Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
14 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jan 31, 2005

Rider Reviews

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Guest
September 4, 2009
I have done this route several times. I have to…
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nihao76
21 McR Points
August 2, 2015
Just road up from Ludington. This is a great…
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Written Directions

The starting point for this route is in the town of Manistee, Michigan. Take 31 North out of Manistee, just about a mile or so outside of town turn left onto 110 North. This is Lakeshore road and is very fun. Take this about 10 miles as it travels around portage lake and it will intersect with 22 (AKA the Orchard Hwy). Follow 22 north from the town of Onekama. 22 is very scenic and runs past Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, into the Leelanau Peninsula. Stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes and at Leland for sightseeing opportunities and continue up to Northport. North of Northport is the Leelanau State Park and the old Grand Traverse Lighthouse. From here, go back to Northport continuing on 22 toward Traverse City (this may be called 22 North, yet is heading south at this point).

I'm calling Traverse City the end point of this route but if you like what you've seen so far and want more I recomend the following bonus trips:
      - Out of Traverse City try 37 (Peninsula drive) for more wineries. 37 takes you straight up into the narrow finger peninsula that splits Grand Traverse Bay into two bays.
      - Or continue on 72 E to 31 North because if you've gone this far you must do the Tunnel of Trees run north of Harbor Springs.

On my ride I include the entire trip from Manistee to Mackinaw along the lakeshore, this is definitely the best riding anywhere in Michigan's lower peninsula.

Scenery

This is a very nice route which is mostly wooded and hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline for most of the trip. On this route there are many scenic outlooks, Sleeping bear dunes, lighthouses (including the Grand Traverse lighthouse which you can tour). There are nice small towns on bays and inland lakes, farms, wineries, ski slopes, and be sure to stop in Leland on the Leelenau Peninsula for a historic fishing village. There is a good chance to see some wildlife especially whitetail deer along the way as well. Left: Grand Traverse Lighthouse sign; Right: View from Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Drive Enjoyment

The roads have a lot of nice sweeping turns and some hills due to following the shoreline, and at some places it gets more exciting. They roads have decent to good surfaces and occasional stops in the small towns along the way. Left: Leland - fishing village along the river; Right: Legs Inn Restaurant, Cross Village, MI (Polish Food)

Tourism Opportunities

Small towns get a lot of tourists (camping and many cottages) during summer weekends, so there are plenty of convenience stores. Some towns have many art shops and tourist traps that are fun to look through. If you plan to visit a State park or other campground on a weekend, try to phone ahead to reserve a spot. There is also a Casino along 22 between Northport and Traverse city. Along the way you'll see and travel through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pere Marquette State Forest.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
December 27, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I ride this road a lot. Great riding all through the Leelanau area. Don't miss the west coast on M22, it's as good as the east side. Also take the road around Glen Lake as well.
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Guest
February 9, 2011
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Did this trip with a couple of buddies. Did a short video series of the trip: https://lcchoppers.com/?page_id=362 Get roads and scenery!
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Guest
January 23, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
I live right in the middle of this route about a mile off M-22. Even though I have traveled these roads thousands of times, I never tire of it on the Harley. It has some decent curves to keep the ride interesting, but not so twisty to take away from the relaxing side either. Alot of woods and water, and in the summer alot of Motorcycles too. Riding this road makes me realize I live in a pretty beautiful part of the country.
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