Author Topic: Seeking route suggestions--Minneapolis to NT in New York State  (Read 17318 times)

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Offline elickerj

Seeking route suggestions--Minneapolis to NT in New York State
« on: September 17, 2017, 10:42:30 am »
I will be riding the Northern Tier from west to east next year.  Trying to choose the best route between Minneapolis and Western NY state. I am open to various possibilities: ferry across Lake Michigan,  ride UP and northern Michigan, etc.  Who has done this transit and can recommend a nice connecting route? 

Offline jcostanz

Re: Seeking route suggestions--Minneapolis to NT in New York State
« Reply #1 on: September 19, 2017, 02:35:08 pm »
I have done several tours in the area and linking them together I would suggest if time is not a issue, starting in Green Bay and follow the Lake Michigan coast North East, cross the Mackinaw straight using the ferry to Mackinac Island (possibly staying a night on the island).  Follow the Lake Huron Shore down through Bay City, head due east across the thumb, I used Deckerville RD.  South along the lake shore and along the St Clair River, crossing to Canada at the Marine City ferry.  Heading South East near Rondeau Park and then following Lake Erie shore thru Port Colborne.  At this point either heading North along the Welland Canal (nice paved bike path) to Thorold and then Niagara Falls, or keeping with Lake Erie and catching the Friendship trail (paved bike rail trail) to Ft Erie and then following the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. 

You could also head North after St Ignace and cross into Canada at Sault Ste Marie heading towards Manitoulin Island.  I did a tour this summer from Sudbury thru Manitoulin Island, along Lake Huron back to Niagara Falls, but I have no experience from Sault Ste Marie to Espanola other then some planning and remember that there is only 1 road and very desolate area.

A shorter route would be to take the Ferry from Manitowoc to Ludington and cross Michigian to Bay City, (I haven't done this).

Jeff

Offline John Nelson

Re: Seeking route suggestions--Minneapolis to NT in New York State
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2017, 07:49:00 pm »
I went across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and enjoyed it. Mackinac Island was a special treat. Eating all those pasties was a bonus. The Pere Marquette Rail-Trail in the Lower Peninsula is really nice.

The Lake Erie Connector (northern shore of Lake Erie in Ontario) was very nice too, and you get to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.

Offline elickerj

Re: Seeking route suggestions--Minneapolis to NT in New York State
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2017, 07:32:07 pm »
Thanks Jeff and John, we will consider your advice. I am leaning toward riding the UP.
Jim