As we cross into Michigan we are nearing the end of our US Route 2 road trip. We chose a state park on Lake Superior to be near the big waters for a night. It is such a pretty drive with glimpses of the lake here and there, and is definitely cottage country. Traffic is extremely light and the roads in great shape. So far, liking Michigan.
The drive is mostly through small towns, but the last before heading up the peninsula is larger and probably serves all the tourist areas around. Houghton also has an airport and large university campus. What a great spot to attend Uni. We arrived at McLain State Park just after check-in time. The sites are all concrete pads, level, with tables and fire pits. Our site was at one end of a row and directly across from the start of a trail to the beaches. Sites are large but not much privacy. The star of the show, though, is Lake Superior. We immediately headed to the dog beach area but Cedar seemed to either find the water too cold, or the beach too rocky. The walk was nice though, through pines above the dunes and well treed. The only comfort station is quite a walk from our site – they could definitely add another.
For our mid day stop the next day, to stretch our legs, we stopped at one of the many ‘roadside parks’ along the highway, These parks equate to the usual rest areas, except that they seem to all have some scenic elements as well. The one we chose is called Canyon Falls Roadside park and has a very nice walk to a powerful falls and chutes. The sturgeon river from which they flow is obviously iron rich as the water flows are rust coloured.
We booked a KOA in Munising for our next night. Too far to make the border without pushing Cedar’s limits. After an easy drive, again with some beautiful scenery, we arrived and were given a site. For our expectations of a KOA, we were so NOT impressed. The site was muddy, the buildings outdated, and they seemed to be cramming rigs in wherever they could. We had booked a KOA in order to do some much needed laundry, and at least that was clean and in good shape. The bathrooms however were not the cleanest, and in need of repairs.
We would have loved to get to Mackinac Island on this trip, but in summer, and having no idea of definite dates it would have been nearly impossible. Next time perhaps.