Escanaba

When planning a trip to Escanaba, located in the picturesque Upper Peninsula region of the USA, you will discover a cosy city on the shores of Lake Michigan, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and natural beauty. You can reach this destination in various ways: by using local or neighbouring airports, choosing a bus route, or setting off on an exciting road trip. This guide will help you choose the best option so that your acquaintance with the city begins as comfortably as possible.

The fastest way to arrive in the city is to take a flight to the local Delta County Airport (ESC), which accepts regular commercial flights and connects the region with major hubs. This allows you to land directly at your destination, saving time on ground transfers.

Alternatively, travellers often choose to fly to neighbouring cities: Iron Mountain is 78 km away, and the airport in Marquette is 92 km away. Another popular option remains flying into Green Bay (156 km), from where you can continue your journey by rental car.

It is not possible to reach Escanaba exclusively by train, as there is no passenger rail service within the city or across the entire Upper Peninsula. The nearest major Amtrak stations are located significantly further south, for example, in Milwaukee or Chicago.

Enthusiasts of rail travel will need to combine their route: take a train to major transport hubs in the states of Wisconsin or Illinois, and cover the remaining part of the journey on an intercity bus or a rental car.

Bus services connect Escanaba with other cities in the region, making the trip accessible for those who do not drive. The main carrier in this part of Michigan is Indian Trails, whose routes pass through the city and connect it with major settlements in the Upper Peninsula and neighbouring Wisconsin.

Although direct services from distant metropolises may be unavailable, planning a trip with a convenient transfer is quite realistic. It is recommended to check the schedule in advance and purchase tickets, especially during the summer tourist season.

Travelling by car will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Lake Michigan coast. If you are driving from the city of Iron Mountain, the journey will take only about 1 hour, as the distance is approximately 84 km.

The route from the city of Marquette, covering 106 km, will require approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of travel time. For tourists heading from the south through Green Bay, the drive will last about 2 hours, during which you will cover 178 km on excellent highways.

Escanaba is a friendly city with typical Midwestern charm, but to ensure your trip goes perfectly, it is worth considering a few practical points.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The weather by Lake Michigan is changeable. Even in summer, it is worth bringing a windbreaker for cool evenings, and in winter, warm layered clothing and waterproof footwear are necessary.
2. Transport. Public transport is not well developed, so renting a car would be the best solution for moving freely around the city and its surroundings.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for tipping or purchases at fairs.
4. Health and Safety. The city is safe for tourists, but before travelling to the USA, be sure to arrange medical insurance, as healthcare services here are expensive.
5. Communication. The main language is English. Locals are very open and always ready to help, even if you speak with an accent.
6. Local Etiquette. It is customary here to be polite and smile. Do not forget to leave tips in restaurants and taxis amounting to 15–20% of the bill.
7. What to Avoid. Be extremely careful on the roads at twilight and at night: the risk of collision with wild deer is very high in this region.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to try the local pies known as "pasties" — this is the main culinary heritage of the Upper Peninsula (please check ingredients if you require Halal options, as traditional recipes may vary).

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on your holiday by the picturesque bay.