The main destination for this driving tour is the journey itself!

U.S. 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula begins under the watchful eye of the Mackinac Bridge and then meanders along the coast of Lake Michigan until you reach the town of Manistique. U.S. 2 continues to Wisconsin, but there’s no need to go that far west. Here are a few stops at unique Yooper attractions and sights that you won’t want to miss along the way.

Distance: 98 miles

Driving time: 1 hour, 51 minutes

Stop #1: Mackinac Bridge

To reach U.S. 2, you need to cross the Mackinac Bridge. This five-mile-long bridge has been wowing travelers for more than 50 years. From the bridge, you can easily see the diverse colors of the freshwater lakes below, freighters moving their cargo, and islands to the east in Lake Huron. It’s a breathtaking view in every season.

Stop #2: Mystery Spot

Just a few miles along your route and you’ll come to the World Famous Mystery Spot. It’s claim to fame? According to the website: “You will experience optical contradictions and physical sensations that are hard to believe. These phenomenal ‘happenings’ can be photographed. It’s a barrel of fun for the entire family.” You can also enjoy a maze, zip-lines, and putt-putt golf. It’s Michigan’s most unusual attraction, and it’s definitely worth a stop. You’ll be amazed, and you’ll get some great pictures.

Stop #3: Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge

One of the best times of the year to travel across this cantilevered steel deck bridge is in the fall. Since you’re nearly 150 feet above the Cut River, you are definitely higher than many of the treetops and can see the flaming colors for miles. But the view is impressive regardless of when you make your visit. Get out and stretch your legs if you can. There’s a wooden staircase that will take you down to the river and give you a closer view of the bridge, but it’s quite a ways down (15 stories), which means it’s quite a climb back up. You can always stop at the roadside park instead to take it all in.

Stop #4: Yooper and His Cow

The U.P. is full of large-scale or unusual roadside attractions. This particular roadside landmark stands at the corner of a farmer’s field near the town of Gulliver. It’s a homemade statue, and it’s someone you can only see here. Is that the state of Michigan hidden among the spots?

Stop #5: Kitch-iti-kippi, Palms Book State Park

Before you head on to your next destination, stop in at the DownTowner or Three Seasons Café in Manistique for a delicious homemade pasty with your choice of filling. Then drive 15 minutes north to Palms Book State Park to “The Big Spring.” The crystal clear waters of Kitch-iti-kippi can be observed from a hand-operated observation raft. From there you can easily see 40 feet down and watch big trout swim by as well as sand erupting from the bottom as water pours in from the spring.

What do you like to see in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? Please comment!