Door County to Mackinac Island

Question

Thinking of a fall drive flying into Chicago and driving up to Door County for a few days and then over in Mackinac Island, circling Lake Michigan and back to Chicago. Any suggestions of sights to see along the way? Also a possible stop along Lake Superior?

Answer

Your fall drive from Chicago up to Door County, across to Mackinac Island, circling Lake Michigan, and returning offers a fantastic mix of scenic drives, charming towns, and natural beauty. Fall is a particularly beautiful time for foliage in Wisconsin and Michigan, so planning your route to take advantage of scenic overlooks and small towns is ideal.

Here are some suggested stops and sights along your route:

Door County, Wisconsin: Explore the charming towns of Fish Creek, Egg Harbor, and Sturgeon Bay. Don’t miss Peninsula State Park for hiking, scenic overlooks, and lighthouse views. Enjoy local cherry products and fall colors along the scenic drives.
Green Bay: If you’re a football fan, a quick stop at Lambeau Field could be fun. Otherwise, enjoy the waterfront and the historic downtown area.
Traverse City, Michigan: A great place for a lunch stop, wineries, and exploring the surrounding countryside. The area is famous for cherries, so local markets often have fall harvest goods.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Just west of Traverse City along Lake Michigan, these dunes are iconic. Climb the dunes or drive along the scenic Pierce Stocking Drive for spectacular views.
Mackinac Island: Take the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. Cars are prohibited on the island, so explore by bike or horse-drawn carriage. Don’t miss the historic Fort Mackinac, fudge shops, and the scenic shoreline.

If you want to incorporate a stop along Lake Superior on the way back or if you’re extending your northern loop, consider:

Marquette, Michigan: A beautiful small city along Lake Superior with a scenic downtown, Presque Isle Park for lakeshore views, and hiking trails. Great spot for a lakeside lunch or short hike.
Keweenaw Peninsula: If you have extra time, the drive to Copper Harbor offers stunning Lake Superior views, waterfalls, and historic lighthouses.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Located in the Upper Peninsula, near Munising, this area offers breathtaking cliffs, waterfalls, and lakeshore hikes. A must-see for nature lovers.

Other practical tips for your trip:

Fall foliage timing can vary, but mid to late October is usually peak in Door County and northern Michigan. Check local foliage maps for timing.
Plan for ferry schedules to Mackinac Island — the ferries typically run less frequently in the fall, so confirm times in advance.
Consider staying in smaller inns or bed & breakfasts along the way for a charming local experience.
Allow extra time for scenic detours — many small towns along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior offer quaint shops, local restaurants, and stunning photo opportunities.

In summary, your route offers a mix of charming towns, natural beauty, and unique experiences. Door County, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, Mackinac Island, and a northern Lake Superior stop like Marquette or Pictured Rocks will make for a memorable fall road trip with plenty of sights and activities along the way.

Door County to Mackinac Island

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