Autumn Time in Northern Michigan

We rented a cabin in late October Northern Michigan for a midweek fall getaway, having missed our usual September window for autumnal camping. The cabin was essentially a wooden tent with indoor plumbing and hydro, and required us to bring everything else, like bedding, cutlery, cooking gear, and so on.

We chose to cross into Michigan at Sarnia/Port Huron for a more peaceful experience, and once clear of Flint and Saginaw we eschewed the Interstates in favour of a scenic drive along the Lake Huron shoreline. The fall colours were amazing, and something we both miss down here in Wheatley.

The cabin was a great base camp for exploration, set on the shore of Lake Huron in a very nice and well-kept campground, complete with a view of the Mackinac Bridge. This bridge connects Lower Michigan with the Upper Peninsula, but also essentially represents the divide between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

We explored a few of the many local microbreweries, some local shopping in Cheboygan and Mackinaw City, and crossed the bridge to the U.P. and back, but otherwise we mainly stayed at the cabin and enjoyed campfires, reading and the surrounding natural splendour.

We didn't get a chance to get over to Mackinac Island this time - got to save something for future visits - but this island is a step back in time with no motorized vehicles allowed. One can rent bicycles or tour the small island by horse and carriage.

We opted for the scenic route home, following the Lake Michigan shore along the western side of the Lower Peninsula, before cutting back inland to grab the I-75 for the final run home through Detroit/Windsor. The western shore was equally beautiful and certainly deserves more time and exploration - quaint towns like Petoskey, Charlevoix and Elk Rapids - and each with a microbrewery.

In years where time prevents us from getting to the East Coast, Northern Michigan could become our new fall "go to" destination!

Cabin B6 in the pines at Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping

Options from St. Ignace in the 'U.P.' or Upper Peninsula

Mackinac Bridge - fifth longest suspension bridge in the world!

The Mighty Mac dividing Lake Huron from Lake Michigan

The Cabin

Some local beverage options

Getting ready to cook dinner

Mackinac Bridge at dusk

The view from our front porch

The bridge from our campsite

Hamburger Helper over the campfire, with bread and cheap wine!

Beaver Canoe.....at Mackinac Island Brewhouse and Winery

Lunch at Wienerlicious in Mackinaw City