Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » What to see in Michigan?
| What to see in Michigan? [message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 09:08  |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Hi all you experienced travelers!
I'm planning a trip to the great state of Michigan. I'm coming from Minneapolis then Duluth taking hwy 2 over to Newberry. Then over the mighty mac and down to Dearborn. then back the same way except through Milwaukee and hwy 29.
The reason for all this is to see the Ford museum in Dearborn and the Silver Lake sand dunes. will probably also stop at the airplane zoo.
So the questions.
1. Where to stay outside Dearborn? any recommendations?
2. What else to see in Michigan?
3. Anything to avoid ( I assume Flint and downtown Detroit are on that list )
Any auto factory tours?
River rouge?
Thanks!
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214824 is a reply to message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 09:43  |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Sand dunes? lucky you. need to borrow the buggy?
If you are staying right in duluth at all camping, We were pretty happy staying at indian point campground last year.
http://duluthindianpointcampground.com/
but there is alot of great choices there.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214825 is a reply to message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 09:44 |
GMC Cruse
Messages: 606
Registered: June 2009
Location: SE Michigan
Karma: 3
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| Keith V wrote on Thu, 18 July 2013 10:08 |
Hi all you experienced travelers!
I'm planning a trip to the great state of Michigan. I'm coming from Minneapolis then Duluth taking hwy 2 over to Newberry. Then over the mighty mac and down to Dearborn. then back the same way except through Milwaukee and hwy 29.
The reason for all this is to see the Ford museum in Dearborn and the Silver Lake sand dunes. will probably also stop at the airplane zoo.
So the questions.
1. Where to stay outside Dearborn? any recommendations?
2. What else to see in Michigan?
3. Anything to avoid ( I assume Flint and downtown Detroit are on that list )
Any auto factory tours?
River rouge?
Thanks!
|
While they still have the tour of the Truck Factory during the summer you may not see anything being built if it is during change-over. Tour info can be found on "The Henry Ford" website.
Being a "car guy", you might want to check out the Gilmore Museum near Kalamazoo.
http://www.gilmorecarmuseum.org/
Downtown Detroit is okay for visiting but don't wander outside the downtown area and stay on main roads to get there. Park at or near Cobo Hall and take the People Mover for a 75 cent tour of downtown.
http://www.thepeoplemover.com/WE-LL-TAKE-YOU-THERE!.id.2.htm
There are a number of decent motels around "The Henry Ford" with the Dearborn Inn being the best in my opinion. The area out by the airport has a number of motels also.
There are a lot of events taking place in the area this summer and other recommendations would depend on when you plan on visiting and what you will be driving.
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214827 is a reply to message #214824] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 10:14 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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| lqqkatjon wrote on Thu, 18 July 2013 09:43 |
Sand dunes? lucky you. need to borrow the buggy?
If you are staying right in duluth at all camping, We were pretty happy staying at indian point campground last year.
http://duluthindianpointcampground.com/
but there is alot of great choices there.
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OMG jon!
I so want to borrow a buggy!
That would be like the ultimate.
Whats your rental fee?
Oh and not staying in Duluth, going all the way to Michigan, Iron Wood(?) for the first stop, only 6 hours
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214830 is a reply to message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 10:52 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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sent you a PM Keith.
would depend on when you go. never tried driving a buggy on the sand.
going out to those dunes has been on my list of things to do. but just a little far for my short weekend trips.
my buggy is more set up for woods, not sure if sand tires are needed to have any forward momentum. but those are just solutions that have not been figured out yet.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214839 is a reply to message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 12:34 |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
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Keith,
The Pure Michigan website is your friend:
<http://www.michigan.org/>
If you are coming across the Mackinaw Bridge, and not in a hurry Mackinaw island is scenic, historic, and expensive. The bridge is not that far from Traverse City which has some great beaches and state parks, and good food, craft beer, and wine downtown. Sleeping Bear Dunes, not too far from Traverse City, is "the most beautiful place on earth" according to Good Morning America. Depending on your timing, there is a huge car show in St. Ignace, (at the end of June, so would have to be next year for you) or in Metro Detroit, the Woodward Dream Cruise is remarkable, on August 17th. Michigan International Speedway Nascar race the same weekend. Grand Rapids has a pretty nice downtown, with usually some event or festival. And, having shores on 4 of the 5 great lakes, we have lots of lighthouses if you are into those. Tons of other attractions depending on your interests, timing and how far you are willing to drive.
If you are talking camping, there isn't much really close to the Henry Ford (which you could easily spend several days at) but there are some decent, but not spectacular state parks an hour or so away, as long as you aren't driving in rush hour.
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214858 is a reply to message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 13:51 |
GeorgeRud
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
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My wife and I just got back from a week in Traverse City, and loved that area of Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are neat, and the towns of Charleviox (?) and Petosky are nice. Lots of wineries there if you like to do tastings.
Greenfield Village is also not to be missed down by Detroit.
Safe travels!
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214876 is a reply to message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 15:40 |
cadelec
Messages: 303
Registered: September 2011
Location: Brisbane Australia
Karma: 1
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| Keith V wrote on Fri, 19 July 2013 00:08 |
Hi all you experienced travelers!
I'm planning a trip to the great state of Michigan. I'm coming from Minneapolis then Duluth taking hwy 2 over to Newberry. Then over the mighty mac and down to Dearborn. then back the same way except through Milwaukee and hwy 29.
Thanks!
|
when i asked the same question on the cadillac furum this was one of the responses
"First stop should be a gun store." having said that we not knowing where we were we stayed in sterling heights then drove thru city center to dearborn the henry ford mueseam was fantastic.
link to Cadillac forum responses
Trevor
Brisbane Australia
Siesta Koala 76 Edgemont (old Bobby Moores)
71 Cadillac Eldo Convert
58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Project
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| Re: [GMCnet] What to see in Michigan? [message #214903 is a reply to message #214880] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 20:56 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Wow thanks everyone!
Matt,
I'll be there the week of July 29 hope to spend 3-4 days in the lower peninsula
it looks to be a dads vacation, cars, planes and more cars!
Too bad the Chrysler museum is closed and Kellogg is no longer giving tours and even closed their museum.
Yes I will be taking the GMC,
our kids are adults now, the boy left home to live in Chicago, so the daughter, 18, is coming and bringing a female friend ( she told me you can't say girlfriend anymore)
So I'll have to find some girl things for them. Mackinac island for sure, get em a buggy ride 
And Jon, yeah, too far to be dragging your buggy around. I'd have it all worn out!
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214909 is a reply to message #214822] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 21:33 |
Craig Lechowicz
Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Little experience here, but Somerset Mall in Troy is probably the best "girl" thing we have to offer. It's maybe 1/2 hour from the Henry Ford. Fairly upscale shopping and some decent restaurants. A lot of people really like to hang out in downtown Birmingham but I'm not one of them, so I can't give much for suggestions there. I'm heading to Oshkosh the time you are coming down, or other wise, I'd try to meet you. As someone mentioned, the Riverfront by the RenCen is pretty nice, although not a great deal to do there. Campus Martius is within walking distance, has a lot of the Quicken Loans and other new Detroit businesses and a Hard Rock Cafe. THere is usually a mix of current models and some classic vehicles in the basement of the RenCen. Much of the good stuff is at the GM Heritage Center in Sterling Heights which, unfortunately isn't open to the public. Although, if you know Dick Ballsley, he may have some connections there, as it was somewhat related to where he worked. If you are a baseball fan, it wouldn't hurt to see a Tigers game. A lot of the "rebirth" of Detroit is happening around the midtown area, which has Wayne State University, The Detroit Institute of Arts, and a bunch of other stuff. If I think of more daughter "stuff", I'll post it.
When I'm going downtown, or looking for something to do, this website isn't bad for "curated" ideas:
<http://www.detroitmoxie.com/>
Enjoy your time here!
Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
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| Re: [GMCnet] What to see in Michigan? [message #214919 is a reply to message #214903] |
Thu, 18 July 2013 22:53 |
GMC Cruse
Messages: 606
Registered: June 2009
Location: SE Michigan
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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| Keith V wrote on Thu, 18 July 2013 21:56 |
Wow thanks everyone!
Matt,
I'll be there the week of July 29 hope to spend 3-4 days in the lower peninsula
it looks to be a dads vacation, cars, planes and more cars!
Too bad the Chrysler museum is closed and Kellogg is no longer giving tours and even closed their museum.
Yes I will be taking the GMC,
our kids are adults now, the boy left home to live in Chicago, so the daughter, 18, is coming and bringing a female friend ( she told me you can't say girlfriend anymore)
So I'll have to find some girl things for them. Mackinac island for sure, get em a buggy ride
And Jon, yeah, too far to be dragging your buggy around. I'd have it all worn out!
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Not too far from Matt is a campgrounds that is also not too far from The Henry Ford.
http://waynecountyfairgrounds.net/Camping.html
A lot of women like the outlet stores at Birch Run (I-75 exit 136)
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/directions.asp?id=82
MIS has the Richard Petty ride along experience
http://www.drivepetty.com/ride/ride-along/
I'm about 15-20 minutes south of The Henry Ford and would offer a place to do any needed maintenance on the GMC if needed but I'm heading out west on the 27th.
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214963 is a reply to message #214822] |
Fri, 19 July 2013 10:09 |
Rick Williams
Messages: 256
Registered: July 2004
Karma: 0
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Keith
There is an excellent campground on Lake Michigan about 20 miles west of Mackinaw on US2. Beautiful sand beach and great swimming.
No hookups. Water available there and a dump station about 2 miles away at another campground.
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Lake_Michigan_At_St_Ignace/r/campsiteCalendar.do?page=calendar&search=site&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=7409 3&topTabIndex=CampingSpot
Straights State Park in Saint Ignace for sites with electric hookup. Water is available at the dump station. Find them also at Recreation.gov
Either of these would work for a trip to Mackinaw Island.
If you have more time in the UP, I have some other suggestions.
There is a lot to see here in Michigan. GMCer MangoMushroom (Andre) from San Francisco came through here a few years ago. He said he had a slogan for Michigan. "Michigan, it is not what you think". Most people think Detroit when you mention Michigan. Detroit is about 400 miles from me. It is a different world from my Michigan.
Rick
Rick Williams
Bliss, Michigan
1978 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] What to see in Michigan? [message #214967 is a reply to message #214903] |
Fri, 19 July 2013 10:21 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Keith V wrote on Thu, 18 July 2013 21:56 |
Wow thanks everyone!
Matt,
I'll be there the week of July 29 hope to spend 3-4 days in the lower peninsula
it looks to be a dads vacation, cars, planes and more cars!
Too bad the Chrysler museum is closed and Kellogg is no longer giving tours and even closed their museum.
Yes I will be taking the GMC,
our kids are adults now, the boy left home to live in Chicago, so the daughter, 18, is coming and bringing a female friend ( she told me you can't say girlfriend anymore)
So I'll have to find some girl things for them. Mackinac island for sure, get em a buggy ride
And Jon, yeah, too far to be dragging your buggy around. I'd have it all worn out!
|
Kieth,
Do not think of the Henry Ford as a guys only museum. Nothing could be further from the fact. Yes, there is a lot of mechanical and car stuff there, but a lot of history - too. And the village is a whole other thing. If you can, plan two days.
We are planning to be between excursions at that time. Call Us when you get close. (numbers below) We can provide a flat place with 50 amp and Water, and you maybe can dump if: A - you are not using a formaldahyde based black tank treatment, and B - you can maneuver to where my clean out. Even still, there are some local dumps, if needed.
Call when you are getting close.
House is 73four-75three-5O5four
My Cell is 73four-55two-35two3 <= my business line. If I don't answer, I will call back.
We will be getting home from the current excursion to the Dulcimer Festival and west Michigan tour about the 24th.
We can make this all work, it just might be interesting in a few places.
Matt - about to go to another Autoharp workshop
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: What to see in Michigan? [message #214969 is a reply to message #214822] |
Fri, 19 July 2013 10:29 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Matt, that is called is hospitality!
Come for a visit, and leave 40 gallons of poop water if you like!
I can now offer the same hospitality at my place, but you have to have a macerator with a male threaded garden hose on the end.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Fri, 19 July 2013 10:29] Report message to a moderator |
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