Upper Peninsula down to Grand Rapids

Question

My husband and I are planning an 8-day trip to Michigan (May 20-29). We were thinking of flying into Marquette Sawyer airport and staying up there for about 4 days and then making our way down to Grand Rapids. We want to see the Sand Dunes, and Holland. I am trying to find a car rental business up there but can’t seem to find one. Is this trip doable? Any other suggestions? Thank you!

Answer

Your planned 8-day trip to Michigan sounds wonderful! The Upper Peninsula (UP) offers stunning landscapes, and the journey to Grand Rapids will give you a chance to experience some of Michigan's most beautiful spots. Below is some advice to help with your planning:

First off, regarding car rentals in Marquette, the options are somewhat limited compared to larger cities. Marquette has a regional airport, and while there are rental agencies, they may not have the availability or selection you're hoping for. I recommend checking major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis, which typically have locations in Marquette. However, it's a good idea to book early, especially during the busy tourist season in May. If you can’t find availability in Marquette, you might also want to consider renting a car in nearby cities like Escanaba or even in Milwaukee (if flying into a larger city beforehand).

As for the overall trip, it is definitely doable! Here’s a suggested itinerary for your 8 days:

Day 1-4: Marquette and the Upper Peninsula Marquette is a charming city with great outdoor activities, including hiking, visiting waterfalls, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Lake Superior. Don’t miss the Presque Isle Park for stunning lake views and the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse for a picturesque stop. You can also visit Yellow Dog Falls and the nearby Dead River Falls.
Day 5: Drive to the Sleeping Bear Dunes From Marquette, head south to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which offers some of Michigan’s most stunning natural landscapes. You can hike the dunes, enjoy the scenic drive along M-22, and take in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan. It’s about a 3.5-4 hour drive, so plan for a full day of travel and exploration.
Day 6: Explore Holland Continue your journey south towards Holland. Holland is famous for its Dutch heritage, beautiful beaches, and the Windmill Island Gardens. May is a great time to visit as the tulips will likely still be in bloom at the Holland Tulip Time Festival (if your timing coincides). Don’t forget to check out the Holland State Park for some beach time.
Day 7-8: Grand Rapids Finish your trip with 1-2 days in Grand Rapids. The city is known for its vibrant art scene, including the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. You can also visit the John Ball Zoo and stroll through the charming downtown area. If you're interested in breweries, Grand Rapids is known as "Beer City USA," with plenty of craft breweries to explore.

Other suggestions: Consider visiting some of Michigan's famous lighthouses along the way, such as the Big Sable Point Lighthouse in Ludington State Park or the Holland Harbor Lighthouse. Additionally, make sure to check the weather during May, as the UP can still experience some chilly days, and you’ll want to pack accordingly.

Overall, this trip is definitely doable and offers a great balance of outdoor adventure, beautiful scenery, and cultural experiences. Just make sure to secure your car rental early, and you’ll have an unforgettable journey!

Upper Peninsula down to Grand Rapids

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