Today we travel southwest across Michigan’s lower peninsula from Gaylord to Ludington on the shore of Lake Michigan.
06 September 2025 – Saturday
0935 73,911 48°F Leave Gaylord in the rain.
1023 73,946 49°F Kalkaska, MI
Cherry Street Market where we stocked up on fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. Left at 1039
1150 74,015 55°F Reed City, MI
Reed City’s Welcome Center was built in the style of a railroad depot.
The Seven Slot Grille should be a must stop for Jeep enthusiasts. We like traditional diners like this where breakfast and lunch is available all day.
Reed City also has an fun used toy store, and a Feed & Supply store with fresh beets. Did I mention that I can’t stand the taste of beets?
The parking lot where we made lunch was across the street from the town’s main employer. Beth has a yogurt with lunch every day and it likely was made here!
1307 74,022 55°F Paris, MI
Just a little south of Reed City is Paris. Any city named Paris needs an Eiffel Tower in their town park.
Paris is also home to Michigan’s second oldest fish hatchery.
Who knew that fish had their own train cars until 1938?
1446 74,082 56°F Ludington, MI
We found a spot at the City owned Cartier Park Campground We’re in site 55 with water & electric.
Drove into town to meet fellow Pleasure-Way owners Scott and Barb Sitler. We originally met them at a rally in Branson, MO.
Enjoyed dinner at Jamesport Brewing Company. It’s a fun, casual spot for dinner in downtown Ludington.
After dinner we all watched the Badger steam into port. Built in 1953, She’s the last coal powered steamer operating on the Great Lakes. The captain had to blow the horn multiple times to get small fishing boats to make room for the 410′ ship to enter the harbor.
In an impressive bit of seamanship, the Badger dropped a bow anchor, spun around that anchor, and backed into the ferry dock.
Here’s a short video of the Badger as she turns on her anchor.
And here she is docked and ready to discharge vehicles and passengers from Wisconsin.
Thank you to Scott and Barb for showing us around Ludington. It is always good to see you both.
1952 74,087 Back in our site at Cartier Park Campground
They have modern showers and bathrooms
Clean showers with individual rooms.
Good night from Ludington. Join us tomorrow for more Badger photos and a drive down Michigan’s west coast.
Today’s Route
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