If you had 4 days to ride in Michigan, what Must See Rides are there/do you recommend?

[BigLenny]

Hi All,

I haven't posted in a couple years. Been busy with some personal things going on in our lives. Health issues and such with ourselves, and our aging parents. Taking long road trips on the Spyder has been on the back burner for a couple years. But, we have now decided to get back on the road for a short week long trip, to get our riding legs back under us.

My wife and I have ridden to 37 states over the years on our two wheeled bikes, and our 2020 Spyder RTL. However, one of the states we've never been to is Michigan. So, we have decided to hit the road the 19th of July and head up that way for a week long trip. We plan to spend 4 days riding in Michigan, before running over to Niagra Falls, and then heading back to Arkansas where we live.

So, My question: If you were going to spend 4 days riding in Michigan, what would be some must rides, and what must sees would you recommend we put on the agenda?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

BigLenny

 

[fulltimer]

Without a doubt, the West side of the Lower Peninsula and the Leelanau Peninsula. You could spend the whole 4 days in  just the Leelanau.

 

[MikeT]

Hello Big Lenny,
I certainly understand where you and your wife are coming from. Instead of aging parents, we have 3 & 9 year old grandchildren.
We travel to MI for a week every summer. The WEST side of MI is called the "Gold Coast". Lots of small-medium towns, some with beaches, from New Buffalo to Mackinaw City. The EAST side has fewer cities: but's the quickest way if you want to get to the Upper Peninsula and ride that area. You can get to a few States depending on your route. If you're headed to Niagara Falls, there may be a way from Northern MI, or the UP.
Not sure if this is of any help?? Enjoy your MI adventure.
Mike

 

[spyderider1]

The Ludington Car Ferry is an option taking you from Lower Michigan to Wisconsin. A few years ago my wife and I took a trip from Green Bay north across the Penninsula and across the Mackinac Bridge. Traveling south through Petoskey and Traverse City. Western Michigan was surprisingly sparse, nice beaches, coastal towns, etc. We did some antiquing along the way and stayed in the 1911 Terrace Inn in Petoskey. Probably the Bridge and the Ferry were the highlights for me. My wife enjoyed the hotel as it appears today as it did in 1911.

 

[K&R]

A must see for my wife and I, Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum and the Pictured Rocks Boat Ride. Enjoy your travels.

 

[BigLenny]

These are all great ideas and information to build on.

I didn’t mention that since we will have limited time, we are going to trailer the Spyder from our home in Little Rock to Grand Rapids. We can cut off some needed time by doing that. Then we will leave the truck and trailer there, and do the Spyder ride for 4-5 days. I’m thinking we will leave Grand Rapids and head up the West Coast of Michigan on Rt 22. Maybe make Traverse City our stop after the first day of riding.

Question: This Tunnel of Trees thing - is it worth the time?

 

[djh3]

If over Detroit way, Greenfield Village and Ford Museum. Holland on the West side of the State. Frankenmuth in the thumb. Oops, trip over. LOL

 

[Leroy73]

UP

 

[Cobranut]

If over Detroit way, Greenfield Village and Ford Museum. Holland on the West side of the State. Frankenmuth in the thumb. Oops, trip over. LOL

I second that.
I've been to the Henry Ford Museum twice so far, spent 2 full days there and still haven't seen it all. It's fascinating, especially for a gearhead.

 

[Smolak48393]

These are all great ideas and information to build on.

I didn’t mention that since we will have limited time, we are going to trailer the Spyder from our home in Little Rock to Grand Rapids. We can cut off some needed time by doing that. Then we will leave the truck and trailer there, and do the Spyder ride for 4-5 days. I’m thinking we will leave Grand Rapids and head up the West Coast of Michigan on Rt 22. Maybe make Traverse City our stop after the first day of riding.

Question: This Tunnel of Trees thing - is it worth the time?

If you ask me, the Tunnel of Trees is a pretty nice ride. Another favorite of mine is the Keweenaw Peninsula in the Upper Peninsula, especially Brockway Mountain Drive. Going to the UP, you’ll also get to enjoy the Mackinac Bridge.

 

[sandeejs]

The Tunnel of Trees is a must. Also, try to get to a lighthouse or two.

 

[Cosmo]

Whitefish Point

 

[gabby41766]

These are all great ideas and information to build on.

I didn’t mention that since we will have limited time, we are going to trailer the Spyder from our home in Little Rock to Grand Rapids. We can cut off some needed time by doing that. Then we will leave the truck and trailer there, and do the Spyder ride for 4-5 days. I’m thinking we will leave Grand Rapids and head up the West Coast of Michigan on Rt 22. Maybe make Traverse City our stop after the first day of riding.

Question: This Tunnel of Trees thing - is it worth the time?

Yes, the Tunnel of Trees is worth it. It's usually much better in the Fall with the colors, but it is beautiful regardless.

 

[vito1943]

Another thumbs up for the Whitefish Point Shipwreck Museum. East of Whitefish Point is Tahquamon Falls State Park, well worth a visit. A bit out of the way, but worth doing. Traverse City beaches are great. The water is shallow out to a good distance, so even though Great Lakes water is usually frigid, even in the summer, at Traverse City the water in the bay is perfect for swimming/cooling off. Traverse City has some really good restaurants, I recommend the Artisan on Front Street (much better than what you might expect in small city like this). If on the west side of lower Michigan, a stop in Saugatuck is worth a few hours if you are interested in unusual and high quality art galleries. This town is known for hosting gay women, but that doesn't stop you from visiting.