Motorcycle Route Author
Rider Reviews
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.
