Does anyone in the forum know of or have a trip plan for a ride around the great lakes? I would be starting out in Northern Il. and ending up in Wisconsin for the 105th. Would like to go thru indiana, michigan and maybe cross on a ferry to Wisconsin from upper Michigan. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks..

 

I did this a few years ago:
From Minneapolis, northeast through Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Crossed into Canada at Sault Ste Marie. Rode CA-17 east along the north shore of LakeHuron to Sudbury. Then CA-69 south to Toronto. East on CA-2 along the north shore of Lake Ontario to Interstate 81. South along the eastern shore of Lake Ontario on I-81 (cross back into USA). I went on to Lake George and Boston. I'm sure you could find a scenic way back to Milwaukee. The route was beautiful, not to mention great riding.

 

Well, you'd do yourself a LOT better if you went from Northern Il. up through Wisc. around the UP and down the Western shores of Mich to Muskeegon and take that ferry across to Milwaukee. There is nothing of interest from Chicago around the Indiana shores. Just pavement and a dangerous section of 80/94. Check out the "Great Lakes" board for more localized ideas
https://www.hdforums.com/forumid_228/tt.htm


If you plan on going into Canada, haveyour passport with you

 

I agree with Spike. I've done the Circle Tour a number of times. I don't use the ferry, but I'll travel counterclockwise around Lake Michigan through Chicago and Indiana togetthe crappy part of the ride out of the way first.

Traverse City, MI is a nice place to stay the night. There are lots of motels, restaurants and night life.

Be sure to ride theTunnel of Trees Road (Route 119). It's located about35 miles south ofMackinac Island.The routebegins at the town of Harbor Springs, MI (see map).From Harbor Springsfollow Route 119 north along the Lake Michigan shore and all the way up to Cross Village.



Be sure to check out Legs Inn in Cross Village on Route119. You can getauthentic Polish food, but the best part is theplace's architecture and location high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Bring your camera.

After you cross the Mackinac Bridge,continue north, thentake Route28 west. ThenfollowRoute123 north.It's a big loop which eventually returns to Route28. The road is excellent.Keep an eye out for deer.

 

Why not just ride all the way around??? Wis & da U.P. are connected..lol Plus.. I dont think ther is a ferry from da U.P. to Wisconsin.. Lower Mich.. yes...

 

Do any of you guy's know for sure about the Passport thing? Is it in force yet or can you still use your photo Id??? To go into Canada that is....

 

As of right now;

But that is supposed to change and may change at any time
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/

 

Man , you cant do a great lakes trip without going to Niagara falls , buffalo and Niagara and fort erie canada! better casinos, the best strip joints in north america!, Plus the falls. I dont know if tyhts on your way? but ill. isnt a great ride , and wisconson , who cares!

 

Passport is required Jan 2009, but you will need a birth certficate if no passport.

 

last year road from det. up the east side of the mit. up to white fish bay then to copper harbor tunnel of trees great riding in mi. year before we took the ferry to milwakee then up to door cnty. wis all great riding .My opinon if you stay off the eways as much as possible you wont have a bad ride anywhere . were going to norfolk va. this year all back roads . have a great trip