Houghton to Ludington: Michigan's Upper Peninsula Drive

The drive from Houghton to Ludington covers roughly 400 miles, taking you from Michigan's Copper Country to the shores of Lake Michigan. You'll cross the Mackinac Bridge, a 5-mile engineering marvel that connects the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

This route is a journey through time, from copper mining heritage to resort towns. Expect a drive time of about 7 hours without stops, but the journey is rich with opportunities to stretch your legs.

Winter driving can be treacherous; check weather forecasts and carry an emergency kit. Summers mean road construction, so allow extra time. For family breaks, Kitch-iti-kipi, a natural spring, is a hit with kids, and the Mystery Spot in St. Ignace offers a quirky stop.

For pet needs, pet-friendly parks include Ludington State Park with miles of trails. To manage fatigue, schedule a stop every 2 hours; the rest area near Naubinway has picnic tables and a scenic view.

For discovered gems, consider a detour to the ghost town of Fayette Historic State Park. For a meal, try a pasty, a local Upper Peninsula staple, at a roadside diner. To find more hidden gems, use this how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities guide.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a must-see, features the Upper Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The park's gift shop sells local maple syrup and smoked fish. In the town of Seney, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers a 7-mile auto tour for wildlife viewing.

At the bridge, Mackinaw City offers fudge shops and a historic lighthouse. The region is part of the proposed Keweenaw National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under consideration.

US-41 south from Houghton then I-75 south across the bridge. Plan for tolls: the Mackinac Bridge toll is $4.00 for cars. Gas stations are plentiful in Marquette and St. Ignace, but sparse between Houghton and Marquette.

• Fuel economy: A typical car gets 30 mpg, so you'll need about 13 gallons; pack a fuel budget of $40–50.
• Restrooms and rest areas: Welcome centers at both ends of the bridge offer facilities.
• Cell service: T-Mobile and Verizon have gaps along US-2, so download offline maps.