Pere Marquette beach there is indeed beautiful. Let me just say, Lake Michigan is absolutely beautiful and the beaches and clear water made for some great swimming! Ride Lake Superior Motorcycle Tour | Ride Lake Superior Marie/Tahquemanon Falls/Whitefish. 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. Additionally, you can add stops to your trip in the following locations: Thanks for reading this Lake Michigan circle itinerary! Try this on a Harley.. so much more fun. One more trip to Walmart brought about a tough decision: Real Tree or Mossy Oak. I went Mossy Oak, like a real local. 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. If you love Lake Michigan, this is the drive for you. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15267 Must-visit stops along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour Any recommendations for best roads / sights along way? Marie back to my home near St. Paul. While there is no wrong answer, few will argue that the September-October season is the most inspiring time to make the trip; providing a glimpse of the changing colors of Fall and the promise of almost perfect riding weather. You may find the best memories are the ones you never expected. Have fun on the road! A storm was on the way, and the entire town of Green Bay knew it. Experienced travelers or even those looking to add an additional travel element to the journey will enjoy the Ferry ride across the lake and will take advantage of the S.S. Badger Shuttle. JavaScript is required for this feature, but it is either disabled or not supported by your browser. On day 6 of our Lake Michigan circle itinerary, youll cross into our fourth and final state Wisconsin. https://www.in.gov/history/2350.htm 4 Days 1,000 Miles and All the Blueberries you can eat! Great Lakes Circle Tour Head north on US-31, between Muskegon and Whitehall, and youll find Michigans Adventure Amusement Park and water park. The shoreline of the Upper Peninsula is a glorious piece of . Known as the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City is one of Americas Top 10 beach towns and a definite town to put your kickstand down and explore. Old Mans Graveyard Road read the sign. Sundays best in Escanaba. Art lovers will adore Pentwater, which hosts arts and crafts fairs all summer long. Summer and fall are both wonderful times to take this trip since many of the activities are outdoors. I grew up in Zion IL. Also in downtown Manitowoc, a rather unique Lake Michigan Circle Tour spur route begins: travelling straight across the lake via Lake Michigan Carferrys S.S. Badger carferry! If I had to pick one stop to get rid of, it would be the Leelenau Peninsula theres not as much to do and the kids would probably find the wineries/breweries boring. 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. Michigans Upper Peninsula (aka the U.P.). Lake Superior circle tour by motorcycle - Michigan Forum The route through the U.P. Celebrate the father figures in your life with good food, special events, outdoor adventures, fishing trips, golf outings, and more throughout West Michigan. Still a great introductory route for the aspiring long distance rider, more experienced enthusiasts demand more in the way of technical maneuvering. I would love a paper map of the circle tour. I had to admit, my dad gear perfectly matched my dad bike, and his matched his. From Sleeping Bear Dunes, drive 45 minutes to Traverse City. This 29-mile route from Hayward to Glidden on State Hwy. Sounds like a fun adventure to me! . Lake Michigan Circle Tour | Travel Wisconsin Lake Michigan Circle Route - Ride with GPS The route continues south on US-41 through Menominee and enters Wisconsin at Marinette. After passing through Traverse City, you will continue north along the Traverse Bay and on toCharlevoix. Follow the tour thru Green Bay and the route curves up into the scenic and interesting DOOR PENINSULA, a popular tourist destination often referred to as The Cape Cod of the Midwest and home to numerous lighthouses. Manistee is also considered the gateway to one of the most prized stretches of road in all of the Midwest; M-22 of Northern Michigan. Answer 1 of 12: Hello, I am planning a Lake Superior circle tour to be taken in mid-July for myself, my husband, and my in-laws (66 y/o). Minutes later the shouldering trees receded and we were all alone on the waters edge. Dig into these great stories and get inspired for your next Wisconsin vacation. It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. Lake Michigan has over 50 beautiful lights, with the majority in Michigan and Wisconsin. Cant wait to go back and go up into the Upper Peninsula!!! Try this feature for free with a RouteYou Plus trial subscription. This route listing lists the official route as well as any locally-designated and marked Lake Michigan Circle Tour Loops, which are generally posted with brown signs. Head south down I-43 Sheboygan and into Milwaukee. A Motorcycling Human Idiot Might Write Your Next Riding War Story, Wreck to Reckoning: Coping With Rider Fear. Chase Car Ready, Milwaukee Packout Tool Storage, Choose Your Motorcycle Transport Service Wisely, Velocity Philosophy (A Mannerly Guide To Speed), Green Meanie! When you get to Mackinaw City, youll need to take the ferry over to Mackinac Island (pronounced like Mack-i-naw). Lake Michigan Circle Tour by motorcycle from Chicago this We Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Your email address will not be published. MDOT to start US-12 resurfacing and bridge repair in Coldwater Along the way you can visit wineries, experience small-town friendliness and really appreciate the change of seasons. Eight miles. Yeah it feels just as silly now as it did then. From Glen Arbor, the circle tour continues northerly on M-22 through Leland to Northport. But I didn't, so we didn't. Lake Michigan Circle Tour Sightseeing & Stops. Specifically, since the last week of August, 2016. Take your time as you make the journey along the coast and around the Door County peninsula. Use our Scenic Drive Finder and Road Trip Planner to easily create custom road trips. 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. In Sister Bay, the Lake Michigan Circle Tourturns back southwesterly via STH-42 through Egg Harbor to Sturgeon Bay once again. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour (LMCT) enters Illinois at Winthrop Harbor in northeastern Lake County and continues south through Zion, Waukegan, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Winnetka and Evanston. Sign-up for our email newsletter & receive a free copy of our West Michigan Travel Guide! . A lot more. Lake Michigan Circle Tour on Motorcycle Do's & Don'ts | Field Mag Cheating Death on the Lake Michigan Loop: 1,000 Miles in 4 Days An hastily conceived and ill-advised motorcycle trip pits two old friends against frigid fall weather to see just what the Midwest is really made of Author Graham Hiemstra Photographer Graham Hiemstra @graham Today, youll do some sightseeing and finish off strong with some hearty Chicagoan food. The Lake Michigan Circle Tourenters Michigan from Indiana on US-12 south of New Buffalo and proceeds northerly through New Buffalo to I-94. Nick said yes, and very little else. On the north side of Port Washington, the tour rejoins I-43 and contines northerly via I-43/STH-32 toward Sheboygan. 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. Please wait, your download is being prepared. Diabolic Technologic: Do Rider Aids Actually Help? If you would like to join our guided tour of Lake Michigan we are reserving spots now. October was completely empty. Try this feature for free with a RouteYou Premium trial subscription. (The mainline LMCT remains on M-22 between Empire and Glen Arbor.). Dotting the shoreline on both sides of the lake, each preserved to showcase their unique charm and architectural significance. Catch the sunset at the Grand Haven State Park Lighthouse, then head over to the Musical Fountain in town (it plays nightly at dusk). In St Joseph, the Lake Michigan Circle Tourcontinues northerly on M-63 into northern Berrien Co. At the nothern terminus of M-63, the circle tour proceeds northerly on I-196/US-31 toward South Haven. Its a great trip you wont want to miss. Explore 15 miles of the southern shore of Lake Michigan featuring a unique ecosystem with native birds and plants. Your print is ready to download. This will be the first in a series concerning an excellent ride (mostly) around Lake Michigan. So, I called up an old pal in Chicago and asked if he was up for a little motorcycle ride. Petoskeys downtown overlooks Lake Michigan and offers terrific shopping. At Exit 47, route signage indicates that the circle tour exits US-31 and loops through downtown Holland following the former route of BUS US-31/BL I-196. All rights reserved. Great tip. At Escanaba, the circle tour continues southwesterly via M-35 along the Green Bay shoreline to Menominee. Look to ride my motorcycle around Lake Michigan this week, leaving Chicago Tuesday, staying away three nights. Explore Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, the five local lighthouses (I have a thing for lighthouses! Lembeck is championing both the completion of a Lake Michigan "water trail" for kayakers, canoeists and other paddlers around the lake's entire shoreline as well as an interconnection between the water trail, the new U.S. Then panic set in. I highly recommend Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat Park, the wineries on Traverse Bay, and the trip back in time on Mackinaw Island! will appreciate if you can share it. Youll find beaches, forests, dunes, and plenty of local breweries and wineries during your 24-hour drive. If/when you do come to Chicago, my advice is to also get out of downtown and into the real neighborhoods, as they all offer cool restaurants, shops, pubs, festivals, etc. & Tm Off, Get the best new gear, dreamy cabins, and epic adventure photography delivered to your inbox each week with Field Mag newsletters. Dont forget Johans Backereys in Petosky and Harbor Springs! There are a few stairs to reach the top, so make sure to wear some comfortable shoes! Ride Lake Superior an Epic Motorcycle Tour through Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota . Great Divide National Scenic Byway Motorcycle Tour in Fall. 1) Horizons bookstore in Traverse City- one of Americas great bookstores Once there, head to US-93 N in Yavapai County from AZ-71 N, which merges onto US-93 N. End your journey at AZ-97 N. End your week-long trip right where you started the Windy City, one of the greatest big cities in the world! At Northport, M-22 and the Lake Michigan Circle Tourturn nearly 180 degrees to head southerly into Traverse City.
