Lake Michigan circle
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Central MN
Lake Michigan circle
The wife and I had taken the week of Sturgis off to join some friends on a trip out there this year. Well they bailed so I came up with a different plan. We're leaving from central MN. First stop will probably be St. Germain and Eagle River WI to get my vintage snowmobile fix. After that its up in the air. We're not making any reservations so we really don't need to be anywhere at any given time. I'm thinking Hwy 2, cut up to Grand Marais and check out h58. Cross the Mackinaw and head down the east shore of the lake. I was considering the fairy across but $200 for a boat ride and 2 less hours is b.s.
We're going to loop around the bottom of the lake and head to Dubuque IA. From there head to Anamosa to the museum since its only an hour away. We were there last year but they said they change it up.The rest is unfinished business from last year. We rode to Davenport last year. Our plan was to ride the river back up all the way home but our bike got ripped off and it was time to get a rental car and end the trip, so we'll try it again this year. If any one has done anything comparable to this trip and have any suggestions on cheap hotels and/or things I should not miss(especially in MI) please let me know.
We're going to loop around the bottom of the lake and head to Dubuque IA. From there head to Anamosa to the museum since its only an hour away. We were there last year but they said they change it up.The rest is unfinished business from last year. We rode to Davenport last year. Our plan was to ride the river back up all the way home but our bike got ripped off and it was time to get a rental car and end the trip, so we'll try it again this year. If any one has done anything comparable to this trip and have any suggestions on cheap hotels and/or things I should not miss(especially in MI) please let me know.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 647
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From: Corning, Ohio
Would strongly recommend a stop in Munising to take the boat tour of Picture Rocks. From there to Gand Marais and over to the Shipwreck Museum. Visit Tahquamenon Falls. Work your way down and cross the bridge, as you cross if you are on the grates, look down. At about 45 MPH it looks as if the grates disappear. Just afterr you cross get off I-75 at the US 31 exit. Go about 6 miles and take East Levering Road over to M119. At that intersection stop to eat at Leggs Inn. Great Polish food. Take M119 south thru the tunnel of trees to Petosky, pick up US 31 again. Travel that to Traverse City and there take M22 up and around the THUMB. Stay on M22 till you get just north of Manistee and pick up, yep you guessed it, US 31 again. Take US 31 south to US 10 and make your way to Luddington for the night. If you feel up to it, from Luddington, go east on US 10 to M37 south to a little town called Baldwin. Look for Jones Ice Ceam Parlor on the main drag. Best damn ice cream I ever had and I'm diabetic. Toasted coconut, yum yum. We made our way to Luddington from the east so I'm not much help there but US 31 does go thru to Indianna. Hope you have a great trip and remember, you're only one wrong turn away from your next greatest adventure.
Last edited by jay72; Jul 25, 2013 at 01:46 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 261
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From: Mid Michigan
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The north side ride in the upper is better than the south side. Use the previous suggestions around Pictured Rocks etc. Since your headed west after MI I would take the west side of the lower pen down rather than the east side. Both are good rides but the west is a little better as stated by others. From the mighty Mac bridge go west on M119, its a must, m22 around Sleeping Bear Dunes (maybe explore in rental jeep or walk ) poke around the pennesulas around Traverse City. All sorts of wineries and craft beer up there. From there take 31 south, get a map and explore the shore at your own discression. The only place that can be expensive "in town" in the Traverse city area.
If not on this trip some day take the loop around Lake Superior. Very nice uncongested ride. North shore has few buildings etc to obstruct your view of nature. Look for oddities along the way....rope bridges, water falls etc. Its worth the stop.
If not on this trip some day take the loop around Lake Superior. Very nice uncongested ride. North shore has few buildings etc to obstruct your view of nature. Look for oddities along the way....rope bridges, water falls etc. Its worth the stop.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 261
Likes: 6
From: Mid Michigan
oh yeah
Soneone mentioned go around "the thumb". Michigan is generally shaped like a left handed mitten. The "thumb" is traditionally used to describe the thumb of the mitten that runs from Sebewing through Caseville, Port Austin around the east through Harbor Beach and as far south as Port Huron. Don't let that confuse you if you start hearing the "thumb". The east side is a great ride as well but I don't know if you want to ride from east to west across the bottom of Mi as it mostly is expressway city type stuff.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: PNW
I would consider completing the circle and go to Milwaukee to visit the Harley Museum. Thursday night is bike night. There had to be over 1000 bikes there last night. It's a pretty good time. Yes, you have to ride through Chicago and worse, Gary, but depending on the route, time and the day it can be easy. From Milwaukee you can head east to Anamosa via 94/151. It's a much more pleasant ride than I-80. Anamosa is about a 4 hour ride from Milwaukee Fyi.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Central MN
Thank you for these great suggestions. I am planning on cruising down the west side of Michigan. I said the eastern side of the lake. Darn Minnesotans. East Michigan doesn't interest me much. The more I hear and look in to it the northern lower looks to be a good idea. A buddy at work said the locks at Sault St Marie are worth checking out.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Just Outside Chicago
If you head to Iowa then stop in Savanna Illinois,Dont miss the Iron horse and Poopies is a huge nitetime stop with bands...But also take a run thru the Mississippi Palasades state park (Short but sweet) and take the time to check out Galena Illinois,Great old town
If you are camping??Poopies has free camping and nice washrooms with showers that i think are open all night.Free firewood also.They do have firepits.No offsite bouze can be brought in (Like they check) but you can buy cans of cold beers that are cheap and take them back to camp.We stayed there last year for 2 nights and did day runs.Decent roads.
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