Linked to the Atlantic Ocean through a series of locks, channels, and canals via the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Great Lakes Circle Tour stands as a beloved road journey in the Midwest. This designated picturesque road system interconnects all of the Great Lakes with the St. Lawrence River. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour, encompassing routes around Lake Michigan, forms a section of this network.
About the Lake Michigan Circle Tour
Stretching along 1,640 miles of coastline touching states like Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin, the Lake Michigan Circle Tour is embedded within the Great Lakes Circle Tour framework. This route was initially introduced as a 52-page guidebook by the Michigan Department of Transportation and the West Michigan Tourist Association in 1899. However, it transitioned to a web-based platform in 2007.
Every ten miles on this picturesque route, you’ll spot a scenic road marker. Spanning approximately 1,000 miles, the entire drive would take around 14 hours to finish without any pauses. One of the prime draws of this tour is the 105 Lake Michigan lighthouses, with a few reachable solely by boat. Look out for the brown “Harbor Tour” signs guiding travelers to the charming port towns along the shoreline.
Highlights of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour
After traversing this entire route over multiple seasons and trips, there’s an ineffable connection that one develops with Lake Michigan. Below are some recommended stops, with associated links to in-depth articles found on Road Trips for Families:
West Michigan:
Born and raised in West Michigan, it holds a special place in my heart. The region is renowned for its sand dunes, boardwalks, and beaches. Holland’s Tunnel Park boasts a remarkable playground, beach, and camping spots. Duck Lake State Park, situated north of Muskegon, is the go-to place for skimboarding. Meanwhile, Grand Haven charms with its boardwalk and a sought-after state park. Heading north on M31 takes you through Ludington, home to the SS Badger car ferry. Make sure to visit its iconic lighthouses and Ludington State Park.
M22 & Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore:
Undoubtedly, one of Michigan’s top attractions is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, along with Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula. The allure of this region is so strong that I often spot M22 stickers on cars even here in Oregon. A few locations on this tour, like the Manitou, Beaver, and Squaw Islands, are best accessed by boat.
Door County, Wisconsin:
Dubbed the Midwest’s Cape Cod, Door County parallels Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula in appeal. Famed for its wine, cherries, and sailing, this area also has over ten lighthouses dotting the route. The unique winds and deep waters of this region have made places like Sheboygan the Surfing Capital of the Midwest. Not to miss is Port Washington, with its iconic Pirate Festival, and the impressive bluffs rivaling Michigan’s dunes.
Bottom of the Lake:
The southern tip of Lake Michigan offers a stark contrast to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Milwaukee, often overlooked, brims with attractions ranging from parks and festivals to diverse dining options. Highlights include the North Point Lighthouse Museum, built in 1888, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Southward in Racine, the Windpoint Lighthouse offers another picturesque spot. Further down, regions like Kenosha, Chicago, South Chicago, and Northern Indiana beckon travelers with sites like the Indiana Dunes National Park.
