From the UP of Michigan to Portland, Oregon

[andyshoop]

My family and I will be travelling across the country this summer and are planning our trip. From DC to UP of Michigan we have figured out. Will stop at Mt Rushmore and Yellowstone, but are interested in other spots of interest along the way. Any inputs will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Andy

[imported_Kate]

I'm a native Chicagoan. If you're interested in seeing big cities, don't miss Chicago. Best shopping in the country!
Lake Shore Drive affords spectacular views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Also, rollerblading/biking along the Chicago River, by Lincoln Park Zoo and along the Lake Shore is awesome. Take the architecture tour along the Chicago River!

I recently moved to Mpls and as far as beautiful scenery and hiking go, Minnesota can not be beat. Start your
North Shore (of Lake Superior) excursion in the harbor town of Duluth, Minnesota. Head North on Highway 61. I
would recommend taking the route as far as Grand Portage (on the border of MN and Ontario, Canada), which
has the highest waterfalls in the state. Along the way, stop your car on the side of the road at the various state
parks (signage is very good) and hike bits and pieces of the Superior National Hiking Trail. Don't miss Gooseberry Falls, Caribou Falls, Baptism River, Tettegouche, Temperance River State Park or Cascade State Park. You'll see rushing rivers, gorges, enormous waterfalls, cliffs jutting out into Lake Superior, awesome rock formations, the Sawtooth Mountains...breathtaking views, rock hopping, rock scrambling, hiking...guaranteed lifelong memories.

While this area is a hikers heaven, the land is so vast that you will seldom encounter one. The solitude is refreshing.Go with a good hiking partner, several layers of clothing (weather conditions fluctuate to the extremes), and drinking water. Trust me. Go! It will be one of the best vacations you will ever take...and yes, there is civilization up there, so there are places to eat and sleep.

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Yellowstone this summer and we plan stops/side trips to the Badlands, Black Hills, Grand Tetons, and Estes Park. They all sound incredible! Good luck!