UConnrick
Cincinnati, Ohio
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Joined: 09/05/2006
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How is 31 from Traverse City to South Haven? I have a 40' class A and will be towing. Would like to travel along the water but not if the road is terrible.
Thanks.
2006 Forest River Charleston 40TS
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brirene
midwest
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Joined: 01/27/2007
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31 is a very good road. 4 lanes from Ludington all the way to S. Haven, in good shape. Traveled it from Ludington north to TC a few years ago, and don't remember any problems. Don't expect spectacular views of the lake, though; not too many of them.
'04 Jayco Designer 30 RKS
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Parrothead Mike
SW Michigan
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Joined: 09/25/2002
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US31 is fine along the stretch from TC to Ludington, and as mentioned, it's basically all interstate from there to South Haven except for the section from the Grand Haven area to just south of Holland where it's still 4 lane, but accessible. Along that stretch you'll have some stop lights, especially around Holland, but you'll also find locations to fuel up, eat, or get out and stretch your legs.
Also, keep and eye out for roadside fresh fruit and vegetable stands if you're interested. Depending upon when you're traveling Michigan has a variety of fresh fruits and veggies. South Haven has plenty of blueberries in mid-July and the Blueberry Festival in early August.
I would like to offer a slight alternative if you're interested in seeing some pretty country. Follow 31 from TC to Benzonia then catch M-115 west to Frankfort. Just as you get into Frankfort turn south on M-22. This route is a bit hilly and slightly curvy, but you'll see some views of Lake Michigan, lakes, and small villages along with some fruit farms. Just north of Arcadia there is a turn-out that overlooks Lake Michigan that is excellent. M-22 comes out just north of Manistee where you'll hook back up to US31.
Another short side trip you might want to consider is south of Ludington where you can take Business Route 31 and go through Pentwater. It's a cute little village on a waterway. Just follow the business route and you'll be right back to US31 to head south. (Mears State Park in just a few blocks west of the business route in the village and right on Lake Michigan.)
And just one more side trip, if you're not in a big hurry. Try to find some time to check out Saugatuck, just south of Holland and not too far north of South Haven. It's a great little village where the Kalamazoo River connects with Lake Michigan. It has plenty of artsy shops, resturants, marinas, and interesting things to see. Wheeling a large class A through downtown may be tight, but you might find a space to park away from the immediate business district. It's very walkable around town.
We were just at Van Buren State Park in South Haven yesterday. Great beaches in the area and nice shopping downtown. I suspect you already have reservations someplace in the area, so enjoy the lakeshore life. West Michigan is by far the best part of the lower peninsula.
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GizmosMom
Central Texas
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I read your post and was also going to suggest M-22 but I see that Parrothead Mike beat me to it!
I've lived in a lot of places in the USA and driven on A LOT of scenic roads and M-22 is in my top five!
Marilyn w/ Joe, 2000 Xplorer Class B van, usually pulling a Ranger bass boat.
Smudge, (in photo) a Shih Tzu/Yorkie Mix and Gizmo is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge
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