Well, myself and 5 other friends are just finalizing our trip from Toronto, Ontario(Canada) to Mackinaw City, Michigan. I doubt we will make it in 1 day, with food and gas, rest stops; so we decided to go as far as we can along U.S. 23 north. Just wondering if any of you folks have stayed in towns such as Tawas City, Oscoda, Greenbush, etc. I would like to ride a little further north maybe to Alpena, or Rogers City, but I don't want to overdue it.
What can I expect along the way as far as hotels, motels, gas, restaurants ? Thanks very much for all of your help. As always, you guys are a wealth of knowledge to many people like myself and others on this forum.
Ride Safe....
Joe

 

Did that trip a couple of years ago from London. We stayed in Alpena. I don't know what kind of motels you are expecting. Most are Mom and Pop types. There was a Best Western in Alpena but it was full because there was some sort of festival going on, but we found another motel no problem. The road was good and there was no problem finding fuel or eats. It is very scenic. I am sure you will enjoy it. How are you getting home from there?

 

I can't give you specific recommendations, but you shouldn't have trouble finding motels/B&B's along the way. There are plenty of gas stations and restaurants too. The lakeshore drive is beautiful. Are you crossing into the US at Sarnia/Port Huron? If you make it to Rogers City you are almost to Mackinaw anyway. Lots of facilities around there.

 

Last time (4 years ago) I was that way, we spent the night at the Holiday Inn in East Tawas. It was a bit pricey, but it was a walk to downtown where the bars/resturaunts are.

Personally, If get as far as Alpena on the first day, I'd head on up to The Soo (Sault Ste Marie) the next day. That way you can get a two-fer: Ride across the Big Mac, and take the boat trip through the locks. And there's a HUGE casino up there is your so inclined...

 

Tawas is a nice city to stay in. Bars are within WALKING distance (Cops, ya know) . It's a small town, waters edge. That route is called "Old 23". There is a campground as well but it's usually booked full. There is a small hotel (Bambi) just a few blocks north of d-town. My wife and her sister stay there 1 wknd a summer.
If your coming from Port Huron you can get off I69 at M15 and head north. M15 will take you up to Bay City and then you can catch M13 and continue North till you get on old 23 in Kawkalin. Lots to look at along the way. Also, you might want to check out Frankenmuth, it's an old German town that celebrates Christmas 365 days a year. There also known for their chicken dinners. another old diner along the way is the Turkey Roost on m13 by kawkalin. If you need any further info or help pm me, glad to help ya. Oh, Michigan is glad to have ya.

 

Standish north to the Bridge along 23, you will have no problems finding fuel, food, or places to stay. You will pass chains, and mom & Pop places. Mosty everyone up there is friendly and WANT your bussiness. Take a side trip if you have time. Up in Tawas, take River road west and take alook at some of the most gorgeous views of the Au Sable river.

When you come over the bridge in Port Huron, take 25 north around the Thumb. When you arrive in Bay City, take 13 north and it runs you right into 23 at Standish. This will avoid any freeways, and its a great ride that the wife and I do at least once each year.

Enjoy the ride...

 

liltrk; We will probably cross back into Canada at the Sault Ste Marie bridge. From there we will continue along Hwy 17 then back into Hwy 69 and 400 south. Its not my favourite route, but not many choices. Too much contstruction and blasting going on between Parry Sound and Sudbury. Thanks for your help, really looking forward to this trip.

 

Thanks, to everyone for your input and advice. Just hoping for good weather. I cannot wait to make this trip...

 

You could take 17 to Espanola, then take the Chi Cheemaun and ride down through Wiarton, Owen Sound etc. Not as fast probably, but maybe more enjoyable than 400.

 

It's a nice ride. Sorry I have no info on hotels other then the bigger towns hotels.
Try staying away from the southern parts during the weekends. It gets pretty crowded on the two lane highway, especially north on friday and south on sunday!

A few friends and I did the Canada side up to Tobermory and took the ferry across to Manitoulin back to north shore Canada and down through Sault ste marie then home down 23. Nice ride but it got kinda cold for August.