Head north out of Muskegon to Ludington. They have the Badger there takes about 4 hr to cross the lake to Manatwac but its a nice trip

 

+1 on H58. Tunnel of Trees is a nice ride and then be sure to stop at Legs Inn for some good eats.

 

It's hard to pick "thee" ride in Michigan ... as Johnny Cash would say " I've been everywhere man" , when it comes to Michigan I've been everywhere. In every county, ridden the complete coastline of the upper and lower peninsula and just about every "you gotta visit" spot there is. You really can't go wrong with a ride up either coast line and a trip across the Mackinaw Bridge is exhilarating ( don't let the "scary stories" deter you ) by any standard ... I cross it several times each year. If you're planning a night in the U.P. be sure to consider the Clark Motel Andy and Patty are very good friends of mine and are super biker friendly. Their place is economical and one of the things that you'll talk about for years to come when you reminisce about your trip to and through the Great Lakes State. As far a the trip across Lake Michigan is concerned I would advise that you consider making a reservation as most of the time through the summer it is booked up. Have a great ride and enjoy our state.

 

Something else is we were up in the U.P. the last week of June. Tourist season starts July 1, so we missed the higher rates.
Just remembered this - Here's a link to a site for U.P. info. We came across a display at the motorcycle show in Indy last spring and picked up some info from them.

 

If you're going to the U.P. and want a great ride, skip US 2 along the top of Lake Michigan, go about 45 miles further North, take the MI 28 exit going West, go to the first flashing light and turn right which will take you into Brimley MI. When you can't go any further, turn left onto Lakeshore Drive. This puts you on the Southern shore of Whitefish Bay (Lake Superior).

When going through the Bay Mills reservation, make a side trip up to the Mission Hill overlook; it's paved now, even if it is a narrow road. After Mission Hill, there are many places to pull off and dip your toes in Lake Superior, or just get some pictures of the lake.

Eventually you'll get to MI 128 where you'll want to turn right and follow the lake shore to Paradise. There's a restaurant right across from the IGA (can't remember the name right off hand) where the food is great.

From Paradise, you can continue North for a bit and visit the Whitefish Point Lighthouse/Museum (has a bit of the wreckage from the Edmund Fitzgerald), then come back and turn right on MI 128 towards Newberry. This will take you past Tahquamenon Falls State Park; there is a lower and an upper falls. Of the two, the upper falls are more scenic and there's a brew-pub there (Camp 66) that has great food and craft beers; if you have to pick just one, go to the upper falls. If you're camping, there are camping areas at the falls, you'll have passed the Rivermouth Campground just prior to getting to Paradise, and there is camping at the lower falls (very nice campgrounds).

Continuing on, you'll get to Newberry MI about 35 miles after leaving Tahquamenon Falls; go see the bears. Best eats in Newberry are at the Village Inn. Pick up MI 28 and head West again; the most boring part of the ride will be between Seney & Shingleton--25 miles of straight, flat road--the longest stretch like that in MI. After Shingleton though, look for signs to Grand Marais--turn right and head up into Grand Marais to pick up the shoreline again. You'll follow a nice recently paved road up through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore all the way to Munising MI.

After that, keep following the Lake Superior shoreline all the way up and around the Keeweenaw Peninsula.

All in all, I've always had more fun on the southern shore of Lake Superior than on US 2 around the top of Lake Michigan.

 

Henries never inn....greenland mich........ if your in Twin Lakes area stop at Krupps Mini mart and get a pasty....they are the best in the Yoop....

 

And for mercy's sake - make sure to pronounce it "PAST-EEE" for the locals, not "PASTE-EEE" like I did! Typical beer drinking Cheesehead. LOL

 

There's so many things to see and do in the U.P but a few of my favorites that I don't think have been mentioned:

Going north out of Houghton/Hancock (be sure you have a full tank of fuel).
Slim's Restaurant in Mohawk.
Great pies and cookies, and yes they have pasties (be sure to ask for gravy).

Copper Harbor-
Lighthouse in the bay.
Brockway Mountain--great scenery and bird watching.
Mariner North Restaurant. Be sure to try their fish chowder!
When leaving Copper Harbor take the route towards Eagle River/Eagle Harbor and watch for a little bakery (on your left) called the Jampot.
This place is ran by Monks. You will NOT be disappointed!!

Back south through Houghton/Hancock towards Ontonagon with a slight detour to Rockland.
Henry's Bar---A little bar a lot of history and a great burger!
Ice cream just down the street in a former bank.

On to (north) to Ontonagon and then west towards Silver City and the Porcupine Mountains and "Lake in the Clouds" (park fee here).
Near Silver City you may see Bald Eagles (especially on Rt. 64) so keep a lookout and be sure to take have your camera handy.

 

A pasty is career apparel for strippers

 

Hahahah Krupps has a sign telling you how to pronounce PAAA steee...lol yes get gravy.....

I second the Jampot.....