A Trip to Escanaba via Fond du Lac Sheyboygan Manitowoc Oconto & Menominee

I took a little trip to Escanaba via Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Oconto, and Menominee.

Google Maps route from Madison to Escanaba, Michigan showing 5 hour 25 minute drive through Wisconsin along Lake Michigan shoreline with stops marked at Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, Oconto, and Menominee

My first stop along the journey was at Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac to check out Wisconsin's largest inland lake, Lake Winnebago. It was definitely windy!

Google Maps location marker for Lakeside Park in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin showing position on western shore of Lake Winnebago White Ford Focus sedan parked at marina with boats docked in background under clear blue sky White cylindrical lighthouse with stone base and American flag flying beside it on Lake Michigan waterfront under clear sky Lake Michigan shoreline with gentle waves lapping at rocky beach with driftwood scattered on sand

The second stop on my trip was the Harbor Centre Marina in Sheboygan. I did a little climbing on the rocks and dodged a few waves to keep dry.

Google Maps location marker for Harbor Centre Marina in Manitowoc, Wisconsin on Lake Michigan coast Marina dock with sailboats and yachts moored in calm blue water under partly cloudy sky Rocky breakwater extending into Lake Michigan with lighthouse visible in distance under blue sky with wispy clouds Waves crashing over flat limestone rocks along Lake Michigan shore

After visiting all 254 courthouses in Texas, you can say I have an eye for courthouses and a penchant to take selfies at them. I spotted the Manitowoc County Courthouse along the way and had to check it out!

Google Maps location marker for Manitowoc County Courthouse in eastern Wisconsin near Lake Michigan Person wearing Green Bay Packers face mask taking selfie in front of Manitowoc County Courthouse with white dome and classical columns Manitowoc County Courthouse exterior showing neoclassical architecture with white dome, columns, and surrounded by trees

After getting to Oconto, a narrow road got me to the edge of the breakwater. Navigating this drive with other cars was a little nerve-racking, but the views were worth it.

Google Maps location marker for Oconto City Breakwater Park on Green Bay in northeastern Wisconsin Stone breakwater extending into bay with dramatic cloudy sky and single tree visible on distant shore Person standing on rocky Lake Michigan shore under blue sky with white clouds, tree visible on left Rocky Lake Michigan shoreline with choppy water under dramatic cloudy sky

I had hit Michigan and I was hungry. I searched for a pasty shop and found Colonel K's Pasties. I was stuffed after having a ham and cheese pasty and some jerky noodle soup.

Google Maps location marker for Celik's Pasty Shop in Menominee, Michigan on Green Bay shore Small yellow storefront building with red trim housing Celik's Pasty Shop with church steeple visible in background Traditional Cornish pasty and bowl of chicken noodle soup served on paper with Celik's branded cup Hand holding bitten pasty showing interior filling of potatoes, onions, and meat

Michigan 35 was a scenic drive. It was amazing seeing the shore of Lake Michigan, and there were some cool places to stop along the way. This wayside had a nice beach that if there were a palm tree there, you might think it was in a tropical location.

Google Maps location marker for Airport Park in Escanaba, Michigan on Lake Michigan's northern shore near Hiawatha National Forest Sandy Lake Michigan beach with trees along shoreline and gentle waves under partly cloudy sky Sandy beach with willow bushes and lone tree overlooking calm Lake Michigan waters under blue sky with scattered clouds Lake Michigan shoreline with tree-lined coast and calm blue water under partly cloudy sky

I made it to Escanaba where it was a balmy 66F (19C) out. Needless to say, I had the beach to myself. It was relaxing taking in the nature and getting ready to hightail it back to Madison.

Google Maps location marker for Escanaba Municipal Beach on northern Lake Michigan shore in Upper Peninsula Sandy Lake Michigan beach with overcast gray sky and trees visible along distant shoreline Wooden fence and boardwalk leading to Lake Michigan beach through tall dune grass under overcast sky Lake Michigan beach with partially submerged trees visible offshore and driftwood on sand under dramatic cloudy sky

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