  jjaba (205.188.208.135 - 205.188.208.135) |
I just love M-60 through Southern Michigan. As early as the 1940s, our family drove it several times a year from Detroit to Chicago. We drove it end to end, from about Jackson to where it peters out in Niles. There are few trucks and few cars, a real delight through wonderful old farming country. I highly recommend it over that I-94 corridor if you have the extra time. At Niles, join US 12 and go right through "The District" of Indiana around Lake Michigan and then to Chicago on US 41. Michigan is a lovely drive. What's yours? jjaba | ||
Cris (68.61.84.90 - 68.61.84.90) |
Highway 2 (M2? US2?), which travels along the north shore of Lake Michigan, along the bottom of the Upper Peninsula. Beautiful!! | ||
mc5rules (148.61.97.36 - 148.61.97.36) |
Especially when it comes to leaf peeping time, a trip over to my neck of the woods is definitely reccommended. Here are a couple of good drives: -- Blue Star Highway through Allegan County -- Old Allegan Road (also in Allegan County) US-31 from Traverse City to Luddington is great, and there are some fabulous scenic drives right off 31. There's a great drive through Fife Lake Forest near Williamsburg that I travel when I visit my mom in Elk Rapids. Here are the directions: You take US-131 North through Manton. After about 10 miles, turn left on FIFE LAKE ROAD. FIFE LAKE ROAD will dead end (4.8 miles)into SUPPLY ROAD - turn LEFT. Travel 3.8 miles to a slight RIGHT onto WILLIAMSBURG ROAD. Travel 5.9 miles - you will cross Route 72 and the road will now be called ELK LAKE ROAD. ELK LAKE ROAD will dead end into US-31N at Elk Rapids. Turn right on to US-31N and go hang out in Elk Rapids... | ||
townie loves to drive (207.74.110.30 - 207.74.110.30) |
North of Harbor Springs to Detour village, especially when the leaves turn in the fall. Townie spent a summer up there on a farm in Elmira. His friend had a '65 Galaxie 500 and he liked to drive that road at terminal velocity. Townie wonders why he is still alive. Townie also likes driving around the thumb. You can drive the coast, but there're tons of cool towns in the interior part. Van Dyke will get you there. | ||
Cris (68.61.84.90 - 68.61.84.90) |
Townie, where do you like to drive in the thumb? I always find the interior to be flat, boring and full of farmland. I must be in the wrong part of it. | ||
WKL (207.140.21.5 - 207.140.21.5) |
I'm with Cris - US2 from St Ignace west has to be my favorite - it's bueatiful in any season. A close second would be US23 along Lake Huron. | ||
townie defends the thumb (207.74.110.30 - 207.74.110.30) |
Well cris, I probably just like flat boring farmland, but between those flat stretches are all sorts of quaint little towns, many with funky old courthouses and churches and homes. Places like Caro, Bad Axe, Port Austin at the tip...there's all kinds of little jewels. Lot's of lighthouses along the water. Unfortunately my atlas is packed away, or I'd pull it out and give you a whole list. Careful though, it goes through MI Militia territory. Plaster a rebel flag to your window before you head out and you'll be okay. They've got Amish up there too. | ||
track75 (12.87.56.61 - 12.87.56.61) |
Closer to home, and short enough to ride your bike -- Huron River Drive from Ann Arbor to Dexter. Park in Ann Arbor, ride bike to Dexter Cider Mill and return. Or, park in Dexter, ride to Ann Arbor and eat, drink, be merry and ride back to Dexter. | ||
eastside (68.43.119.74 - 68.43.119.74) |
Kercheval Avenue, between Conner and Alter. You'll see a beautiful prairie trying to overtake once classic homes and storefronts. You can watch graceful pheasants competing with aggressive hookers for curb space. And if you need to salvage auto parts from burnt-out cars, you will have many makes and models up on blocks to choose from. | ||
jjaba (198.81.17.27 - 198.81.17.27) |
eastside tell it like it tis. Sounds like the eastside is quite "scenic", if you are into scenic. What an ADVERTISEMENT! jjaba | ||
Aboriginal (63.151.152.233 - 63.151.152.233) |
Country Roads Austin Road, west of Manchester Washtenaw County could teach the rest of Michigan a lot about preserving the countryside. Dune Cruise Blue Star Hwy, South Haven to St. Joseph What is so CRITICAL about those dunes, anyway? Lakeshore Drive M22 from Onekema north to Frankfort, stop at the scenic lookout just up the grade north of Onekema and check out Arcadia on the way. Raw Power Jefferson from Downtown Detroit south to Wyandotte. Imagine the Borgs took on the Humans and the Borgs won. Arctic Cat Country Kings Hwy north of Luther, who knows where it goes, just get lost up there. Backwoods Booze Cruise Alger County Road 58 west out of Grand Marais. Don't forget your survival knife, the one with the bottle opener, eh? (Fill tank with gas). Route 66 From Battle Crick north, north, north to Kalkaska, we goin north the rush is on. Take your shoes off, open the windows, set the cruise control on 60mph and watch the peninsula slide by. Just a few of the great road trips of Michigan. | ||
Aboriginal (63.151.152.233 - 63.151.152.233) |
Country Roads Austin Road, west out of Manchester. Washtenaw County could teach the rest of Michigan a lot about preserving the countryside. Lakeshore Drive M22 north out of Manistee to Frankfort. Stop at the scenic overlook just north of Onekema and check out Arcadia on the way. Arctic Cat Country Kings Hwy north out of Luther. Who the heck was the king? Who knows where the heck this road goes, just get lost up there. Backwoods Booze Cruise Alger County Road 58 west out of Grand Marais. Don't forget your survival knife, the one with the bottle opener, eh? (fill tank with gas). Route 66 M66 from Battle Crick north, north, NORTH to Kalkaska, we goin north, the rush is on. Take your shoes off, open the windows, set the cruise control on 60 mph and watch the peninsula slide on by. Raw Power Jefferson from Downtown Detroit to Wyandotte. Imagine the Borgs took on the humans and the Borgs won. Dune Cruise Blue Star Hwy, Benton Harbor to South Haven. Have a SAND SANDWICH and play beach blanket bingo. Just a few of the many great road trips of Michigan. | ||
ventura67 (205.188.208.135 - 205.188.208.135) |
The ultimate urban scenic drive is, of course, our beloved Woodward Ave. from the river to central Pontiac. I wonder if there is any other road in the country that travels through so many different dimensions in such a short trip. From the worst urban decay to among the richest S.O.B.'s back to some urban decay. Mind blowing! | ||
mccarch (64.152.155.31 - 64.152.155.31) |
jjaba, I couldn't agree with you more about M-60. I went to school in South Bend and I've driven and hitchhiked that road countless times. Now, when I go down to SB for football games in the Fall, half of the pleasure is the drive. Realistically, though, one of the reasons that M-60 has stayed so nice and so unchanged through the years is the poverty of Southwestern Michigan. There are hardly any newer homes on that road, and the older homes remain unremodeled. mccarch | ||
julie (207.91.231.101 - 207.91.231.101) |
I like to take M65 at Standish. The closer you get to Alpena County, the prettier the scenery (especially in the winter). | ||
julie (207.91.231.101 - 207.91.231.101) |
I know I'm setting myself up for a verbal lashing, but thinking about Up North in the winter has me thinking, "I can't wait until winter comes!!!" | ||
mc5rules (148.61.97.36 - 148.61.97.36) |
No verbal lashing -- winter in Michigan is gorgeous and one of the best reasons to live here. The people who can't handle it, well, Florida can have 'em. | ||
gpcharles (198.88.12.178 - 198.88.12.178) |
Eastside, I like reading the once hidden advertisments on the sides of the remaining commercial buildings on Kercheval. They can be very enlightening about what was going on back in 19_?_. | ||
jjaba (198.81.16.33 - 198.81.16.33) |
I took aboriginal's Artic Cat tour and broke down. When I was found knee deep in snow and almost frozen, the guy said, "looks like yah blew a seal" and I replied, "Naw, that's just frost on me moustache!" jjaba | ||
the rock (67.217.227.96 - 67.217.227.96) |
M-185 Anyone out there tell me where it goes? | ||
lilacgirl (205.188.199.161 - 205.188.199.161) |
Rock- M-185 is the highway on Mackinac Island That is also my favorite drive. =) I also enjoy M-27 through Indian River up to M-23 in Cheboygan. I really missed not being able to go up this summer. | ||
rijobo (67.38.28.232 - 67.38.28.232) |
My favorite would be the back roads between Boyne City and Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, Horton Bay area are real beautiful in fall. | ||
the rock (67.217.227.124 - 67.217.227.124) |
lilacgirl knows M-185. I remember when it was a gravel road. M-185,a state highway in Michigan on which there are no automobiles. Strange but true. She wins a week's stay at the Grand Hotel from Dec.11-18. I will have to check with Mr. Musser to see if they can extend the season a little. If not, then she can stay at Benjamin's shack. | ||
lilacgirl (64.12.102.174 - 64.12.102.174) |
Thanks Rock! It the only Michigan highway I know of where you have to watch out for bikes and runaway horses! | ||
dove-7 (172.170.80.23 - 172.170.80.23) |
I-94. I like it because it takes me to Chicago and Milwaukee. | ||
jjaba (198.81.17.48 - 198.81.17.48) |
dove-7 elects speed over scenic beaudy. Next time, try a back road through Southern and Western Michigan, take your time, and enjoy the scenery. You can get over there in the same day, but having enjoyed Michigan. Another suggestion is a car ferry across Lake Michigan if you want to avoid the Chicago area altogether. jjaba | ||
TheMapman (24.208.232.129 - 24.208.232.129) |
M-185 is great. The nation's only car-free state highway. Who needs mass transit? Just put bikes on the street! M-119 - The "Tunnel of Trees" (which is what I think townie is referring to). Start at Harbor Springs and go north to Cross Village. Go slow. Look around. Just amazing, especially in the fall. Or go south, and continue on US-31 through the resort area. US-41 - Houghton to Copper Harbor. Nothing more to say. Woodward anyone? Or Grand River all the way from Downtown to Grand Rapids. Michigan Avenue/US-12 from Downtown to Michigan City, IN. | ||
Cris (68.61.84.90 - 68.61.84.90) |
What? No scenic beauty along I-94 to Chicago? Last time I drove there, while stuck in some heavy traffic, a car full of guys kept flashing a sign at passing cars that said "Show Us Your T*ts." I think they got a few sights to remember from the girls in the car in front of us. | ||
rockerc (68.41.198.154 - 68.41.198.154) |
M-33 from 75 all the way to atlanta is nice, and F-21 through Montmorency County into Presque Isle is scenic, and has little traffic. | ||
ISLD (12.245.0.214 - 12.245.0.214) |
I like the 5 mile stretch between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Hard to beat that scenery. | ||
Hal (209.172.27.162 - 209.172.27.162) |
I have to second Mapman's US-41 from Hancock to Copper Harbor. Be sure to catch the Brockway Mountain Drive (summer only!) and M-26 on the return trip. | ||
lilacgirl (152.163.197.59 - 152.163.197.59) |
There is nothing like going over the Mackinac Bridge ISLD I agree. Especially when it is windy but that is just me. | ||
ndavies (207.91.200.10 - 207.91.200.10) |
Lilacgirl, it's fun as long as you're not driving a Yugo. | ||
lilacgirl (152.163.197.59 - 152.163.197.59) |
Lol ndavies, that is very true. | ||
Christos (64.27.205.190 - 64.27.205.190) |
Honestly, I have not driven in any nice parts of michigan in my adult life, but I must say that I am always taken by the "Industrial Skyline" in I-75 between River Rouge and Downtown. | ||
green sleeves (66.73.182.50 - 66.73.182.50) |
there is nothing like going over the mackinac bridge - on lSD (;) | ||
wkl (207.140.21.5 - 207.140.21.5) |
Always fun driving in the steal grate lane of the mackinanc bridge with someone afraid of hights, you can see the water staight out the front window. | ||
lilacgirl (152.163.197.59 - 152.163.197.59) |
No its not.....I am one of those who is afraid of heights. Has anyone else ever sat underneath the bridge in a boat and watched the cars go over head? Its pretty freaky. I know it has nothing to do with driving, but that is quite a view. | ||
sight&sound (167.242.48.42 - 167.242.48.42) |
Honestly, one of the best for me is the road that goes out to Ludington State park. It dead-ends at the park, but the dunes are in the foreground, it's always windy and you're elevated so you can see the water of Lake Michigan, but not where the waves are breaking. This place is particularly awesome in the late, late fall, damn near winter, it's just majestic, and serene. m@ | ||
the rock (67.218.17.126 - 67.218.17.126) |
lilacgirl Back when we worked on the Island, Capt. Shepler Sr. ("the old man" as we effectionately called him ) used to take us college kids out for a moonlight ride on The Straits that included a trip underneath The Mighty Mac both during construction and after it opened. Very romantic and, as you mentioned, the view from down below looking upward was awewsome. Maybe that's why my then girl-friend now wife, Susan, agreed to marry me! Love and The Mighty Mac conquers all! | ||
Hamtramck Steve (136.181.195.17 - 136.181.195.17) |
You know you're a Michigander when the name "Leslie Pluhar" means something to you. | ||
lilacgirl (205.188.198.159 - 205.188.198.159) |
Ah, how sweet Rock. We took a pontoon boat out one day last summer. It was such an amazing view from below. We sat there for a good 45 minutes while we watched the cars go over head and a barge pass. It was so calm and peaceful. | ||
TheMapman (134.53.226.150 - 134.53.226.150) |
M-33 is a very nice drive, even if the road is as straight as a ruler. Especially because my family occupies about half of Ogemaw County. Driving across the Mackinac Bridge is great too, no doubt about it. | ||
Brian (192.85.50.1 - 192.85.50.1) |
I am surprised no one mentioned Outer Drive. Its one of my favorites if not my favorite. Then there is jefferson from Wyandotte up through St. Clair Shores How about Plymouth Road to Ann Arbor. How about Ann Arbor Trail. How About Hines Drive. Telegraph (at night or a sunday when there is little traffic) from Pontiac to downriver. The lodge on a Sunday Morning. Southfield used to be a nice drive but its too congested to much in Oakland County these days and they let the freeway deteriorate. Then for a Outer Drive type feel try Oakman Blvd. There is also Oakland Blvd. Ever take John R. from 8 mile downtown? Take Warren (Crosstown) from the West/East side to the East/West side. Same Goes for Chicago but on the east side I think it turns into Alden. Mack Ave. is nice when there is few construction. For a quick trip try the Grand Boulevard. Where it ends at the MacArthur Bridge there used to be a tunnel to Belle Isle. Finally if you take Jefferson downriver it crosses the Rouge river and goes over a drawbridge. I think its the only drawbirdge in Michigan. If not its definately the only one in SE Michigan. 8 Mile is as quick as any freeway when there is no construction. Kerchival is a nice drive. If you want adventure take Van Dyke from Jefferson to (or past) 8 Mile rd. Some folks don't break for nothing on that street. For major surface streets; It takes about 3 minutes to get from Gratiot and 8 Mile to Downtown Detroit. Grand River offers an never changing view of the RenCen from as far away as Farminghton Hills. (on a clear day) Michigan Ave is also nice and quick but the street condition sucks. Woodward been done. Nuff Said. So try these out for urban driving. How long can you look at some grass and trees while doing 70 on some rural freeway? | ||
ISLD (12.245.0.214 - 12.245.0.214) |
Ah, yes, Ham Steve... good old Leslie Anne Pluhar. What a ride that must have been! | ||
TheMapman (134.53.226.150 - 134.53.226.150) |
I've lived in Farmington/Farmington Hills my whole life and have never seen the Ren Cen from Grand River there. I'll take your word for it, I guess. | ||
jjaba, props to Brian. (198.81.17.152 - 198.81.17.152) |
The Mapman needs to get out more. Thanks Brian, you sure do know Detroit like the back of yo hand. jjaba loves those drives you mentioned. You should warn the people that E. Outer Drive and W. Outer Drive are not connected. Don't want them getting lost wandering around Palmer Woods, ya know. jjaba | ||
townie (207.74.111.69 - 207.74.111.69) |
Drawbridges in Michigan? Charlevoix. The late great Zilwaukee Bridge. Toledo (by all rights should be part of MI). Others? | ||
ISLD (12.245.0.214 - 12.245.0.214) |
West Jefferson Bridge over the Rouge River and the US 31 bridge over the Grand River in Grand Haven. | ||
the rock (67.217.227.216 - 67.217.227.216) |
townie, Speaking of drawbridges and the one in Charlevoix, while some 8,000 people are walking across The Mighty Mac on Labor Day, a few years ago the Charlevoix residents started their own tradition. They walked from the South side of their drawbridge to the North side, a distance of about 7 or 8 car lengths. They each paid a dollar with the proceeds going to the local Humane Society. I don't know if this tradition still holds or not, but it was over in a matter of a minute and the dogs in the kennels were well taken care of. | ||
townie (207.74.110.55 - 207.74.110.55) |
Are bicycles allowed? Townie don't like to over-exert his limbs if not necessary. Bow wow! | ||
the rock (67.217.227.216 - 67.217.227.216) |
ndavies One of the lawyers in our office represented the Mackinac Bridge Authority which was one of the many defendants named in the Yugo litigation. There was also a less- publicized case envolving a truck driver who went over the railing and landed on the ice . I only know of these two cases envolving vehicles that went over the guard railings. Though you have to keep you eyes straight ahead as you go over the bridge, I don't think you can't help but glance to your left or right as the view on a clear day is really unbelievable. That bridge is majestic. I still have my 3 cent "opening day" first class postage stamp that was issued from the Mackinac Island post office when the dedication was held. Governor "Soapy" Williams was in the lead car. | ||
ISLD (12.245.0.214 - 12.245.0.214) |
Heading north, my eyes are drawn west for a view of Waugashance Shoal, St. Helena, and White Shoal Lighthouses. Heading south, I look for the red roof of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and now, the gigantic windmills on the south side of Mackinaw City. | ||
TheMapman (134.53.226.150 - 134.53.226.150) |
Oh jjaba, what could you possibly be implying? I'll take a damn good look when I get home in November. | ||
Brian (67.38.92.97 - 67.38.92.97) |
jjaba, let em find there own way. That is the only way to really learn about Detroit. Get a map and drive... | ||
Andy Avery (64.79.80.76 - 64.79.80.76) |
* Charlevoix from St. Clair Heights into Island View, passing Annunciation Cathedral, Southeastern High School, the Waldorf School... * LaSalle Boulevard north from West Grand Boulevard through LaSalle Park, past Durfee Middle School and Central High School, the old St. Francis home for boys... * Georgia east from Vincent... * Vernor Highway west from Corktown, through Hubbard-Richard and Hubbard Farms, into the Vernor-Springwells neighborhood... * Buchanan east from Livernois, past St. Francis d'Assisi, detouring past St. Leo before heading downtown on Grand River... * St. Paul through Island View and West Village... etc. Brian, would you be up for a drive sometime? | ||
Brian (67.38.92.97 - 67.38.92.97) |
Sorry, These days I only chauffer my kids. | ||
Brian (67.38.92.97 - 67.38.92.97) |
Also if I am not mistaken Lasalle runs past Russel Woods. A beautiful (historic) neighborhood that needs some TLC to be as nice as it once was. | ||
ndavies (207.91.200.10 - 207.91.200.10) |
One of the best drives near Detroit is the ring around Grosse Ile. West river Rd, Horsemill, East River, Groh Rd and back to West River. About 10 to 15 miles long. It has everything. Views of a closed steel mill, Rejuvenated forests, Spectacular views across the river to canada. Multi-million dollar mansions, historic houses, Modern houses and an old train station as a museum. A great distant view of Detroit up the Detroit River. 85% of the drive has a river view. | ||
Andy Avery (155.139.50.14 - 155.139.50.14) |
LaSalle runs about a mile east of Russell Woods-Sullivan. Russell Woods-Sullivan extends from Livernois to Dexter. Broadstreet Avenue (another favorite drive), Petoskey Avenue, and the intersecting cross streets afford great views of Russell Woods-Sullivan's beautiful homes. | ||
rockerc (68.41.198.154 - 68.41.198.154) |
After thinking about it, I really do enjoy just bombing down the farm country roads in rural Washtenaw/western Wayne county. Top back, radio up and the wind in my face, cant beat that. Oh yeah, and I do believe there is a draw bridge in downtown Cheboygan that crosses the Cheboygan/black river (i think, dont quote me on that) | ||
Hamtramck Steve (136.181.195.17 - 136.181.195.17) |
There are a number of drawbridges in Port Huron over the Black River, too. | ||
Andyw (67.192.52.203 - 67.192.52.203) |
I just got back from a week in the UP and drove hwy 41 in the Keewanaw penninsula for the first time. mapman is right it's one of the most beutiful drives I've ever been on and I've been to the Rocky mnts. The guy at the hotel called that last 11 miles their "driveway". Mint condition blacktop, hilly, curvy, conopy of trees- it was breath taking. Also very correct about Brockway mtn. drive, stop at the first scenic turnout 2 minutes outside of town and look back-you can see the actual copper harbor, the town, lake Superior to the left mountains in the background to the right and in the forground Lake Fanny Hooe( I'm not making that name up). Again, as beutiful as anything I saw in the rockies. One word of warning, take a 4x4 and/or a mountain bike, those old logging roads almost ate up my poor litle escort.Also the hwy41 up ther is the same one jjaba spoke of in chicago, according to the historical marker it goes from copper harborall the way to miami fla. that would be an interesting drive- hwy 41 from end to end. | ||
ISLD (12.245.0.214 - 12.245.0.214) |
How about the drive from Tahquahmanon Falls to Crisp Point Lighthouse on Lake Superior? That is an adventure! The end result is one of the most beautiful stretches of beach on the planet! | ||
johnUAW (66.72.183.238 - 66.72.183.238) |
A Brush Park tour in my union made truck. | ||
townie (207.74.111.84 - 207.74.111.84) |
Just got back from a short excursion. The drive from Copper to Eagle Harbors via the "lookout" route is quite scenic (and quite steep). It may rival the M119(?) route from Detour Village to Harbor Springs for sheer beauty. And of course, there's always Fort Street south of Detroit. Happy driving! | ||
MC (65.33.153.162 - 65.33.153.162) |
On a Crisp Cool Fall afternoon, nothing beats driving down Franklin Road, and stopping off at the Franklin Cider Mill, MMMMMMMMMMMMMM smell those donunts!!!!!!!!!! | ||
old townie (207.74.112.209 - 207.74.112.209) |
I remember when a trip to FCM was an expedition into "the country" (are we there yet?). Now it's in the middle of suburbia, but good to know that it's still there. ~{  icon in honor of Kay Everett's hat | ||
Bucket (68.61.245.2 - 68.61.245.2) |
M-25 from Caseville to Port Austin. Lots of childhood memories and it's hardly changed at all in the last 20 years. | ||
SgtAbe (144.106.195.148 - 144.106.195.148) |
I've always enjoyed driving through Hines Park. | ||
Yaktown Member Username: Yaktown Post Number: 48 Registered: 02-2006 |
My girlfriend and I drove US-12 (aka Michigan Ave) from Dearborn all the way to New Buffalo this past summer. It was just a short trip as we were short on money and time but I really enjoyed it. It's something I've always wanted to do. A lot of small towns along the way of course and learned a little history, something I'm appreciating more as I age. (Message approved by admin) |
