Interstate 94, Interstate 96, U.S. Highway 131, Interstate 69, Michigan Highway 127 and Michigan Highway 23 weave north from the southern state line near the wrist. Northwest Michigan lies to the west of I-75 in the scenic hills and shores that stretch across the middle, ring and little fingers. Lake Michigan sculpts the outer edge to our mitten, enfolding the shoreline communities of Ludington, Manistee and Frankfort and then leading north to Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay at the tip of the little finger and Petoskey and Little Traverse Bay on the ring finger. Not to be forgotten is Mackinac Island, which sits on our northern periphery, surrounded by Lake Huron near the Straits. Now, let us show you the nuts and bolts of traveling to and through Northwest Michigan.
Visitors arrive by land, air and water.
We've listed the major modes of transportation and entries below divided between the Getting Here and Getting Around categories. Since Michigan is a peninsula, we know that boat services and harbors are essential for water travelers and have included them as well. Also, look for information and tips on crossing the Mackinac Bridge, shuttling to the islands and hailing the closest bus. It's easy to navigate to your favorite Michigan vacation stops by car. Remember that I-75 is the major artery that divides the northern lower peninsula in half and then extends over the Mackinac Bridge, into St. Ignace and onward to Sault Ste.