Instead I picked up my BMW R 1200 GS from Countryside, IL and we hit the road with the goal of running the iconic Lake Michigan Circle Touror the Michigan Loop, as we preferred. 4) The Omelette Shoppe in Traverse City Try this link. It still suckedmy foot took the bulk of the 550+ lbsbut at least the damning sand offered a soft landing. You can fly there from Charlevoix airport (15mins) or take the ferry from Charlevoix (2 and 1/2 hours) leave your car in Charlevoix you can rent a car (advance reservation suggested or rent a bike). Although its only a 15-minute drive across the Straits of Mackinac, the Upper Peninsula feels like a different world from the colonial vibe of Mackinac Island. 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.) The Lake Michigan Circle Tourenters Michigan from Indiana on US-12 south of New Buffalo and proceeds northerly through New Buffalo to I-94. There are two ways to tackle this 900-mile, 14.5-hour drive. Required fields are marked *. Hi Niki! Though very pretty in the spring and summer seasons, the fall season is when you really must take this ride along the Lake Michigan shoreline. You may get e-mails from people and places you did not want or expect. The depth of change in colors at this time is amazing and rivals the best FALL scenery found anywhere. Biking is a popular way to get around the island, as are horse-drawn carriages. Wisconsin is well known for many things; among them cheese, the Green Bay Packers and great roads for riding! West Michigan provides a paper map of the circle tour. Then, its on to Marinette, Wisconsins northernmost point on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The town could be mistaken for one in the Netherlands, with plenty of tulips, windmills, and European-style architecture. Eight miles. Built in 1874, this lighthouse is a great place to take in the grandeur of Lake Michigan and the surrounding sand dunes. Although not quite as scenic as Michigans side of the lake, youll be sure to soak in some beautiful views along the way regardless. The S.S. Badger docks on the Michigan side in the town of Ludington. Stop in Petoskeys downtown, which overlooks Lake Michigan and offers terrific shopping, then continue on to Mackinaw City. Have fun on the road! is quite rural, but offers many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Fifteen minutes north of Pentwater, youll be in Ludington, where you may catch the ferry back to Manitowoc. After exploring Holland, drive thirty minutes to Grand Haven. Because I'm stubborn, and because camping is fun, and because I thought itd make for some nice photos. Sleeping Bear is definitely on the list already. This Lake Michigan circle itinerary can be easily extended by spending a bit more time in each destination. The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. Teri. Had I known the conditions that lay ahead, perhaps I'd have heeded the not-so-subtle warnings. Shifted to sixth gear and hit the ton. Yeah it feels just as silly now as it did then. Your email address will not be published. At Exit 123, the circle tour departs I-43 and continues northeasterly via STH-28 into Sheboygan. 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. We want to spend a couple days in Chicago to kick it off. When you purchase through links on my site, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). The comforting beams of light guided thousands of ships with their precious cargoes into port. . We are planning on using your itinerary this summer for a road trip with our 3 boys (ages 10,8,4). Happy travels , Your email address will not be published. A Motorcycling Human Idiot Might Write Your Next Riding War Story, Wreck to Reckoning: Coping With Rider Fear. It was early September and I was finally home in NYC after six months of near nonstop traveling. The park encompasses hundreds of acres of sand dunes, lakeshore, and forest. "Well take these memories to our grave, whether we wind up there tomorrow or fifty years from now.". ichuge it is not a good idea to post your e-mail address. At the jct of US-31 & I-96, the Lake Michigan Circle Tourleaves US-31 and follows BUS US-31 through downtown Muskegon. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour enters Michigan from Indiana on US-12 south of New Buffalo and proceeds northerly through New Buffalo to I-94. 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. 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. Once youve gotten enough beach time, drive 1 hour and 40 minutes along the Dunes Highway to Holland, a city in the state of Michigan. Here's an idea of what the weather in this area is like to help get your planning started! Fresh pavement and empty roads were the perfect excuse to do so. Thank you Samantha for your suggestions as well. Dig into these great stories and get inspired for your next Wisconsin vacation. The Sherwood Point lighthouse is one of 10 beacons in Door County. Next we arrive in Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest, for a classic Wisconsin fish . As the cityscape gets smaller on your rearview mirror, more outdoor fun awaits. And rainy. 77 is a spectacular drive for nature lovers. Art lovers will adore Pentwater, which hosts arts and crafts fairs all summer long. Motorcycle Rides & Roads Northern Lake Michigan Circle Tour Ride Rating: 0 Vote it Up Vote it Down Ride Stats: Distance: 477.84 miles / 769.0 km Ride Time: 1 week (5-7 days) Approximate Fuel Costs: $36.32 States Visited: Wisconsin, Michigan Submitted by: GrayFox pro Turn by Turn Directions Download for GPS (GPX file) Download KML file But its also super fun. Fall colors explore here, and theres tons of great hiking and mountain biking. The city is well known for itscraft breweries. 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). Now he was head to toe in size way-too-big camo. The Jamesport Brewing Company, downtown on James Street, is the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat and relax in an old Victorian style pub. Have fun on the road! Most will budget a 4day long weekend to allow plenty of time to explore and stop at the almost endless stream of small towns and scenic over looks. If you would like to join our guided tour of Lake Michigan we are reserving spots now. Long before marine radios, lighthouses were the only means to safely navigate the harbors, many of which were rocky. Four or five cups of coffee help too. Alternatively, you may use, Baymont by Wyndham Bridgeport/Frankenmuth. 6. Only 60 miles east of the bustling Duluth waterfront, Bark Bay, Wisconsin, provides a serene escape. Holland (you can probably guess by the name) is a former Dutch settlement in Michigan. Along the way, youll drive through the Tunnel of Trees, one of the most scenic routes that feels like youre getting swallowed by all the nature around you. Touristy, sure, but I adore any place where no cars are allowed (heres my travel guide to the island). As a native to the Pacific Northwest, I will be the first to admit to my coastal bias. I went for a walk to shake off the spill and see if in fact there was a grave yard. All rights reserved. This was nice, sure, as autumn was close to being in full bloom. While your bike isn't a boat, you can still capture some great photos. Nick laughed at the idea of camping this far into fall. Lake Michigan Circle Tour Sightseeing & Stops. These tours were originally conceived as an aid for travelers who wished to stick close to the shorelines of the lakes in their journeys. The south loop kicks off in Manitowoc. Running down sand dunes, exploring Mackinac Island, and camping/biking/hiking around Door Peninsula would be my must-dos with kids. 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. Rent a bike (or bring your own) and bike around the perimeter of the island. Town . So we did as anyone in need of last minute supplies and something to take their mind off the impending doom does: go to Walmart. All efforts to plan were met with obnoxious retorts akin to, just grab a backpack, get a bike, and stop worrying. So I did. Countless restaurants and lodging choices make Ludington a must stop along the tour. We squeezed out of our soaked gear, cranked the room temp to 90 and tried to shake the soggy chill from our tired bones. Traveling between Ludington Mi and Manitowoc Wi., the S.S. Badger can handle up to 620 passengers and well over 150 vehicles. As the name implies, the route is a circle and weaves through four states Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and, of course, Wisconsin. Your email address will not be published. Field Mag's benevolent overlord, Graham Hiemstra is a writer & photographer with over a decade experience covering style, design, and outdoor lifestyle. Any recommendations for best roads / sights along way? Many lighthouse keepers inhabited these structures, or lived nearby and walked the dangerous catwalks out to the light. Depending on what theyre interested in, Id recommend checking out Lincoln Park Zoo, the Childrens Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier, and the Museum of Science and Industry! Southwest of Sturgeon Bay, the tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay. From the mainline Lake Michigan Circle Tour route in downtown Manitowoc at jct US-10 & US-151, the route heads southerly via US-10 along 10th St, easterly via Madison St and northerly via Lakeview Dr to the carferry docks. 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. (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 . Home ofLambeau Fieldand thePackers Hall of Fame, also tour theOneida National MuseumandNational Railroad Museumwhile youre there. Take theLittle Traverse Wheelway, which connects Petoskey to Charlevoix andHarbor Springs. 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. Like, really bad. 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. And dont miss one of the famous fish boils, a Door County specialty! Today the lights are automated and guide fishing boats and other pleasure craft to safety. Your scenic trip along M-22 will bring you intoLeelanau Countyand the small village ofEmpire, headquarters for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore,named the most beautiful place in the United States by the viewers of Good Morning America. The route continues south on US-41 through Menominee and enters Wisconsin at Marinette. Pssh. And with that, youre headed to Manitowoc, home to the largest maritime museum on the Great Lakes, and where you can hop aboard the ferry back to Ludington. Sign up for the mailing list and get notified each time we upload a new blog post. Most do it over a week, and almost exclusively in the summer. Look to ride my motorcycle around Lake Michigan this week, leaving (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Bicycle Route 35 (USBR-35) and the existing Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Let me just say, Lake Michigan is absolutely beautiful and the beaches and clear water made for some great swimming! Marie State Forest Area, with a great many miles offering little to look at but trees, trees and more trees. For more descriptions of our favorite motorcycle rides and destinations, visit the Rides and Destinations section of MotorcycleCruiser.com. Stephanie. Marie/Tahquemanon Falls/Whitefish. There are a few stairs to reach the top, so make sure to wear some comfortable shoes! Its one of my favorite places in the country. To save some money, take the ferry back over to the mainland and stay in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace for the night. Made it as far as Mackinaw Island, but not the upper peninsula, It was the hottest two weeks MI had experienced all summer. Just Announced: Comedian Lewis Black at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, Legendary award-winning comedian Lewis Black makes his triumphant return to the Kalamazoo State Theatre on Friday, November 10, 2023, as part of hisOff The Railstour. It was now mid-October, and we had just four free days. For more beaches, historical museums and boating fun, stop at the next city over, Manitowoc. The West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) is excited to announce the release of the 2023 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. (least kid-friendly activities). With its rich. From there, its on to Green Bay, home of the Packers and historic Lambeau Field. Get West Michigan Travel News, Events and Specials delivered to your inbox. This went on for some time. In fact, no matter where you are in Wisconsin, this happens every single Friday. Seeing the rawness of the UP and mainland Michigans Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park instilled a new admiration for the state known to many outside (and probably many inside) the midwest as the Murder Mitten. Do you have a map of this tour? I was lucky to find you while considering my trip around Lake Michigan next Septembfer. 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. It's a 147-mile scenic two-lane trunk line running from Port Huron to Bay City, Michigan. We went up to Sault Ste. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It sucked. Perhaps Michigan's most famous scenic route, M-22 stretches for over 115 miles along the shores of our beloved Big Lake. Required fields are marked *. Soon enough, youll find yourselves inDoor County, one of Wisconsins most popular destinations, known for its gorgeous beaches, wineries and historic lighthouses. Thirty minutes or so later, with more camo than either of us had ever owned before in tow, we were ready for the north. It may sound macabre, but well take these memories to our grave, whether we wind up there tomorrow or fifty years from now. Sign up for our WMTA Travel Newsletter. South of Mackinaw City, where US-31 ends, the route continues northerly on I-75 crossing the Mackinac Bridge and entering the Upper Peninsula at St Ignace. Meander through the communities of Whitehall, New Era, Shelby, and Hart, as well as Silver Lake Sand Dunes. The Bukk is a clean-sheet design that showcases Cakes sustainability-minded and utilitarian approach, offering more power for off-road riding, From daily errands around Brooklyn to battery range-breaking Rockaway beach runs, we put the eye-catching, $11,470 electric motorcycle to the test, The modest shop designs and builds classic looking, modern performing custom bikes that are above all else, fun to ride, Swedish electric motorbike maker CAKE has partnered with Southern African Wildlife College and Goal Zero to help anti-poaching units protect Africas endangered wildlife, A lightweight, clean-running, commuter-friendly bike from CAKE, a new venture by the founder of Swedish brand POC, How a hellish cross country motorcycle ride helped this photographer make peace with the loss of his best friend and companion, Field Mag is a registered trademark with U.S. Pat. plenty of places to park your RV for a night or extended stay. Box 541; Trenton, MI 48183; 800-513-6424; Upper Peninsula & Itineraries . The Indiana Dunes National Park takes up 15 miles of shoreline around Lake Michigan and features a unique ecosystem with lots of native birds and plants. Lake Michigan Circle Route, on Ride with GPS. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Dotting the shoreline on both sides of the lake, each preserved to showcase their unique charm and architectural significance. One more trip to Walmart brought about a tough decision: Real Tree or Mossy Oak. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Looking for some incredible yet underrated parks to visit this summer? In northern metropolitan Milwaukee, the LMCT joins I-43/STH-32/STH-57 heading northerly into Ozaukee Co. At Grafton, the tour departs I-43 to remain on STH-32 and continues through Port Washington. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Celebrate the father figures in your life with good food, special events, outdoor adventures, fishing trips, golf outings, and more throughout West Michigan. Taken mid-trip, these two are out of sync but make a perfect starting point. Another memorable motorcycle tour in fall is the Great Divide National Scenic Byway that takes travelers through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in northern Wisconsin. Find all of Rider 's Michigan motorcycle travel features here. Chase Car Ready, Milwaukee Packout Tool Storage, Choose Your Motorcycle Transport Service Wisely, Velocity Philosophy (A Mannerly Guide To Speed), Green Meanie! Here we felt the Midwestern niceness the region is known for. For more, see Camping around Lake Michigan. A 45-minute drive from Inspiration Point will bring you the main attraction of the day, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. We knew it too. Back on US-31, the circle tour continues northerly toward Ludington, leaving US-31 twice: once to follow the route of BUS US-31 through the downtowns of Whitehall and Montague in northern Muskegon Co; and again to follow the route of BUS US-31 through downtown Pentwater in Oceana Co. At the end of the US-31 freeway near Ludington, the Lake Michigan Circle Tourturns east following US-10/US-31 toward Scottville. At Manitowoc, the circle tour leaves I-43 at Exit 149 and continues into downtown via US-151. Back between two fir forests, a lull in the incessant rain drew us down a sandy service road in search of something new to look at. Routes. Route 137 joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41), taking you past the Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier and the Shedd Aquarium. And Nick, well, he felt the same. Welcome to the Great Lakes Circle Tour website, dedicated to the past, present and future of the scenic routes encircling four of the five Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie. Try a classic IPA or a seasonal offering atThird Space Brewingwest of downtown, or head to the Deer District forGood City Brewing Co. Before jumping on Interstate Highway 43 to continue the tour, grab lunch and shop for goods at the up-and-coming Deer District across from the Fiserv Forum where the Milwaukee Bucks play. I went Mossy Oak, like a real local. Stay in a luxury hotel, a cozy lodge or a charming bed and breakfast. The origin of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour dates back to 1988 and a combined marketing effort led by governors from both Michigan and Indiana. There are not many motorcycle tours that take riders through a 4-state journey and are accompanied by almost endless views of one of the bigger lakes in America. And hey, we even got a nice picture of us together on the ferry ride home. After passing through Traverse City, you will continue north along the Traverse Bay and on toCharlevoix. This itinerary assumes that youre starting in Chicago, but you can start from any part of the circle! Better late than never. Cool Guy, in his Mossy Oak outfitapparently the camo pattern of choice round those partsreceived less attention as at least 10% of the house had nearly identical outfits on. Its proximity to Canada, heavily forested hills, and lack of decent cell service make it feel like youre at the ends of the earth. The first is to complete it all at once. (The mainline LMCT remains on M-22 between Empire and Glen Arbor.). Hanging out in Chicago. We are taking reservations now for our September AROUND THE LAKE TOUR. About Lewis Black: Today, Lewis Read More , Memorial Day is just around the corner, and what better way to kick off the summer than by exploring the beautiful state of Michigan? Thanks. The Wisconsin leg of the tour starts at the Illinois border and moves north on Wisconsin Highway 32 alongside picturesque Lake Michigan. The blue waters adjacent to the dunes are so crystal clear, you can actually view a wreckage of three ships that sunk on November 11, 1940. Minutes later the shouldering trees receded and we were all alone on the waters edge. For those riders living near Chicago, few tours offer the variety and unsurpassed scenic riding opportunities as the Circle Lake Tour around Lake Michigan. October was completely empty. A couple hundred yards in and the gravel turned to sand, my glasses fogged and so did my helmet's face shield. 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. On the north side of Port Washington, the tour rejoins I-43 and contines northerly via I-43/STH-32 toward Sheboygan. Home Lighthouse Map + Circle Tour Lighthouse Driving Itinerary. At Green Bay, the circle tour transitions to the final seven miles of I-43 northwesterly to that highways northern terminus at US-41/US-141. The route then traverses Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry. Chicago Summer Activities: The 21 Best Things to Eat, See, and Do, Winter in Chicago: The Best Things to Eat, See, and Do.
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