Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI: (8/19 – 8/23/21)

We drove east out of Wisconsin and the Central Time Zone to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Eastern Time Zone. We found a campground at Camp 7 Lake Recreation Area, located about 60 miles from Pictured Rocks and about 100 miles from Mackinac Island. We set up in Site 27, and then took our paddle board out on the calm lake. It was a sunny, hot day in the mid-eighties. Since there was no electric hookup, the water was refreshing.

The next day, we decided to head to Mackinac Island, which sits in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. The Mackinac Island State Park, with trails, woods and the limestone Arch Rock formation, covers most of the island. It has an area of 3.776 miles with a population of 492 (2010). We drove two hours to Shepler’s Ferry in St. Ignace. It was a stunning day for a boat ride. Our Captain took a semi-circle route so that we could go under the Mackinaw Bridge, which connects the Lower Peninsula of Michigan at Mackinaw City with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan at St. Ignace. West of the bridge is Lake Michigan and East of the bridge is Lake Huron.

Mackinaw Bridge looking south to the Lower Peninsula

We biked around most of the island, stopping for photo ops and infrequent shady spots.

The Grand Hotel is a popular spot for weddings!

Leaving the Grand Hotel – Mackinaw Bridge in the distance

Lake Huron near Missionary Beach. Look at the crystal, clear water!

Just before the above picture was taken, Scott took a dip in this beautiful water. Next time, I will wear a bathing suit under my clothes. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I swam in all five lakes.

The next day, we drive north about 50 miles to Pictures Rocks National Seashore area.

There are several sand beaches along the coastline of Lake Superior that are suitable for sunbathing and swimming; however, there are warning signs to use caution as cold water and rough conditions can make swimming hazardous. “Observe surf and rip current warnings. Lifeguards are not present.” Since we only had the day to explore, we chose Miners Beach. First stop was a short walk to Miners Falls. Then, we drove to the scenic overlook for Miners Castle. Finally, we headed to the parking lot for the beach and took a dip in Lake Superior!