Best Motorcycle Rides in Michigan: 2021 Top Roads Edition

With warmer weather and longer days on the way, it’s the perfect time to plan your next Michigan motorcycle road trip. Whether you want to stay close to home or explore new destinations, scenic roads and coastlines abound from the southern part of the state to the Upper Peninsula. Here is a list of the best motorcycle rides in Michigan, compiled from dozens of recommendations from local bikers and professional travel writers.

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Popular Motorcycle Routes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Explore the Lake Superior Coast

This 1,000 mile scenic ride across the Upper Peninsula provides views of the Lake Superior coastline along with picturesque forests, waterfalls, and historic lighthouses. Highlights include Tahquamenon Falls State Park, home of one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River, the 9,000-foot deep Quincy Mine on Hwy. 41. For bikers who are short on time, the route is divided into two rides of 617 and 392 miles each, with the option of a 584-mile ride.  

Take the Marquette Loop

Another popular Upper Peninsula motorcycle ride is the Marquette Loop via M-553 South and M-35 North. The 50-mile loop has some mid-sized hills and scenery that hits its peak in the fall. Lighthouse enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Marquette Maritime Museum.

Discover the Les Cheneaux Islands

From I-75 North past St. Ignace, take M-134 East from Hessel to Drummond Island. Bikers will find unsurpassed views of the Lake Huron coastline and the 36 Les Cheneaux Islands, where the annual Antique Wooden Boat Show is held each August.

Explore the Keewanaw Peninsula

Any biking trip across the Upper Peninsula should include a ride to Copper Harbor in the Keewanaw Peninsula, Michigan’s most northern point. Nine-mile long Brockway Mountain Drive, designated as an official Michigan Wildlife Viewing Area, offers breathtaking overlooks of Lake Superior. Highways M-26 and US-41 are popular motorcycle roads.

Recommended Rides through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula

Tour the Shores of Lake Huron

For 200 miles of Lake Huron scenery, take US-23 and follow the Huron Shores Heritage Route beginning in Standish. Bikers can ride all or part of this scenic route, which follows the shoreline past forests, wetlands, lighthouses and small towns.

Ride the Red Arrow Highway

Starting in New Buffalo, head north on the Red Arrow Highway (US-12) along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Riders will find plenty of opportunities to stop and explore a variety of coastal villages, art galleries, wineries and beaches.

Take the Back Roads to Hell and Back

For a memorable ride, head 50 miles east of Coldwater to M-52 North, go through Chelsea and turn right on Werkner Road. The road from Chelsea to Hell has lots of tight, twisty paths for more experienced bikers. In fact, there are numerous popular rides within the triangular area from east of Jackson to Fowlerville to Hell.

Car and Driver’s Choice: Michigan Highway 22 (M-22)

Michigan’s own M-22 ranked #11 on Car and Driver’s recent list of the 12 best U. S. driving roads. Starting in Onekama, Michigan and heading north, this 117-mile highway follows the beautiful Lake Michigan coastline around the scenic Leelanau Peninsula. In addition, Car and Driver encourages bikers to make time for a visit to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Navigate the “Tunnel of Trees”

In Emmet County, north of Harbor Springs, M-119 becomes the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route, a narrow road known for its spectacular views of Lake Michigan and sharp twists at Devil’s Elbow and Horseshoe Curve.

Ride Around the Thumb

Starting at Point Huron, take M-25 and follow Michigan’s iconic thumb-shaped coast. The scenic highway passes Harbor Beach, Port Hope and Port Austin before it ends at Bay City.

For information and an interactive map of Michigan motorcycle routes, click here.  

Put Our Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyers to Work for You Today  

We want you to enjoy the beautiful Michigan scenery without any mishaps, but accidents can happen to the most careful riders. If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, call us right away. Many of our lawyers ride, so we know first-hand the pleasures and pitfalls of biking. 

More importantly, we understand the complexities of Michigan motorcycle law and we know what it takes to build a winning case. As our many satisfied clients can attest, we will use our collective legal expertise and extensive resources to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Motorcycle accident law is complicated, but finding the right motorcycle accident lawyer is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. To start your case today, fill out the brief form below or call 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the comfort and safety of your home.

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