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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Michigan Motorcycle Trip Itinerary

Michigan's Majestic Motorcycle Journey

Embark on an exhilarating expedition through Michigan's diverse landscapes, starting in the dynamic city of Detroit, where the pulse of American automotive history beats. Cruise past its iconic monuments and delve into the Motown sound that changed music forever. The journey continues to Ann Arbor, a youthful city bristling with intellectual verve and blooming with the natural wonders of its arboretum. Lansing awaits as your next destination, inviting you to explore the grandeur of its Capitol Building and the rich tapestry of Michigan's history. Ride northwest to encounter the arts and craft brews of Grand Rapids, a city animated with creative spirit and Midwestern charm.

Further north, Traverse City beckons with its scenic vineyards and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day's ride. As you loop around the Leelanau Peninsula, the road leads to the timeless allure of Mackinaw City, a gateway to the storied Mackinac Island and your stepping stone to the Upper Peninsula. Finally, prepare to be awestruck at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where nature's majesty is on full display with towering dunes and panoramic lake vistas. This journey not only presents the urban heartbeat and natural splendors of Michigan but also lays out an unforgettable tapestry of experiences for the spirited motorcyclist.


Recommended Activities

  • Known as the birthplace of the automotive industry, Detroit offers rich history, art, music (especially Motown), and revitalized downtown areas with fantastic dining and entertainment options. It’s a city on the rise with plenty to discover.
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  • Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor boasts a vibrant college town atmosphere with a mix of cultural offerings, museums, a bustling food scene, and the beautiful Nichols Arboretum for outdoor activities and nature walks.
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  • As the capital of Michigan, Lansing is steeped in political history with tours available of the Michigan State Capitol building. The area also features the Michigan Historical Center and a variety of parks and recreational activities along the Grand River.
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    Grand Rapids

    Grand Rapids is known for its vibrant art scene, including the annual ArtPrize competition, craft breweries, and historical attractions such as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. It's a perfect blend of art, history, and gastronomy.
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    Traverse City

    Traverse City is famed for its picturesque vineyards, delightful cherry orchards, and the National Cherry Festival. It's also a gateway to stunning beaches and dunes along Lake Michigan, with ample opportunities for water sports and outdoor adventures.
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    Mackinaw City

    Mackinaw City is at the tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, known for its proximity to Mackinac Island, historic sites like Colonial Michilimackinac, and breathtaking views of the Mackinac Bridge connecting to the Upper Peninsula. It offers unique shopping and cultural experiences.
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    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

    This National Lakeshore provides some of the most beautiful landscapes in Michigan, with towering sand dunes and bluffs that offer spectacular views over Lake Michigan. It's an ideal location for hiking, bird-watching, camping, and experiencing a unique part of Michigan's natural beauty.
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Restaurants

  • The Belt

    An art-filled alley with a unique dining experience located in Detroit's revived downtown, The Belt is known for its trendy eateries and vibrant street art.
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    Zingerman's Delicatessen

    Zingerman's Delicatessen

    An Ann Arbor staple offering a quirky atmosphere with a famous array of sandwiches and an attached market with artisanal products.
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    Meat Southern B.B.Q. & Carnivore Cuisine

    Meat Southern B.B.Q. & Carnivore Cuisine

    Located in the heart of Lansing, this barbecue joint brings an unusual take on Southern comfort food, renowned for eccentric flavor combinations.
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    San Chez Bistro

    San Chez Bistro

    An eclectic tapas bistro offering dishes from around the world, set in a funky and colorful space in Grand Rapids.
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    Trattoria Stella

    Trattoria Stella

    Housed in the unique Village at Grand Traverse Commons, a renovated asylum, this restaurant provides a farm-to-table dining experience in a historic and unusual setting in Traverse City.
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    Audie's Restaurant

    Audie's Restaurant

    A family-owned establishment in Mackinaw City with an eclectic mix of Chippewa Indian decor and a variety of unique menu items, including local whitefish.
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    The Cooks' House

    The Cooks' House

    Sustainable and locally-sourced cuisine served in an intimate, restored home featuring a creative menu in Traverse City.
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    Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery, & Distillery

    Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery, & Distillery

    Nestled on the Old Mission Peninsula, this restaurant combines unusual craft beers with artisanal dishes in a cozy setting overlooking the bay near Traverse City.
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Hotels

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    The Inn on Ferry Street

    The Inn on Ferry Street

    Stay in one of the beautifully restored Victorian mansions or carriage houses in Detroit's East Ferry Avenue Historic District. Each house has its unique charm offering a glimpse into the city's historic past.
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    Graduate Ann Arbor

    Graduate Ann Arbor

    Themed around the University of Michigan, this boutique hotel in Ann Arbor offers collegiate-themed rooms that are quirky, comfortable, and steeped in school spirit.
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  • English Inn

    Experience the grandeur of an early 20th-century estate turned inn, set on manicured grounds with a fine dining restaurant, in Eaton Rapids near Lansing.
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    Amway Grand Plaza

    Amway Grand Plaza

    Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, this historic hotel in Grand Rapids blends the old-world charm of the original 1913 hotel with modern amenities and unique accommodations.
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    Hotel Indigo Traverse City

    Hotel Indigo Traverse City

    Offering waterfront views, this hotel stands out with unique, locally-inspired architecture and seasonal rooftop dining in the heart of Traverse City.
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    The Grand Hotel

    The Grand Hotel

    Located on Mackinac Island, this iconic hotel features a famed 660-foot front porch and opulent decor, with no two guest rooms alike. It's an experience in itself and an essential part of Michigan's history.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Miranda Lambert

    Miranda Lambert

    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
    Map IconSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (4.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Jul 2024
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    The Offspring w/ Simple Plan

    The Offspring w/ Simple Plan

    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
    Map IconSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (4.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon26 Jul 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top

    Lynyrd Skynyrd w/ ZZ Top

    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
    Map IconSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (4.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon10 Aug 2024
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    Jason Aldean

    Jason Aldean

    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
    Map IconSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (4.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Aug 2024
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  • Event Icon

    Keith Urban

    Keith Urban

    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
    Map IconSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (4.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Aug 2024
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    Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham

    Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham

    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
    Map IconSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (4.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon8 Sep 2024
    Picture for Blake Shelton w/ Chayce Beckham
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    Tom Segura

    Tom Segura

    The event will take place at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant.
    Map IconSoaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant (4.64 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Oct 2024
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Hey folks! I'm departing soon on a five-day motorcycle ride of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour! Hoping to get recommendations for things to do and places to go in that time! Any...

    Lake Michigan Circle Tour - Stop Recommendations?

    Hey folks! I'm departing soon on a five-day motorcycle ride of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour! Hoping to get recommendations for things to do and places to go in that time! Any...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    If you're familiar with Hell area, go a little farther west to the Waterloo area and make the trip longer. Waterloo Rd, Seymour Road, etc. The Hell area is really the best dri...

    best motorcycle riding roads in Michigan?

    If you're familiar with Hell area, go a little farther west to the Waterloo area and make the trip longer. Waterloo Rd, Seymour Road, etc. The Hell area is really the best dri...

    /r/Michigan
  • Reddit Icon

    A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to Reddit's corporate policies when...

    Best motorcycle routes in/near southwest Michigan

    A heavily moderated and family-friendly subreddit dedicated to the latest news and happenings in the great state of Michigan. Please adhere to Reddit's corporate policies when...

    /r/Michigan
  • Reddit Icon

    /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything re...

    Michigan Trip Recommendations!

    /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle, car, or recreational vehicle this is your destination for everything re...

    /r/roadtrip
  • Reddit Icon

    This community exists to share all things related to motorcycle camping including bikes, gear, locations, experiences, advice and photos. Members Online citizens_arrest

    Recommendation for a 2-4 day motocamping trip near SE Michigan?

    This community exists to share all things related to motorcycle camping including bikes, gear, locations, experiences, advice and photos. Members Online citizens_arrest

    /r/motocamping

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    Steppenwolf - Born To Be Wild - Single Version

    The quintessential motorcycle anthem that encapsulates the thrill of the open road and the spirit of adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    A song about the journey of life and the long stretches of road ahead, perfect for a long drive or ride.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    An upbeat classic that celebrates the joy of getting back out on the road and the freedom it brings.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Golden Earring - Radar Love

    Golden Earring - Radar Love

    A song to energize your ride with its driving beat and theme of connection over vast distances.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55

    Sammy Hagar - I Can't Drive 55

    An ode to speed and the rebellious spirit of wanting to push the limits while cruising down the highway.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

    A Southern rock classic that's perfect for rolling down the backroads and enjoying the familiar sights and sounds.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A relaxing tune that encourages taking a breather and enjoying the ride, with a perfect tempo for cruising.
    Listen on Spotify
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    AC/DC - Highway to Hell

    AC/DC - Highway to Hell

    Bristling with energy, this song is ideal for an exhilarating ride, embodying a carefree, rock-and-roll spirit.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Christopher Cross - Ride Like the Wind

    Christopher Cross - Ride Like the Wind

    Captures the essence of freedom and the feeling of escaping to somewhere new and exciting.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Tom Petty - Runnin' Down A Dream

    Tom Petty - Runnin' Down A Dream

    A reflection of pursuit and the excitement of chasing one's dreams down the open highway.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Tom Petty - Runnin' Down A Dream