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How to Book a Michigan Upper Peninsula Fall Road Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Michigan Upper Peninsula Fall Road Trip

Fall in the UP is incredible, but cabins fill up fast. Here is how to plan your trip and handle the costs.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,400 before anything else
Across the 0% window $93.33/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,400 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

The Upper Peninsula in early October is all about the deep reds and oranges of the maple trees against the dark blue of Lake Superior. You want to be driving along the coast near Munising or Copper Harbor during that first week of October, but you need to lock in your cabin by May to get a spot.

A trip like this usually runs around $1400. If you use the Discover it® Cash Back card, you get 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. This lets you pay for the trip in pieces over that 15-month intro window rather than hitting your bank account all at once.

Keep in mind that 0% intro APR is just a window, not free money. If you have a balance left when the 15 months are up, the bank will start charging you interest on what you still owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Book your stay now

    Cabins in the UP sell out months in advance for the foliage season. Find a spot in a central town like Marquette or Munising so you can easily reach the waterfalls and shoreline trails. Do this before May or you will be stuck with limited options.

  2. 02

    Map out your route

    The UP is massive and driving takes longer than you think. Focus on one side of the peninsula to avoid spending your whole trip behind the wheel. Pick a home base and take day trips to see the Pictured Rocks or Tahquamenon Falls.

  3. 03

    Use your card for expenses

    Put your lodging and gas on your Discover it® Cash Back card. You will have 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, which means you can spread the $1400 total into payments of $93.33 per month.

  4. 04

    Stock up on supplies

    Grocery stores are sparse once you get deep into the woods. Grab a cooler and buy your food and firewood in larger towns before heading to your cabin. This saves you from paying premium prices at tiny convenience stores.

  5. 05

    Check your gear

    The weather changes fast in October. Pack layers, waterproof boots, and a good jacket. You will spend most of your time outside, so being warm is the difference between a great trip and a miserable one.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

What is the best way to get there?

Most people drive in from Wisconsin or lower Michigan. If you are flying, look at flights into Marquette or Traverse City and rent a car.

Is early October too late for camping?

It gets very cold at night, often near freezing. Cabins are much more comfortable if you aren't prepared for true winter camping.

Do I need a special pass for parks?

Yes, you will want a Michigan Recreation Passport. It covers entry to state parks and is well worth the cost for a week of exploring.

Is the 0% intro APR automatic?

It applies to the card automatically once you start making purchases. Just make sure you pay your minimum balance every month so you don't lose the offer.