A:
If you’re looking for the fastest route, either of the previous answers are fine choices; but allow me to offer “the scenic route,” which will allow you to take in so much of the beauty, charm, and hospitality that Michigan (and our fine Canadian neighbors) offer: From NYC, head to the border crossing at Buffalo/Niagara Falls, then take the 403 west toward London, Ontario (a wonderful little city with an exceptional downtown marketplace and farmers market). At London, take the 402 toward Sarnia, Ontario, then cross the Blue Water Bridge into the US at Port Huron, Michigan. Here, turn north on M-25, which will take you on a delightful drive up the Lake Huron coastline, all around “the thumb” of Michigan. This road will take you into Bay City (an antique lover’s paradise – many, many stores). On the west side of the city, you’ll head farther north on M-13 toward Sandusky, where you’ll meet up with US-23. This will take you, once again, along the Lake Huron coast all the way to the Straits of Mackinaw and the Mackinac Bridge. There are many towns and activities and roadside parks along the way. As you cross the “Mighty Mac” you may notice the large island to the east – the one with the huge white building along the bluffs. That’s Mackinac Island, and it’s worth the ferry ride over for a day trip. There’s a ton of history, a couple tons of fudge, and no cars. You walk, bike, or take a horse-drawn carriage. That huge white building is The Grand Hotel, and the name doesn’t do it justice. Once over the bridge, you’re in the Upper Peninsula. Take US-2 west for another wonderful lakeshore drive (this time, Lake Michigan). Take this to M-117, then head north again. M-117 will end at M-28. Backtrack to the east on M-28 to M-123 toward Newberry and Tahquamenon Falls State Park – another very-well-worth-it side trip. The falls are actually two distinct area – the large and majestic Upper Falls, second only to Niagara Falls in this part of the world; and the Lower Falls, which is a series of cascades. The Lower Falls can be seen from the shore, or more closely enjoyed and frolicked in via a row boat ride across the river. As a further side trip, Paradise, Michigan, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is just a few miles more up the road – many stories and artifacts, including the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald, are on display. Retrace your steps back to M-28 and head west. This will take you directly to the outskirts of Marquette. Along the way, you’ll pass the Seney Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest in the country. There are self-guided auto tours available, as well as walking and biking trails and tours. In Munising, you’ll get your first glimpse of Lake Superior. You can also board a glass-bottom boat for a shipwreck tour of the harbor, or a different boat for a tour of the Pictured Rocks, a series of intriguing sandstone formations along the Superior coastline. But, back at Marquette, from M-28, take US-41 north toward the city. You’ll end up right downtown. The rest is up to you. There is plenty to do there, as well as further quick trips available using Marquette as a base. I recommend the Cedar Motor Inn, by the way. Enjoy!
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