Meander through the communities of Whitehall, New Era, Shelby, and Hart, as well as Silver Lake Sand Dunes. State of Illinois Historical Markes: There are 373 campsites over four campgrounds. 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. https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15267 Fifteen minutes north of Pentwater, youll be in Ludington, where you may catch the ferry back to Manitowoc. I hope you found it helpful for planning your own road trip. End your week-long trip right where you started the Windy City, one of the greatest big cities in the world! This was nice, sure, as autumn was close to being in full bloom. Along Lake Michigan, state and county parks, major cities and harbor towns dot the freshwater coastline. It makes you look funny, and even though literally no oneNO ONEcares what you look like when youre hurtling down a remote highway at a mile-a-minute in pissing rain, its still funny. Along the way you can visit wineries, experience small-town friendliness and really appreciate the change of seasons. 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. The short stretch of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour through Illinois travels along Route 137 and then joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41) right at the Lake Michigan coastline through the suburbs of Chicago. Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Marie State Forest Area, with a great many miles offering little to look at but trees, trees and more trees. All rights reserved. Had I known the conditions that lay ahead, perhaps I'd have heeded the not-so-subtle warnings. https://www.wmta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Lighthouse-Map-for-Web-2018.pdf, https://www.wmta.org/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-circle-tour/lighthouse-driving-itinerary/, https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15267, http://www.historyillinois.org/HistoricalMarkers.aspx. Box 541; Trenton, MI 48183; 800-513-6424; Upper Peninsula & Itineraries . Lake Michigan Circle Tour. 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. 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). From there, its on to Green Bay, home of the Packers and historic Lambeau Field. Your email address will not be published. Break it into two separate tripsthe north loop and the south loop. If you go through the UP on US 2 and pass through Manistique there is a restaurant called The Three Seasons as you first start getting into town if you are heading West that I usually see bikes at. Not a crash, really. Required fields are marked *. Start planning as far in advance as possible six months if you're planning to camp over weekends in Michigan beach parks, 11 months in Wisconsin parks. The depth of change in colors at this time is amazing and rivals the best FALL scenery found anywhere. It's a 147-mile scenic two-lane trunk line running from Port Huron to Bay City, Michigan. Youve earned it after all that driving! https://www.wmta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Lighthouse-Map-for-Web-2018.pdf. This went on for some time. More than 1,000 miles long, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour would take about 14 hours without stops to complete. (Side note: It was right about here when I realized by bike in fact came equipped with heated gripsa feature that would have been REALLY nice to know of just 20 hours earlier.). Read on for a detailed 7-day Lake Michigan circle road trip itinerary! Just 100 more miles to St. Ignace. We are taking reservations now for our September AROUND THE LAKE TOUR. 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. From Grand Haven, drive 55 minutes north to Petite Pointe Au Sable Lighthouse (Little Sable Point Lighthouse) in Mears, Michigan. ichuge it is not a good idea to post your e-mail address. Crossing the Straits of. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix . Teri. Thanks. But I didn't, so we didn't. Take theLittle Traverse Wheelway, which connects Petoskey to Charlevoix andHarbor Springs. 4) The Omelette Shoppe in Traverse City Which stops would you cut out while traveling with kids? Yeah it feels just as silly now as it did then. If you can, allot a few days here. I wondered if you have a map of this tour? Land of New Glarus beer, Cheeseheads, and Midwestern hospitality, driving down Wisconsins lakeshore is a pleasure in and of itself. plenty of places to park your RV for a night or extended stay. Note: Hotels on Mackinac Island are notoriously expensive. Specifically, since the last week of August, 2016. Only 60 miles east of the bustling Duluth waterfront, Bark Bay, Wisconsin, provides a serene escape. Great Divide National Scenic Byway Motorcycle Tour in Fall. In these areas, the LMCT follows the route of Sheridan Rd very closely. 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. 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. In Michigan, the Lake Superior Circle Tour ( LSCT) runs from the state line at Ironwood to Sault Ste. Catch the sunset at the Grand Haven State Park Lighthouse, then head over to the Musical Fountain in town (it plays nightly at dusk). 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). Built by, The *Better* Lake Michigan Circle Tour (Motorcycle Map). Im just trying to research easy places to stay for a night or two on the trip. Any recommendations for best roads / sights along way? For many, the Circle Tour is an opportunity to seek out an unrivaled collection of historical LIGHTHOUSES. Ride the Circle Tour around Lake Michigan. Shifted to sixth gear and hit the ton. Summer and fall are both wonderful times to take this trip since many of the activities are outdoors. The comforting beams of light guided thousands of ships with their precious cargoes into port. They got us. Nick felt it was more a dentist on vacation look. Continue the tour by heading north out of LUDINGTON along US-31 and into the Victorian Port of Manistee. Although not quite as scenic as Michigans side of the lake, youll be sure to soak in some beautiful views along the way regardless. Exploring Lake Michigan's scenic shoreline by motorcycle. If someone wants to reply to your post they can do it here or send you a private message through tripadvisor by clicking on your name below your picture. But we found lunch at some funny named town next to another funny named town, between two more towns with funny names. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. From Glen Arbor, the circle tour continues northerly on M-22 through Leland to Northport. Your email address will not be published. A historic town with plenty to see and do including several historic LIGHTHOUSES, excellent fishing nooks and the Midwests top rated State Park. 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. At Manitowoc, the circle tour leaves I-43 at Exit 149 and continues into downtown via US-151. 4 h 45 m. 304 mi. From Chicago, drive 45 minutes over the state line to the Indiana Dunes. Enter to win a giveaway for a free night's stay at Hotel Walloon! 1) Horizons bookstore in Traverse City- one of Americas great bookstores Northeast of downtown Muskegon, the route continues northerly via M-120 to North Muskegon and northeasterly back to US-31. Sundays best in Escanaba. I loved this info and grew up 50 miles north of Chicago in Zion. Well known locally as the home of the historic Ramsdall Theater and beautiful 2-mile river walk stretch. Their historical significance, as well as their various shapes and colors, makes a lighthouse run a fascinating destination. And hey, we even got a nice picture of us together on the ferry ride home. Drive a bit farther to get to the town of Ludington, where you can stop for coffee and some pastries at Red Rooster Coffee & Community or relax at Ludington State Park. However, this business loop route through Holland was removed in August 2004 (signage removed in May 2005), but Lake Michigan Circle Tourmarkers along US-31 itself still indicates the route exits US-31 onto a business route which no longer exists. The first is to complete it all at once. 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. Upgrade now. On the east side of South Haven, where BL I-196 ends at I-196/US-31 Exit 20, the route continues north into Allegan Co on I-196/US-31. 5. Then panic set in. This viewpoint off of the main highway is one of the best places to get a birds eye view of the Lake Michigan shoreline. Our rain gear held strong and confidence grew. Touristy, sure, but I adore any place where no cars are allowed (heres my travel guide to the island). Photo: Elyse Clark. Better late than never. On day 6 of our Lake Michigan circle itinerary, youll cross into our fourth and final state Wisconsin. To save some money, take the ferry back over to the mainland and stay in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace for the night. Nothing is off-limits on the circle tour. Our Lake Michigan Circle Tour ride took five days instead of four. Countless restaurants and lodging choices make Ludington a must stop along the tour. "Well take these memories to our grave, whether we wind up there tomorrow or fifty years from now.". https://www.in.gov/history/2350.htm I liked your comment around the Lake Michigan tour that you and your husband did, that is some thing that me and my wife would like to do this coming week, do you have a map or places that you may recommend to stop by. Many are open during the summer offering a climb to the top to enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Michigan. Is it a natural phenomenon or cheesy tourist roadside stop? Between Mackinaw City and St Ignace, the Lake Michigan Circle Touris jointed by the Lake Huron Circle Tour. The riders: Doug - Yamaha Stratoliner CJ - Suzuki Intruder LC 1500 Me - Yamaha 950 Tourer (left to right, me (with Monkey), CJ, and Doug) The tools: And dont miss one of the famous fish boils, a Door County specialty! The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. South Read More . Many are dog and kid-friendly and also serve food. Northeast of Empire, a Lake Michigan Circle TourLoop Route leaves M-22 to follow M-109 past Glen Haven, rejoining M-22 at Glen Arbor. 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. This area is known for its series of scenic and accessible waterfalls, located primarily in Marinette Countys Parks System. Your email address will not be published. Easy peasy. You can now navigate. This was the unsolicited advice we received as we mounted our bikes on the morning of day two. 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. 6 McR Points. Ludington State Park. And those are just the ones weve been to there are many more. Whatever the Upper Peninsula had in store for us, Ive faced worse. The State of Michigan has signed each of the circle tours for the Great Lakes the state touches: the Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior Circle Tours. It was windy as all get out. We squeezed out of our soaked gear, cranked the room temp to 90 and tried to shake the soggy chill from our tired bones. The route then traverses Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry. Pines, Cedar, and Beechwood are modern, with many of the sites close together. For more descriptions of our favorite motorcycle rides and destinations, visit the Rides and Destinations section of MotorcycleCruiser.com. Is that available? Most of the suggestions Ive listed are outdoors and/or free which is awesome! Alternatively, you may use, Baymont by Wyndham Bridgeport/Frankenmuth. 3) Scalawags Seafood in Traverse City and Mackinaw City Additionally, you can add stops to your trip in the following locations: Thanks for reading this Lake Michigan circle itinerary! Our original post about the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is one of the first long distance motorcycle trips we covered back in 2014. (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 . Next we arrive in Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest, for a classic Wisconsin fish . 5) Grand Traverse Winery in the Old Mission Peninsula. Plan now at www.WindyCityMotorcycleTours.com or call Tim Farrell at (630)834-6571 for full details. Biking is a popular way to get around the island, as are horse-drawn carriages. Nick stuck to his guns and opted to try Real Tree. My near neon orange coat has long been a standby. Explore everything this area has to offer from activities and attractions, to fairs and festivals, there's something here for everybody! You wont find any chain hotels, either every accommodation option is unique and family-owned. We want to spend a couple days in Chicago to kick it off. The first is to complete it all at once. We knew it too. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour covers approximately 950 miles and puts you in the saddle with about 15 hours of (continuous) riding. Perhaps Michigan's most famous scenic route, M-22 stretches for over 115 miles along the shores of our beloved Big Lake. For those riders living near Chicago, few tours offer the variety and unsurpassed scenic riding opportunities as the Circle Lake Tour around Lake Michigan. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Southwest of Sturgeon Bay, the tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay. 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. Nearby youll find the town of Beverly Shores, where you may view the five historic Century of Progress Homes from the 1933 Chicago Worlds Fair. I agree with StrangTripper - three nights doesn't leave much time to check things out. 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. On the east side of Holland, the route continues northerly following US-31 through Grand Haven and toward Norton Shores. adams county wa accident yesterday, integon national insurance company payment, nj state employee salaries 2021,