Cant wait to go back and go up into the Upper Peninsula!!! Bikers like the drive as it offers many places to turn off for a rest, find a biker friendly place to eat, or take a bit of shelter during a storm. I certainly wouldnt call myself one, nor Nick, but man, I sure left US 2 with my tail between my legs. With its rich. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15267 These loop routes are detailed below the mainline route below: Thanks to Chris Bessert and the Michigan Highways site for the route. If you go through the UP on US 2 and pass through Manistique there is a restaurant called The Three Seasons as you first start getting into town if you are heading West that I usually see bikes at. There are two ways to tackle this 900-mile, 14.5-hour drive. Spend a day or a week exploring this lakeside road. If you would like to join our guided tour of Lake Michigan we are reserving spots now. MatthewC65. The Great Lakes tour is a circle road trip route through the United States and Canada to scenic destinations along Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario, and Erie. Look to ride my motorcycle around Lake Michigan this week, leaving Chicago Tuesday, staying away three nights. My personal favorites are the twin piers and lights found in South Haven. As a native to the Pacific Northwest, I will be the first to admit to my coastal bias. My near neon orange coat has long been a standby. The route through the U.P. Ride the Circle Tour around Lake Michigan. Have fun on the road! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looking for some incredible yet underrated parks to visit this summer? I highly recommend Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat Park, the wineries on Traverse Bay, and the trip back in time on Mackinaw Island! Jackpine is a primitive hike-in tent-only campground. Just a topple. Just 100 more miles to St. Ignace. Ive ridden in rain before. Sign-up for our email newsletter & receive a free copy of our West Michigan Travel Guide! They also serve as tourist attractions. Check this list below, I truly love nothing more than a good cup of tea (I even pack my, There are not many places in the world that compare to Ireland. Lower Michigans fall foliage, warmer temps and coastal sunsets welcomed us with open arms. At Marinette, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour enters Michigan on the US-41 Interstate Bridge linking that city with its sister, Menominee, on the other bank. More than 1,000 miles long, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour would take about 14 hours without stops to complete. If I take the shortest, quickest . If weather permits, stretch your legs along the sandy shoreline, or hike the West Beach Dune Succession Trail and boardwalk. I liked your comment around the Lake Michigan tour that you and your husband did, that is some thing that me and my wife would like to do this coming week, do you have a map or places that you may recommend to stop by. Lake Michigan Circle Tour Sightseeing & Stops. Old Mans Graveyard Road read the sign. Sorta. Our original post about the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is one of the first long distance motorcycle trips we covered back in 2014. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. One day, roast marshmallows at a remote campsite and the next, toast to new and old friends at an iconic big-city brewery. Art lovers will adore Pentwater, which hosts arts and crafts fairs all summer long. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour covers approximately 950 miles and puts you in the saddle with about 15 hours of (continuous) riding. Had I known the conditions that lay ahead, perhaps I'd have heeded the not-so-subtle warnings. Stephanie. The Indiana Dunes National Park takes up 15 miles of shoreline around Lake Michigan and features a unique ecosystem with lots of native birds and plants. From here, you must must must take the ferry to famous Mackinac Island. Try this feature for free with a RouteYou Plus trial subscription. Its proximity to Canada, heavily forested hills, and lack of decent cell service make it feel like youre at the ends of the earth. Next stop? Another memorable motorcycle tour in fall is the Great Divide National Scenic Byway that takes travelers through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. 1) Horizons bookstore in Traverse City- one of Americas great bookstores I loved this info and grew up 50 miles north of Chicago in Zion. The Wisconsin leg of the tour starts at the Illinois border and moves north on Wisconsin Highway 32 alongside picturesque Lake Michigan. quintessential, must-do American road trips, Things to do at Indiana Dunes National Park, Things to do on Wisconsin's eastern coast, Things to know before your Lake Michigan circle trip, Chicago Summer Activities: The 21 Best Things to Eat, See, and Do, Winter in Chicago: The Best Things to Eat, See, and Do, Dune Climb: uphill sand climbs and hiking. By the time we returned to Chicago via a Lake Michigan ferry (we opted to skip Indiana, cus duh), the tally of how many times we each cheated death was well beyond double digits. Nick said yes, and very little else. For more, see Camping around Lake Michigan. At Green Bay, the circle tour transitions to the final seven miles of I-43 northwesterly to that highways northern terminus at US-41/US-141. Rent a bike (or bring your own) and bike around the perimeter of the island. Pere Marquette beach there is indeed beautiful. Northeast of Empire, a Lake Michigan Circle TourLoop Route leaves M-22 to follow M-109 past Glen Haven, rejoining M-22 at Glen Arbor. We are planning on using your itinerary this summer for a road trip with our 3 boys (ages 10,8,4). Any recommendations for best roads / sights along way? Wisconsin offers the best of Lake Michigans beauty and commercial appeal. In these areas, the LMCT follows the route of Sheridan Rd very closely. Spend the morning here either relaxing by the beach or doing something a bit more active. Just when we thought we were home free, a last second decision to change ferrys added a hundred more miles to our final tour day and brought us into Muskegon, MI well after dark. Your print is ready to download. Just Announced: Comedian Lewis Black at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, Legendary award-winning comedian Lewis Black makes his triumphant return to the Kalamazoo State Theatre on Friday, November 10, 2023, as part of hisOff The Railstour. Please wait, your download is being prepared. Please wait, the navigation is being prepared. Enter to win a giveaway for a free night's stay at Hotel Walloon! At Exit 123, the circle tour departs I-43 and continues northeasterly via STH-28 into Sheboygan. Break it into two separate tripsthe north loop and the south loop. Youre not likely walking away from a spill at 50, so who cares what happens at double that? You can now navigate. Either way, facing death for hours on end really cheapens the thrill. We knew it too. In any case, put the Circle Tour of Lake Michigan on your list of must do rides and plan to do it on Harley-Davidson. Explore Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, the five local lighthouses (I have a thing for lighthouses! The town could be mistaken for one in the Netherlands, with plenty of tulips, windmills, and European-style architecture. Exploring Lake Michigan's scenic shoreline by motorcycle. Taste some fudge, bike around the island, and shop in the quaint downtown area. It felt nice, for 5 minutes. On the north side of Port Washington, the tour rejoins I-43 and contines northerly via I-43/STH-32 toward Sheboygan. Jokes aside, I was damn happy to have a windscreen and more horses than Ive ever ridden before under me. A few more fun, winding roads too. Which stops would you cut out while traveling with kids? The circle tour continues northerly on US-31/BL I-196 toward Holland at Exit 44 when I-196 splits off to the east. And hey, we even got a nice picture of us together on the ferry ride home. While the Lake Michigan Circle Tourremains on I-196/US-31 at Saugatuck/Douglas, a locally-designated Lake Michigan Circle TourHarbor Tour loop route is signed concurrently with A-2/Blue Star Hwy between Exits 36 and 41. When you get to Mackinaw City, youll need to take the ferry over to Mackinac Island (pronounced like Mack-i-naw). They say the UP is no place for weenies. Spend today exploring all of the beautiful marvels of nature the UP has to offer. The route continues northerly via I-43 from Sheboygan to Manitowoc. State of Indiana Historical Marker: As the cityscape gets smaller on your rearview mirror, more outdoor fun awaits. A the US-41/US-141 split in Abrams, the circle tour veers northeasterly to follow US-41 through Oconto and Peshitgo on its way to Marinette. Its one of my favorite places in the country. A ferry between Manitowoc, WI and Ludington, MI make it easy to bisect the huge body of water. Their historical significance, as well as their various shapes and colors, makes a lighthouse run a fascinating destination. Catch the sunset at the Grand Haven State Park Lighthouse, then head over to the Musical Fountain in town (it plays nightly at dusk). South of Mackinaw City, where US-31 ends, the route continues northerly on I-75 crossing the Mackinac Bridge and entering the Upper Peninsula at St Ignace. Ludington State Park. I want to stay as close to the shore as possible most of the time. With so much to see and do along this Great Lake, one of the best ways to soak it all up is on a road trip with family and friends. These loop routes are detailed below the mainline route below: Thanks to Chris Bessert and the Wisconsin Highways site for providing the route. Don't want to see this ad anymore? Here's an idea of what the weather in this area is like to help get your planning started! About Lewis Black: Today, Lewis Read More , Memorial Day is just around the corner, and what better way to kick off the summer than by exploring the beautiful state of Michigan? That sounds like an awesome trip! This viewpoint off of the main highway is one of the best places to get a birds eye view of the Lake Michigan shoreline. With 142 miles to go before the designated lunch spot, we posed for a few last second photos and Adventure Dad and Cool Guy set off. Marie. Teri. We crossed the impressive bridge and ripped down the northwestern corner of the mitten, with brief stops in Petasky and Traverse City. Stay in a luxury hotel, a cozy lodge or a charming bed and breakfast. Your email address will not be published. So, I called up an old pal in Chicago and asked if he was up for a little motorcycle ride. Learn some local history at Fort Mackinac, Sample some world-famous fudge at Murdicks, Take in the blue waters of Kitch-iti-kipi, a scenic natural spring, Check out some art at the Milwaukee Art Museum, Stroll down Michigan Avenue and do some shopping, Stand on the edge of the Willis Tower (ahem, Order some deep dish pizza from Lou Malnatis, Door Peninsula, the Cape Cod of the Midwest: Door County, Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, Sturgeon Bay, and Egg Harbor, If time is not a factor, you can extend your trip to become a full, Some of the state highways in Illinois are toll roads. Plan now at www.WindyCityMotorcycleTours.com or call Tim Farrell at (630)834-6571 for full details. Request your free copy of the Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. JavaScript is required for this feature, but it is either disabled or not supported by your browser. On day 6 of our Lake Michigan circle itinerary, youll cross into our fourth and final state Wisconsin. where you can tour a restored 1844 military outpost and one of the first lighthouses on Lake Superior. (least kid-friendly activities). Your email address will not be published. South Read More . Waterfall & Scenic Lookouts ; Nor'Wester; Ride the Giant; Social. Because I'm stubborn, and because camping is fun, and because I thought itd make for some nice photos. doing this ride in 3 days/nites is a bit ambitious.not to mention, if you do manage to do it, you won't have any time to see anything.. sleeping bear dunes in nw MI is definitely worth a few hours. you might wanna look into taking the ferry across the big lake from wisc to michigan since you've already covered MI up to grand haven.. usually, i recommend the ss badger ferry, but for what you wanna do, i think the lake express ferry might be a better fit be advised, the L-E ferry is about 150 bucks, one way for 1 bike and 1 rider.badger is about 100 bucks for the same. either way, IMO, it's worth it, especially since it will cut out the nightmare that is chicago traffic and its crazy cagers. it makes even more sense if you live north TRUST ME. see my recent trip report and my comments regarding the wisconsin side: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28972-i114-k7578916-Bikes_Boats_and_Beaches_trip_report-Wisconsin.html#59411230. Route 137 joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41), taking you past the Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium. Ohio Bike Week The Shores of Lake Erie Get Riders Going Early! Happy travels , Your email address will not be published. Also, since theres a lot to do here, I think it warrants more time and thus a separate visit. I rode along Lake Shore Drive in Michigan, it various segments, from roughly Indiana to Grand Haven a couple weeks ago, so am familiar w/ that, but little north of Grand Haven. Jamie Elvidge, Photography by Jamie Elvidge, Top Long-Distance Touring Motorcycles of 2022, Harley-Davidson Teases All-New 2023 CVO Street Glide, Harley-Davidson Screamin Eagle 135 Crate Engine Preview, 2023 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide 121 Revealed, King of the Baggers Indian Challenger Ride Review, Buell Motorcycles Modern FXR-Inspired Super Cruiser, 2023 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special Anniversary Review, 2023 Indian Motorcycle Sport Chief First Look Preview, First Ride: Ducatis Diavel V4 Defies Categorization, Harley-Davidson Freewheeler First Look Preview. Next up is Milwaukee. Required fields are marked *. The general feeling around Chicago was we were too latewe had missed the Midwestern riding season. (NOTE: The Lake Michigan Circle TourLoop route through Scottville was removed/decommissioned some time in late 2004 or early 2005 and no longer exists.). Built in 1874, this lighthouse is a great place to take in the grandeur of Lake Michigan and the surrounding sand dunes. Note: Hotels on Mackinac Island are notoriously expensive. Continue on to Marinette, WI. You could easily spend three nights in lower or upper michigan. From breakfast at the Grand Traverse Pie Company to Asian-inspired food at Alliance Restaurant, theres no shortage of great places to grab a bite. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. http://www.motorcycleroads.com/75/721/Michigan/Michigans-Central-Lake-Michigan-Scenic-Tour.html. You can get around best without a car, and parking is really expensive. The Upper Peninsula let us out alive only because I asked nicely. Motorcycle Rides & Roads Northern Lake Michigan Circle Tour Ride Rating: 0 Vote it Up Vote it Down Ride Stats: Distance: 477.84 miles / 769.0 km Ride Time: 1 week (5-7 days) Approximate Fuel Costs: $36.32 States Visited: Wisconsin, Michigan Submitted by: GrayFox pro Turn by Turn Directions Download for GPS (GPX file) Download KML file At Northport, M-22 and the Lake Michigan Circle Tourturn nearly 180 degrees to head southerly into Traverse City. Routes. I would like a paper map, how do I get one? At Escanaba, the circle tour continues southwesterly via M-35 along the Green Bay shoreline to Menominee. Try this link. In addition to resources on GoRVing.com, both Michigan and Wisconsins tourism boards do a great job of pointing you toward RV campgrounds along the route. Lake Michigan Circle Tour on Motorcycle Do's & Don'ts | Field Mag Cheating Death on the Lake Michigan Loop: 1,000 Miles in 4 Days An hastily conceived and ill-advised motorcycle trip pits two old friends against frigid fall weather to see just what the Midwest is really made of Author Graham Hiemstra Photographer Graham Hiemstra @graham Hello. Touristy, sure, but I adore any place where no cars are allowed (heres my travel guide to the island). Or maybe it was indifference. It follows M-26 to Houghton and then follows US 41 north to Copper Harbor. Can also advise re: U.P. Sign up for the mailing list and get notified each time we upload a new blog post. We went up to Sault Ste. What most miss (traveling by car) is the heighten sense of appreciation that only can be felt by touring this region on a motorcycle. Built by, Lake Michigan Circle Tour (Maps, Photos And More), Lake Michigan Circle Tour: A Simple, Secluded Motorcycle Trip. Lake Superior Circle Tour; Algoma. Answer 1 of 12: Hello, I am planning a Lake Superior circle tour to be taken in mid-July for myself, my husband, and my in-laws (66 y/o). Let me just say, Lake Michigan is absolutely beautiful and the beaches and clear water made for some great swimming! ), and explore many great restaurants. Is that available? Adult tickets cost $27 per person with the option of adding a bike pass for $12. Windy City Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals. All rights reserved. Drive 2 hours from Traverse City over to Mackinaw City. after the big bridge if you know. But I couldnt help but gripe that it would be nice to see the lake, as you know, its a big deal in the region. Nick stuck to his guns and opted to try Real Tree. Alternatively, you may use, Baymont by Wyndham Bridgeport/Frankenmuth. It was wet. Eight miles. Nick being Nick, owned zero rain gear until eight miles prior. At Scottville, the circle tour turns northerly again to follow US-31 toward Manistee, although a locally-designated Lake Michigan Circle TourLoop Route formerly continued east on US-10 into downtown, then northerly via Old US-31 back to US-31 and the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Spanning 1000 miles and four states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan), the Michigan Loop route is a local tradition. It makes you look funny, and even though literally no oneNO ONEcares what you look like when youre hurtling down a remote highway at a mile-a-minute in pissing rain, its still funny. Celebrate the father figures in your life with good food, special events, outdoor adventures, fishing trips, golf outings, and more throughout West Michigan. Nick approached with caution and a shit-eating grin. A 45-minute drive from Inspiration Point will bring you the main attraction of the day, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can also add or remove days based on how much time you have. Favorites include Nick nearly being pancaked by a two-ton truck in nowheresville, Wisconsin, more than a few squirrelly attempts at riding no-hands and no-feet like a starfish, and of course the time I accidentally played chicken with a Mack truck while passing another in a hail storm. Marie back to my home near St. Paul. Hanging out in Chicago. Chicago in particular is a really family-friendly city. Although not quite as scenic as Michigans side of the lake, youll be sure to soak in some beautiful views along the way regardless. Lembeck is championing both the completion of a Lake Michigan "water trail" for kayakers, canoeists and other paddlers around the lake's entire shoreline as well as an interconnection between the water trail, the new U.S. Wed run the final stretch of pitch black highway at an average speed of 90 plus, tipping the ton whenever the wind died down long enough. This site uses cookies to provide you with the best onsite experience. Pssh. You can fly there from Charlevoix airport (15mins) or take the ferry from Charlevoix (2 and 1/2 hours) leave your car in Charlevoix you can rent a car (advance reservation suggested or rent a bike). Grand Algoma Tour; Deer Trail; St. Joseph Island; Thunder Bay. Because Nick is a fellow to follow if its adventure you want, and one to avoid at all costs if its not. Today, youll leave the Lower Peninsula and cross over the Mackinac Bridge to Michigans Upper Peninsula. (Side note: It was right about here when I realized by bike in fact came equipped with heated gripsa feature that would have been REALLY nice to know of just 20 hours earlier.). The State of Michigan has signed each of the circle tours for the Great Lakes the state touches: the Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior Circle Tours. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youre one click away from getting the latest travel tips, great new vacation ideas & fun destinations directly in your inbox! Meander through the communities of Whitehall, New Era, Shelby, and Hart, as well as Silver Lake Sand Dunes. I spend half an hour to read this websites articles or reviews all the time along with a cup of coffee , Thanks so very much for your great website. While there is no wrong answer, few will argue that the September-October season is the most inspiring time to make the trip; providing a glimpse of the changing colors of Fall and the promise of almost perfect riding weather. Photo: Elyse Clark. Dig into these great stories and get inspired for your next Wisconsin vacation. In fact, no matter where you are in Wisconsin, this happens every single Friday. Chicago Summer Activities: The 21 Best Things to Eat, See, and Do, Winter in Chicago: The Best Things to Eat, See, and Do. Yeah, sure, in hindsight its easy to find a few holes in that logic, but when screaming T. Swift into your helmet is the only thing keeping your mind off how absolutely horrible the current conditions areand even that's not cutting itdancing with death is only a step away. I dont recommend trying to do this in less than 5 days, however, as that would be too much driving at once to be enjoyable. 5) Grand Traverse Winery in the Old Mission Peninsula. You're pretty close to downtown Phoenix from here, so if you're staying close to the city center you're better off getting back onto 51 south than retracing your steps. So what'd we do? Sounds like a fun adventure to me! Dotting the shoreline on both sides of the lake, each preserved to showcase their unique charm and architectural significance. At Traverse City, the Lake Michigan Circle Tourreturns to US-31 and continues northerly via US-31 through Elk Rapids, Charlevoix and Petoskey and on toward the Mackinac Bridge. Lake Michigan circle road trip itinerary Day 1: Indiana Dunes, Holland, & Grand Haven From Chicago, drive 45 minutes over the state line to the Indiana Dunes. Great Divide National Scenic Byway Motorcycle Tour in Fall. The park encompasses hundreds of acres of sand dunes, lakeshore, and forest. A Motorcycling Human Idiot Might Write Your Next Riding War Story, Wreck to Reckoning: Coping With Rider Fear. There are several camping options in the area, including Duck Creek RV Resort, which is across the street from Michigans Adventure. Ride Lake Superior an Epic Motorcycle Tour through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota . The Upper Peninsula is beautiful. Your scenic trip along M-22 will bring you intoLeelanau Countyand the small village ofEmpire, headquarters for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore,named the most beautiful place in the United States by the viewers of Good Morning America. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59394631', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Chicago Tuesday, staying away three nights. And rainy. https://www.wmta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Lighthouse-Map-for-Web-2018.pdf. Start planning as far in advance as possible six months if you're planning to camp over weekends in Michigan beach parks, 11 months in Wisconsin parks. The trip through Michigan and into Wisconsin includes the ride across the Mackinac Bridge, often referred to as the Mighty Mac. Chase Car Ready, Milwaukee Packout Tool Storage, Choose Your Motorcycle Transport Service Wisely, Velocity Philosophy (A Mannerly Guide To Speed), Green Meanie! If/when you do come to Chicago, my advice is to also get out of downtown and into the real neighborhoods, as they all offer cool restaurants, shops, pubs, festivals, etc.
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