You and Lake Michigan: A Driving Odyssey (or Maybe Not)
Ever gazed upon a map of the Great Lakes and thought, "Man, I could totally drive around that giant mitten-shaped one"? Well, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of circumnavigating Lake Michigan by car (or truck, or maybe even a tricked-out golf cart if that's your jam).
The Great Loop (Almost):
Let's get this straight off the bat: Yes, you can absolutely drive around Lake Michigan. There's a whole snazzy route called the Lake Michigan Circle Tour that clocks in at around 1,100 miles. That's a road trip and a half, taking you through four states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan) and past some seriously stunning scenery. Think lighthouses, sand dunes, charming towns, and enough cheese curds to clog your arteries (in the best way possible, of course).
But Wait, There's More (Like, a Lot More Water):
Here's the thing: Lake Michigan is a lake, which means there's, you know, a whole lotta water in the way. You can't exactly whip out your driver's license and zoom across the surface (although that would be an epic scene in a wacky Hollywood movie).
There are, however, some pretty cool ferries that can take you across certain sections of the lake, like the mighty S.S. Badger, which cuts diagonally across from Ludington, Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. So you can technically still do a loop-ish route, just with some⛴️ ferry action thrown in for good measure.
So, You Wanna Be a Lake Michigan Loop Hero?
If you're feeling the call of the open road (or, well, the road that goes around a giant lake), then here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Time for Tapas (or Just Tons of Snacks): This ain't a quick jaunt to the grocery store. Factor in some serious driving time, especially if you plan on stopping to soak up the sights (and indulge in all the delicious regional food).
- Plan Like a Boss: This scenic route has a ton of options. Do you want the big city vibes of Chicago or the quaint charm of Door County, Wisconsin? Research and plan your stops beforehand to make the most of your adventure.
- Prepare for All Seasons: Lake Michigan can be a bit of a weather chameleon. Pack for anything, from scorching summer days to chilly autumn evenings.
How To FAQs:
- How long does it take to drive around Lake Michigan? The whole loop can take anywhere from 17 hours (straight driving, which we don't recommend) to a leisurely week or more, depending on how often you hit the brakes for sightseeing and cheese curd emergencies.
- Do I need a special permit to drive around Lake Michigan? Nope, just a valid driver's license, a road-worthy car, and a sense of adventure.
- What's the best time of year to go? Summer offers sunshine and warm water, but fall brings vibrant foliage and fewer crowds. Spring and winter can be beautiful too, but be prepared for temperamental weather.
- Can I bring my bike? Absolutely! Many parts of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour are biker-friendly.
- Is there a specific route I need to take? The beauty lies in the flexibility! There's a designated Lake Michigan Circle Tour route, but feel free to explore and make it your own adventure.
So, there you have it. Driving around Lake Michigan: totally doable, potentially cheese curd-filled, and an adventure waiting to happen. Now get out there and make some lakeside memories!
The Peach State and the Equality State: A Tale of Two Time Travelers (Except They Weren't Time Travelers, They Just Joined the Union at Different Times)
Ever wondered how long Georgia's been kicking around the ol' US of A compared to Wyoming? Buckle up, history buffs (or, you know, people who vaguely remember learning about states in elementary school), because we're about to take a whirlwind trip through time (with significantly less DeLorean involved).
Georgia: Founding Father Fanatics (Kind Of)
Georgia became a state on January 2nd, 1788. That's right, they were part of the original crew, the cool kids on the block who signed the Constitution and said "I'm in" before it was even cool. They were there for the whole "revolutionary war" thing, so bonus points for historical cred.
Fun Fact: Georgia was actually the last of the original 13 colonies to sign on the dotted line. But hey, better late than never, right?
Wyoming: Hold Our Stetsons, We're Coming In!
Wyoming moseyed on in to the Union much later, on July 10th, 1890. That's over a HUNDRED years after Georgia. What were they doing all that time? Wrangling wranglers? Perfecting the art of the pancake breakfast? The world may never know (but it probably involved a lot of cowboys and lassoing things).
Side Note: Wyoming shares its statehood date with Idaho. Did they plan a joint celebration? Did they wear matching hats? Again, history is silent on this crucial detail.
Basically, Georgia's got a solid head start on Wyoming in the whole "being a state" thing. They've seen it all, from the American Revolution to the invention of the fidget spinner (although, hopefully, they've forgotten about that last one).
FAQ: You Ask, We Answer (Briefly)
How to impress a Georgian with your knowledge of statehood dates?
A: Casually drop the fact that Georgia joined the Union on January 2nd, 1788. Bonus points for knowing they were the last of the original 13 colonies to sign on.
How to avoid an awkward silence while visiting Wyoming?
A: Mention that Wyoming shares its statehood date (July 10th, 1890) with Idaho. Maybe that will spark a conversation about matching hats.
How to win a bar trivia night?
A: Remember that Georgia joined the Union before Wyoming. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
How to travel through time?
A: Unfortunately, this article is not here to provide time travel advice. But hey, maybe Wyoming was just really good at waiting.
How to make the best out of any situation?
A: Learn something new (like this fun fact about Georgia and Wyoming), appreciate the journey, and maybe wear a cool hat. You never know when it might come in handy.
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