We drove from St. Cloud, MN to St. Ignace, MI in one day and arrived late afternoon. We stayed at the Straits State Park and it was a great choice. We could go to the lower campground and have the views below of the Mackinaw bridge, there was a grocery store within walking distance and we could bike to town.
Our first full day we took a boat over to Mackinac Island. We took the 9am boat because they take a little detour and go underneath the bridge before heading to the island.
Our first view of the island was the Grand Hotel (and another boat bringing people to the island).
Main street Mackinac Island
We did the 8.2 mile bike ride around the island. We had brought our own bikes and this was a great decision. There are no vehicles so there are bikes everywhere! One of our first stops on the bike was arch rock. We had to climb 207 steps to get to the top.
Arch Rock
You have to pay $10/person just to go inside to see the Grand Hotel so we just rode by.
Another trail with a great view on Mackinac Island
On Monday, July 20th we headed about an hour north to Tahquenenon Falls State Park. There are upper and lower falls, camping and hiking trails. We saw both the falls and walked around a bit.
Tuesday, July 21st we headed 2 hours south to Traverse City. On the way we stopped in Petoskey at Petoskey State Park. We parked the truck and camper in the picnic area parking lot, got out our bikes and rode through the campground. The beach below is in the picnic area. We also had lunch before heading on our way.
Wednesday, July 22nd we drove out to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We did the dune climb below.
On the scenic drive through the park you come to an observation deck and an area where the dunes go directly into Lake Michigan. Some people were going down and climbing back up. They warn you about doing this as it's extremely strenuous coming back up and it's VERY steep.
Back in Traverse City we went down to the beach to relax.
Thursday, July 23 we biked from the campground in Traverse City to Sutton's Bay. It's 22 miles one way. The trail is on an old rail bed so it was pretty flat and very scenic.
Town of Sutton's Bay
Traverse City State Park
Friday, July 24th we headed north about 4 hours to Indian Lake State Park just outside of Manistique, Michigan. We walked on the boardwalk in town and then checked out the beach in the campground.
Manistique boardwalk and lighthouse
Indian Lakes State Park picnic shelter and beach.
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