A Trip Down the Road...

Earlier this week, I made a spur-of-the moment decision to take a short drive down M-28 in the Upper Peninsula from Harvey to the Scenic Look-out just outside of the city of Munising. It's a route that I am somewhat familiar with, although not one I frequent all too often. It's a picturesque road, with plentiful views of Lake Superior throughout. There are a few small towns here and there, but nothing with a McDonald's or a Wal-Mart in it; and I think that's a good thing. Honestly as I drove through, I was really amazed at what a person could find while traveling this route. There really is a lot that M-28 has to offer, and this was only 40+ miles or so.

So let's discuss the communities between Munising and Harvey. First off, the largest of the communities on this stretch of route would be famous Christmas, Michigan. For those unfamiliar with the U.P. and this small town, it's Christmas 24 hours a day, seven days a week in this sleepy town. There are signs and displays of Santa and Mrs. Clause, as well as plenty of red and green tinsel decorating railings and rooftops. It's truly a sight to see. But it doesn't take much to drive through and miss it all. Christmas has a few novelty shops to explore and if you are the gambling type, the Kewadin Casino of Christmas is open for you. Their restaurant serves excellent food, believe me. In addition, just across the street is Foggy's Restaurant, another fine establishment known for its excellent food. Christmas is definitely a must-stop destination, even if it's just for a couple of hours.

Next on our journey westward on M-28 is the quaint lake-side town of AuTrain. There's really not much of the town to see along the highway, as you'll need to take the turn left at the caution light onto H-01 to see more of the town. AuTrain is home to some excellent beaches along Lake Superior and during the hottest of U.P. days, literally hundreds of people flock here to cool down. And if the lake water is too cold (which it often is), the AuTrain River flows into the bay and provides an alternative place to swim. Don't be surprised to see a few hearty souls dive off the AuTrain River Bridge along M-28 into the water below. A few miles south along H-01 is another inland lake called (surprise!) AuTrain Lake. It is probably the most famous attribute of the community. It also provides another alternative swimming spot other than Lake Superior and the River. AuTrain Lake has a ton of resorts and camps where people can make reservations and to spend some quality time at. If you enjoy vacationing by a lake in the best of Upper Michigan's weather, then you can't go wrong staying at the plethora of resort opportunities along AuTrain Lake. The community also has several different kinds of shops and restaurants to explore as well as canoe rentals for trips down the AuTrain River. The community of AuTrain is a several-day destination spot all its own!

Heading further west on M-28, the communities get smaller and smaller. I can't remember if it's signed or not, but Shelter Bay is next, which not only is close to Lake Superior, but also offers yet another alternate swimming and boating opportunity in Deer Lake. I really loved the view as I rounded the gradual curve to see this special spot - a lake situated perfectly in a dense forest (especially looking southward). Nearest the highway, there's a recreation spot where people can picnic and grill out as well as swim. There is also a boat launch close by for people to take their dinghy's out and do some fishing. I also noticed a quaint little bed and breakfast close by, which looked spectacular and a place I wouldn't mind spending a few days at. Certainly well maintained. Last but not least is Deerton, which is actually a few miles south of M-28 but you do get to see the Deerton Post Office and the Tioga Tavern along the way.

Wow! That's certainly a lot, and that only covers just the communities in between Munising and Harvey. I also need to mention the Lakenenland Sculpture park located just west of the Alger-Marquette County line. It's free to everyone, but please make a donation if you visit. Tom Lakenen has done a marvelous job of creating this park all on his own, with little support from Chocolay Township, from what I understand. It's definitely a place to check out. Also, the Brownstone Inn is an exceptional restaurant with fine food, located approximately five miles east of AuTrain. It's well regarded in the U.P. for the quality of its food. I forgot to mention Bay Furnace, located in Christmas. An old smelter exists on the property and is something to check out. It's also a great camping and picnic area - as part of the Hiawatha National Forest. So if you're looking for a place to set up camp, the Bay Furnace Campground is an option. Lake Kawbawgam offers additional recreational opportunities in the form of camping, fishing, hiking, and cross country skiing in the winter. It's located about six miles east of Harvey. Also near Lake Kawbawgam is the Ojibwa Casino - so another option for the gamblers out there. The NMU Golf Course is a couple of miles west of there and it's an 18-hole course donated to Northern Michigan University a few years back. If you're an NMU alumni, you get a discount!

I am sure I missed a few other things to check out along this stretch of M-28 in Marquette and Alger Counties but there is just so much there that it's hard to get everything included in this blog (in advance, apologies if I did miss something!). Between Christmas and Munising, you'll also find the entryway to Grand Island, which offers a ferry ride to the island. It's a secluded island not too far out in Lake Superior from the mainland and even has residents living there year-round. It's another spot for the recreation-lovers out there. Okay, I'll stop there. For more information or if anyone has any questions regarding the locations I mentioned in this blog, feel free to leave a comment! I'll answer as best as I can. It just goes to show you that the U.P. really does offer a plethora of things to do. And all of this is just in one 45 mile drive along M-28.