Which direction to take ?

Question

My mom and I will drive up from Grand Rapids airport and stay at Mackinaw that’s set. Six day trip. My question is on the second half of our drive should we return (fly) home by driving south to Milwaukee or go west to Duluth?

Answer

For the second half of your Upper Peninsula trip after staying at Mackinac, both routes — south to Milwaukee or west to Duluth — offer very different experiences. Your choice depends on what kind of scenery, activities, and driving time you prefer before heading home.

### Option 1: Drive south toward Milwaukee

Route: Take I-75 south through the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, then into Wisconsin toward Milwaukee.
Scenery: You’ll pass through picturesque Michigan small towns, lakeshore vistas, and rolling farmland. Fall colors (if traveling in September/October) can be especially beautiful along this route.
Activities / Stops: You could stop in Mackinaw City again, Frankenmuth (charming Bavarian-themed town), or along Lake Michigan’s shoreline in towns like Sheboygan or Manitowoc before reaching Milwaukee.
Driving time: Roughly 8–9 hours from Mackinac Island area to Milwaukee, depending on ferry timing and stops.
Pros: Access to a major airport (Milwaukee) for easy flight connections; scenic and varied stops along the way.
Cons: Longer driving through more populated areas; less rugged scenery than the western Upper Peninsula.

### Option 2: Drive west toward Duluth

Route: Head west across the Upper Peninsula along US-2 or US-41, hugging Lake Superior’s shoreline, entering Minnesota, and eventually reaching Duluth.
Scenery: Classic northern lake and forest views, rugged shorelines, waterfalls, and small towns. Much more “UP-style” scenery with Lake Superior vistas.
Activities / Stops: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising), Tahquamenon Falls, Marquette for a lunch stop, and small lakeside towns along the way. Duluth itself offers scenic harbor walks and Lake Superior views.
Driving time: About 9–10 hours from Mackinac Island to Duluth, depending on route and stops.
Pros: Stunning natural scenery, less traffic, more adventure-oriented stops; Duluth airport connects well to Minneapolis and other hubs.
Cons: More remote; fewer restaurant/hotel options along the way if you want mid-day stops; slightly longer drive.

### Recommendation

If your priority is a scenic, adventurous drive with natural highlights and small-town charm, west to Duluth is a fantastic option. If convenience for flights and a mix of scenic and cultural stops is more important, south to Milwaukee is simpler and offers easier airport access. Either route gives you a memorable Upper Midwest experience, so it depends on whether you want a more rugged/nature-focused or more convenient/urban-adjacent return.