Lake Superior Circle Tour in 2006?

[karwath]

***********Itinerary for this trip can be found here****************
http://www.s2kca.com/forums/showthread.php?p=93863#post93863
************************************************** *****


I have been thinking of taking some time this year to do something I've wanted to do for a long time -- drive the entire way around Lake Superior.

Last year, while visiting the lake, as I captained the minivan along part of the route near Duluth Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin, I saw a group of miatas, a Ferrari, a few Lotuses, and Ford GT doing the tour, and I thought how great it would have been to be in the S2000 and to join them!

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/500/2101superior_map.gif

The "circle tour" is about 1000 miles, and would take a number of days, especially if one were to stop and enjoy some of the more scenic areas around the Lake.


If you have never been to the largest of the Great Lakes, here are few pictures to give you an idea of what the country looks like:

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/500/2101northshore_road.jpg

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/500/2101big_bay_point_light_house.jpg

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/500/2101splitrock20a.jpg

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/500/2101canada_superior.jpg

I've mentioned this to a few folks and there appears to be some interest here in the Midwest Region of S2KCA to do this as a group.

The trip would take a minimum of 4-5 days, and would require hotel reservations in Minnesota, Ontario, Michigan and perhaps Wisconsin. I know enough about the Wisconsin area (Apostle Islands area) that I could probably make sure we had good food and decent accomodations in that area. I also have visited the Northshore of Minnesota in recent years, so I could probably find accommodations there too (although I think I know someone here who knows the area much better) but someone else would have to help with Ontario and Michigan.

I also think this could be done in an informal way so people could drive the tour and also take side trips if they wanted to spend more time in other areas.

Before I decide to plan the trip for just my wife and me, I thought I'd see if there were enough others to make this an official S2000 event.

Here are the times I was thinking about doing this:

Late May/Early June

August, or

Mid-September.

The downside to August is that it will still be busy vacation time, but the upside for those of us in the lower midwest is we would be escaping the heat and humidity of Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Ohio for the cool and refreshing waters of the world's largest body of freshwater. To the extent people might want to do a side trip for kayaking, swimming, etc., August is the time of the year that the Lake is warm enough to swim and enjoy.

A good chunk of this trip would be in Ontario, Canada, which would require us to not be in possession of radar detectors. Since one cannot lawfully possess a radar detector in Ontario, Canada, we would have to probably do the entire trip without them. Perhaps we could find someone in Michigan's UP and on the Northshore of Minnesota and we could leave them at one place and have them fedexed to the other so we could have them for the entire US part of the drive :D

Also, I think one now needs a passport to travel back to the USA from Canada so if anyone who wants to go needs a passport we will have to plan far enough in advance for them to take care of that.

Let me know if this is something you seriously might want to do.

Who knows, we might have time to visit this esteemed facility of higher education in the UP of Michigan:

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/500/2101Michtech-med.jpg

[billy bob]

Now that is my idea of a drive. If I can find some way to do that I sure want to....

[Presidente]

that looks like a nice drive, maybe for another s2kday but that would require alot of planning.

[hamrhd]

Count me in. Better hurry, the Canucks have voted for their own Bush and may soon lose all that fabled politeness

[karwath]

What do you think about the possible dates?

[Coop]

I would love to do this drive.
I did a drive, starting in Chicago around Lake Michigan back in 1987 and had a great time.

[karwath]

I think I have a way to deal with the illegality of radar detectors in Ontario. We could plan to have a night stay in the USA on the MIchigan/Ontario border in Michigan and a stay on the Minnesota/Ontario border in Minnesota and fedex the radar detectors to ourselves in one big box at the forward hotel to hold for us when we arrive! ;)

[griffon]

I think that a driver's license and a certified birth certificate is all that is needed to visit Canada now. In 2008 they will start with the Passports. Also the Valentine, Passport, and several other radar detectors are detector- detector proof in that they do not emit a radar signal themselves.
The trip is beautiful. I have done it as well as Lake Michigan on motorcycles. Definitely count me in.
The requirements are listed at travel.state.gov . There is a section devoted to North American travel and tells what may or may not be brought into Canada.

[Ulrich]

Documentary Requirements for Entry To The United States

Travel from within the Western Hemisphere (North, Central or South America)

U.S. citizens:

• Are exempt from passport requirements. However, it is highly recommended that a U.S. Citizen be prepared to present documentation such as valid or expired U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, or Naturalization certificate to avoid delays.
• Exception—travel from Cuba, valid U.S. passport is required.
Important Note: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will soon require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted form of documentation to enter or reenter the United States. The program will be rolled out in phases. The proposed timeline is as follows:
• December 31, 2006: Requirement applied to all air and sea travel to or from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
• December 31, 2007: Requirement extended to all land border crossings as well as air and sea travel.
For more information, please visit the State Department travel website at www.travel.state.gov or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website at www.dhs.gov. To apply for a passport, U.S. citizens can visit www.travel.state.gov or call the U.S. Passport Office at 1-877-4USA-PPT or TDD/TYY: 1-888-874-7793. Foreign nationals should contact their respective governments to obtain passports.

U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) must provide one of the following:

• I-551, Permanent Resident Card (Green card),
• Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa endorsed with a CBP Admission Stamp,
• Temporary Residence Stamp (ADIT stamp) contained in a passport or on Form I-94,
• Valid Reentry Permit, or
• Unexpired Immigrant Visa. Passport required unless otherwise noted.

Visitors/Non-immigrants:

• Generally, a valid, unexpired passport and visa. However, certain classes may require specific supporting documentation such as an employment petition, student authorization, or approval notice.
• Nationals of countries authorized to participate in the *Visa Waver program are required to present an unexpired machine-readable passport. For additional information refer to the State Department at ( Visa Waiver Program - State Department )
• Nationals of countries authorized to participate in the Guam visa Waiver Program are required to present an unexpired passport.
• Mexicans may provide a valid DSP-150 (BCC) in lieu of a valid passport and visa
• Generally, Canadian Nationals must show ID but are exempt from passport and visa requirements. However presentation of a Canadian passport, birth certificate, Naturalization certificate or other supporting documentation will facilitate the inspection and is strongly encouraged.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/documentary_req.xml

[Ulrich]

I could be game in August. May/June might be a little early for me given some other travel plans I have this year. Need to see what my work schedule will be like as well, when the time comes. :)

[Wanderer]

Been there. Done that. Had a great time. We even took a detour or two looking for moose. Didn't find the moose, but did have a great time. Great fish. Mosquitoes were plentiful. Gas stations and lodging were a bit sparse tho...

... who'd a thunk it, as we were coming back into the US at Thunder bay, we gave our passports to the border guard, he saw the Brazilian visas in my passport and immediately started to talk to me in Portuguese... (No, I do not speak Portuguese...) :) :lol3:

[griffon]

August is really the only month that has been mentioned that would be even close to "top-down" weather. May-June and September are very likely to have frost and even snow in May or September. :)

[karwath]

Been there. Done that. Had a great time. We even took a detour or two looking for moose. Didn't find the moose, but did have a great time. Great fish. Mosquitoes were plentiful. Gas stations and lodging were a bit sparse tho...

... who'd a thunk it, as we were coming back into the US at Thunder bay, we gave our passports to the border guard, he saw the Brazilian visas in my passport and immediately started to talk to me in Portuguese... (No, I do not speak Portuguese...) :) :lol3:

Perhaps you can give us some pointers on places to stay/eat on the tour, especially the Ontario and UP of MIchigan areas!

[WestSideBilly]

Late May/Early June

August, or

Mid-September. [/img]

Late may snowfall is not uncommon in the keweenaw and ontario. While it's not likely it is possible. Mid September is superb weather wise but conflicts with a few other things (for me). August is probably the best as a whole.

[karwath]

what! no comment on the MTU image!

[WestSideBilly]

Who knows, we might have time to visit this esteemed facility of higher education in the UP of Michigan:

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/500/2101Michtech-med.jpg

Houghton Tech baby! :LOL:

The optional leg through the Keweenaw is nice... definitely worth the side trip. Gotta stop at Paulding to see the light, too.

And yeah, I can help with that area if you want to have a layover in Houghton.

[WestSideBilly]

I think I have a way to deal with the illegality of radar detectors in Ontario.

They're not illegal to have, they're illegal to use. Put them in your trunk before you cross the border, take them out when you get back in the states.

[WestSideBilly]

what! no comment on the MTU image!

Where'd you find that? It's got all the new buildings on it.

[karwath]

The image is from the MTU website. I liked the campus cams -- it looks like some sort of winter snow sculpture festival going on right now.

Here is where I read that it is illegal to even possess a radar detector, and they will fine you and confiscate it if you are in possession of one:

http://gocanada.about.com/cs/bordercrossing/a/radardetectors.htm

[WestSideBilly]

The image is from the MTU website. I liked the campus cams -- it looks like some sort of winter snow sculpture festival going on right now.

Here is where I read that it is illegal to even possess a radar detector, and they will fine you and confiscate it if you are in possession of one:

http://gocanada.about.com/cs/bordercrossing/a/radardetectors.htm


Winter Carnival is next week. Good times.


The key is to put it in your trunk. If you leave the suction cups and what not out, and get stopped, they may look. The fine is high enough to warrant the time.

[WestSideBilly]

One other reason to avoide September, by the way... the leafs will start turning in mid september and the leaf lookers will be out in full force. In terms of shear infuriation, following an RV for an hour going 35 in a 55 can not be topped.

[karwath]

Sounds like August is the best bet.

[Coop]

when you pick a date, I'm going to look into getting the time off work.

[Ulrich]

Ooh... Convoy up the Talimena Scenic Byway! :)

[ScottEvil]

This would be a great long weekend (or week) in July or August.

[hamrhd]

Count me in. Have never driven most roads in Canada. Sounds like great fun. I am able to be quite flexable and can go anytime it fits other peoples' schedule

[4U2NV]

This sounds like a lot of fun. I too would vote for an August date. At this time my only concern is finding the money for the trip.

BTW: I have a built in Escort SR7 radar detector that is relatively hidden behind the radio door. Since I have never been to Canada, if I was to be stopped do you have any ideas as to what would happen???

[karwath]

Since I have never been to Canada, if I was to be stopped do you have any ideas as to what would happen???

I imagine you would find out why in Canada they call the police "mounties." :buggered:

[c-zap]

This sounds like a lot of fun. I too would vote for an August date. At this time my only concern is finding the money for the trip.

BTW: I have a built in Escort SR7 radar detector that is relatively hidden behind the radio door. Since I have never been to Canada, if I was to be stopped do you have any ideas as to what would happen???

If the detector is detected by the mounties, they will take it. I've had friends lose theirs. :mad:

[c-zap]

I think the circle tour is a fantastic idea for a group drive. Though I haven't spent alot of time north of the border I've heard good things about Rossport ONT. The roads along the canadian northshore are in good shape from close friends I've talked too and scenic betweem Nippogon and Rossport. I'll look into lodging and campgrounds on the canadian side.

[Looter]

:laugh: Once at date gets set, I would be interested...I think this would be a great time..! Will require "LOTS" of planning...!

[Meeyatch1]

I think I have a way to deal with the illegality of radar detectors in Ontario. We could plan to have a night stay in the USA on the MIchigan/Ontario border in Michigan and a stay on the Minnesota/Ontario border in Minnesota and fedex the radar detectors to ourselves in one big box at the forward hotel to hold for us when we arrive! ;)


All you have to do is put the radar detector in a bag in your trunk and you are fine. They just want to make sure it is out of reach for you and they will leave you alone. That is what we do whenever we go back to Ontario.

[Meeyatch1]

By the way....depending on when this is I might be in. I just need to have some vacation time saved by then.

[hamrhd]

I Have no problem going whenever it fits other peoples schedule. Lets just do it!!

spring, summer, or fall.

[Nacelle]

I have driven the Canadian side numerous times as one of my kids went to Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I completed the circle part of the tour once and all in all I think the drive contains some of the most spectacular scenery anyone could want to see on a long drive...and it is long. I have driven the California coast and some coastlines in Europe and I can say with enthusiasm that the Lake Superior trip has the highlight reel .The time from the Sault to Thunder Bay is 8 to 9 hours depending on how often you stop to ogle or get stuck behind a camper snaking along. The vistas are spectacular. The Drive from Thunder Bay to Duluth is also very lovely and a different seashore from the Canadian side with a lot of things to stop and see. From Duluth East back towards the Sault is not as spectacular, the Michigan U.P. has more forest than you can imagine. It's a great trip and an exciting adventure. You would likely come across some Black Bear as often as you would some Moose.

[Wanderer]

Perhaps you can give us some pointers on places to stay/eat on the tour, especially the Ontario and UP of MIchigan areas!


Sorry, no pics possible as this trip was pre digital camera for us.

We rode the Badger (a coal fired steam powered ferry) from Manitowoc WI to Luddington MI and headed north to Mackinac island and Sault Ste Marie.

It was great fun watching boats go through the Sault Ste. Marie locks. We saw one ore boat that was headed to Duluth MN, By the time we got to Duluth, the boat had been there, loaded up with taconite and had left 3 days before we arrived.

We got to Bachawana bay and decided to look for some place to stay. This is where we found out that when the Canadians say the road ends, you had better believe them. Just a few meters beyond the "Road Ends" sign, the surface changed from asphalt to gravel, then dirt, then... well... Lake Superior! Whew! :eek:

We continued on down the road. We ended up staying at Pancake bay at Smith's Motel. Only 5 or 6 rooms, but they were clean. Two restaurants. The one on the south side of the road had "all you can eat" fish. Yea, we pigged out... The one on the north side of the road did a great breakfast, the next morning.

I could tell you about trying to find a moose for Lonnie, but won't.

For us, Thunder bay was just another city. We stayed the night and headed south from there toward Duluth.

Your earlier suggestion to us to try Bayfield Wisconsin was a great one. We really enjoyed our stay there and plan to reuturn.

At Marquette MI, I introduced my wife to the pasty. she's usually game to try new food and this one was good for her.

[WestSideBilly]

Bart, did you have any thoughts on where you'd "start" ?

[karwath]

Most folks seem to start the circle tour in Duluth (West) or at the Sault (East). Your thoughts?

[c-zap]

West :thumbsup:

[WestSideBilly]

I'd probably lean for the Sault, simply because it's easier to get to from here.

[OkyS2k]

It has been an idea of mine for a few years too. I had to shorten my original plans to go all the way around a couple of years ago. So I went to the base of the UP on the Michigan side making stops occassionally and visiting some friends. Then had to drive straight through to get back home. Work sure gets in the way of a good time. It would take a lot of organization and cooperation to pull it off. We found some really neat out of the way places that were not even shown on a map. We went in early September and the weather was great the whole four days.

[The Mangonel]

This really is beginning to sound like a great trip. I would recommend not being too late in August. You start running pretty close to S2KCA Days in San Antonnio. Personally I'd like to do both. I've never toured the Great Lakes area.

[Fredric]

Rose Mary and I would like to participate in this trip but this summer is out of the question. We are going to the USGP in July and S2K Days in September plus two earlier non S2k related trips in March and May so we have about all the traveling we can handle for this year.

[karwath]

Right now the time table that looks most doable for me is the last week of July. I forgot that this year our vacation plans have to take into consideration school starting in middle August.

[griffon]

The Lake Superior/Lake Michigan tour is really nice, and not a whole lot farther.

[Nacelle]

I stayed in Bayfield Wisconsin when doing the tour and found it to be a lovely area as well. Getting there from Duluth was likely the least interesting part of the tour. Someone mentioned earlier here about Mackinac Island in Lake Huron (a one hour drive south of the Sault) which is a very unique place, but very commercial. A one day jaunt over to the Island, via ferry, is a nice side trip but no cars are allowed on the Island. I think this must be the fudge capital of the U.S.A.

[karwath]

While in Bayfield, did you eat at Maggies? Go over to Madeline Island?

[WestSideBilly]

I stayed in Bayfield Wisconsin when doing the tour and found it to be a lovely area as well. Getting there from Duluth was likely the least interesting part of the tour. Someone mentioned earlier here about Mackinac Island in Lake Huron (a one hour drive south of the Sault) which is a very unique place, but very commercial. A one day jaunt over to the Island, via ferry, is a nice side trip but no cars are allowed on the Island. I think this must be the fudge capital of the U.S.A.


I hope to never see Mackinac Island again. It's kinda cool the first time, but not again. And yes, the per capita fudge production there is insane.

[Nacelle]

I don't remember exactly where in Bayfield I stayed as it was a number of years ago but it was in town. I ate dinner at un unusual B&B where they liked to tell you the menu rather than give you a printed menu. Trouble was, they thought it was cute, the menu took ten minutes or so to recite and it was obviously difficult to recall what was said eight minutes back into the recital about what was offered, at least the waitress did not have to go back to the start to fill in some holes...I did not go to Madeline Island.

[tommyra]

I don't remember exactly where in Bayfield I stayed as it was a number of years ago but it was in town. I ate dinner at un unusual B&B where they liked to tell you the menu rather than give you a printed menu. Trouble was, they thought it was cute, the menu took ten minutes or so to recite and it was obviously difficult to recall what was said eight minutes back into the recital about what was offered, at least the waitress did not have to go back to the start to fill in some holes...I did not go to Madeline Island.

Might have to consider renewing my membership. This thread has peaked my interest.

Bayfield a great place, we go there about four times a year, have even driven across Lake Superior to Madeline Island in the winter (not this year). Numerous good places to eat, including Maggies. Sound like you stayed at the Rittenhouse B&B. Madeline Island town park has an area where you can even swim & not want to get right out of Lake Superior.

I'd be interested in making the trip & will keep watch.

[karwath]

Nacelle: tommyra is correct, it is the Rittenhouse Inn that used to have the "oral menu" but the last time we went there they had stopped doing it. I imagine it was quite a chore for the wait staff to memorize the menu, which changed daily, every night. Also, I think many people found it difficult to remember the entrees, but it was one of the things that was unique to the place.

I too have driven across the ice to Madeline Island in the winter, and have also taken the wind sled (when the ice is too thin for the cars but too thick for the ferry boats). A few times in recent years the ferry boats have run year round due to the milder winters.

Another great place to eat around Bayfield is "Wild Rice" a newer place just south of Bayfield on the road to Washburn. Unlike Maggies, which has great burgers and sandwiches, it is a very nice, fine dining place in a modern architecture building with a very extensive wine list.

The town park at Big Bay on Madeline Island is a very nice, sandy beach, and a nice place to swim in the lake. The state park at big bay (you have to pay to enter there) has some great cliffs from which one can look out to some of the other islands.

tommyra -- you should re-up! Not only for this, but we have some folks in Wisconsin who would like to start a local chapter, and it would be great to have you involved!

[karwath]

I've spent some time in the past few days reading about things to do and places to stay, and the Circle Tour in general.

It is clear one could spend 2-3 months doing this trip and still have a reason to return to see things you missed. One could also do the trip in 25-30 hours stopping only for meals and gas breaks.

In developing a proposed route, I assume we would likely have 5-20 S2000s, and many would have more than 1 person riding along, so we will have to plan in a way that is somewhat flexible, and would accomodate people "doing their own thing" if they wanted to, and not have a rigid hour by hour schedule jam-packed with planned events.

This will be everyone's vacation, and not everyone will want to do the same thing every day. Some of us may want to do some hiking in the many state and provincial parks, others may be less inclined or able to do rigorous hiking and other outdoors activities, and may prefer shopping, or just sightseeing.

Although some of us might want to camp, others (like me) will want to spend the night in a nicer hotel, with a nice restaurant, if possible. I will try to find lodging suggestions that should give people options nearby if they want to camp or stay in a more "rustic" motel, cabin, etc. or even a B&B.

This approach will allow us all to make our own plans and make our own budgets. I doubt a group of five cars would garner much in the way of "group: discounts, but if we have 10-20 we might be able to get some reductions, although given the time of year (late July early August) most decent lodging places will be booked solid and will not likely want to give discounts since they know they will be at capacity or near capacity.

I am planning a 5-6 day trip, with an emphasis put on driving only 200-300 miles a day. This should keep us moving, but will not require that we spend 10-12 hours a day in a car, so people can spend a few hours doing other things en route to the next stop over point. Also, I will try to do a plan that recognizes an ability to have a lunch stop meeting place, and at least one suggested "event" per day that will not be too physically demanding so everyone can particpate (i.e., either a visit to a museum such as the Great Lakes shipwreck museum at Whitefish Point, or a visit to a state park site, or a historic site such as Split Rock lighthouse in Minnesota).

Now for the first big decisions -- where to start and whether to go clockwise or counterclockwise?

From what I have read, the clockwise drive is preferred for a number of reasons, including traffic patterns seem to be more congested going counterclockwise. Let's go clockwise.

Where to start? Most, but not all, of the folks who have responded to this thread are in Minnesota, Wisconsin and areas that would be quicker to get from to Duluth via major interstates and highways rather than the Sault Ste. Marie area. Let's start on the western side of the Lake, near Duluth. If folks from Michigan or Ohio want, keeping with the informal format I have planned, they could start a few days early or a few days later and join us midpoint in either the drive or our drive, and then continue on after us, etc.

With those tentative decisions made, which are necessary before one can even begin to plan a trip around Lake Superior, here is what I was thinking:

DAY ONE Total Miles : Approx. 150 miles
One day on the MN North Shore, starting just North of Duluth, stopping to spend some time at Split Rock Lighthouse (there are easy hiking trails/stairs around the lighthouse and from the lighthouse down to the water and then even further down along the lake, but one can spend a good hour or two just enjoying the video on the great lakes lighthouses, the history of the area and then touring the lighthouse and residence houses, and just enjoying the view of the lake from the cliff on which the lighthouse stands.

We could have lunch in Beaver Bay at Northern Lights or at the famous "Betty's Pies." c-zap might be able to tell us about these or other places to eat.

Then we continue up to the MN/ONT border and spend the evening and night at the Grand Portage Casino and Lodge.

This would be one of the shortest mileage days, but acording to Lake Superior Magazine, the North Shore of Minnesota was the most favored area around the Lake the past three years in a row, and I think we want to give folks some time to hike some of the trails, see some of the sites. This is another reason to start/finish the trip near Duluth as people may want to spend a few days before or after the trip in this most popular of areas.

I suggest we start the day (for most of us, spend the night before) at Superior Shores Lodge and Resort just north of Two Harbors, MN. I have stayed at this place twice before and it is nice, has a nice bar/restaurant, a large parking lot, and by not starting in urban Duluth we would have an easier time staying together as we make the short trip up the shore to Split Rock.

http://www.superiorshores.com/

The Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most pictured and famous lightshouses in the great lakes:

http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/srl/index.html

Although I am not someone who goes out of the way to stay at a casino, I have heard this is a nice place with a nice restaurant and a nice view of the lake.

http://www.grandportage.com/lodgecasino/lodge.html


Let me know what you think so far before I type in what I have roughed out for days 2 and 3, which will cover the Ontario section. Unfortunately, from what I can tell, the Ontario section of the circle tour is much more rugged, and there are less options for lodging, and less easily scheduled "universal" day activities as the parks seem to be much more demanding with many trails described as intermediate to skilled, and many sights accessed via unpaved roads (not in the S2000!). So the next two days would involve more driving time, but it sounds like there are from time to time sceneic overlooks along the road, and the views from the car are spectacular.

The last two (or three) days are not as well roughed out yet, but they will be in the UP of MIchigan and Northern Wisconsin, and I really will want to hear from former UP resident WSB about where to stay and what to do in the UP area.

[Ulrich]

Sounds good so far. Another question would be what day to start/end -- Friday to Thursday, Saturday to Friday, Sunday to Saturday? Some people might need a day or two to drive to the meeting point. :)

[karwath]

How about we start on a Monday, like July 24, 2006.

[karwath]

DAY TWO

Leave Grand Portage MN, and travel to Marathon, Ontario -- 220 miles

There are some "natural wonders" things to see between Grand Portage and Marathon, such as Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park which has a canyon that has walls 500 feet apart and 350 feet hight that run for two miles. Apparently there are hiking trails rated easy and a board walk that take you to viewing platforms to see the canyon, with the parking for the park just 7 miles off the highway. 45 minute hike to the canyon viewing platform.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/ouim.html


http://www.zavadsky.net/david/travel/2003-superior/on/?1261


Also a stop in Terrace Bay, Ontario, on the Lake might be nice -- it is named for three levels of glacial sand and gravel deposits that step up from the lake 325 feet.

Nearby there is Aguasabon Falls and Gorge, which just a half mile off the highway one can view the falls (100 feet tall) from an observation deck.

http://www.terrace-bay.com/Attractions.html#Aguasabon%20Falls%20and%20Gorge:

Lunch might be had in Nipigon, or Schrieber, which is supposed to have lots of nice Italian restaurants (it is a town of 1500, so how many places can they have?)

Accomodations get a bit thin on this leg of the trip. Looks like the best bet would be the Marathon Harbour Inn:

http://www.nosta.on.ca/nosta_search.asp?bid=142&cid=63&strDest=0&strAct=0

[racezx9]

I say August or early september and see the fall leaves would be great.

[karwath]

DAY THREE:

MArathon Ont. to Bachawanna Bay Ont -- 240 miles

This day will be one of the longest drive wise, but the remote, rugged countryside should be quite nice scenery. We would start the day leaving the lake and driving around Pukaskwa Park and head toward Wawa Ontario (110 miles). Once at Wawa, we return to the lake shore and some intersting things to see near the lake.

Given the rugged and undeveloped nature of the area, many of the hiking trails and things to see involve strenuous hiking, probably not suitable for everyone. So I was thinking about Katherine Cove, which has "breathtaking" rock striations that extend from the land into the crystal clear waters of the lake, and/or the Native American Pictographs at Agawa Rock

http://www.lakesuperiorpark.com/agawa_rock_pictographs.htm

Lunch could probably be had in Wawa, perhaps the Kinniwabi Pines Restaurant:
http://mygourmetguide.com/index.cgi?/Canada/ON/Wawa/Kinniwabi_Pines_Restaurant1027229700.html

In Bachawanna Bay, which is just 40-50 miles outside of Sault Ste. Marie, there is the Lake Shore Resort and Salzburger Hof, which has a "magnificent view of the lake" and a "fine German-Austrian" menu.

http://www.salzburgerhofresort.com/

[Ulrich]

I veto that restaurant... :rolleyes:

[karwath]

I veto that restaurant... :rolleyes:

Which one, the German-AUstrian place or the place in Wawa?

[Ulrich]

You may guess once, and one time only...

(I am still trying to forget about that one lunch "event" at S2KDays in Breckenridge. Those who've been there know what I am talking about. ;) )

[photodavo]

You may guess once, and one time only...

(I am still trying to forget about that one lunch "event" at S2KDays in Breckenridge. Those who've been there know what I am talking about. ;) )

:lol4: :lol4: :lol4:

What's wrong Ulrich...that was the best German food I've ever had! :laugh:

[c-zap]

Eating establishments I would recommend on the northshore are the following: 1.) The Scenic cafe. located on the scenic hwy-61 between Two Harbors and Duluth.
2.) Betty's Pies. Located just north of Two Harbors at the mouth of the Stewart River.
3.) Cove Point Crossing. Beaver Bay. A great pizza/sandwich bar.
4.) Coho Cafe. Tofte. Great coffee,soups,fish,ect ect.
5.) Track's Resteraunt. Lutsen ski hill. Just good home cookin.
6.) Angry Trout Cafe. Grand Marais. On the waterfront of G.M harbour. Good food with a view.
7.) Gunflint Tavern. Downtown Grand Marais. Great beer selection and unique foods.

[Fredric]

And who could forget the great German music?

[nrowe]

Could be seriously interested, but the farther the date the more difficulty I have (impulsive personality). May is likely to be too cool for top down, but June can be warm. My last trip, an early June fly in fishing venture much farther North, we had five sccessive days of 105 - so hot I left early. Above normal sure, but the likelihood of attractive temperatures is good . The later in the summer the greater the explosion of mosquitos and black flies; and you don't have to be out on a lake to suffer - better hope you have bugproof sleeping accomodations.

[WestSideBilly]

I say August or early september and see the fall leaves would be great.

Pretty leaves = old people driving 25 MPH in RVs.

[karwath]

At the end of the first 3 days I have roughed out we are around to the Sault Ste Marie. It seems to me that there are lots of interesting things to see in the UP of Michigan, and locks are about all to see in the Sault. So I was thinking driving through the cities and getting on to the more scenic things in the UP.

Perhaps WSB or someone who is more familiar with the UP can suggest what are the key things to see and do in a two day trip. Am I right that passing through the Sault is probably the best thing given the limited time?

Is is worth going all the way to Copper Harbor? How about the Great Lakes Shipwreck museum and the wildlife sanctuary that is next to it?

[Fredric]

I think Tahquamanon Falls near Newberry, Michigan is worth a side trip. The last time we were there we had a great lunch at a brew pub that was right at the parking lot for the Falls.
http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/uploads/60/20050806_falls.jpg

[c-zap]

I think Tahquamanon Falls near Newberry, Michigan is worth a side trip. The last time we were there we had a great lunch at a brew pub that was right at the parking lot for the Falls.
http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/uploads/60/20050806_falls.jpg

Kinda reminds me of Gooseberry Falls here on the northshore.

[karwath]

I had read about that pub and was thiking of a side trip to the falls. Thanks for the photo and confirmation about the pub from someone who has actually been there!

[griffon]

Count me in. I want to go. :thumbsup:
What's wrong with old people looking at leaves? You will be old someday like me and leaf colors are very relaxing and calming.
:flames: :laugh:

[WestSideBilly]

At the end of the first 3 days I have roughed out we are around to the Sault Ste Marie. It seems to me that there are lots of interesting things to see in the UP of Michigan, and locks are about all to see in the Sault. So I was thinking driving through the cities and getting on to the more scenic things in the UP.

Perhaps WSB or someone who is more familiar with the UP can suggest what are the key things to see and do in a two day trip. Am I right that passing through the Sault is probably the best thing given the limited time?

Is is worth going all the way to Copper Harbor? How about the Great Lakes Shipwreck museum and the wildlife sanctuary that is next to it?

Not much in the Sault. Skip it.

Pictured Rocks (park along Lake Superior), Mt Bohemia (keweenaw), and Lake of the Clouds (western UP) are the prettiest places in the UP I can think of.

[karwath]

I really wanted to include pictured rocks in the tour, but my Lake Superior Magazine Annual Guide to the Lake (the receipt of which makes me think of doing the tour every year) this year says there is major road work on the main road to get there. :mad:

[WestSideBilly]

I think pictured rocks would be deserving of its own trip. Really cool area. The other two are day trips or less.

[karwath]

I'm going to try to finish off the initial proposed itineray soon, but before I do, any comments on what is sketched out so far?

[4U2NV]

I was about to post an update just to get the thread bumped.

So far, I think the plan looks great. I especially like the start point near Duluth. :)

[photodavo]

Somehow I thought that might appeal to you. :) BTW - our forecast high tomorrow here in Dallas is 85. :p

[hamrhd]

Any new movement on the around the lake (superior) event. I am still very interested in doing it. I need to know when the approximate date will be in order to be sure I don't comitt to something else. Is it dead in the water now or are we just waiting for the weather to change?

[karwath]

I've been focused on a few other things, and to be honest, am having some difficulty trying to figure out what to see/do in the UP of MI, as there are quite a few things to see and do.

The last week in July (starting Monday July 24) is the time that works for me.

I'll buckle down and knock out the last few days heading west through the UP this weekend.

I'm glad there is continued interest.

[karwath]

DAY THREE:

MArathon Ont. to Bachawanna Bay Ont -- 240 miles

This day will be one of the longest drive wise, but the remote, rugged countryside should be quite nice scenery. We would start the day leaving the lake and driving around Pukaskwa Park and head toward Wawa Ontario (110 miles). Once at Wawa, we return to the lake shore and some intersting things to see near the lake.

Given the rugged and undeveloped nature of the area, many of the hiking trails and things to see involve strenuous hiking, probably not suitable for everyone. So I was thinking about Katherine Cove, which has "breathtaking" rock striations that extend from the land into the crystal clear waters of the lake, and/or the Native American Pictographs at Agawa Rock

http://www.lakesuperiorpark.com/agawa_rock_pictographs.htm

Lunch could probably be had in Wawa, perhaps the Kinniwabi Pines Restaurant:
http://mygourmetguide.com/index.cgi?/Canada/ON/Wawa/Kinniwabi_Pines_Restaurant1027229700.html

In Bachawanna Bay, which is just 40-50 miles outside of Sault Ste. Marie, there is the Lake Shore Resort and Salzburger Hof, which has a "magnificent view of the lake" and a "fine German-Austrian" menu.

http://www.salzburgerhofresort.com/

This is where I left off, so the next day will be . . .

DAY FOUR -- Bachawanna Bay to Marquette Michigan Approx 220 Miles

Although the Sault is nearby, most people with whom I've discussed this over the years have suggested that there are so many natural wonders around the lake, the man made wonder of the Sault Locks is not as high on the list of what one should do when taking the circle tour, unless of course, you like seeing ore boats, etc. So, taking their advice, I havethe route going through the Sault, and back into the USA and heading to Munising (170 miles). We should get lunch there, perhaps at a place called Dogpatch Restaurant, which is supposed to have good food even with its "Lil' Abner theme :think: :confused:

http://chefmoz.org/United_States/MI/Munising/Dogpatch_Restaurant1094610910.html#

http://dinesite.com/info/rstrnt-15221/

But then, the real reason to stop here, for those interested in doing so, taking a 2.5 hout boat tour (weather permitting) to see the pictured rocks national lakeshore from the water.

http://www.picturedrocks.com/tour.html

Those not interested in such a boat tour, or if the weather does not permit a boat ride that day, it is a short (hour) trip to our destination for the day, Marquette, MI, which has many artists, gallerys shops, etc. and other things to do including nearby parks. Marquette is a town of 20,000 and has a wide variety of lodging and dinning alternatives.

I'm liking what I see at the Landmark Inn:

http://www.thelandmarkinn.com/index.html

The Nordic Bay Lodge looks pretty nice too:

http://www.nordicbay.com/


DAY FIVE Marquette MI to Cooper Harbor MI -- 143 miles
First we should drive 100 miles and have lunch in Houghton/Hancock area, and perhaps WSB can point us to a good eatery, and let us know whether we should spend any time visiting his alma mater. Second, we will travel up the east side of the Keweenaw Penninsula, which I am told is very beautiful road to drive from a "view of the lake" standpoint, to Mt. Bohemia, which WSB says is one of the most scenic places to visit in the UP. This is a ski resort that is quite advanced for a midwest ski resort, during the winter, but I'll let WSB tell us what they have to do (other than perhaps enjoy the view from the top of the hill, during July. Afterwards it is a short drive to the tip of the Keweenaw Penn. to Copper Harbor.

Where to stay? The Mariner North Resort receives good comments from a number of places and looks just fine:

http://www.manorth.com/


In case we want to eat more German food, the Harbor Haus is well regarded:

http://hunts-upguide.com/restaurants.html


DAY SIX -- Copper Harbor to Bergland, MI, approx 150-175 miles

We should take the western route back down the Keweenaw Penn. and dirve over Brockway Mountain, which is described as a "9.5 mile drive with many scenic overlooks at regular intervals [with a] sceneic vista at the top (700 feet above the lake):

http://www.copperharbor.org/gallery_files/harbor/pic_03.html.

http://www.copperharbor.org/gallery_files/harbor/pic_08.html

Lunch can be had at Ontonagon MI, where there is place that is supposed to have good "pasties" called the Harbor Town Cafe. After lunch, we will stop at "Lake of the Clouds" in the Procupine Mts., also on the suggestion of WSB, which sounds like it will be one of the most memorable views of the trip:

http://www.terragalleria.com/america/mid-west/michigan/picture.usmi6700.html

It sounds like this will not require strenuous hiking so everyone should enjoy this:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-115971--M_2005_4,00.html

This area of the UP seems to have two types of lodgng alternatives: chalets for skiers/cabins for fishermen, or roadside "motels." The Gogebic Lodge near Bergland, MI is listed as "where to stay" in a book I have about the area:

http://www.westernup.com/lodging/lakegogebic/

DAY SEVEN Bergland MI to . . . . Duluth? Approx 160-200 Miles

This will be the last day of the trip, and the only part of the circle tour that we have not seen is the Wisconsin shore. The biggest attraction is the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. A nice little town (voted the best little town in the Midwest a few years ago by the Chicago Tribune) on the Lake from which one accesses the Islands is Bayfield, WI which has a number of shops, galleries, and unique places to eat, as well as a number of B&Bs and places to stay:

http://www.bayfield.org/

There are excursion boats that have cruises among the Islands, where you will see lighthouses, and can stop and hike on some of the Islands:

http://www.apostleisland.com/

Only one of the Islands, Madeline Island, is inhabited year round and is developed to relative high degree, as all of the others are owned by the government and are not developed at all (but you can camp on a few of the islands). You can take a 20-30 minute car ferry ride to Madeline Island, which has mostly paved roads, an intersting museum, places to eat and a few places to stay over night, as well as a state and town park (and police officers with radar guns):

http://www.madferry.com/ferry.html

Like all of the places around the lake, one could easily spend more than 1 day in the area. However, since this is the last day, and people might want to push on to Duluth, it can also be place to have a bite to eat, and spend a few hours enjoying the scenery, shopping, etc. However, as Nacelle said earlier in the thread, the drive from Bayfield to Duluth is probably the least interesting, so people may wish to spend the entire day in the area and skip the drive to Duluth if the only reason to do it is just to complete the full circle.

Duluth is a good sized city and there are lots of things to do there, including a very nice Great Lakes Aquarium, plenty of hotels and places to eat, etc., so another option is to just skip the Apostle Islands area altogether and drive straight to Duluth and enjoy "city living" after spending a week in less "civilized" environs.

Anyone interested?

[hamrhd]

Sounds as though it will all come together. I have been through some of these areas and they are great to look at. Used to ski the Porkies when I was a hell of a lot younger. When dates are firm, let me know and I will try to keep July 24th open until it flies (or not) Seems like you (Bart) are doing all the work here to bring this about. If I can be of assistance let me know.

There is a highspeed autocross at blackhawk farms raceway that weekend and a wheel to wheel at road america (Elkhart Lake) july 29-30 for those who might like to watch or participate In the events. (the racing,not what you might have been thinking.) Google madison sports car club for more info.

[WestSideBilly]

FYI Bart, the good outlook I was referring to was Brockway, not Bohemia. I'm not familiar with Bohemia's road access but I suspect it's very limited.

[karwath]

Ahhh, welll that explains why I did not find much on that place. I see now that someone else sent an email mentioning Mt. Bohemia.

[karwath]

Not much in the Sault. Skip it.

Pictured Rocks (park along Lake Superior), Mt Bohemia (keweenaw), and Lake of the Clouds (western UP) are the prettiest places in the UP I can think of.


I knew you mentioned Mt. Bohemia! I aslo asked a few non-S2KCA people who have done the circle tour to suggest some places and one of them sent me an email about Mt. Bohemia as well.

It sounds like perhaps we remove Mt. Bohemia from the itinerary since the skiiing will be bad that time of the year :D and road access sounds sketchy, I am sure we can find something else to do in the Keweenaw Penn. that day, or perhaps we drive the Brockway Mountain Drive that day instead of the following day.

[4U2NV]

I am anxiously looking forward to this trip. It would be best to agree upon a date soon, so we can all arrange for vacation time.

If there is anything I can do to help or assist, let me know. I don't travel in the areas where we will be driving, so I wouldn't be a good guide. But, I am a graphic designer and I can make an event t-shirt, magnetic badge, website, etc.

PM me if you have something you would like me to help with.

[karwath]

I'm glad you are interested, and thanks for the offer of help on the other stuff!

Does starting on July 24 (Monday), or perhaps July 23 (Sunday) work for you?

[4U2NV]

That weekend looks like a good start date for me. What does everyone else think???

[WestSideBilly]

I knew you mentioned Mt. Bohemia! I aslo asked a few non-S2KCA people who have done the circle tour to suggest some places and one of them sent me an email about Mt. Bohemia as well.

It sounds like perhaps we remove Mt. Bohemia from the itinerary since the skiiing will be bad that time of the year :D and road access sounds sketchy, I am sure we can find something else to do in the Keweenaw Penn. that day, or perhaps we drive the Brockway Mountain Drive that day instead of the following day.

Brockway is more or less part of the trip if you go to Copper Harbor.

[c-zap]

How about mid-week like the 19th-20th tuesday, wednesday? Alot less gridlock on the northshore mid-week.

[4U2NV]

I thought this thread needed a bump.

Karwath has done a lot of planning for this trip and it originally drew a lot of interest. Lately there have been only a few replies. I think we need a show of hands on who is interested in attending this event. Additionally, we need to finalize a date.

The last date mentioned was week of July 23rd. I'm sure we all need to schedule vacation time, so the earlier we determine this the better.

[karwath]

How about mid-week like the 19th-20th tuesday, wednesday? Alot less gridlock on the northshore mid-week.

I'm not going to be able to get up there from Indiana until the weekend. I know the traffic will be better on the northshore midweek, but in light of the need to travel up there, for me and any others more than a few hours away, I think the best thing is to start on the weekend, and finish on the weekend, which will give folks a chance to get there, and also return.

We could start on Sunday over near Ashland or Bayfield, WI, and drive to Superior Shores on Sunday, and then drive the majoirty of the northshore on Monday, if that would help.

[Ulrich]

Is this plan dead or only semi-comatose?

[karwath]

I am doing this trip.

It seems like I won't have to worry about bringing batteries for my "walkie talkie" radio.

[griffon]

I am doing this trip.

It seems like I won't have to worry about bringing batteries for my "walkie talkie" radio.
Charge up those batteries, Bart. I'll do the trip with you as long as you don't tell anyone along the way that you are a lawyer.
After all, I have my reputation to consider. :D
What time frame did you finally decide on?

[photodavo]

You go Griff! I assume you'll be following Bart throughout the trip? :laugh:

[karwath]

You know, Griffon, they have lots of deer up around the lake . . .

[griffon]

You know, Griffon, they have lots of deer up around the lake . . .
You know, Bart, it is probably because of this type of comment that nobody wants to go on the trip with you. Other than the fact you're an attorney of course.
You have to work on your "people skills". I think maybe spending a week with me may help to improve them.

[photodavo]

You have to work on your "people skills". I think maybe spending a week with me may help to improve them.

:laugh: Or it will make you feel more comfortable about talking to yourself. :D

[Ulrich]

Well, it's not entirely off my radar screen yet, either... I may not go to Europe after all this summer, which would open up a whole lot of possibilities. :)

[griffon]

Well, it's not entirely off my radar screen yet, either... I may not go to Europe after all this summer, which would open up a whole lot of possibilities. :)
I suppose Bart and I could let you come along as long as you behave yourself. You can run point in the deer crossings.

[griffon]

Bump to the top. Let's get some interest in this going. God save me if I have to spend a week with just Bart and Ulrich.

[slvrbullet]

I can't make the whole trip, as I've committed most of my vacation already. However, when you plan to be in Wisconsin, let me know and I'll drive up to meet you and join you for a day or two. Have you considered planning to be in Wisconsin for the ALMS race at Road America? You can do parade laps for around $50 in between races/events. The race is in late August (~19th or 20th I think).

[4U2NV]

I'm still interested. I just need to get my passport. Have we decided on a date yet? Towards the end of July would be best for me.

[griffon]

I'm still interested. I just need to get my passport. Have we decided on a date yet? Towards the end of July would be best for me.
I thought we had decided early on that passports were not required for Canada?
If one is needed I better hurry up and get one.

[Ulrich]

On effective dates below, all travelers to or from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to have a passport or other document that establishes the bearer’s identity and nationality to enter or re-enter the United States. On December 31, 2006, the requirement will be applied to all air and sea travel to and from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and Canada. On December 31, 2007, the requirement extended to all air, sea, and land border crossings. For more information or to confirm effective dates, visit the State Department’s consular web site www.travel.state.gov or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s web site at www.dhs.gov.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html

[WestSideBilly]

Border crossing in Michigan is much easier with a passport... especially in Detroit.

[karwath]

Itinerary -- Some Changes, But Mostly the Same


Monday July 24 -- DAY ONE Two Harbors, MN to Grand Portage, MN Total Miles : Approx. 150 miles

One day on the MN North Shore, starting at Superior Shores Resort, near Two Harbors, stopping to spend some time just north of Two Harbors at Split Rock Lighthouse (there are easy hiking trails/stairs around the lighthouse and from the lighthouse down to the water and then even further down along the lake, but one can spend a good hour or two just enjoying the video on the great lakes lighthouses, the history of the area and then touring the lighthouse and residence houses, and just enjoying the view of the lake from the cliff on which the lighthouse stands.

Local and member C-zap suggested we do the northshore on a weekday, because the weekends are so congested. So that's why we are starting on Monday. He also these places to eat on the MN Northshore - one should be the place for lunch.

Betty's Pies. Located just north of Two Harbors at the mouth of the Stewart River.

Cove Point Crossing. Beaver Bay. A great pizza/sandwich bar.

Coho Cafe. Tofte. Great coffee,soups,fish,ect ect.

Track's Resteraunt. Lutsen ski hill. Just good home cookin.

Angry Trout Cafe. Grand Marais. On the waterfront of G.M harbour. Good food with a view.

Gunflint Tavern. Downtown Grand Marais. Great beer selection and unique foods.


Then we continue up to the MN/ONT border and spend the evening and night at the Grand Portage Casino and Lodge.

This would be one of the shortest mileage days, but acording to Lake Superior Magazine, the North Shore of Minnesota was the most favored area around the Lake the past three years in a row, and I think we want to give folks some time to hike some of the trails, see some of the sites. This is another reason to start/finish the trip near Duluth as people may want to spend a few days before or after the trip in this most popular of areas.

I suggest we start the day (for most of us, spend the night before) at Superior Shores Lodge and Resort just north of Two Harbors, MN. I have stayed at this place twice before and it is nice, has a nice bar/restaurant, a large parking lot, and by not starting in urban Duluth we would have an easier time staying together as we make the short trip up the shore to Split Rock.

http://www.superiorshores.com/

Others can easily stay in Duluth the night before and drive the short trip up the lake coast to Two Harbors (about 21 miles) to meet the group at Superior Shores.

The Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most pictured and famous lighthouses in the great lakes:

http://www.mnhs.org/places/sites/srl/index.html

Although I am not someone who goes out of the way to stay at a casino, I have heard this is a nice place with a nice restaurant and a nice view of the lake.

http://www.grandportage.com/lodgecasino/lodge.html



Tuesday July 25 DAY TWO Leave Grand Portage MN, and travel to Marathon, Ontario -- 220 miles

There are some "natural wonders" things to see between Grand Portage and Marathon, such as Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park which has a canyon that has walls 500 feet apart and 350 feet hight that run for two miles. Apparently there are hiking trails rated easy and a board walk that take you to viewing platforms to see the canyon, with the parking for the park just 7 miles off the highway. 45 minute hike to the canyon viewing platform.

http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/ouim.html

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/OuimetCanyon23.jpg


Also a stop in Terrace Bay, Ontario, on the Lake might be nice -- it is named for three levels of glacial sand and gravel deposits that step up from the lake 325 feet.

Nearby there is Aguasabon Falls and Gorge, which just a half mile off the highway one can view the falls (100 feet tall) from an observation deck.

http://www.terrace-bay.com/Gorge2.html

Lunch might be had in Nipigon, or Schrieber, which is supposed to have lots of nice Italian restaurants (it is a town of 1500, so how many places can they have?)

Accomodations get a bit thin on this leg of the trip. Looks like the best bet would be the Marathon Harbour Inn:

http://www.nosta.on.ca/nosta_search.asp?bid=142&cid=63&strDest=0&strAct=0


Weds July 26 DAY THREE: Marathon Ont. to Sault Ste. Marie, ON -- 260 miles
This day will be one of the longest drive wise, but the remote, rugged countryside should be quite nice scenery. We would start the day leaving the lake and driving around Pukaskwa Park and head toward Wawa Ontario (110 miles). Once at Wawa, we return to the lake shore and some intersting things to see near the lake.

Given the rugged and undeveloped nature of the area, many of the hiking trails and things to see involve strenuous hiking, probably not suitable for everyone. So I was thinking about Katherine Cove, which has "breathtaking" rock striations that extend from the land into the crystal clear waters of the lake, and/or the Native American Pictographs at Agawa Rock

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greendestiny/43352808/


Lunch could probably be had in Wawa, perhaps the Kinniwabi Pines Restaurant
http://chefmoz.org/Canada/ON/Wawa/Kinniwabi_Pines_Restaurant1027229700.html



I decided to ditch the Salzburger Hof in Batchawana Bay and decided one risky night in Marathon at the Harborside Motel would be enough risk, and since Ulrich might come along and he had expressed concern about the "fine German/Austrian Cuisine" I thought we should drive another 16 miles and stay at the Holiday Inn on the waterffront in Sault Ste,. Marie, which is on the "baordwalk" and close to lots of places to eat, etc.

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/yamca

Thursday July 27 DAY FOUR -- Sault Ste. Marie to Marquette Michigan Approx 165 Miles

Since the man made wonder of the Sault Locks is not as high on the list of what one should do when taking the circle tour, compared to the undeveloped and natural beauty of the Lake Superior Region, unless of course, you like seeing ore boats, etc. I have the route going through the Sault, and back into the USA and heading to Munising (122 miles). We should get a late lunch there, perhaps at a place called Dogpatch Restaurant, which is supposed to have good food even with its "Lil' Abner theme



http://dinesite.com/info/rstrnt-15221/

But then, the real reason to stop here, for those interested in doing so, taking a 2.5 hout boat tour (weather permitting) to see the pictured rocks national lakeshore from the water.

http://www.picturedrocks.com/tour.html

Those not interested in such a boat tour, or if the weather does not permit a boat ride that day, it is a short (hour) trip to our destination for the day, Marquette, MI, which has many artists, gallerys shops, etc. and other things to do including nearby parks. Marquette is a town of 20,000 and has a wide variety of lodging and dinning alternatives.

I'm liking what I see at the Landmark Inn:

http://www.thelandmarkinn.com/index.html

The Nordic Bay Lodge looks pretty nice too:

http://www.nordicbay.com/


Friday July 28 DAY FIVE Marquette MI to Cooper Harbor MI -- 143 miles

First we should drive 100 miles and have lunch in Houghton/Hancock area, and perhaps WSB can point us to a good eatery, and let us know whether we should spend any time visiting his alma mater. Second, we will travel up the east side of the Keweenaw Penninsula, which I am told is very beautiful road to drive from a "view of the lake" standpoint, to the tip of the Keweenaw Penn. to Copper Harbor.

Where to stay? The Mariner North Resort receives good comments from a number of places and looks just fine:

http://www.manorth.com/


In case we want to eat more German food, the Harbor Haus is well regarded:

http://www.harborhaus.com/


Saturday July 29, DAY SIX -- Copper Harbor to Ashland, WI 185 Miles

We should take the western route back down the Keweenaw Penn. and dirve over Brockway Mountain, which is described as a "9.5 mile drive with many scenic overlooks at regular intervals [with a] sceneic vista at the top (700 feet above the lake):

http://www.cableamerica.com/Michigan/brock1.shtml

Lunch can be had at Ontonagon MI, where there is place that is supposed to have good "pasties" called the Harbor Town Cafe. After lunch, we will stop at "Lake of the Clouds" in the Procupine Mts., also on the suggestion of WSB, which sounds like it will be one of the most memorable views of the trip:

http://www.fishweb.com/maps/ontonagon/porcupine_mtn/lakeoftheclouds/index.html

It sounds like this will not require strenuous hiking so everyone should enjoy this:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,%207-153-10371_10402-115971--M_2005_4,00.html

Let's spend the night in Ahsland WI, at the "newly refurbished and rebuilt in 2006" Best Western. There is a neat older hotel there known as the Hotel Chequamegon, but it is booked and the lady working the phones there said that since the Best Western is just been remodeled, she thinks that is the best place other than the Hotel Chequamegon.




http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?iata=&promoCode=&corpID=&propertyCode=50027#null



July 30, DAY SEVEN Ashland WI to . . . . Duluth? Approx 70 Miles

This will be the last day of the trip for most of us, but since we have almost done the Circle tour, some may want to skip this short last day and head home, or spend just part of the day in the area, so I have purposefully made this a short day/do-what-you-want-to-do-day

For those who are interested a unique place in or near Ashland is the Timeless Timber facility, which "harvests" old-growth timber off the bottom of the lake, which sunk while being floated to the mills back in the day when this area was timber country. The cold waters in the lake have preserved the wood for many decades and in some cases over 100 years. The fine grained old growth wood is quite rare and is used for a number of things, including making veneers and string musical instruments, but you can also buy unique wood items from the gift shop:

http://www.timelesstimber.com/

Also just west of Ashland is the Great Lakes Vistor Center, which might be of interest to some folks:

http://www.northerngreatlakescenter.org/

The biggest attraction in the area is probably the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which as a "lake shore" and a set of Islands, is probably more exciting for kayaking, sail boating and power boat enthusiasts compared to car enthusiasts (they have a "cigarette boat" poker run among the islands each year).

A nice little town (voted the best little town in the Midwest a few years ago by the Chicago Tribune) on the Lake from which one accesses the Islands is Bayfield, WI which has a number of shops, arts/crafts galleries, and unique places to eat, as well as a number of B&Bs and places to stay:

http://www.bayfield.org/

There are excursion boats that have cruises among the Islands, where you will see lighthouses, and can stop and hike on some of the Islands:

http://www.apostleisland.com/

Only one of the Islands, Madeline Island, is inhabited year round and is developed to relative high degree, as all of the others are owned by the government and are not developed at all (but you can camp on a few of the islands). You can take a 20-30 minute car ferry ride to Madeline Island, which has mostly paved roads, an intersting museum, places to eat and a few places to stay over night, as well as a state and town park (and police officers with radar guns and an eye for out of towners who are not wearing their seat belts):

http://www.madferry.com/ferry.html

Like all of the places around the lake, one could easily spend more than 1 day in the area.

As Nacelle said earlier in the thread, the drive from Bayfield to Duluth is probably the least interesting, so people may wish to spend the entire day in the area and skip the drive to Duluth if the only reason to do it is just to complete the full circle.

Duluth is a good sized city and there are lots of things to do once there, including a very nice Great Lakes Aquarium, plenty of hotels and places to eat, etc., so another option is to just skip the Apostle Islands area altogether and drive straight to Duluth and enjoy "city living" after spending a week in less "civilized" environs.

I've booked my reservations at the hotels. Who is coming along?

Here is a list of the hotels where I've booked a room, but in many instances there might be an alternative to the place I booked at nearby if you want to try something different:

Sunday July 23, Superior Shores, Two Harbors, MN,

1-800-242-1988
1-218-834-5671

1521 Superior Shores Dr
Two Harbors Mn 55616

http://www.superiorshores.com/

Monday July 24, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, Grand Portage, MN

1-800-543-1384.
http://www.grandportage.com/index.html

Tuesday, July 25, Marathon Harbor Inn, Marathon, ON

67 Peninsula Road
Marathon, Ontario
Canada P0T 2E0

Phone: 1-888-729-3404 or 807-229-2121

http://www.nosta.on.ca/nosta_search.asp?bid=142&cid=63&strDest=0&strAct=0

Wednesday, July 26, Holiday Inn Sault Ste Marie, ON

Holiday Inn
SAULT STE. MARIE-WATERFRONT
208 ST MARY'S RIVER DRIVE
SAULT STE MARIE, ON P6A5V4
CANADA
Hotel Reservations: 1 888 HOLIDAY (888 465 4329)
Hotel Front Desk: 1-705-9490611

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/yamca

Thursday, July 27, Marquette MI, the Landmark Inn

230 N Front Street
Marquette MI 49855
CONTACT INFO
(906)228-2580
Reservations
(888)752-6362

http://www.thelandmarkinn.com/index.html

Friday July 28, Copper Harbor MI, The Mariner North Resort

The Mariner North Resort 245 Gratiot Street Copper Harbor, MI. 49918 906.289.4637 or 888.MA.NORTH

http://www.manorth.com/

Saturday July 29, Ashland, WI, Best Western Superior Lodge

30600 US Highway 2, Ashland, Wisconsin, 54806-9334, US
Phone: (715)682-5235 Fax: 715-682-4730

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?iata=&promoCode=&corpID=&propertyCode=50027#null

[photodavo]

Wow Bart - what a great itinerary! You obviously put a lot of work into this. :thumbsup:

I seriously need to see if there is a way I can join in on this but I would have to fly up though given the time I would already have to take off just for the circle tour.

Hmmmm...Do you think anyone rents S2Ks in Duluth? :laugh:

[karwath]

Maybe you can hook up with Ulrich once he is up there, if he decides to come along, or maybe someone else going will have a spare seat.

[WestSideBilly]

Day 5: Marquette to Hoton is 100 miles, and an easy 2 hours on US 41. Be very careful going through Baraga and L'anse - they are very fond of generating ticket revenue on the big highway. :LOL: Since you'd probably be arriving for lunch, I'd recommend going to The Library. Great sandwiches and a decent microbrewery (for a guy that doesn't drink beer, I sure do recommend these a lot :LOL: ). It's downtown on the main drag (US41), good parking in the road or behind the building. Great view.

Alternatives would be Ambassador (GREAT pizza and a fun place to get quite drunk :LOL: ) or Pilgrim River (actually southeast of Hoton near Chassel) if you want to go a bit upscale on food - I have no idea what they serve for lunch, but it's easily the best restaurant in the western UP for dinner.

As for the driving portion, I'm a bit torn: the eastern side is good, but the last few miles of US41 (from Phoenix to Copper Harbor) are an absolute thrill in an S2000, but you have to drive it going towards CH (downhill) to enjoy it. Not that you can't drive in circles for a while up there. :D From copper harbor, heading west, make sure you take Brockway Mtn Drive and get a good view.

By the way, going to the tip of the keweenaw requires a 4x4. Many of the "roads" shown on maps of the UP are logging roads, which are not S2000 compatible. The end of the road heading east in the tip is US 41 which ends 3 miles east of Copper Harbor. Both the roads past that (Mandan is one, the other is not named) are not paved, or at least were not 5 years ago.

[photodavo]

I had what at the time tasted like the best Pizza I had ever had and some great $2 Labatt's at a plcae in Copper Harbor. Granted, that may have been influenced by the fact that I had just returned from a 5 day hiking/camping/photo trip to Isle Royale NP. It was only a 4 1/2 hour ferry ride from Rock Harbor (Isle Royale) to Copper Harbor and I had been eating freezed dried food and pop tarts the entire time. :)

We stayed our first and last night at Copper Harbor in some bare bones cabins right next to the ferry landing but it was heaven to get back, take a shower and get some pizza and beer. The place was pretty big and even had a band playing but all we cared about was the food and beer. :D

On the way up there we stopped in Houghton for lunch and ate at a place right on the river that had a patio overlooking the river near a bridge. It was pretty cool too from what I remember. That was one of the best photo trips I have ever taken and Isle Royale remains one of my favorite places I have ever visited. *except for the damn skeeters and flies*

[WestSideBilly]

When I was there, the bar/restaurant with the patio was called the Downtowner (or DT in student lingo).

[4U2NV]

Is there a head count for those attending yet? You can count me in... I will be making our reservations tomorrow.

[Ulrich]

Question for the locals... I just updated my GPS's operating system and came across this little notice on the Garmin website:

NOTICE TO DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA AND MINNESOTA: State law prohibits drivers in California and Minnesota from using suction mounts on their windshields while operating motor vehicles. Other Garmin dashboard or friction mounting options should be used. Garmin does not take any responsibility for any fines, penalties, or damages that may be incurred as a result of disregarding this notice. (See California Vehicle Code Section 26708(a); Minnesota Statutes 2005, Section 169.71)
How serious does one have to take this? Do the cops actually enforce that statute or do they not really care? Just wondering since this would affect both using my GPS as well as the radar detector...

[griffon]

Maybe you can hook up with Ulrich once he is up there, if he decides to come along, or maybe someone else going will have a spare seat.
I think that Davo should have to wear a bib on the drive, given his habit of spitting up. :rolleyes:

[griffon]

Let all be warned. Our reservations are made and we will be coming along. Sorry, Bart, I have to turn down your generous offer of sharing your rooms with us.

[4U2NV]

I had not heard of any law regarding suction cups on windshields. It must be relatively new in our state. However, I see plenty of vehicles with suction cups, so I wouldn't be too worried. Additionally, you would have out of state plates, so I would think that you would just get a warning if you were pulled over.

Question for the locals... I just updated my GPS's operating system and came across this little notice on the Garmin website:


How serious does one have to take this? Do the cops actually enforce that statute or do they not really care? Just wondering since this would affect both using my GPS as well as the radar detector...

[karwath]

Let all be warned. Our reservations are made and we will be coming along.


:yikes:


:nervous:


:fear:

[dlq04]

Dang, Bart..... you could be a travel agent if the other job doesn't work out. I just found this thread; I'll have to give it some thought.

[Ulrich]

I seriously need to see if there is a way I can join in on this but I would have to fly up though given the time I would already have to take off just for the circle tour.
Alright, reservations have been made. I'm in.

If you promise not to spit up, I'll even let you ride with me. ;)

Even though I still say you should just let Victor drive your car up north for you and meet him in MN. And check your PM.

[Coop]

well maybe when I retire

[joe_s2k]

well maybe when I retire
I know how you feel. This looks like a great trip through some beatiful country.

[Ulrich]

well maybe when I retire
You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and then what? Stop making excuses and putting things off if you can do them today! :rolleyes: :p

[Coop]

You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and then what? Stop making excuses and putting things off if you can do them today! :rolleyes: :p


tell you what, you find a way to get me the time off from work and I'll go. Without about a years notice, I can't plan something like this. This coming Oct, I will bid all my leave (time off) for 2007.

[Ulrich]

tell you what, you find a way to get me the time off from work and I'll go. Without about a years notice, I can't plan something like this. This coming Oct, I will bid all my leave (time off) for 2007.
Tell me which drugs you are not allowed to take and I'll stop by the night before we leave and will personally force-feed them to you. ;)

[griffon]

You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and then what? Stop making excuses and putting things off if you can do them today! :rolleyes: :p
It couldn't happen here. No buses in Fenton.