This summer we are planning a road trip. We will start in Detroit Mi. Head north up through the Michigan peninsula, across the Mackinac Bridge to the Upper Peninsula, head west through the UP, then south through Wisconsin and all the way to Fort Lauderdale.
We have plans to stop in Milwaukee Wi. Chicago Il, Nashville Tn, along the way.
I would appreciate information and suggestions anyone has on things to do, place to see, places to eat along this route.
We have 3 weeks to complete the trip, will be traveling 2 up with the wife, love to hike, love waterfalls.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

Hiking and Water Falls, you could spend a week in the U.P. alone. Tahquamenon Falls is the second largest Falls East of the Mississippi, located about 70 mi North of St Ignace. Pictured Rocks National Shoreline is a short ride away, H-58 is IMO the best ride in Michigan about 45 mi between Grand Marias and Munising. Many Falls in the Munising area, Miners Falls/Miners Castle is a must see just off H-58. and this is just in the Eastern U.P.

 

If time allows, I would detour East to Knoxville and ride the Dragon, The Blueridge Parkway, and The Skyway. Leisurely pace, beautiful scenery, and plenty of good home cooking restaurants. Plenty of good motels and all are bike friendly that I have found. (You can spend four or five days here and never ride the same roads each day).
Good Luck on the trip and watch the crazies!

 

When you get to northern Michigan swing by Traverse City. Take a ride around Hwy M-22 ,Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes and Leelanau County-Lake Michigan shoreline. Then head north to Harbor Springs M-119 (tunnel of trees) to Cross Village. From there your on your to Mackinaw City.

 

Thanks to everyone that responded, they all sound great. We have done the Tennessee & Carolina routes but thanks for the time taken to respond.
Any one else have suggestions? All will be helpful.

 

You can go to the northern end of US41 in Copper Harbor and ride it all the way back to its southern end in Florida.

 

Morning, so I did a quick Google maps to see what your route would look like, straight line. Here is my suggestion, if I was you:

I would stay west and go to St. Louis after that I would hit Memphis and then continue south to the Gulf and New Orleans and then follow the coast, west coast of Florida all the way down to Naples. I would go across Florida using Alligator Alley Route 41. I now I tell you this because I have been to Nashville a bunch of times, so for me the route I describe is more new roads to me.

That said Nashville is a great time, but since you asked I have given my opinion. Good luck.

 

If you go through TN you hit Falls Creek Falls beautiful water falls in this area. The Southern Back Roads Rally was in this area last summer. A lot of hiking and can even walk under some of the falls.

 

Sounds like an interesting trip.
You're going to love Nashville. Broadway is a hoot. Tootsie's is the best!
I'm not much on New Orleans, but Rte 98 along the coast of the FL panhandle is a good ride. I'd probably stay on Rte 98 down through Crystal River (Crackers for lunch or dinner) & head down through Dade City. You have a choice a little south of Lakeland. If you don't like traffic, stay on 98 and head over to the Big Lake. If you don't mind a lot of cages being driven by old people, jump on Rte 17 which will connect with Rte 41 & that eventually becomes Alligator Alley which is a pretty, but straight ride. If you do the Rte 41 trip, stop in Everglades City, which has an interesting history.
Have fun & ride safe!