Mackinac Bridge to Mich. Upper Peninsula, and Lake Superior/Apostle Islands Area

[Stormin' Norm]

Hi folks-

I am in very early stages of trying to plan what will be our first major trip in our new 303, and am considering using Mackinac Bridge to cross to Michigan Upper Peninsula (in order to avoid driving anywhere near Chicago!), and then heading over to Wisconsin shores of Lake Superior and trying to get near Apostle Islands area. Couple questions on route, and of course any campground recommendations.

1. Mackinac Bridge: am concerned about high winds, and what their frequency is there. Have link to bridge site (http://www.mackinacbridge.org/) to keep tabs on, but wondering if anyone has experience towing over the bridge? The webcams for bridge seem to indicate nice wide lanes.

2. Route: I would be coming from eastern PA, likely on I-80, and thinking of heading north on Rt. 127 or I-69 from there in order to avoid Detroit area (saw recent thread on how bad I-75 is there). Probably looking at Rt. 2 across the UP. Any local knowledge?

3. Campgrounds: Looking for minimum of 30A plus water and pet-friendly, and using only All-Stays app so far, just in early stages, nothing really jumping out at me. Only decent and reservable campground in Apostle Islands area seems to be "Apostle Islands Area Campground & RV Park" http://www.apostleislandsareacampground.com/, but have not contacted them yet.

Appreciate any inputs.
Thanks,
Norm

[Jim & Deb]

Hi folks-

I am in very early stages of trying to plan what will be our first major trip in our new 303, and am considering using Mackinac Bridge to cross to Michigan Upper Peninsula (in order to avoid driving anywhere near Chicago!), and then heading over to Wisconsin shores of Lake Superior and trying to get near Apostle Islands area. Couple questions on route, and of course any campground recommendations.

1. Mackinac Bridge: am concerned about high winds, and what their frequency is there. Have link to bridge site (http://www.mackinacbridge.org/) to keep tabs on, but wondering if anyone has experience towing over the bridge? The webcams for bridge seem to indicate nice wide lanes.

2. Route: I would be coming from eastern PA, likely on I-80, and thinking of heading north on Rt. 127 or I-69 from there in order to avoid Detroit area (saw recent thread on how bad I-75 is there). Probably looking at Rt. 2 across the UP. Any local knowledge?

3. Campgrounds: Looking for minimum of 30A plus water and pet-friendly, and using only All-Stays app so far, just in early stages, nothing really jumping out at me. Only decent and reservable campground in Apostle Islands area seems to be "Apostle Islands Area Campground & RV Park" http://www.apostleislandsareacampground.com/, but have not contacted them yet.

Appreciate any inputs.
Thanks,
Norm

Hello Norm,

I haven't crossed the bridge yet with my 337 but plan to do it this fall.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority is very good about watching wind conditions and pairing vehicles like ours with semis and even closing the bridge if necessary.

The attached link is for the Michigan State Park reservation system. It is a good source of info for our State Parks! You will need to create an account to make reservations but you can view park info without an account.

https://www.midnrreservations.com/Mi...StateParks?Map

This link is to the MDOT website. Good source for construction info.

http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/

Hope this helps!

Jim

[Canyonlight]

Yousers !.....I think I would be running the inside lane with my horse blinders on......good picture showing grandeur of the bridge !

Dan

[Stormin' Norm]

Yeah, I saw pix like that too, which is a little concerning... I'll be in middle too if I can, Dan, heh.

The bridge authority web site FAQ says "The Mackinac Bridge Authority has a “Drivers Assistance Program” that provides drivers for those uncomfortable with driving across the Mackinac Bridge. If you are traveling northbound, pull over where the I-75 widens just past the Jamet Street Entrance Ramp and call 906.643.7600 for assistance. If you are southbound, just ask a fare collector for assistance. There is no additional fee for this service. "

Don't plan to use it...but then again, this will be first significant trip with a 5'er...

Edit: and thanks to you early respondents!

[oldguy]

We have crossed the bridge many times. The lanes aren't as wide as they look, but semis do it all the time. The inside lanes are a grate that can get a little squirrely, also gives you an idea how far up you are. We were stopped only once for high winds. They held us in a staging area with other high profile vehicles. Once enough were assembled, we were escorted across at a slow speed. Normal speed limit on the bridge is 45. We are used to crossing the bridge, so for us it's no big deal. However, my oldest daughter (37) keeps he eyes closed the whole way.

There's a KOA in Mackinaw City, and in St. Ignace. You will pass by each of them on your trip. Decent campgrounds.

Avoiding Detroit is a good idea, especially since I75 is closed there. Here's a map for road construction in Michigan. Michigan Construction Map

Wish the weather was better. Really quite a view from up there.

[TucsonJim]

When we crossed it last summer, Ginnie kept her eyes closed the entire way. She has a very bad fear of heights. It was really a non-event for me. I stayed in the outside lane and followed a big rig. They are limited to 20mph and must maintain a 500 foot spacing. By following the truck and driving 20mph, there was zero issue with me feeling in control.

jim

[Justaguy]

Love this area. We stayed in Mackinaw Mill Creek. Very nice park with a great view of the Island and bridge. We ate dinner on the island at the Grand Hotel. Nice! Pricey but nice. Cindy did not like crossing the bridge. Gave her the willey's like Pikes Peak.

We went across the UP and went to Picture Rocks. Stayed at a cool place called Jack Pine Lodge RV Park in the Hiawatha National Forest. The bar and grill has great food and cold beer. It is out in the middle of nowhere, off of 94 East from Manistique. Man, that is some pretty country. Would love to go back.

[2hams]

My husband had no problem driving across the bridge (but we do live near lots of bridges, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel), I just looked straight ahead.

We really liked Lakeshore Campground in St Ignace, full hookups and access to the lake for the dog to swim. We happened to be there Friday night and had a great fish fry at the VFW.


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[goldsp8]

We are going the same direction in early June with 3 of my siblings. We are coming from the South up I-69, not sure we have decided on which road to take on up to Machinaw City. We are there for 3 nights (KOA), then on up to Munising for 3 nights (Munising Tourist Park), on to Copper Harbor for 3 nights (Ft Wilkens State park and Isle Royal), on to Bayfield for 3 nights (Buffalo Bay Campground) before turning back South. I had not considered the possible wind problem for crossing the bridge. Good information.

[oldguy]

I forgot to mention, there is an AM radio station as you near the bridge. Roadside signs will give the frequency. If there is anything going on on the bridge, it will let you know. Also, there is daily maintenance going on. Usually will have the outside lane closed for a while.

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