The word “Michigan” came from the word “michigama” which means “land surrounded by water.” Obviously, this is a very apropos name for the state. But Michigan isn’t all about the water; it’s also about the beauty on the land, including rich, dense forests and bountiful fruit trees. Michigan is richly endowed with fruits like grapes, blueberries, apples, raspberries and many others. It has a reputation for being a major fruit producer, as well as a grower of vineyard grapes for the local wineries.

The people of Michigan are incredibly hospitable. They welcome everyone with warm hearts and a friendly smile. They are proud of their beautiful state, and do all they can to keep good care of the land and seascapes.

Michigan's Shipwreck Coast offers amazing opportunities to explore and enjoy the scenes of the shoreline that meanders along the coast. The roadway is so close to the shore that it looks as if the highway’s lanes are floating on the waves. Many people claim that the further north you go, the better it gets. As a matter of fact, Shipwreck Coast was awarded a place as one of National Geographic’s “Drives of a Lifetime.”

The Shipwreck Coast is located on the shores of Lake Superior on the edge of Michigan’s upper peninsula. It’s derives its name because there is an alleged 300 boats that have sunk in the clear waters of the lake. You don’t really need to be a seasoned maritime expert to see these wrecks; the historic region is visible by simply driving your Cruise America rental RV between Marquette and Whitefish Point. However, for a real fish-eyed view of the wrecks, consider taking a glass bottom boat tour on the famous 60-foot Miss Munising.

Your entire travel party will love the Marquette Maritime Museum, which is where the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse can be found. In addition to the actual lighthouse, the museum displays lighthouse lenses, a working periscope and an assortment of Lake Superior memorabilia. While you are in Marquette, be sure to get out of your motorhome kitchen and splurge on a seafood meal from Thill’s Fish House. Here you can order a generous plate of fresh smoked trout and whitefish caught by their own fishing boat, the Linda Lee.

Munising is also a great place to visit, complete with the splendiferous, breathtaking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. This area offers over 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Superior. The brilliantly colored sandstone cliffs rise up to 200 feet over the water’s surface. Visitors can enjoy the forests, streams, shoreline and wildlife by kayaking, or by hiking or biking some of the 100 miles of scenic trails. Grand Island and the Eben Ice Caves are also visit-worthy.

Wherever your travels take you, you’re sure to enjoy the journey just as much (if not more) as the destination in a Cruise America class C rental RV.