Cruisin’ Schoolcraft County
With it’s southern border on Lake Michigan, Schoolcraft County offers some great beach locations where you can pull over your bike and relax. Some have places where you can slip on a bathing suit and enjoy some water time. Schoolcraft County is also home to one the peninsula’s larger inland lakes in Indian Lake. The lake has three state parks area on its shore, one of them being the Palms Book State Park with a stop I recommend.
Manistique is the largest town in Schoolcraft County and riding US-2 across the U.P. will take you through the edge of town. On the Lake Michigan side of town of Manistique you’ll find a string of motels offering some great overnight rates.
Roads
Highway 442 begins the Lock, Load & Ride which is one of the more intense routes to ride in the U.P. The road gets its start in Schoolcraft County and ends in Delta County at Forest Highway 13. Along the way are twist and turns that will bring a smile to any biker. (Top Ten Road)
Area Sights
Any biker riding Schoolcraft County should make it a point to take a ride out to Palms Book State Park. Take the raft across the spring and take in some impressive views of the bubbling springs and the massive trout who inhabit the cold waters.
I always see bikers enjoying The Boardwalk in Manistique every time I ride by. It’s a great place to pull over the bike and enjoy a great walk along the lakeshore. There are some picnic areas with grills and you’re not far from a grocery store in town. If you’re feeling like extending the walk continue out to the Manistique Light.
Two lighthouses can be found on the shores of Lake Michigan in Schoolcraft County . One is the Manistique East Breakwater Light which you’ll find just east of Manistique on US-2. Look for the turn out as you leave town. There is a boardwalk that runs along the shoreline that will take you to the light. The other lighthouse is the remote Seul Choix Point Lighthouse on the south of Gulliver, Michigan. Be prepared to ride some gravel to reach the light. Most of the time it’s packed pretty hard, but one never knows. This is great light to visit and claims to be haunted. Never saw a ghost while I was there, but who knows.
Area Motorcycle Events
Michihistrigan Rendezvous – held at Michihistrigan Bar, Grill, & Campground. 60 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. The event is held in June.
Biker Discounts Available
Show the below businesses your U.P. Cruising Biker Discount Card to get their special biker discounts.
Manistique
- Marley’s Bar & Grill (.25 off drinks)
- Three Seasons Restaurant (10% Off Breakfast)
- Kitch-iti-kipi Big Spring Concession Store (5% off in store purchases)