Your aim on this trip should be to see as much of the state's northern shoreline of the Lower Peninsula as possible from Ludington to Port Huron while using state or US highways and avoiding freeways as much as possible. However there are a couple of areas that will require freeway travel:
1. To Ludington will require the use of US-31 freeway;
2. Between Carp Lake and St. Ignace will require the use of I-75 freeway.
When we took this trip in July, 2012, we allowed four leisurely days of riding with plenty of time for side trips and/or stops along the way. Our trip began and ended at Grand Rapids. From beginning to end, we logged 1100 miles for an average of 275 miles per day.
The average cost of premium gasoline during the trip was $3.78. We stayed at 'park-at-your-door type Mom & Pop motels. All were clean but short on amenities. That's okay with us because there are better things to spend money on than expensive motel rooms and at an average cost of $76.00 /night we slept pretty good.
The fun really starts when you reach M-22 at Manistee. M-22 runs north to Northport, then south to Traverse City. The beauty is indescribable and believe me, you'll kick yourself into next week if you forget to bring your camera. The road is in perfect condition with plenty of rolling hills, gentle curves, and many sparkling Lake Michigan vistas. Don't forget to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes and Old Mission Point.
When you get to Mackinaw, take the bridge across the Straits into St. Ignace and follow Business Route 75 into town for a lunch stop at The Driftwood sports bar and motel. A cold beer, great sandwich, and view of the harbor is waiting for you. If you need an article of riding apparel on your journey, Zips 45th Parallel Harley-Davidson has an apparel division on Huron Street in Mackinaw City across from the boat docks.
Enjoy and be safe!Happy Trails,Speedpony
This is a motorcycle ride in the state of Michigan. This motorcycle route has 8 scenery characteristics and other road conditions to help you plan your road trip. This motorcycle map was created by speedpony in July. Click here to see other Motorcycle Roads by speedpony