Epic Motorcycle Journey Around Lake Superior

There's nothing quite like the thrill of the open road, and a ride around Lake Superior is an adventure every motorcycle enthusiast should experience. Starting in Kalamazoo, this journey takes you through some of the most scenic landscapes in North America. Here’s a recap of our unforgettable trip:

Day 1: Kalamazoo to Marquette

Our adventure began early in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The ride to Marquette, our first overnight stop, took us through the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The winding roads and lush forests made for a perfect start to the trip. The highlight of this leg is riding over the Mackinac Bridge and enjoying the stunning views of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

We stopped at the Fighter Jets in Gwinn and snapped a few pictures to fulfill the

hunt requirements. As we approached Marquette, the landscape became even more beautiful. The sight of Lake Superior for the first time was breathtaking. We checked into our hotel and spent the evening grabbed dinner, and then relaxed in the hot tub before turning in for the night

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Day 2: Marquette to Duluth

After a hearty (typical hotel breakfast), we set off towards Duluth, Minnesota. This leg of the journey took us along the southern shore of Lake Superior, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the views. The highlight of the day was riding through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, where the colorful cliffs and clear blue waters left us in awe.

Crossing into Minnesota, we followed Highway 61 along the North Shore. The ride into Duluth was spectacular, with the lake on one side and dense forests on the other. Arriving in Duluth, we were ready for food and sleep, we enjoyed the friendly banter with our waitstaff and other riders we met that evening.

Day 3: Duluth to Terrace Bay

Day three took us across the border into Canada, heading towards Terrace Bay in Ontario.

The Trans-Canada Highway offered some of the most stunning scenery of the trip, with rugged cliffs and pristine beaches along the way. We stopped at Thunder Bay Harley Davidson and then for lunch.

The ride to Terrace Bay was peaceful, with little traffic and plenty of natural beauty. Terrace Bay itself was a charming stop, and we enjoyed a quiet evening by the water, reflecting on the journey so far.

Day 4: Terrace Bay to Sault Ste. Marie, ON

The final full day of riding took us along the northern shore of Lake Superior back towards Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The landscape here is rugged and remote, with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the solitude of the open road.

Arriving in Sault Ste. Marie, we crossed back into Canada and spent the evening exploring the city. We visited the famous Soo Locks and enjoyed a delicious meal at a local restaurant, sharing stories with fellow travelers we met along the way.

Day 5: Sault Ste. Marie to Kalamazoo – Ending at Zeigler Motorsports Bike Night

The last leg of our journey took us back to Kalamazoo. The ride was long but rewarding, with a mix of scenic backroads and stretches of highway. Arriving back in Kalamazoo, we headed straight to Zeigler Motorsports for their weekly Bike Night.

The Bike Night was the perfect way to end our adventure. The atmosphere was electric, with live music, great food, and a fantastic community of riders. We shared stories from our trip, admired the variety of bikes on display, and celebrated the end of an incredible journey.

Tips for the Ride

• Prepare for all weather: Lake Superior’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and rain gear to stay comfortable. On our trip we encountered 80 degree days, 45 degree days, and rain for most of one day.

• Stay fueled: Gas stations can be sparse in some areas, so plan your fuel stops accordingly. 91 octane was the highest we saw once we crossed into the UP for the duration of the trip.

• Capture the moments: Bring a good camera to document the stunning landscapes and memorable moments.

• Staying connected: This trip is all about disconnecting and enjoying the outdoors. If you need to inform friends or family about your route and check in regularly or need to update GPS Apps etc... You will need to wait until you have WiFi at a hotel or restaurant because data over the celluar network for some carriers is not supported when roaming internationally.

• Cost: On this trip, plan to spend about $100-$160usd per night for hotels, $20-$50 per meal (this can vary a lot depending on drinks and meal choice etc). Fuel will vary for everyone... our route was 1800 miles.

This ride around Lake Superior was an adventure of a lifetime, filled with stunning scenery, new friendships, and the thrill of the open road. I would gladly lead this trip every season! Whether you're a seasoned rider or new to motorcycle touring, this journey is a must-do. Until the next adventure, ride safe and ride free!