Trip to Traverse City, MI

[jhedges]

We are planning a trip from Indy to Traverse City, MI this fall riding up the western coast of Michigan.

The first day our plan is to ride to Whitehall, MI and stay at the Michillinda Lodge for the night.

Second day ride to TC and spend the night.

Then ride back down south to Saugatuk, MI and spend two nights at the Lake Shore Resort (one of our favorite places)

Then head home.

Anybody have any must see's or must rides in the area?

I've been wanting to go to TC for a long time, so I'm looking forward to the trip.

thanks

 

[jcyuhn]

Depends how much riding you are looking to do. The best known ride in Michigan is M119, the so-called Tunnel of Trees, from Petosky up the western shore to Cross Village. You can google up a description easily enough. If you ride it, plan to have lunch at Legs Inn in Cross Village, it's quite the funky landmark; the back patio has a wonderful view over Lake Michigan and the food is darn good.

Other rides - Perhaps go see Sleeping Bear dunes and cruise through Pierce Stocking drive. Ride up to the northern point of the Leelenau peninsula, there is a state park there with an old lighthouse you can tour and there are a few restaurant options in Northport. Closer to home, ride the Mission peninsula. Again there is a lighthouse and state park at the end; it's exactly on the 45th parallel, half way to the north pole. The Mission peninsula is mostly wineries these days; so not much to stop and do on a moto tour. But the water views are great on both sides.

 

[DesignFlaw06]

When are you coming through? Red Arrow and Blue Star Highway are decent routes. When you get to Muskegon, Scenic Drive is a must especially in the fall. Depending on which way you're coming through, I can ride part of the way and show you some nice areas between Holland and Whitehall.

 

[jhedges]

Thanks for the info guys. The date is still open, waiting for my brother-in-law to jump in. Right now, I'm looking at September 27th - Oct 1st. The plan is to be in Whitehall Thursday night, and leave for TC on Friday morning.