From Planning to Pure Magic: Our 11-Day Upper Midwest RV Adventure
There’s something special about a “first.” Our first big family vacation pulling our Forest River Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S wasn’t just a trip, it was a full-on adventure that started months before we ever hit the road.
Planning began back in February for our July getaway, and let me tell you, RV travel is not for the spontaneous (at least not yet for us). We mapped out mileage, calculated fuel stops based on towing range, scoped out gas stations big enough to accommodate a truck and camper, and even coordinated ferry schedules. It was a lot.
But every mile of planning led to something incredible.
Over 11 days, we packed in more breathtaking views, unforgettable experiences, and family memories than we ever imagined possible. If there’s one takeaway from this trip, it’s this: you don’t have to leave the country to find absolute magic. The United States delivers, big time.
Day 1: A Sunset to Remember in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Sunset over Lake Superior
Our adventure began in Christmas, Michigan (yes, really), where we stayed at Pictured Rocks RV Park near Munising. After setting up camp and grabbing dinner, we took a short walk across the road to the Bay Furnace Ruins.
What started as a quick evening outing turned into one of the most peaceful moments of the trip. After exploring the historic site, we wandered down to the shores of Lake Superior just in time to catch a breathtaking sunset, our first of many.
Day 2: Waterfalls, Overlooks & Lakeshore Wonders
We dove headfirst into exploration the next day. Stops included:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Headquarters (national parks passport stamps secured)
Sunset at Pictured Rocks
We continued on to the Grand Sable Visitor Center, where both the Grand Sable Lake Scenic Overlook and Log Slide Overlook delivered sweeping views that honestly didn’t feel real.
One of the highlights of the day was the 3.2-mile round-trip hike to Au Sable Light Station, equal parts rewarding and humbling.
We wrapped up the day with a sunset cruise with Pictured Rocks Cruises, and if you’re debating it, don’t. Book it. Seeing the cliffs from the water at golden hour is unforgettable.
Day 3: Shipwrecks, Bridges & Lumberjack Feats
We packed up and headed to Whitefish Point, Michigan to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, a must for history lovers.
From there, we made our way to St. Ignace/Mackinac Island KOA and got set up before heading across the Mackinac Bridge (yes, there’s a small toll, and yes, it’s worth it).
That evening, we caught the Jackpine Lumberjack Show in Mackinac City. It was fun, interactive, and surprisingly impressive, definitely worth the ticket price.
Day 4: A Fourth of July Like No Other
We spent the Fourth of July exploring Mackinac City visiting Colonial Michilimackinac, Fort Michilimackinac, and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse before escaping the summer heat with lunch and some downtown shopping.
But the real magic happened that night.
We boarded Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry for their Fourth of July Cruise, and I cannot recommend this enough. Cruising under the Mackinac Bridge at night is already special, but add fireworks from St. Ignace, Mackinac City, and Mackinac Island all in one trip? Unreal.
Day 5: Mackinac Island by Bike (and a Dash of Rain)
We caught the first ferry to Mackinac Island the next morning, and if you take one piece of advice from this post, let it be this: rent the bikes.
The Grand Hotel
We rode the entire perimeter of the island, taking in stunning views and (of course) hunting down geocaches along the way.
A sudden thunderstorm had us racing back into town, but honestly it made the day even more memorable. We ducked into a restaurant just in time, then spent the rainy stretch exploring shops and indulging in the island’s famous fudge.
Once the skies cleared, we were back on the bikes to visit Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel. If time allows, I’d absolutely recommend exploring the hotel further, especially its iconic porch and gardens.
Day 6: Slow Travel & Scenic Drives
After a packed few days, we took a slower morning before heading toward Traverse City State Park. Sometimes, those quieter travel days are exactly what you need to recharge.
Day 7: Geocaching Gold & Cherry Capital Charm
This day was extra special for our geocaching crew.
We headed out onto West Grand Traverse Bay with Captain Mike to reach Power Island, home to Michigan’s oldest geocache. The adventure, the history, and the race against incoming weather made it unforgettable.
Traverse City Cherry Festival
Back on land, we grabbed lunch at The Little Fleet, a fun collection of food trucks with something for everyone.
Despite the rain, we made the most of Traverse City, visiting Mari Vineyards, exploring the National Cherry Festival, and fully embracing all things cherry:
Cherry shakes
Cherry pie à la mode
Cherry sundaes
Even cherry potato chips
No regrets.
Days 8–9: Dunes, Adventure & Family Fun
We made our way to Hill & Hollow Campground & RV Park, which felt like a peaceful retreat tucked into the woods, one of those places where you truly feel unplugged and surrounded by nature.
But these two days were anything but slow.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
We set out to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where we hiked the iconic dunes and soaked in some of the most stunning views in the Midwest. There’s something both humbling and exhilarating about climbing those massive sandy slopes and of course, we made sure to grab another stamp for our National Parks Passport while we were there.
Not ready to leave the sand behind, we continued the adventure at Silver Lake Sand Dunes, where we experienced something completely different riding with Mac Wood’s Dune Rides. If you’ve never done this, it’s part thrill ride, part scenic tour, and 100% worth it. Think roller coaster meets breathtaking landscape.
And just when you’d think we’d be out of energy… we weren’t.
Back at the campground, AJ’s Family Fun Center kept the fun going with go-karts, mini golf, arcade games, and (of course) ice cream. We fully leaned into every bit of it.
Day 10: Smooth Sailing on Lake Michigan
Another first for us: the S.S. Badger car ferry from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
Aboard the S.S. Badger Ferry
If you’re traveling with a camper and want to avoid heavy traffic (looking at you, Chicago), this is absolutely the way to go.
Watching the crew expertly load and unload vehicles was fascinating, but the real highlight? Four hours of pure relaxation. No traffic. No stress. Just time to read, unwind, and enjoy the ride.
Day 11: One Last Stop Before Home
Our final night was spent at Lantern DeForest RV Resort in Wisconsin, where we wrapped up the trip in the best way possible, surrounded by family, grilling dinner, and sharing stories from the road.
Final Thoughts
This trip stretched us in all the best ways, from detailed planning to spontaneous detours, from sunny skies to sudden storms.
Traveling with an RV isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You don’t just visit places, you experience them.
And if this trip taught us anything, it’s that some of the most unforgettable adventures are right here in our own backyard.
