wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

The first week of October, I will be staying at a resort in Mishicot, WI for 7 days/nights. My goal is to capture some "fall colors", waterfalls, lighthouses, sunrises/sunsets, harbors and any other scenic points of interest I find.

Door County and the rest of the Door Peninsula is one place I'm going for sure. Having never been there, I've been doing my online research for scenic locations to shoot.

Other locations that are on my "must-see" list for this trip are southern shore of Lake Superior, from Munising to Whitefish Point, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Whitefish Point Lighthouse, Crisp Point Lighthouse, & Au Sable Light Station. Are there specific locations on the north shore of Lake Michigan that are also "must see" spots, since I plan to go all the way to the Mackinac Bridge?

Of all the locations I've already mentioned here, are there any I should omit & replace with a different one that is more scenic? I would also love to know of any "hidden gems' that y'all are willing to share with me. Thank you, in advance, for any/all ideas.

One last thing.......what are my chances of seeing the 'Northern Lights' that time of year?

ltj123 Loc: NW Wisconsin

Porcupine Mountains on Lake Superior, east side by campground has very scenic high inland lake view with Porkies. West side by that campground has small waterfall by lake.

wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

That looks very nice. Thanks.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Can't help you with the WI portion but I did the Munising, Pictured Rocks, etc with a workshop 2 yrs. ago. The scenery is breathtaking and worth the effort to capture it. There are several waterfalls other than Tahquanenon, mostly in the Munising area. Some are even in the town. We spent 2 mornings at Thompson Lake, the western view of the sunrise against the clouds is worth the effort. Your taking this trip in October is going to cause a few problems. First, the boats used for the excursions out onto Lake Superior are subject to weather and at that time the weather is not good. We tried for three days and each day the tour people called to say the winds were too great and they cancelled. Secondly, the area is a tourist mecca and October isn't on their calendar, food is scarce. We went into a restaurant in Paradise with 14 people and had troubles finding enough food. Not all restaurants are open. Plan on this to avoid problems. The Michigan shoreline has the bridge, and most of the best shooting locations for it. Your best photography stops will be on the Superior shore. Good luck and have fun.

PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL

Find lighthouses on "lighthousefriends.com". Dawn at Copper Harbor is pretty unbeatable
Search back in the forum for prior UP conversations.

wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

That's how I found the lighthouses I already mentioned..........Copper Harbor is not in the area I asked about............and after reading all the comments from prior UP conversations (mostly just pictures, with people commenting on the pictures), and not seeing much information, I then decided to post my questions.

gmsatty Loc: Chicago IL

Check this out http://www.agawatrain.com/
It is an old lumber route out of Sault Ste. Marie Canada, which is right at the junction of Upper Mi and WI

wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

Thanks for the info. That looks like an awesome trip.

Unfortunately, every day that I will be up there is "SOLD OUT".

wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

Thank you so much. Will check it out.

wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

Thank you so much. I'm taking my trip then, hoping to find some beautiful fall colors, which we don't have in Houston. I will be carrying a cooler with food & beverages in the car with me; so not worried about restaurants. Hopefully, it won't be too windy during my time up there.

I'm sure planning to see & photograph the shorelines of both Lakes.

Take care.

Kishka Loc: Grafton, WI

From Mishicot take V east to Hwy 42, head north to Door county through the small towns. Google Door County Lighthouses for a listing of the many various stops. Follow Hwy 57 north of Sturgeon Bay, don't miss Whitefish Bay Dunes Park and Cave Point. Cana Island Lighthouse, northeast of Baileys Harbor, should have tours by now although the causeway will be under water due to the high Lake Michigan level. Hwy 57 rejoins Hwy 42 at Sister Bay, then taking you to Gills Rock and the Northport Ferry to Washington Island. Reverse trip on Hwy 42 out of Sister Bay, Peninsula Park between Ephraim and Sister Bay is one of Wisconsin's top parks for good reason. Veer right on G in Egg Harbor to follow the shoreline to B which will take you into Sturgeon Bay, passing the old Cherry Orchards and quarry. Most of the Fall tourists should be gone with the colors so crowds will be down.
I'll let others advise the UP and border sights,
Good luck and good travels!

Kishka Loc: Grafton, WI

A couple of November photos at Newport State Park with Detroit Island and the deserted Pilot Island Lighthouse to the right.

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wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

Thank you, Kishka, for your detailed directions & suggestions. Some of these places were on my list already; but it's great to read that others recommend them!

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and allow me to witness peak fall colors in my travels this fall.

wbrook13 Loc: Houston, TX

Thank you for sharing.

Kishka Loc: Grafton, WI

Newport State Park is Wisconsin's first Dark Sky designated park. I have seen the Aurora Borealis up there in Fall, it will depend on Sun activity during your tour.