Copyright2023 Samantha Brown Media Inc. |Privacy Policy & Terms of Service, This is Your Sign to Plan a Solo Wellness Vacation, 9 Underrated National Parks to Visit in the Summer, 14 Delightful Places for Afternoon Tea Around the World. The Lake Michigan Circle Tourenters Michigan from Indiana on US-12 south of New Buffalo and proceeds northerly through New Buffalo to I-94. I hope you found it helpful for planning your own road trip. Head north on US-31, between Muskegon and Whitehall, and youll find Michigans Adventure Amusement Park and water park. We weret likely to hit the storm for an hour or so, so we tossed the newly acquired gear in our dry bag packs and put rubber to road. Your email address will not be published. This pair welcomes charter fishing and leisure boats, guiding them into the busy harbor. Then, its on to Marinette, Wisconsins northernmost point on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. (File/WWMT) COLDWATER, Mich. The Michigan Department of Transportation is expected to start a $2.4 million project May 1, just west of downtown Coldwater . On day 6 of our Lake Michigan circle itinerary, youll cross into our fourth and final state Wisconsin. Most do it over a week, and almost exclusively in the summer. Lower Michigans fall foliage, warmer temps and coastal sunsets welcomed us with open arms. At Northport, M-22 and the Lake Michigan Circle Tourturn nearly 180 degrees to head southerly into Traverse City. Box 541; Trenton, MI 48183; 800-513-6424; Upper Peninsula & Itineraries . Even though weve vacationed in west and northern Michigan our whole lives, we discovered things we had never seen before or hadnt seen in years. Because Nick is a fellow to follow if its adventure you want, and one to avoid at all costs if its not. 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. At Manitowoc, the circle tour leaves I-43 at Exit 149 and continues into downtown via US-151. The route then heads northeasterly along the Lake Michigan side of the peninsula via STH-57 through Jacksonport, meeting back up with STH-42 in Sister Bay. Chase Car Ready, Milwaukee Packout Tool Storage, Choose Your Motorcycle Transport Service Wisely, Velocity Philosophy (A Mannerly Guide To Speed), Green Meanie! Traveling between Ludington Mi and Manitowoc Wi., the S.S. Badger can handle up to 620 passengers and well over 150 vehicles. Lake Superior Circle Tour; Algoma. These tours were originally conceived as an aid for travelers who wished to stick close to the shorelines of the lakes in their journeys. Stephanie. 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. Explore the Riviera of the Midwests charming towns, like the wine lovers haven of New Buffalo; St. Joseph and its delightful lighthouse and beach; and Holland, known for its Dutch heritage, quaint shops and restaurants, and its annual springtime Tulip Festival. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Baymont by Wyndham Bridgeport/Frankenmuth. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour (LMCT) enters Illinois at Winthrop Harbor in northeastern Lake County and continues south through Zion, Waukegan, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Winnetka and Evanston. They got us. I would love a paper map of the circle tour. The other? Lake Michigan Circle Tour by motorcycle from Chicago this We We knew it too. Dig into these great stories and get inspired for your next Wisconsin vacation. From soaking up the summer sun to hitting the trails after a fresh snowfall, Wisconsin has no shortage of activities for every season. State of Illinois Historical Markes: Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. You could easily spend three nights in lower or upper michigan. Between Mackinaw City and St Ignace, the Lake Michigan Circle Touris jointed by the Lake Huron Circle Tour. Marie back to my home near St. Paul. The *Better* Lake Michigan Circle Tour (Motorcycle Map) - TRO Built by, Lake Michigan Circle Tour (Maps, Photos And More), Lake Michigan Circle Tour: A Simple, Secluded Motorcycle Trip. There are plenty of places to park your RV for a night or extended stay. 6 McR Points. This viewpoint off of the main highway is one of the best places to get a birds eye view of the Lake Michigan shoreline. South Read More . Soon enough, youll find yourselves inDoor County, one of Wisconsins most popular destinations, known for its gorgeous beaches, wineries and historic lighthouses. Turns out it was just the name of a road. Taken mid-trip, these two are out of sync but make a perfect starting point. Fresh pavement and empty roads were the perfect excuse to do so. 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. Marie State Forest Area, with a great many miles offering little to look at but trees, trees and more trees. Ive ridden in rain before. These loops may follow state highways or utilize city streets and county roads running closer to the shoreline. Our Lake Michigan Circle Tour ride took five days instead of four. When you get to the tip of the peninsula, take the car ferry over to Washington Island and explore popular attractions, like the Farm Museum andRock Island State Park. It was now mid-October, and we had just four free days. Have fun on the road! Manistee is also considered the gateway to one of the most prized stretches of road in all of the Midwest; M-22 of Northern Michigan. Itinerary: Leg 1 - Chicago to Green bay Leg 2 - Green Bay to St. Ignace Leg 3 - Century ride around Mackinac Island Leg 4 - 24+hour ride home Map sources: https://www.adventurecycling.o. Here we felt the Midwestern niceness the region is known for. Ride the Circle Tour around Lake Michigan. What most miss (traveling by car) is the heighten sense of appreciation that only can be felt by touring this region on a motorcycle. The first is to complete it all at once. Youve earned it after all that driving! Therefore, the new de facto route for the circle tour continues northerly past Holland via the US-31 bypass. As a native to the Pacific Northwest, I will be the first to admit to my coastal bias. They say the UP is no place for weenies. Drive a bit farther to get to the town of Ludington, where you can stop for coffee and some pastries at Red Rooster Coffee & Community or relax at Ludington State Park. Windy City Harley-Davidson Authorized Rentals. The two of us have been dodging the clink together for over a decade now, and in that time you'd think I'd have learned to just sit back and enjoy the ride when with him, but I haven't. Let me just say, Lake Michigan is absolutely beautiful and the beaches and clear water made for some great swimming! Route: Buckle up for your nearly five-hour ride to what many call The North Coast (tacking on an hour for Eastern Standard Time), following I-90 E all the way. @Kathy Hello! The shoreline of the Upper Peninsula is a glorious piece of . Early in the summer of 2011, my brother, Larry, and I began to plan a weeklong motorcycle loop around Lake Superior. One day, roast marshmallows at a remote campsite and the next, toast to new and old friends at an iconic big-city brewery. There are two ways to tackle this 900-mile, 14.5-hour drive. Indiana is but a blip on the Circle Tour, passing through industrial Gary (birthplace of Michael Jackson), then onto Dunes Highway near the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. For 2016, Windy City Motorcycle Tours offers a fall guided tour of Lake Michigan. Sign-up for our email newsletter & receive a free copy of our West Michigan Travel Guide! Sleeping Bear is definitely on the list already. 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. 4 Days & 1,000 Miles Touring Lake Michigan on a Motorcycle Ohio Bike Week The Shores of Lake Erie Get Riders Going Early! More than 1,000 miles long, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour would take about 14 hours without stops to complete. Pancakes are a great way to cheer up. Note: Hotels on Mackinac Island are notoriously expensive. Routes. Just a raw bike marketed at people who love to ride. As a lifelong Mighigander, I have a few must see places that I visit whenever I vacation on the Lake Michigan shoreline: Biking is a popular way to get around the island, as are horse-drawn carriages. Old Mans Graveyard Road read the sign. When it comes to Great American road trips along the water, Californias Pacific Coast Highway gets all the press. The trip through Michigan and into Wisconsin includes the ride across the Mackinac Bridge, often referred to as the Mighty Mac. A Motorcycling Human Idiot Might Write Your Next Riding War Story, Wreck to Reckoning: Coping With Rider Fear. Drive 2 hours from Traverse City over to Mackinaw City. Route 137 joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41), taking you past the Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium. Lake Michigan is the largest freshwater lake in the U.S., and the sixth largest in the world. At any point along the tour, if youd like to stay the night and spend more time at a city or harbor town, there are plenty of lake resorts,campsites,cabinsandhotelsfor your choosing. I love the city, but its probably not the best place to visit on this driving tour. 6. Id say that the majority of this itinerary is actually super kid-friendly, especially if you go at your own pace and leave some extra room to stop between cities. As in, blow-you-off-your-bike-with-ease windy. Driving through the Tunnel of Trees along Lake MIchigan north of Harbor Springs (and lunch or dinner at Legs Inn in Cross Village on a shelf overlooking the lake.) 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. Cherries, lighthouses and winding shoreline roads are all part of a 4-day Circle Tour. Continue on to Marinette, WI. A weekend and holiday playground for Milwaukee and Chicago residents, youll find quaint shops, wineries, restaurants, pretty campgrounds and more on this peninsula. I had to admit, my dad gear perfectly matched my dad bike, and his matched his. You wont find any chain hotels, either every accommodation option is unique and family-owned. From Chicago, drive 45 minutes over the state line to the Indiana Dunes. Like, really bad. Luckily we have Lake Michigan in our backyard. The S.S. Badger docks on the Michigan side in the town of Ludington. From St. Josephs North Pier Light in southwestern Michigan all the way up to McGulpin Point Lighthouse at the Straits of Mackinac.the western coast of Michigan is home to about 35 lighthouses. Take your time as you make the journey along the coast and around the Door County peninsula. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looking for some incredible yet underrated parks to visit this summer? There are plenty of delicious dinner spots here Rustic Roots, Mamas Thai Cafe, and Righteous Cuisineare some good options. 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. Most Lake Michigan lighthouses were built in the 1800s when ship traffic was at its heaviestespecially during the lumbering era. 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. Great Divide National Scenic Byway Motorcycle Tour in Fall. Follow US- 95 N and US-60 to AZ-71 N in Maricopa County. Stay in a luxury hotel, a cozy lodge or a charming bed and breakfast. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide drivers around the lake. Many people enjoy taking the Lake Michigan Circle Tour, visiting as many of these lighthouses as possible. Lake Michigan Circle Tour | Holiday Vacations Curley Lewis Memorial Highway | Route Ref. #35715 - Motorcycle Roads On the north side of Port Washington, the tour rejoins I-43 and contines northerly via I-43/STH-32 toward Sheboygan. Still I hauled enough gear from Brooklyn to both break my back and keep us covered for a few days well outside the city. The route leaves US-12 and continues northerly on I-94 from Exit 4 toward St Joseph. It was early September and I was finally home in NYC after six months of near nonstop traveling. In between it follows U.S. Highway 2 (US 2) to Wakefield, M-28 to Bergland and M-64 to Ontonagon. Treat Yourself To The 9 Best Scenic Drives In Michigan - OnlyInYourState Any advice is greatly appreciated! I am also going to suggest a side trip to Beaver Island, Michigan which is the largest inhabited island in Lake Michigan, with a year round population. Next stop? As the name implies, the route is a circle and weaves through four states Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and, of course, Wisconsin. After all, we'd done it each of the two days prior, and would do again the following two100 mph in rain, wind, fog and under sunny skies too. Get West Michigan Travel News, Events and Specials delivered to your inbox. Lake Michigan Circle Tour. More than 1,000 miles long, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour would take about 14 hours without stops to complete. and more character. Before leaving Door County, stop in Sturgeon Bay, a ship-building hub, and visit must-see attractions, like theDoor County Maritime Museum,Door Peninsula Wineryand Cave Point County Park. Spend some time exploring the town, and make sure to check out the Windmill Island and Tulip Gardens. In Wisconsin, the mainline of the Lake Michigan Circle Tourfollows signed state highway routes in its entirety, although in some places the nearest state highway to the Lake Michigan may be several miles away. After exploring Holland, drive thirty minutes to Grand Haven. Youre not likely walking away from a spill at 50, so who cares what happens at double that? Many, many more old, wealthy white folks in this corner of the state. Apache Trail Scenic Drive - Tripadvisor It is one of the best Motorcycle Rides in North America. 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. Youll find beaches, forests, dunes, and plenty of local breweries and wineries during your 24-hour drive. Better late than never. Nick stuck to his guns and opted to try Real Tree. This 1,300 mile/2,000 km ride around Lake Superior is an amazing adventure when travelling on motorcycle. From picturesque beaches to historic landmarks, Read More , Fathers Day is Sunday, June 18th! But somehow we missed Silver Lake Sand Dunes, still need to go back to see them! Find all of Rider 's Michigan motorcycle travel features here. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Chicago in particular is a really family-friendly city. Try this feature for free with a RouteYou Plus trial subscription. Next, its on to the Tip of the Mitt (aka the top of Michiganyoull notice locals regularly use their palm to denote locations within the state). Rent a bike (or bring your own) and bike around the perimeter of the island. Is that available? Required fields are marked *. Wisconsin offers the best of Lake Michigans beauty and commercial appeal. Upper Peninsula Travel Itineraries - Circle Michigan Credit: Ken Lund ( CC BY-SA 2.0) Difficulty: Intermediate (Endurance ride) Length: 203 miles, 4 hours total. Be aware that last minute hotel (and campground / State Park) reservations in tourist areas (along the water) are often hard to come by on weekends and during holiday weeks (which would be this week and next week). Explore 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan featuring a unique ecosystem with native birds and plants. Try this on a Harley.. so much more fun. I saw your comment and was wondering if you had any additional suggestions/tips for camping. Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City is one of Americas Top 10 beach towns and a definite town to put your kickstand down and explore. A storm was on the way, and the entire town of Green Bay knew it. Most of the suggestions Ive listed are outdoors and/or free which is awesome! 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. Spend the morning here either relaxing by the beach or doing something a bit more active. Sundays best in Escanaba. 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. (NOTE: The Lake Michigan Circle TourLoop route through Scottville was removed/decommissioned some time in late 2004 or early 2005 and no longer exists.). Dont forget to make a stop at the famousMackinac Island, where no cars are allowed. I currently live in Chicago, where Ive been for several years. We were wet. If you have some time, make a quick detour to Grand Rapids there, you can check out the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, appreciate art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and have a drink at one of the many breweries. From the get-go I joked that my BMW R 1200 GS made me look like an adventure dad. Continue the tour by heading north out of LUDINGTON along US-31 and into the Victorian Port of Manistee. Do you have a map of this tour? I wondered if you have a map of this tour? 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. Photo: Elyse Clark. The south loop kicks off in Manitowoc. Celebrate the father figures in your life with good food, special events, outdoor adventures, fishing trips, golf outings, and more throughout West Michigan. 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.
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