
Caution Drivers, Plan Ahead: Many Are Surprised to Find Northern Michigan Gas Stations Closed at Night
It may seem like the most natural thing on the roads to stop for gas when your fuel tank begins to get low. However for drivers in northern Michigan, particularly the Upper Peninsula finding late night fuel can be extremely difficult.
Many gas stations across the region close in the evening and pay-at-the-pump service is not available when the gas stations are closed.
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The question came up recently on the Upper Peninsula subreddit of Reddit about why there are so few 24-hour gas stations in the region:
I was on M-28 going back toward Metro Detroit, and all of a sudden, it was after midnight when I got onto M-123 going back toward I-75.
basically all gas stations are closed on M-123 as well, during the midnight to sunrise hours.
For drivers more accustom to bigger cities and interstate highway travel, fuel stops are available frequently and at any hour of the day.
Of course the immediate answer to the difference in the Upper Peninsula is the rural nature of the region and lack of major interstate highways. Many gas station operators would likely not see enough traffic to justify being open late or all the time.
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Long time northern Michigan residents were quick to offer tips when driving across the Upper Peninsula like:
Rule of thumb for UP Driving. Always leave with a full tank. When coming across the bridge fuel up in St Ignace if there is any doubt.
UP rule whether local or not, you always top off gas whenever possible. Even more important if you're in the Keweenaw. Stay prepped always
Many comments reported at least one 24 hour gas station in the major cities of the UP like Marquette, Manistique, Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Houghton and the Sault.
But when driving the vast deep wilderness of the region, don't count on getting fuel late night.
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Gallery Credit: Eric Meier