Best Towns to Visit Along US Highway 2
Scenic road trips are one of the best ways to see the country, and US Highway 2 is known for being one of the best routes to pack a ton of unique sites into your trip. The western part of the highway begins in Everett, WA, and ends in St. Ignace, MI. Still, many people choose Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as their starting point for an exciting but shorter trip that is more manageable for solo travelers, retirees, and young families.
The route along Hwy 2 that runs through the best towns in the Upper Peninsula is about 300 miles long, and the trip through this region usually takes about two to three days. But you may want to plan for some additional time to explore the small towns and scenic wilderness areas that you’ll encounter along the way. When it comes to road trips, knowing where to visit in the U.P. helps you ensure there isn’t a landmark or historical site you miss.
Adding these towns to your itinerary gives you good places to rest, stretch your legs, and round out your trip with unique experiences you’ll never forget.
Dig into the History of the Upper Peninsula in Ironwood, MI
If you started your trip earlier along the route, arriving in Ironwood is a major checkpoint that signals you’ve finally made it to Michigan. Ironwood, MI, is one of the best cross-country skiing destinations in the area, and it is also close to famous waterfalls and hiking trails that can give you a chance to view some nature closer up than you can from your car window.
If you need a place to rest your head, then Ironwood has several hotels and motels that all offer unique amenities and a chance to stay in a town that is rich with history. The best towns in the Upper Peninsula have museums and other sites that give you a deeper understanding of the rich history that built up the small towns along your route, and Ironwood is no different. During your stay here, make sure to check out the Stormy Kromer Factory Tour and Outlet and the Copper Peak Ski Hill, and spend a little time poking around downtown, where you’ll find lots of eateries and lovely walking paths.
Check out the Big Spring in Manistique
Manistique is another side stop that is recognized for being one of the best towns in the Upper Peninsula to mark a major attraction off of your bucket list. On top of having several amazing restaurants where you can fuel up during your explorations, you’ll find the Kitch-iti-kipi, otherwise known as the Big Spring.
The Big Spring is 200 feet wide, which makes it Michigan’s largest fresh spring. The water in the spring moves at an incredible rate of 10,000 gallons a minute through the limestone fissures, and visitors always find it interesting to learn that the water stays at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Visitors to the spring can take a self-operated observation raft to various vantage points where they can see ancient tree trunks along with large trout and clouds of sand that seem to take on every shape imaginable as they flow through the water.
Gain New Insight into the Fishing Industry in Naubinway
Naubinway, MI, is what Ironwood is to the commercial fishing industry to mining and skiing. This lakeside town holds the largest commercial fishing port within the Great Lakes. The town dates back to when it was founded in 1873 and was used as a port for the bustling lumber industry. Today, you can visit the beaches here to buy fresh fish right off the dock or watch as large fleets of fishing vessels head out for the day to make their big catches. If you have some time, consider swimming or walking along the shore, or you could even try your hand at fishing in one of the busiest areas in the industry.
Hang out on Mackinac Island
If you’ve still got some extra time to use before visiting St. Ignace, then you’re going to want to visit this unique piece of the Upper Peninsula. Visiting Mackinac Island is like taking a step back in time, especially when you’ve spent so much time traveling in a vehicle. Mackinac Island doesn’t allow motorized vehicles, which means you’ll need to take a ferry from either St. Ignace or Mackinaw City to access the area.
Once there, you can explore the island by foot, bicycle, or even take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. After checking out the forts and maybe picking up some handmade fudge, you’ll be refreshed and ready to finish up the trip.
Don’t Forget to Spend a Little Time in St. Ignace
In your quest to finish your big adventure, it is tempting to skip out on some of the neatest attractions at the very end of your map. St. Ignace is where many people end their trip down US Highway 2, and this also happens to be the location of the Mackinac Bridge. The 26,372-foot-long bridge is the world’s longest suspension bridge existing between two anchorages in the Western Hemisphere, and it connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.
St. Ignace also provides a self-guided walking tour that gives you a glimpse into the Aboriginal and French heritage that makes up a large part of the culture in the area. From learning about the fur trade and commercial fishing that built up the community to enjoying fireworks on a summer evening, spending a little time in this town helps you finish up your road trip with a deep appreciation that infuses your trip with a desire to learn more about the history of Upper Peninsula Towns.
When you’re on a road trip along US Highway 2, it helps to have multiple Upper Peninsula towns on your itinerary where you can have many types of adventures. The ultimate road trip experiences should leave you with a deeper appreciation for the places you visit, along with the people that live there. You’ll also want to include a mixture of active excursions, such as hiking and boating, along with some dining and cultural experiences along the way.
Whether you plan to go the full distance along the route or just focus on the Upper Peninsula, you’ll have tons of great memories to include in your travel journal when you’re through. In fact, you may have so much fun that you’ll want to plan to go back. Taking this route during different times of the year gives you a new experience every time, and there’s something about seeing the Upper Michigan area in every season to help you feel like you truly understand what makes the region so grand. For assistance planning your next visit to Michigan’s U.P., check out Travel Ironwood.