Famous route

Lake Superior Circle Tour

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is a signed loop of about 1,300 miles through Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ontario. It crosses the border twice and passes many state and provincial parks.

States: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ontario
Length: About 1,300 mi (2,100 km)
Start / end: Sault Ste. Marie (loop)
Suggested time: 4 to 14 days (about 9 recommended)
Best season: Late May to mid-October

What should you know before visiting Lake Superior Circle Tour?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (IL).

Michigan has the longest share at about 515 miles, followed by Ontario at 474, Minnesota at 154 and Wisconsin at 142. The signs went up in summer 1986.
For the two border crossings (Sault Ste. Marie and Pigeon River), every person in the vehicle needs proper identification. Check current rules with the border agencies.
Time zones change: most of the Upper Peninsula and all of Ontario use Eastern Time, while parts of the western peninsula, Wisconsin and Minnesota use Central Time.
Time zones change: most of the Upper Peninsula and Ontario along the route use Eastern Time, while parts of the western peninsula, Wisconsin and Minnesota use Central Time.

The drive

In Michigan the route enters from Wisconsin at Ironwood and uses US-2, M-28, M-64, M-38, M-26 and US-41, with a loop at Calumet and Hancock, then Marquette, Munising, Seney and Newberry to Tahquamenon Falls and Paradise. I-75 leads to Sault Ste. Marie and the International Bridge into Ontario. There the tour follows Highway 17 along the north shore and Highway 61 from Thunder Bay to the Pigeon River. Signs are white on brown.

Camping

Along the route are Tahquamenon Falls, Porcupine Mountains and Fort Wilkins (Michigan), Grand Portage (Minnesota), and Sleeping Giant, Rainbow Falls and Lake Superior Provincial Park (Ontario). Pictured Rocks and the Apostle Islands are national lakeshores. On Ontario Crown land the limit is 21 days per site per calendar year, then move at least 100 m; no camping on roads or parking lots. In the US, ask state parks and forest agencies about rules and reservations beforehand.

Planning

Driven hard, the loop takes four to five days; experienced travelers recommend nine days, and two weeks is possible. Late May and early June are usually quieter, and late September to mid-October is peak fall color. In April some campgrounds, stores and restaurants may still be closed, and heavy snow is possible. Cell and GPS coverage drops in places, so carry a paper map.

FAQs

How long does the Lake Superior Circle Tour take?

Driven hard, four to five days. Experienced travelers recommend about nine, and a relaxed trip can take two weeks. Fall color peaks from late September to mid-October.

Where does the tour cross the US–Canada border?

At Sault Ste. Marie over the International Bridge and at the Pigeon River near Grand Portage. All occupants need proper identification. Check current entry rules with the border agencies before you go.

Can I camp for free in Ontario?

On most Crown land, yes, for private use and up to 21 days per site per year. Non-residents of Canada usually need a permit north of the French and Mattawa Rivers, but renters of a camping unit from an Ontario business are exempt. Follow posted signs.

How much are the tolls on Lake Superior Circle Tour?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (IL). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.