Idaho to Michigan - Montana Owners Club

David and Jo-Anna · 06-29-2009, 07:03 AM

Hi all,

We will be leaving Idaho around July 8 and will have three weeks to travel to the Great Lakes Rally in Michigan. We can take Route #2 across the top of the US or go into Canada to travel East. Not sure what is available to see on that Route in Canada.

Anybody have suggestions on which route to take and what to see and do along the way?????

As always, we appreciate advice from MOCers!

dsprik · 06-29-2009, 01:30 PM

Dave, economically, I would pay for the US diesel fuel. I have been across the US 2 route from Minot to the Bridge, but I am not sure of any parallel Canadian route. US 2 is fine, but not a lot of sight seeing stuff. If you dip a little south you will hit some of the most beautiful country in the US: Black Hills/TR Nat Park/Badlands. Unfortunately that is really hard to get through that area in 3 wks.

sreigle · 06-29-2009, 01:32 PM

Have you already been to Glacier National Park? It's on US 2 (well, right next to it) and is a gorgeous park. How about Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada? It shares a border with Glacier.

You cannot tow across Glacier but US 2 goes around it and that road is fine for towing.

8.1al · 06-29-2009, 01:52 PM

We have traveled US2 and it is a nice trip. As stated above there isn't much along the way except for Glacier but it is a nice road with not a lot of traffic for most of it

sailer · 06-29-2009, 05:36 PM

Just do not go the chicago route, as we go up from crivitx wi as you will find on the map then past escanabe and follow the lake to the bridge , nice ride sailer

jimcol · 06-30-2009, 02:07 AM

As others have said 2 is a leisurely drive but with the exception of Glacier not sure what one would do on this highway for three weeks. I have only been on parts of TransCan 1 so can't speak with much authority on it. I know Winnipeg is an interesting town to visit.

dsprik · 06-30-2009, 02:27 AM

I agree with John (sailer) stay up on the UP side of Lake Michigan. The 80/90 route under Chicago is the "urban Moki Dugway" (

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5mdW2Uro9A

). An adrenalin rush unnecessary and your wife will need a strong spatula to pry your fingers off the steering wheel by the time you hit the Mich border...

I know there are some MOCers (very few I think though...) that don't mind that stretch. However, I personally would drive a full day with the Montana before going through there again. I have have been through there 6 or 7 times. Unless life or death, I will strictly avoid and I not talking about just towing...

adelmoll · 06-30-2009, 04:07 AM

We have done both and think US2 is a lot better than the Canadian route in this area. Except for Winnipeg, we found it pretty boring on the Canada side until you get to Thunderbay which is awesome. There is a lot to see along the way. Be sure to listen to Steve on the Glacier and Waterton Lakes Parks and Teddy Roosevelt North National Park is beautiful. The Headwaters for the Missouri River are in that area and the Garrison Dam. I will try to find links to this on my blog and PM you later.

Helen

boylanag · 06-30-2009, 06:17 AM

You might check out Roadside America at http://www.roadsideamerica.com/ for some interesting stops along the way.

Tom S. · 06-30-2009, 08:04 AM

Canadian fuel prices are crazy high. A few years ago, when fuel in Michigan was $2.78 a gallon, we paid as much as $5.30 a gallon in Canada - and that's taking into consideration gallons vs liters and the exchange rate. Other prices are high too, such as food. Firearms are another consideration - absolutely NO handguns are allowed. If you have pets, you will also need proof of shots.

David and Jo-Anna · 06-30-2009, 08:14 AM

Thanks all....

We just wanted to make sure there wasn't something to miss on the Canadian route.....guess not..

We've done the National Parks along the way last year and the year before - we haven't done the Northern portion of TR so we'll do that.

Yes, we paid sky high prices all along the route last year. Guess, we'll save some $$ and stay in the US this year.

Thanks for your input!

dsprik · 06-30-2009, 08:17 AM

Look forward to seeing you both in MC.

tbhd2 · 07-01-2009, 05:01 PM

We really enjoyed US2, lack of traffic and construction. Lots of good RV parks along the way. Many casinos have RV parks. We never saw so many sunflowers. A stop in Bemidji Mn. was nice. Just a nice town. If you have time, a trip up to the Keweenaw penninsula,Copper Harbor is interesting also.

sailer · 07-01-2009, 05:07 PM

Well David and Jo Anna i see you have been to wis but not mich so here is a 1st for you ,,, its $6.00 to cross the bridge at mackanaw but we will probley see yo on the big rd .. have fun sailer

dsprik · 07-02-2009, 09:20 AM

Dennis brings up a good point. The Copper Country in NW UP is a spectacular place to spend a couple days in. Eagle Harbor, Copper Harbor. Douglas Houghton Falls, Brockway Mountain Drive (cannot take your rig up the mountain). As a Tech alumnus I absolutely love that part of the country.

Actually I am going back up there in Oct to participate in Mich Tech's special recognition of the undefeated 1974 Husky football team. I was a senior tight end on that team.

*On Edit~ FYI, MTU (Houghton, MI) is approx 4 1/2 from Mill Creek CG.

tjuhl · 07-07-2009, 12:30 PM

Consider getting to MC a little early and explore down the Lake Michigan shore to the Petoskey, Chartevoix and Traverse City area. It's a short drive and really beautiful!

capn chris · 07-08-2009, 12:59 PM

D&J,
I took Lynn acroos Rt. 2 on our way back from AK. Wanted to do "my trip from Glacier to Grand Forks ala 1968." Bad idea. Boring! We dropped south from Ft. Peck to the interstate and ended up at Midora, ND. Neat town, great musical, and wonderful NP w/buffalo, horses, and prairie dogs. Don't miss it!

You may also like: