My wife and I are considering a trip to this area this up coming summer, probably July, as it should be the warmest. We will be coming from southern IL and will run up the west side of MI and eventually pick up US31. I have read posts about this area in some older threads so looking for info on lodging/sites etc. I have never been across Mackinaw Bridge and we will then head west to WI and eventually back to IL.
Are there lots to see/do/ride on the west side of MI that we could spend a couple days riding up? Any info or links you can provide would be appreciated and on motorcycle friendly lodging in western MI and UP. thanks

 

If you do a search, there are lots of threads about Lake Michigan tours. This is a good one:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/road-...igan-tour.html

 

Definitely stop in st. Joseph. Beautiful town in southwest Michigan! Illinois people love it there

 

If you go to St. Joseph's make sure you go to Tosi's. Excellent Italian Restaurant.
http://www.tosis.com/

 

Definately spend some time in Traverse City and make sure you do the "Tunnel of Trees". It's a 20 mile run worth the ride! We are from Ontario Canada right next to Michigan and have done the ride up that way a few times. Cheers and safe riding!

 

Agreed. Traverse City is nice, and Tunnel of Trees is a can't miss. Grab lunch or dinner at Leggs Inn while riding the tunnel.

The bridge isn't as bad as many say IMO.

If you are going into the UP, I highly recommend riding through Pictured Rocks Nat'l Landscape and a stop at Tahquamenon Falls.

 

Feel the same Reacher, I have rode across the bridge 3 times now. The last time was to the 110th anniversary in Milwaukee. Having a rider on the back would be a good thing as the view is spectacular and worth a few pictures, and maybe even a video.

 

Don't miss H-58 ... It's a great ride and will take you along Pictured Rocks.

 

Agreed! SR-119 is one of the best motorcycling roads in Michigan; SR-22 is another fantastic ride If you ride both of those roads mid week the traffic will be very light and let you 'explore' lean angles

 

You might check out the Soo Locks and the Shipwreck Museum while you are in the UP also. Have a nice Trip!