My Husband and I thought a 4 day motorcycle trip would be a “great way” to celebrate our 15th anniversary. So we packed up our bags, and took off down the road. We chose a route around the “MIT” (mitten) of “Northern” Michigan. Riding the coasts of the Great lakes. “I highly recommend this route”. We rode 23 North, up the Lake Huron coast, on the east side of the state. Stopping in Alpena the first night. We continued up the east side of the state until we crossed through Cheboygan, then rode the coast of Lake Michigan down the west side of the state. A truly awesome, and beautiful ride! Once we crossed through Cheboygan, we stopped at the wonderful “Legs Inn”. A authentic polish restaurant in Cross village, on Route 119 that sits at the mouth of the “Tunnel Of Trees”. The Tunnel of Trees is located about 35 miles from a very popular tourist stop of Mackinac Island, which is located at the juncture of Michigan and Upper Peninsula Michigan. This is at the top of Michigan where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet and divide the state. This road hugs the eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan through a dense forest. Route 119 is a long, narrow, curvy road, with trees tight up to the edge of the road. “A fun and scenic ride”. Starting from Cross Village all the way down to Harbor Springs. (A bit of caution) The native people seem to be past enjoying the “scenic beauty” of the tunnel of trees, and just want to get through the miles of trees as quickly as possibly, so I recommend riding it early in the morning, on a week day, to cut down on meeting wide cars going too fast, on tight curves.
We continued on and picked up Route 31 South through Petoskey, (very nice) then on to Traverse City. We got a hotel right on the water of Lake Michigan, with a private beach, and a gorgeous indoor pool and hot tub. Each hotel had to have a pool and hot tub, which we looked forward to lounging in each night. While we stayed in Traverse City, we rode all the scenic area roads. (Be sure to look at the maps). We rode up Route 37, to Old Mission, and saw the light house. Route 37 is a 20 mile finger, cutting through the waters of Lake Michigan, where they have miles, and miles of beautiful fruit vineyards. Beyond the vineyards you can see the water in the back round. Leaving Traverse City, we rode the “absolutely fabulous” – Route 22. in Leelanau County. The most fun ride of the entire route. We plan to go back with the camper to this area. The entire route is worth visiting. There are many nice towns, and lots of places to visit. I give this trip a 10 +.
It was a little early for the trees to change colors, but the temperature’s were crisp, the roads were curvy & very scenic, and we had a “great time”! Michigan really is a beautiful state, once you get away from the big city’s. I took the picture above this entry On Route 22.
Michigan Motorcycle roads
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/mi.html
US Route 23 – Michigan
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/mi_us23.html
State Route 119 – Michigan
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/mi119.html
Legs Inn in Cross Village. This is an old rustic cabin-style restaurant made of field stone, drift wood and old large logs and lit with warm amber lighting inside that just makes you feel good the moment you walk through the front door. Legs Inn serves a variety of items but they specialize in Polish ethnic foods and I will tell you that they are absolutely fantastic. We stopped for supper at about 6:00pm and when we finished we walked through their garden backyard overlooking Lake Michigan and watched the beautiful sunset over the lake.
State route 22 – Michigan
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/mi22.html
Peninsula Drive – Michigan
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/mi_pd.html
Route 37 – Michigan
http://www.motorcycleroads.us/roads/mi37.html
Here are some “really great pictures! (I did not take)
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jensenl/visuals/album/2006/north/


