Northern Michigan advice

[jabres]

I am leaving for Northern Michigan, this week. We have never ventured that far north in Michigan before, and cant wait! In the past always stayed in Ludington which was beautiful. This time we are staying in Cheboygan, to be close to a friends cabin up there.
Any "must see or do" type things on the north end? Traveling with kids, but they are pretty easy going, so doesn't have to be kids type entertainment. We are huge fan of small local mom and pop type places, and restaurants.

Thanks in advance!

[gwh1bass]

If you've never been, definitely visit Mackinac island, you're so close.

Sleeping Bear Dunes national park Lakeshore is great, but it's somewhat of a hike from your destination this year, everything from Frankfort to Empire to historic Glen Haven and Glen Arbor.

Awesome beaches at Frankfort, Empire, Esch Rd, Peterson Rd, North Bar Lake etc.

You have youngsters, the dune climb, floating down the Platte River to the mouth at Lake Michigan, the old blacksmith barn and historic general store in Glen Haven.

Everything along the M119 from Harbor Springs to Wilderness Point.

Night view of the Mackinac bridge from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.

The locks in the Soo.

Munising. Pictured Rocks boat tour, shipwreck boat tour plus nice beaches and waterfalls.

Wait a minute, I need a vacation!

[Mich_upnorth]

Dixie salon in Mackinaw City, Antlers in Soo Ste Marie. If you go to the sleeping Bear Dunes the bluebird inn in Leland.

[Debbie]

Legs restaurant is nice. We drove the tunnel of trees an had lunch an a great desert there. Loved all the carved wood bar etc. we ate outside pretty views. Candy factory in Petosky.

[Trekkar]

Darrow's Family Restaurant and the Chippewa Room have good food in Mackinaw City.

[jabres]

Legs Inn, lol now that sounds good and interesting!

[jabres]

thanks! Any advice on nice restaurants up this way?

[Trekkar]

If you head straight west from Cheyboygan, you can drive into Cross Village. (about 28 miles) Check out Legs Inn for a unique restaurant, as well as other things to see there. M119 from there south is the Tunnel of Trees, which makes for a pleasant day trip. T of T is better in the fall for colors, but it's a nice drive anytime.

[GordonThree]

Also a few hours drive is Kitch-Iti-Kipi (Manistique) ... truly beautiful crystal clear cold water spring with a self service viewing barge / platform you can row across the pond. The government keeps it stocked with huge cold water fish. The drive along US-2 follows the North shore of Lake Michigan and is one of the most scenic in the state.

[kknowlton]

Whitefish Point Lighthouse hasn't been mentioned (at least not that I saw, skimming your responses). Not far from Tahquamenon Falls. Very interesting visit, with a museum there devoted to Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Do not miss Mackinac Island!

[jabres]

all sounds great! thanks for the responses!

[doxiemom11]

Pictured Rocks is a couple hours away. Take the boat tour - beautiful place.

[rexlion]

Pick up some fresh sweet cherries at one of the roadside stands. They're grown around Traverse City and Lupton. If in Mackinaw City, get some homestyle cinnamon bread and pecan rolls at the little bakery a block north of the dock entrance. There are several nice lighthouses to see around where you'll be... one in Mackinaw City, another just west of town (2 or 3 miles maybe?), and a couple more toward Rogers City.

Take jackets; it can get cool along the big lakes, especially at night. Mackinac Island is typically about 10 degrees cooler than the mainland. I pack a warm coat whenever I go to MI, and sometimes I've been glad I did.

[GordonThree]

Go the other way and visit Sault Saint Marie. Very old town with a lot of history, and the Soo locks are there. If you have passports, pop over to Canada for a little international experience too.

Head down to Grayling and visit Hartwick Pines, see some of the last remaining "old growth" forest in Michigan.

Head up to Paradise and visit the Tahquamenon Falls

[tomman58]

You are not far from Traverse city for a day trip (lake Michigan is warmer) and into wine country (mission peninsula) also go to the locks in the UP about 1 hour + drive at lot of history there and casino. 186 water falls in the UP.

Good luck have fun in our wonderful state!