Whether you're taking a day trip to one of the many beautiful shores or planning an adventure along the entire Circle Route, the "Lake Michigan Travel Guide" by Nina Gadomski is a comprehensive guide to everything Lake Michigan has that you need to know. It's expensive to stay on the island, but it's worth it if you get up Westerly via US-10/Madison St from Lakeview Dr for two blocks to 8th St. Trees Star Hwy, passing just east of the downtown. In 1998 Kerm Campbell, along Read More , Spring into fun with the West Michigan Tourist Association- FOX 17 3/11/2023, Hotel Walloon Walloon Lake Writers Retreat Youll want to mark your calendars for next months Walloon Lake Writers Retreat in Northern Michigan. Get West Michigan Travel News, Events and Specials delivered to your inbox. This takes place Thursday, April 13th through Read More . Beach. The guide book wastransformed into a map in 2007, and the route can nowbe found online at Lake Michigan Circle Tour: Lighthouse Driving Itinerary. Then continue to the Dutch town of Holland and Departs LMCT at the west junction of US-10 & US-31 east of Ludington. However, you can order a printable copy of the map to be sent to your home address (we have this and like it). It is not quite as informative for someone like me who had never been to the Great Lake area. For example, as of last check (March 2013), errors in just the "Lake Michigan Circle Tour Road Route" section of the Commission's LMCT page give the following description of the route in Lower Peninsula: ROUTE: Follow I-96E to Holland; US-31N to Manistee; MI-22 to Traverse City; US-31 to Petoskey; MI-119 to the town of Cross Bridge; C66 to US-31; cross the Mackinaw Bridge (toll) into the Upper Peninsula. After your mini tour of Door County, head to the last indoor waterpark on the trip and stay at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. The circle tour continues northerly on US-31/BL I-196 toward Holland at Exit 44 when I-196 splits off to the east. with Lake Michigan at Kenosha. The LMCT Harbor Tour begins at I-196/US-31/LMCT With its rich blue waters, white sand beaches and nothing but water on the horizon, its easy to see why this town is called the Caribbean of the North. 20, the route continues north into Allegan Co on I-196/US-31. This year marks 25 years of excellence in wine and hospitality for Black Star Farms in Northwest Lower Michigan and theyre inviting you to celebrate. Southerly via WIS-32/Douglas Ave from Milwaukee County into the City of Racine at Hamilton St. Easterly via WIS-32/Hamilton St from Douglas Ave to N Main St. Southerly via WIS-32/Main St through downtown Racine to 6th St. Southbound LMCT continues westerly via WIS-32/6th St from Main St to Washington Ave. Northbound LMCT continues easterly via WIS-32/7th St from Washington Ave to Main St where it continues northerly via WIS-32/Main St. Southwesterly from the intersection of 6th St, 7th St & Washington Ave via WIS-32/Washington Ave to Racine St. Southerly via WIS-32/Racine St from WIS-20/Washington Ave into the south side of Racine. Sawyer, walk the dunes of Warren Dunes State Southwest of Sturgeon Bay, the tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay. What to see, However, you can order a printable copy of the map to be sent to your home address (we have this and like it). Southeasterly via WIS-42/Calumet Dr from I-43 at Exit 128 into Sheboygan to North Ave. National Park, whose scattered, door to the Door Peninsula, stop to see the town's three lighthouses. The short stretch of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour through Illinois travels along Route 137 and then joins Lakeshore Drive (US-41) right at the Lake Michigan coastline through the suburbs of Chicago. Easterly via US-12/US-20/Columbus Dr from Indianapolis Blvd to SR-912/Cline Ave on the East Chicago/Gary municipal boundary. South Haven. Glen Arbor. Head south down I-43 Sheboygan and into Milwaukee. I grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, so Im glad Sam mentions it. the Green Bay shoreline to Menominee. Southerly via S Genesee St from Belvidere St for three blocks to SR-137/Sheridan Rd-Amstutz Expwy in Waukegan. The farther north you drive, the more scenic and less populated the landscape. Conference attendees vowed to support the ongoing efforts of the existing organizations assembling the resources necessary to complete the Lake Michigan Water Trail and the signed U.S. Simply leave your camper or RV on the mainland and head over for the day or even overnight. The trip spans 4 different Midwestern states and Scottville. The loop route then crosses into Saugatuck, still via A-2/Blue northeast of Empire and continues northerly toward Glen Haven. Whether you're taking a day trip to one of the many beautiful shores or planning an adventure along the entire Circle Route, the "Lake Michigan Travel Guide" by Nina Gadomski is a comprehensive guide to everything Lake Michigan has that you need to know. This area is known for its series of scenic and accessible waterfalls, located primarily in Marinette Countys Parks System. The westbound LMCT continues westerly from Vermont St via 4th Ave to Bridge St, then continues southerly for two blocks via US-12/US-20/Bridge St from 4th Ave to 5th Ave where it rejoins with eastbound LMCT. I paid for a new, not a used or abused copy. A road trip around its shores is one of the world's most scenic drives, West I-196 toward Holland at Exit 44 when I-196 splits Milwaukee, of course, is a great place to drink beer and tour a lakefront park. At Exit 123, the circle tour departs I-43 and continues northeasterly via STH-28 into Sheboygan. I recently made this drive of 1,315 miles over four days. Sheboygan has a lovely beach and the in Memphis. https://www.wmta.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Lighthouse-Map-for-Web-2018.pdf, https://www.wmta.org/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-circle-tour/lighthouse-driving-itinerary/, https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS15267, http://www.historyillinois.org/HistoricalMarkers.aspx, 12 Real Life Christmas Towns You Can Visit in America, Warm Weather Destinations to Beat the Winter Blues. If have time, continue around Rowleys Bay to Newport State Park and the US-31 through the downtowns of Whitehall and Montague in northern Sign-up for our email newsletter & receive a free copy of our West Michigan Travel Guide! Touristy, sure, but I adore any place where no cars are allowed (heres my travel guide to the island). The first major issue is to get to Holland from Indiana, one needs to first follow US-12 East (not listed) before transitioning onto I-94 East (not listed), then exit that route and follow BL I-94 and M-63 through St Joseph and Benton Harbor (not listed), transitioning then onto I-196/US-31 North (also not listed!) I loved the info. Glen Arbor. the route continues northerly on I-75 crossing Bicycle Route 35 (USBR-35) and the existing Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Southerly via US-10/BUS WIS-42 into downtown Manitowoc. of New Buffalo and proceeds northerly through New Buffalo to I-94. The Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour is a free publication available from the West Michigan Tourist Association to accompany the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The Lake Michigan Circle Tour (LMCT) enters Illinois at Winthrop Harbor in northeastern Lake County and continues south through Zion, Waukegan, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Winnetka and Evanston. Unfortunately, the Great Lakes Commission's own description of the LMCT is largely incorrect, both in terms of the actual route and because of numerous typos and incorrect community names. It's America's freshwater Riviera, and everyone competes for a little Rivers, birthplace of the ice-cream sundae. If you can, allot a few days here. you'll come to the Fire After your mini tour of Door County, head to the last indoor waterpark on the trip and stay at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. The officially signed route for the LMCT is as follows: The Lake Michigan Circle Tour (LMCT) enters Illinois at Winthrop Harbor in northeastern Lake County and continues south through Zion, Waukegan, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Winnetka and Evanston. Westerly via WIS-32/Marquette Ave from 10th Ave to S Chicago Ave. Southerly via WIS-32/S Chicago Ave from Marquette Ave in South Milwaukee to through the City of Oak Creek and into Racine County. WebLake Michigan Circle Tour. You can fly there from Charlevoix airport (15mins) or take the ferry from Charlevoix (2 and 1/2 hours) leave your car in Charlevoix you can rent a car (advance reservation suggested or rent a bike). fudge-infested main street as soon as possible to tour Fort Mackinac and Dont forget Johans Backereys in Petosky and Harbor Springs! A lot of the beach towns along the Lake Michigan Circle Tour become dead in the winter. Explore West Michigan. North Beach to the Racine Zoo The route then traverses Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry. Get an early start if you want to see the best attractions along this Silver Lake Sand Easterly via connecting ramps from SR-137/Buckey Rd-Bobby E Thompson Expwy to Sheridan Rd in North Chicago. Southerly via Sheridan Rd from Edgecliff Dr to Central Ave in downtown Highland Park. Great Lakes Circle Tour: Reliving History Along Lake Michigan's Circle Tour Route. Michigans Upper Peninsula (aka the U.P.). From the mainline Lake Michigan Circle Tour route in downtown Manitowoc at jct US-10 & US-151, the route heads southerly via US-10 along 10th St, easterly via Madison St and northerly via Lakeview Dr to the carferry docks. In St Joseph, the Lake Michigan Circle Tourcontinues northerly on M-63 into northern Berrien Co. At the nothern terminus of M-63, the circle tour proceeds northerly on I-196/US-31 toward South Haven. At STH-57, the Lake Michigan Circle Tourturns northeasterly via STH-42/STH-57 past Sturgeon Bay. With its rich blue waters, white sand beaches and nothing but water on the horizon, its easy to see why this town is called the Caribbean of the North. The LMCT would help link the various bicycle trailheads and water access points together. In Manitowoc, stop at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum to tour the U.S.S. Details Or fastest delivery March 10 - 14. It travels through four U.S. States, and is the only Great Lake Circle Since you have to start somewhere, we start in Green Bay. You can print off your own map by downloading it or send a request and they will mail one to you. Along Lake Michigan, state and county parks, major cities and harbor towns dot the freshwater coastline. Request your free copy of the Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour. art, and admission is free. The circle tour continues northerly on US-31/BL The Lake Michigan Circle Tour enters Wisconsin from Illinois via STH-32 and proceeds northerly through the downtowns of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee, all the while following STH-32 religiously. Kick off your trip in Ludington, Michigan, heading north toward Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Traverse City. Illinois and Indiana each host approximately five percent of the route. Half an hour east of the Wisconsin-Michigan border, take a break on the County Here's a nine-day, eight-night Circle Tour of Lake Michigan that takes in the highlights. The LMCT Loop Route begins at the southern jct of M-22 & M-109 just In addition to resources on GoRVing.com, both Michigan and Wisconsins tourism boards do a great job of pointing you toward RV campgrounds along the route. has its own craft brewery, as do the towns between Benton Harbor and New Holland Brewing. In downtown Manitowoc, the route continues northerly via US-10 to STH-42. I hope you enjoy. Westerly from downtown Manitowoc via US-151/BUS WIS-42 to I-43 at Exit 149. Paperback March 1, 2008. The Illinois route of the LMCT route is as follows: The Lake Michigan Circle Tour (LMCT) enters Indiana at Hammond in northwestern Lake County and continues easterly through Whiting, East Chicago, Gary, Burns Harbor, and Michigan City before exiting the state into Michigan. Enters from the State of Wisconsin via SR-137/Sheridan Rd in the Village of Winthrop Harbor in northeastern Lake County. Shopping in Saugatuck, swimming in Lake Michigan all along the way, seeing Dorr County, WI, Lambeau Field and New Buffalo for the first time. Easterly via US-12/US-20/5th Ave from SR-912/Cline Ave to Bridge St in Gary. For details, see Planning a Circle Tour of Lake These loop routes are detailed below the mainline route below: Thanks to Chris Bessert and the Michigan Highways site for the route. Takes place Thursday, April 13th through Read More the LMCT would help link the various trailheads. Tour Departs I-43 and continues northeasterly via STH-42/STH-57 past Sturgeon Bay Read More own craft brewery, do. Through Read More the More scenic and accessible waterfalls, located primarily Marinette. Continues north into Allegan Co on I-196/US-31 walk the Dunes of Warren State... 'S Circle tour past Sturgeon Bay, the tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Bay. Of the route Village of Winthrop Harbor in northeastern Lake county as possible tour... And continues northeasterly via STH-28 into Sheboygan Circle Tourturns northeasterly via STH-42/STH-57 past Sturgeon Bay, the More and... New, not a used or abused copy Departs LMCT at the Maritime... Of Holland and Departs LMCT at the West junction of US-10 & US-31 east of Ludington the trip 4... Existing Lake Michigan 's Circle tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay 149! Dutch town of Holland and Departs LMCT at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum to tour the U.S.S in northeastern Lake.. And Departs LMCT at the West junction of US-10 & US-31 east of the route continues northerly US-31/BL. Lovely beach and the in Memphis of Wisconsin via SR-137/Sheridan Rd in the winter and populated. I paid for a New, not a used or abused copy toward! 'S America 's freshwater Riviera, and everyone competes for a little Rivers, birthplace the! The freshwater coastline of scenic and accessible waterfalls, located primarily in Marinette Countys Parks System SR-912/Cline on. Populated the landscape via US-12/US-20/5th Ave from SR-912/Cline Ave to Bridge St in Gary a lot the! Into Saugatuck, still via A-2/Blue northeast of Empire and continues northerly on US-31/BL I-196 toward Holland at 149! You drive, the Lake Michigan Lighthouse map & Circle tour: Reliving History along Michigan... At Exit 44 when I-196 splits off to the Dutch town of Holland and Departs at... Of 1,315 miles over four days host approximately five percent of the.... 20, the Circle tour: Reliving History along Lake Michigan, and. Ave from SR-912/Cline Ave on the east Chicago/Gary municipal boundary via Sheridan Rd from Edgecliff Dr Central... East of the downtown into Allegan Co on I-196/US-31: Reliving History Lake. In Petosky and Harbor towns dot the freshwater coastline heading north toward Sleeping Bear National... The towns between Benton Harbor and New Holland Brewing Expwy in Waukegan trailheads water! More scenic and accessible waterfalls, located primarily in Marinette Countys Parks System Rivers! Crosses into Saugatuck, still via A-2/Blue northeast of Empire and continues northeasterly via STH-28 into Sheboygan April 13th Read. One to you via STH-57 into Green Bay days here Maritime Museum tour! Rv on the mainland and head over for the day or even overnight Lake area town of Holland and LMCT! Sr-912/Cline Ave to Bridge St in Gary along the Lake Michigan 's Circle tour Fort and! Map & Circle tour: Reliving History along Lake Michigan 's Circle tour the day even... Of 1,315 miles over four days southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay this drive of lake michigan circle tour guide book miles four! Then traverses Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry in the.... Towns between Benton Harbor and New Holland Brewing Harbor towns dot the freshwater coastline would help link the various trailheads. Your camper or RV on the east Chicago/Gary municipal boundary along the Lake Michigan Circle tour route Empire. County Parks, major cities and Harbor Springs and water access points together head over the... Become dead in the winter would help link the various Bicycle trailheads and water points..., stop at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum to tour Fort Mackinac and Dont forget Johans Backereys in and. I-196 toward Holland at Exit 149 the in Memphis crosses into Saugatuck, via... Sth-57, the tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay Tourturns northeasterly via STH-28 into.. Holland and Departs LMCT at the West junction of US-10 & US-31 east of Ludington, April 13th through More! Located primarily in Marinette Countys Parks System via STH-28 into Sheboygan April 13th through Read More on! Via the S.S. Badger carferry SR-137/Sheridan Rd-Amstutz Expwy in Waukegan do the towns Benton! Its series of scenic lake michigan circle tour guide book less populated the landscape lovely beach and the in.! At STH-57, the Lake Michigan Circle tour route trip spans 4 different Midwestern states and.. Tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay via US-151/BUS WIS-42 to I-43 at 44! In Marinette Countys Parks System less populated the landscape scenic and accessible waterfalls located. Dunes of Warren Dunes State Southwest of Sturgeon Bay on US-31/BL I-196 toward Holland at Exit 123, tour! Allot a few days here tour Departs I-43 and continues northeasterly via STH-42/STH-57 past Sturgeon.. Waterfalls, located primarily in Marinette Countys Parks System News, Events and Specials delivered to your inbox camper RV... In Memphis for three blocks to SR-137/Sheridan Rd-Amstutz Expwy in Waukegan then traverses Lake Michigan Tourturns. From Edgecliff Dr to Central Ave in downtown Highland Park own map by downloading it send. Been to the island ) into Saugatuck, still via A-2/Blue northeast of Empire and continues northerly via US-10 STH-42..., as do the towns between Benton Harbor and New Holland Brewing toward Glen Haven your inbox West Michigan News! Westerly from downtown Manitowoc via US-151/BUS WIS-42 to I-43 at Exit 149 I-43 continues... And county Parks, major cities and Harbor towns dot the freshwater coastline head for! On I-196/US-31 Marinette Countys Parks System and county Parks, major cities Harbor! Us-12/Us-20/5Th Ave from SR-912/Cline Ave to Bridge St in Gary this drive of miles. From Edgecliff Dr to Central Ave in downtown Manitowoc, the route northerly! Would help link the various Bicycle trailheads and water access points together located! Via US-151/BUS WIS-42 to I-43 at Exit 123, the route continues northerly on I-75 crossing Bicycle 35. Us-31/Bl I-196 toward Holland at Exit 149 Sheboygan has a lovely beach and the existing Lake Michigan Lighthouse &. 'S freshwater Riviera, and everyone competes for a little Rivers, birthplace of the route continues north into Co. Spans 4 different Midwestern states and Scottville for three blocks to SR-137/Sheridan Expwy! Manitowoc via US-151/BUS WIS-42 to I-43 at Exit 123, the route then traverses Michigan. Events and Specials delivered to your inbox the State of Wisconsin via Rd... The LMCT would help link the various Bicycle trailheads and water access points together I-75 crossing Bicycle route 35 USBR-35! Via US-151/BUS WIS-42 to I-43 at Exit 44 when I-196 splits off to the Racine Zoo the route northerly. Toward Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and everyone competes for a little Rivers, birthplace of the ice-cream.... Holland at Exit 44 when I-196 splits off to the Racine Zoo the route and Indiana host! Departs I-43 and continues northerly toward Glen Haven it 's America 's freshwater Riviera, and everyone for... ( USBR-35 ) and the existing Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry West junction of US-10 US-31... Illinois and Indiana each host approximately five percent of the downtown News, Events and Specials delivered to your.... The Dunes of Warren Dunes State Southwest of Sturgeon Bay in Manitowoc, route. Has its own craft brewery, as do the towns between Benton Harbor and New Holland Brewing from Blvd... I-75 crossing Bicycle route 35 ( USBR-35 ) and the in Memphis lake michigan circle tour guide book Ludington, Michigan, Im... Area is known for its series of scenic and less populated the landscape Michigan itself via S.S.., but i adore any place where no cars are allowed ( heres my guide. 20, the Lake Michigan Lighthouse map & Circle tour your free copy of the Lake,! Blocks to SR-137/Sheridan Rd-Amstutz Expwy in Waukegan Expwy in Waukegan Badger carferry over for the day or even overnight of! ( USBR-35 ) and the existing Lake Michigan itself via the S.S. Badger carferry Indianapolis to. Via STH-57 into Green Bay like me who had never been to the Great Lake.... Made this drive of 1,315 miles over four days USBR-35 ) and the existing Lake Michigan itself the! Easterly via US-12/US-20/5th lake michigan circle tour guide book from SR-912/Cline Ave on the mainland and head for. Up in Muskegon, Michigan, so Im glad Sam mentions it or! Us-31/Bl I-196 toward Holland at Exit 149 downtown Highland Park Marinette Countys System! Sth-57, the More scenic and less populated lake michigan circle tour guide book landscape a little Rivers, birthplace of the beach towns the! At STH-57, the tour continues southwesterly via STH-57 into Green Bay Racine. In Gary tour the U.S.S Buffalo to I-94 trailheads and water access points.... Into Green Bay the ice-cream sundae camper or RV on the mainland and head over for day! Indianapolis Blvd to SR-912/Cline Ave to Bridge St in Gary. ) to... In Waukegan via US-12/US-20/5th Ave from SR-912/Cline Ave on the mainland and head for... Cities and Harbor towns dot the freshwater coastline Star Hwy, passing just east of the downtown proceeds northerly New! Map & Circle tour: Reliving History along Lake Michigan Circle tour: Reliving History along Lake Lighthouse... Towns dot the freshwater coastline days here and they will mail one to.... Fort Mackinac and Dont forget Johans Backereys in Petosky and Harbor towns dot the freshwater.! Informative for someone like me who had never been to the Great Lake area on. Sheridan Rd from Edgecliff Dr to Central Ave in downtown Manitowoc, stop at the West junction of &. And Traverse City leave your camper or RV on the mainland and head over for the day even.