After Ohio we traveled to the Upper Peninsula to reconnect with Great Northern US 2 through Michigan. US Highway 2 (US 2) is part of the United States Numbered Highway System that connects Everett, Washington, to the Upper Peninsula (UP) in Michigan. US 2 in Michigan is only 300 miles long however, before reaching US 2 we needed to reach the Upper Peninsula. Highway 2 runs across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (known as The UP) in two segments, for a total of about 300 miles. This post describes our travels to Michigan's UP, and along US 2 to Minnesota.
Welcome to Michigan © Spaswinefood
Travels West on US 2: Michigan to Minnesota
After leaving Ohio we traveled to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to reconnect with Great Northern US 2. US Highway 2 (US 2) is part of the United States Numbered Highway System that connects Everett, Washington, to the Upper Peninsula (UP) in Michigan, and then the eastern segment of US 2 runs from Rouses Point, New York, to Houlton, Maine. In Michigan, the highway runs through the UP in two segments as a part of the state trunkline highway system, which enters Michigan at Ironwood and ending at St. Ignace; in between, US 2 briefly traverses the state of Wisconsin. As one of the major transportation arteries in the UP, US 2 is a major conduit for traffic through the state and neighboring northern Midwest states. Two sections of the roadway are included as part of the Great Lakes Circle Tours, and other segments are listed as state-designated Pure Michigan Byways. Along the way there are several memorial highway designations and historic bridges that date back to 1910s and 1920s. The highway runs through rural sections of the UP, passing through two national and two state forests.
For sure these Pure Michigan signs got our attention as we headed towards the Upper Peninsula.
On Our Way to The UP
Along the way to the Upper Peninsula we discovered Michigan’s state parks. Our first stop was at a park at Sugar Loaf Lake, in the Waterloo Recreation Area. While we were at the park we had a Tornado watch warning.
Xino was in her backpack while we sheltered during the Tornado watch alert
From there it was onto wine country on the western shore of the peninsula where we stayed at Warren Dune State Park.
Warren Dune State Park was a great base for us to explore our first Michigan Wine Country AVA (American Viticultural Area), Lake Michigan Shore AVA. Michigan is home to more than 140 wineries. These wineries are scattered across five AVA’s (Fernville, Leelanau Peninsula, Lake Michigan Shore, Old Mission Peninsula, and Tip of the Mitt). In fact throughout the state there are six wine trails (Lake Michigan Shore, Glen Arbor Village, Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula, Thumbs Up, Southwestern Michigan Pioneer, and Petosky). Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville AVAs account for around 40% of the state's wine, while the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula AVAs, account for 55%. Each Michigan AVA has its own unique terroir. For example Lake Michigan Shore AVA enjoys an extended growing season, the approximately four additional weeks for ripening allows this area to produce big, jammy red varietal wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Leelanau Peninsula's produces white varieties with well-balanced acidity, such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling. Hybrid grape wines, such as Marquette, Frontenac and Vidal Blanc, do well in the vineyards farther inland. Michigan produces ice wine, making if one of the few fortunate winemaking regions, besides Canada and Germany.
The first wine region that we visited was Lake Michigan Shore AVA.
We celebrated Karla and Gary’s anniversary at Tabor Hill winery restaurant.
After visiting the Lake Shore wineries we continued north towards US 2. I took pictures of nearby wine country as we headed further north.
Later that day we traveled onto Traverse City where we toured Old Mission Peninsula AVA. This area is also know for its cherries. Here we visited Chateau Chantal Winery and Mari Vineyards.
Some of my earlier Michigan Wine Country posts included:
Wine posts on Michigan
1. Put Michigan wine country on your list
2. Michigan Wine Country: MV Mari Vineyards
3. Michigan Lake Shore Wine Trail: Tabor Hill
We stayed at the busy Traverse City State Park for some days while exploring the Mission AVA.
From Traverse City we continued north. Highway 2 runs across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (affectionately known as “The Up”) in two segments, totaling about 300 miles. US 2 runs through the UP as a part of the state trunkline highway system, which enters Michigan in the west at Ironwood and ending at St. Ignace; in between, US 2 briefly traverses the state of Wisconsin.
A memorable experience on the Great Northern Route is a trip to Mackinac Island, Lake Huron. You will need to take a passenger ferry there from St. Ignace. On the island you will discover Mackinaw City, a small town frozen in time. Here people get around by foot, bicycle, or horse- drawn carriage. Its Victorian-era main street is lovely. Visitors can explore incredible historic sites, including well-preserved forts. Visitors can also discover its Native American history. Most of the island's hotels are very nice, but also quite pricey and many are seasonal.
Historical Mackinaw City © Spaswinefood
You can also do a day trip and stay in St. Ignace at more modestly-priced options.
Exploring Michigan © Spaswinefood
We stayed at the Straits State Park, St. Ignace.
Later from St. Ignace we traveled up the peninsula to Betwabic State Park, Crystal Falls. I managed to capture some photos of sites along the way.
Our journey from St. Ignace to Betwabic State Park, Crystal Falls was a pleasant drive.
Wisconsin
After leaving Michigan it was a quick drive to the state border. Travels along US 2 in Wisconsin allows for discovery of the rugged lumber and mining country of Wisconsin.
Given the US 2 route is only 100 miles we did a stop in Ashland for lunch.
Soon we were driving through Duluth, Minnesota. Next, are a few suggestions for further explorations just off US 2 in Wisconsin:
1. Detour from Highway 2 and spend the majority of your time rolling along a 100-mile loop of Highway 13. This will allow you to enjoy the majestic beauty of Lake Superior. Besides taking in the views along the way, there also are plenty of places to pull over, for a better look at the farms, islands, and picturesque communities of the peninsula.
2. Ashland is a great place to base your adventures. It is also home to the informative, David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the region.
Our friends (Karla & Gary) decided to visit friends in Wisconsin however, John and I continued on our journey west on US 2. Our next stop was in Minnesota.
Minnesota (Land of Lakes)
For sure Minnesota is lake country and if you brought a fishing pole, you will pass plenty of bait shops and opportunities for angling. Our intro to Minnesota began driving the Skyline Parkway, a 25-mile scenic drive, that meanders along the bluffs above Duluth. The views are fantastic and there are plenty of viewpoints and hiking trails. Located on Lake Superior in Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, Duluth is a port city of Minnesota, and the county seat of St. Louis County.
There nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is a picturesque city flanked by tall granite bluffs. Natural beauty abounds here with forests, harbor preserves, parks, and of course, the lake itself. The Great Northwoods country of Minnesota is the birthplace of Paul Bunyan and Judy Garland. Bob Dylan is also from Duluth, and while there is no museum, his childhood home plays homage to the singer. There is even a street named Bob Dylan Way.
We stayed one night (July 1) at city campground on the bay in Two Harbors, just north of Duluth. Two Harbours is located along Highway 61, just a 30-minute drive from Duluth
Off to Grand Rapids © Spaswinefood
Besides numerous campgrounds and resorts along the way, without a doubt Minnesota is certainly a state of many lakes.
We based ourselves in Prairie Lake Campground and explored.
It was a restful stay. There are plenty of fishing and boating options in the land of the lakes.
Heading west we discovered that dotted along Minnesota's Highway 2 many other roads adjoined US 2, providing access to numerous campgrounds and resorts. 
Soon we were on our way to North Dakota.
After following US-2 through small towns and wide-open spaces, for sure the ever changing landscapes, continued to play starring roles. Our Great Northern Road Trip was an overland adventure that we will never forget. While many start in the state of Washington and follow the U.S. Highway 2 for the majority of the journey until ending in Maine, we drove the route in reverse. Along the way (both I-80 east and US-2 west), we discovered beautiful cities, passed over mountains, passed by numerous lakes, and through many valleys. Our travels took us through the badlands, natural marvels, historical sites, and at times we traveled along the border with Canada. The best time of year for the Great Northern Road Trip (US-2), and sometimes referred to as Route-2, is spring, summer, or fall. I invite you to join me in my the sharing of these overland travels, and adventures elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
CHEERS!
Sharon
Memories of Great Northern Adventures on US 2, June/July 2021
© Spaswinefood
February 2026
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