Upper Michigan

[johnohio]

I am considering a trip to Upper Michigan in October (Munising & surrounding area). Would like to also visit Pictured Rocks area. Any suggestions on areas to photograph in that region (waterfalls, lighthouses etc) would be appreciated. My first trip to the area so I'm really a novice on what to shoot or where to go.

John 20d, gitzo and stuff

[johnohio]

Anybody ?

[blueM]

I haven't been in a zillion years so no help here. You might have better luck posting here, however:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=626294&page=31

[golfecho]

In the mid 80's, I was stationed there as a pilot, and the scenery from the air (especially picture rocks) was fabulous. May want to see what a 1 hour scenic flight from the local airport would cost. Use a cessna, where you can open the window to get good shots.

[johnohio]

blueM and golfecho -- thanks for responding. blueM, I did take your advice and posted where you suggested. golfecho, thanks for the suggestion. I may look into that. I appreciate your responses.

john20d, gitzo and stuff

[ChrisRabior]

Stop in at the chamber of commerce.. they'll have great suggestions for you.

[sawdust_128]

I just came through there.

From west to east:

If you camp, stay at Bruce Crossing. Behind the IGA is a community campground with electric and water sites. They have a dump station and showers, $10/night.

Porcupine Mountains
Eat at the restaurant at White Pine. They put out feed for the Black Bear, one window has a removable screen and you can shoot direct.

Copper Harbor

Ontonogon

Ishpiming

Between Christmas and Munising there is another nice campground. Puts you in the area for the pictured rocks. Take the cruise, $30, I took the sunset cruise and it was awesome. Tough to shoot because the boat rocks. We had a calm day and the boat rocked a lot. Bundle up. B uy your ticket early and get in line to board about 30-40 minutes ahead of time. Top deck, front seats. Looking forward, right side is unobstructed view on the outbound leg. Left side is better on the return. On the return, they got in real close. Your choice.

Sault Ste Marie - Soo Locks at sunset was cool.

Hessel and out to the point on the south side of the UP.


It is getting cold, maybe it has warmed back up, but we saw frost several nights near the Porcupines. We ran into a family from Canada who were regularly seeing 30-40 on the north shore of Lake Superior.

I have found Michigan to be a bit expensive as a non resident trying to use the camping systems here. It seems that want to $5, 10 and 20 me to death. You should really do some research so you opyimize your time and dollars.


I took a month and covered a lot of ground. I probably drove well over 3000 miles in the month I spent in the UP


Good Luck


P.S. I'll try to PM you

[johnohio]

Chris Rabior -- Thanks for your response. Good idea but was hoping to have info before I got there. I may check to see their website to see if they can send me info.

john 20d, gitzo and stuff

[johnohio]

Sawdust_128 -- That is great information you've given me. Some I've heard of, others I'm not familiar with so I'll have to research them. I'll be traveling west to east. I won't have as much time as you (week to 10 days) that's why I was trying to preplan some of the best locations. I'd like to hit porcupine wilderness area and also pictured rocks. Your suggestion of copper harbor sounds interesting. If you think of anything else, please post or email me. Check your email. Thanks!

John 20d, gitzo and stuff

[JeffreyG]

Take the boat tour to see the pictured rocks if it is still running as late as your trip. You cannot see crap from shore because you will be standing above the cliffs. The view from the boat out of Munising is excellent.

Also, move the trip up in time if you can. Fall comes early to the U.P.

Check out Miner's falls and Munising falls which are both within 10 miles of Munising. Also consider driving 1.5 hours east from Munising to see Tahquamenon falls. On that day trip check out the Shipwreck Museum up at Whitefish Point.

[jaholbro]

Make sure you get into the Keweenaw peninsula, which is the peninsula as you cross the bridge north of Houghton. Take 41 north and loop around on 26 and back down.

[Tim S]

Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point, Porcupine Mountain and don't forget to go to Paradise!

[jic2]

I went to collage in Marquette. Grew up In indian river (30mi south of bridge). You can't go wrong with pictured rocks. You can camp for free if your willing to hike the cliffs/shore. Marquette is a great town with beaches, break walls, old iron ore docks,light houses.....cool place. I would also suggest dead river basin you have to hike in but man the water falls are sublime. There is a small mountain called hogs back hike to the top panorama of lake superior. The U.P. is one of my favorite places. I live in the hudson valley now(also sublime in its own right) Hope this helps. Just ask the locals were to go they will point you in the right direction.

jic2