Around Lake Michigan

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Dec 1, 2019 | 10:00 AM

JMB64

Thread Starter

Stage I

Joined: Dec 2019

Posts: 1

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From: Marengo, IL

Around Lake Michigan

Hello riders. I am planning a trip in June for 8 of us to ride around Lake Michigan. I see there is a route with route signs but does anyone have a route plotted out already? I wanted to leave Chicago and go north into Wisconsin and around that way. But I will take whatever anyone has. Also if you have ideas where to stay that would be great. Thank you very much. Be safe.

Dec 1, 2019 | 10:02 AM

Uncle Larry

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Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 157,518

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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell

Welcome ... Let's get you started off on the right ( correct foot ) Go to the Welcome page, introduce yourself and get familiar with the site ...

Dec 1, 2019 | 10:09 AM

rhuff

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Joined: Jul 2007

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From: 48.067222,12.863611

Welcome. I always like to map. Super helpful.

Oh, and welcome.

Dec 1, 2019 | 12:41 PM

CWOFOR

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2017

Posts: 403

Likes: 201

From: Menominee, MI

Welcome. There are 2 routes coming up that way; it depends on whether you want 2 lane or super slab. The signs you speak of are on the s/slab until you get to Michigan. The 2 lane route will hug the shore line to Kewaunee WI.; then s/slab to Michigan border. Then it is 2 lane through the U.P. to the Mackinac bridge. The west shore line of MI. will be your best bet for scenery. And then you are back to Gary/Chicago area.
If it were me, I would plan a stop in the Peshtigo WI. area for the history of the fire and there is a winery; Also a stop at the bridge with a day trip to Mackinac Island and the fudge. Once you are south of the bridge, Traverse City and the mile of trees, then down to Holland and the tulips. There are plenty of hotels and places to eat along the way (since you will be coming through Marinette WI. the world famous Micky Lu's is a hot spot for burgers and is on the highway). I hope this is helpful. Good luck and ride safe.

Dec 1, 2019 | 12:51 PM

CaffeineBuzz

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Joined: Jun 2019

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From: SE Michigan

Once you are south of the bridge you can head toward the north west side of the lower peninsula and hit the tunnel of trees. Great riding...one of the iconic runs in the Midwest.

Dec 1, 2019 | 07:17 PM

seniorsuperglideE8

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Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 15,788

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From: along the shore of Mishigami

Welcome from the west side of MI. If you stop in Mackinaw after crossing the Big Mac, they have an outdoors type shopping area, maybe hop a ferry over to the island for a couple of hours, no motorized vehicles allowed on the island. I would stay the night or two in Mackinaw, much cheaper than Traverse City. TC will be busy, tourist trap. Tunnel of Trees on M119 nice ride very narrow road at times and sometimes with no shoulder, just trees. Ride along the lakeshore it will be cooler, check maps. Check out the water front in Grand Haven.Get in Holland, we have a 250 year old operation Dutch windmill (from the Netherlands) and shopping for the missus, all kinds of out door pubs and eateries. Ride south find Blue Star highway down to South Haven the down to Benton Harbor /St. Joseph. Research your maps, June starts the tourist season for up north and they love your money.

Dec 2, 2019 | 04:30 AM

dajogejr

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 1,703

Likes: 909

From: SE Michigan

Welcome
As said, Memorial to Labor Day is the tourist season here.
M119 through tunnel of trees is nice.
Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Traverse City and Charlevoix are all nice spots.
Take 2 hours, self guided tour through Castle Farms...history and venue are pretty cool...it's in Charlevoix.

Ludington has one of the most beautiful State Parks I've ever seen, nothing like a Sunset in Ludington.

Holland has good eats.
If you're a beer drinker, Jaunt over to Grand Rapids, beer city USA.