Lake Michigan's Wonderful Western Shore – Beaches, Arts & Charm
The glistening waters of Lake Michigan provide a wonderful backdrop for a summer or fall trip along its shores. Lake Michigan’s western shore allows you to experience the cool waters and views of the lake, charming small towns, great state parks, and larger cities (Chicago and Milwaukee). For those not interested in Milwaukee or Chicago, there are plenty of small towns, state parks and outdoor activities to keep you busy along the northwest shore of Lake Michigan. This trip begins in the beautiful Hiawatha National Forest in the rugged Upper Peninsula of Michigan (or “UP” as locals call it), filled with hiking trails, charming lighthouses, bubbling streams, and rushing waterfalls. A three-hour drive northwest takes you to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (on the shores of Lake Superior in the rugged UP of Michigan), packed with museums, historic sites, hiking trails, picturesque campgrounds, beaches, and more. After this, you'll wind your way through upper Wisconsin to the charming town of Ephraim, in picturesque Door County. Kohler-Andrae State Park is next on the list before continuing to Milwaukee and finishing the trip in Chicago. There are many public and private campgrounds all along the way. Summer and fall are the best times for this trip, since they offer warmer weather for outdoor recreation and city attractions. Let AdventureGenie help you plan a great trip to explore the UP, Wisconsin's eastern shore, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Note: if you want to do the whole Lake Michigan circle tour, this trip can be combined with *Wandering the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan for a 10–14-day trip that circumnavigates all of Lake Michigan.
You’ll begin the road trip in the impressive Hiawatha National Forest, known for its array of woodlands, wetlands, and waterfalls. Situated in the “UP,” Hiawatha National Forest is nestled among three of the Great Lakes, earning it the nickname of the “Great Lakes National Forest”. This park spans 880,000 acres and is split into two sections, the East and West Blocks, further divided into five districts. Within these districts are various habitats, picturesque lakeshores, charming lighthouses, and many opportunities for recreation including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing in the winter. As the forest covers a lot of land, you may want to plan an extra day or two for exploration.
Hiawatha Forest has many camping options, which include sites that can accommodate RVs. Most campsites are geared toward tent camping, so be prepared for grounds without electricity, sewer, or water hookups. Additional private RV-friendly campgrounds are available in Wetmore and Manistique, MI, about 8-18 miles from the forest. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best campgrounds with easy access to Hiawatha National Forest!
The Porcupine Mountains, also known as the Porkies, are a great location to explore more of the UP’s stunning wilderness. Situated in the UP of Michigan, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the largest state park in Michigan. The park spans over 60,000 acres, providing views of old-growth forests, rivers, waterfalls, and the Porkies. There are activities in the park for everyone, from camping to hiking, fishing, and more.
Hiawatha Forest has many camping options, which include sites that can accommodate RVs. Most campsites are geared toward tent camping, so be prepared for grounds without electricity, sewer, or water hookups. Additional private RV-friendly campgrounds are available in Wetmore and Manistique, MI, about 8-18 miles from the forest. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best campgrounds with easy access to Hiawatha National Forest!
Door County, a narrow peninsula with nearly 300 miles of shoreline jutting into Lake Michigan and Green Bay, is often referred to as “The Cape Cod of the Midwest.” Ephraim, Wisconsin, is one of several charming small towns located in famed Door County, a county rich with lighthouses, wineries, outdoor recreation areas, boating, museums, and more. Other wonderful small towns include Egg Harbor, Sister Bay, and Fish Creek. Door County has five state parks inside its 1.5 million acres. Ephraim offers a picturesque small town reminiscent of New England, with its whitewashed buildings and church steeples.
Given Door County’s popularity as a world-class summer vacation destination, there is an abundance of great public and private campgrounds to choose from! Both Peninsula State Park and Potowatomi State Park have RV-friendly campsites, with some size restrictions and varying levels of hook ups. There are also tons of private campgrounds – ranging from rustic to full-scale RV resorts. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for exploring Door County.
Kohler-Andrae State Park is actually two state parks that have been merged into one, located in Wilson, Wisconsin (near Sheboygan), with almost 1,000 acres, two miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan, scenic views, and wonderful beaches. With wooded campsites, boardwalks winding through dunes, abundant wildlife, miles of sandy beaches, and a Selfie Stand Park for social media enthusiasts, Kohler-Andrae State Park is a top choice for visitors to the area. The park is especially picturesque in the fall, with red and yellow leaves strewn throughout the landscape. Camping and hiking are two of the most popular activities at this park.
Given Door County’s popularity as a world-class summer vacation destination, there is an abundance of great public and private campgrounds to choose from! Both Peninsula State Park and Potowatomi State Park have RV-friendly campsites, with some size restrictions and varying levels of hook ups. There are also tons of private campgrounds – ranging from rustic to full-scale RV resorts. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for exploring Door County.
Milwaukee is most famous for beer and baseball, but today’s Milwaukee boasts incredible architecture, beautiful parks, museums, and stunning beaches. Each neighborhood in Milwaukee offers a unique experience, from the Historic Third Ward with trendy restaurants and shops to the Harbor District, a popular canoeing area. In the southeastern part of Wisconsin along Lake Michigan, Milwaukee provides a jam-packed list of activities for all interests and ages. This culturally diverse city has world-class museums and a booming food scene. Milwaukee is a beautiful, friendly and diverse small city that will surprise and delight visitors.
There are only a few RV parks in the city of Milwaukee and many more just outside the city. If you want to camp outside the city, let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground to explore Milwaukee!
The Windy City. Chi-town. The City of Big Shoulders. Chicago has many nicknames, but it is one of America’s great historic cities. It has beautiful skyscrapers, a gorgeous shoreline, world-class museums, great food (and famous pizza!) and fun activities. With so much to see and do, you can spend several days in Chicago. This city, nicknamed the Windy City for a tornado that sped through Chicago in 1876, is a packed with dozens of museums (art, science, industry, aquarium, history, planetarium), pro sports teams, beautiful lake front trails, theater, comedy, water activities, and so much more. And don’t forget to try Chicago’s famous pizza!
There are only a few RV-friendly campgrounds in downtown Chicago, but there are many private campgrounds in the city's suburbs. Public options include McCormick Place Marshalling Yard (in downtown), Illinois Beach State Park, Starved Rock State Park, and Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. Let AdventureGenie help you find your perfect campsite while visiting Chicago!

Lake Michigan's Wonderful Western Shore – Beaches, Arts & Charm
Hiawatha National Forest – Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Ephraim, Wisconsin – Kohler-Andrae State Park – Milwaukee, WI – Chicago, IL

Length
5-7 days
Distance
792 mi
Stops
6
Overview
The glistening waters of Lake Michigan provide a wonderful backdrop for a summer or fall trip along its shores. Lake Michigan’s western shore allows you to experience the cool waters and views of the lake, charming small towns, great state parks, and larger cities (Chicago and Milwaukee). For those not interested in Milwaukee or Chicago, there are plenty of small towns, state parks and outdoor activities to keep you busy along the northwest shore of Lake Michigan. This trip begins in the beautiful Hiawatha National Forest in the rugged Upper Peninsula of Michigan (or “UP” as locals call it), filled with hiking trails, charming lighthouses, bubbling streams, and rushing waterfalls. A three-hour drive northwest takes you to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (on the shores of Lake Superior in the rugged UP of Michigan), packed with museums, historic sites, hiking trails, picturesque campgrounds, beaches, and more. After this, you'll wind your way through upper Wisconsin to the charming town of Ephraim, in picturesque Door County. Kohler-Andrae State Park is next on the list before continuing to Milwaukee and finishing the trip in Chicago. There are many public and private campgrounds all along the way. Summer and fall are the best times for this trip, since they offer warmer weather for outdoor recreation and city attractions. Let AdventureGenie help you plan a great trip to explore the UP, Wisconsin's eastern shore, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Note: if you want to do the whole Lake Michigan circle tour, this trip can be combined with *Wandering the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan for a 10–14-day trip that circumnavigates all of Lake Michigan.
This Trip Is Great For
Everyone, but especially those who want to see a mixture of larger cities, natural beauty, and beaches, will enjoy this trip. It can be geared to different ages at each location. Chicago and Milwaukee may be more easily navigated by automobile and public transportation.
Hiawatha National Forest - Rapid River, Michigan
Hiawatha National Forest - Rapid River, Michigan
1-2 day stay
Description
You’ll begin the road trip in the impressive Hiawatha National Forest, known for its array of woodlands, wetlands, and waterfalls. Situated in the “UP,” Hiawatha National Forest is nestled among three of the Great Lakes, earning it the nickname of the “Great Lakes National Forest”. This park spans 880,000 acres and is split into two sections, the East and West Blocks, further divided into five districts. Within these districts are various habitats, picturesque lakeshores, charming lighthouses, and many opportunities for recreation including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing in the winter. As the forest covers a lot of land, you may want to plan an extra day or two for exploration.

Highlights
Explore the beauty of Hiawatha National Forest by checking out these attractions:
Where To Stay
Hiawatha Forest has many camping options, which include sites that can accommodate RVs. Most campsites are geared toward tent camping, so be prepared for grounds without electricity, sewer, or water hookups. Additional private RV-friendly campgrounds are available in Wetmore and Manistique, MI, about 8-18 miles from the forest. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best campgrounds with easy access to Hiawatha National Forest!
Nearby Activites
Hiking - Biking - Kayaking, Canoeing, & Paddling - Boating & Watersports - Climbing - Hunting - Off-Roading - Horseback Riding - Snowshoeing - Snowmobiling - Ice Fishing - Cross-Country Skiing
Porcupine Wilderness Mountains State Park - Ontonagon, Michigan
Porcupine Wilderness Mountains State Park - Ontonagon, Michigan
1-2 day stay
Description
The Porcupine Mountains, also known as the Porkies, are a great location to explore more of the UP’s stunning wilderness. Situated in the UP of Michigan, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is the largest state park in Michigan. The park spans over 60,000 acres, providing views of old-growth forests, rivers, waterfalls, and the Porkies. There are activities in the park for everyone, from camping to hiking, fishing, and more.

Highlights
Here are some of the most popular things to see and do at the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park:
Where To Stay
Hiawatha Forest has many camping options, which include sites that can accommodate RVs. Most campsites are geared toward tent camping, so be prepared for grounds without electricity, sewer, or water hookups. Additional private RV-friendly campgrounds are available in Wetmore and Manistique, MI, about 8-18 miles from the forest. Let AdventureGenie help you find the best campgrounds with easy access to Hiawatha National Forest!
Nearby Activites
Camping - Hiking - Fishing - Boating - Beaches - Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddling - Biking - Museums - Guided Tours of Mines
Ephraim, Wisconsin
Ephraim, Wisconsin
1-3 day stay
Description
Door County, a narrow peninsula with nearly 300 miles of shoreline jutting into Lake Michigan and Green Bay, is often referred to as “The Cape Cod of the Midwest.” Ephraim, Wisconsin, is one of several charming small towns located in famed Door County, a county rich with lighthouses, wineries, outdoor recreation areas, boating, museums, and more. Other wonderful small towns include Egg Harbor, Sister Bay, and Fish Creek. Door County has five state parks inside its 1.5 million acres. Ephraim offers a picturesque small town reminiscent of New England, with its whitewashed buildings and church steeples.

Highlights
Door County and Ephraim have tons of attractions to enjoy. Here are a few popular options:
Where To Stay
Given Door County’s popularity as a world-class summer vacation destination, there is an abundance of great public and private campgrounds to choose from! Both Peninsula State Park and Potowatomi State Park have RV-friendly campsites, with some size restrictions and varying levels of hook ups. There are also tons of private campgrounds – ranging from rustic to full-scale RV resorts. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for exploring Door County.
Nearby Activites
Biking - Hiking - Beaches - Boating - Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddling - Watersports - Swimming - Golf - Museums - Tram Tours - Parasailing
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan, Wisconsin
1-2 day stay
Description
Kohler-Andrae State Park is actually two state parks that have been merged into one, located in Wilson, Wisconsin (near Sheboygan), with almost 1,000 acres, two miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan, scenic views, and wonderful beaches. With wooded campsites, boardwalks winding through dunes, abundant wildlife, miles of sandy beaches, and a Selfie Stand Park for social media enthusiasts, Kohler-Andrae State Park is a top choice for visitors to the area. The park is especially picturesque in the fall, with red and yellow leaves strewn throughout the landscape. Camping and hiking are two of the most popular activities at this park.

Highlights
Kohler-Andrae State Park is a beautiful hidden gem near Lake Michigan with wonderful outdoor activities. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular things to do:
Where To Stay
Given Door County’s popularity as a world-class summer vacation destination, there is an abundance of great public and private campgrounds to choose from! Both Peninsula State Park and Potowatomi State Park have RV-friendly campsites, with some size restrictions and varying levels of hook ups. There are also tons of private campgrounds – ranging from rustic to full-scale RV resorts. Let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground for exploring Door County.
Nearby Activites
Bicycling - Boating - Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddling - Swimming - Horseback Riding - Fishing - Hiking - Hunting
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
1-3 day stay
Description
Milwaukee is most famous for beer and baseball, but today’s Milwaukee boasts incredible architecture, beautiful parks, museums, and stunning beaches. Each neighborhood in Milwaukee offers a unique experience, from the Historic Third Ward with trendy restaurants and shops to the Harbor District, a popular canoeing area. In the southeastern part of Wisconsin along Lake Michigan, Milwaukee provides a jam-packed list of activities for all interests and ages. This culturally diverse city has world-class museums and a booming food scene. Milwaukee is a beautiful, friendly and diverse small city that will surprise and delight visitors.

Highlights
Milwaukee has so many interesting and fun things to see and do, but here are some of our favorite things to do:
Where To Stay
There are only a few RV parks in the city of Milwaukee and many more just outside the city. If you want to camp outside the city, let AdventureGenie help you find the perfect campground to explore Milwaukee!
Nearby Activites
Biking - Museums - Breweries - Zoos - Parks - Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) - Milwaukee Bucks (NBA) - Milwaukee Admirals (NHL) - Milwaukee Wave (MASL) - Botanical Gardens - Riverwalk - Beaches - Boating - Kayaking, Canoeing & Paddling
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, Illinois
1-3 day stay
Description
The Windy City. Chi-town. The City of Big Shoulders. Chicago has many nicknames, but it is one of America’s great historic cities. It has beautiful skyscrapers, a gorgeous shoreline, world-class museums, great food (and famous pizza!) and fun activities. With so much to see and do, you can spend several days in Chicago. This city, nicknamed the Windy City for a tornado that sped through Chicago in 1876, is a packed with dozens of museums (art, science, industry, aquarium, history, planetarium), pro sports teams, beautiful lake front trails, theater, comedy, water activities, and so much more. And don’t forget to try Chicago’s famous pizza!

Highlights
Unsure of what to do in Chicago since there is so much? Here are some great options:
Where To Stay
There are only a few RV-friendly campgrounds in downtown Chicago, but there are many private campgrounds in the city's suburbs. Public options include McCormick Place Marshalling Yard (in downtown), Illinois Beach State Park, Starved Rock State Park, and Indiana Dunes State and National Parks. Let AdventureGenie help you find your perfect campsite while visiting Chicago!