the most advisable or efficient way to see the region. Because most of the northern Michigan towns are quite small, inner-city public transportation options are extremely limited.
To drive from the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula, you will cross the Mackinac Bridge, a four-mile-long suspension bridge with beautiful views of the Mackinac Straits.
While cars are not permitted on Mackinac Island, three ferry services take travelers across. The trip takes around 20 minutes and the service is available from late April through late October. All three ferry lines depart from the docks at St. Ignace (at the northern end of the Mackinac Bridge) or the docks at Mackinaw City.
To get to Isle Royale you can take a personal boat or a ferry. Ferries depart from Houghton and Copper Harbor (further up the Keweenaw Peninsula). All services arrive at Rock Harbor on Isle Royale.
During the peak travel seasons (approximately June through August) the Isle Royale Line sails this route to Isle Royale almost every day. September through May, the ferry departs two days a week. The ferry departs from Copper Harbor in the morning and takes approximately three hours, one-way.
The fastest way to get to Isle Royale is to fly from Houghton via private seaplane or Royale Air Service, but bad weather and limited visibility often leads to flight delays and cancellations.
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