Explore the Wonders of West Michigan on a US-131 Road Trip in Michigan
With its proximity to Lake Michigan, majestic sand dunes, thriving big cities, inviting small towns, and scenic beauty, West Michigan is routinely thought of as one of the most beautiful regions of the Great Lakes State.
For eager roadtrippers, a journey on US-131 is the perfect way to see all that West Michigan offers.
DID YOU KNOW: US-131 covers 269.96 miles and all but 0.64 miles are in Michigan.
Stretching from the Michigan-Indiana border to Petoskey, the trip takes travelers through bustling cities like Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids to Northern Michigan getaways like Cadillac and Petoskey with plenty to see and do in between.
So buckle up, crank up your favorite music, and prepare to be delighted as you travel north through West Michigan!
Starting Out on US-131
US-131 begins in Indiana and crosses into Michigan roughly three miles south of White Pigeon.
RELATED: Read more about the Michigan-Indiana border.
If you’re hungry, stock up on your favorite Michigan snacks for your road trip. Trust us, the best Michigan road trips are made even better with a cold Vernors or Faygo and a bag of Better Made chips at your side!
White Pigeon, Michigan
Start your journey in White Pigeon, a small village named after Potawatomi chief Wahbermeme, whose name means White Pigeon. His gravesite — marked with a memorial stone — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The U.S. Land Office downtown is Michigan’s oldest surviving U.S. Land Office and gives curious visitors some insight into the area’s history.
Three Rivers, Michigan
Western Pennsylvania is famous for its three-river confluence of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela rivers in Pittsburgh. In Michigan, Three Rivers gets its name from the confluence of the St. Joseph River and the Rocky and Portage Rivers.
No trip through Three Rivers is complete without a trip to Scidmore Park. Sprawled across 18 acres, visitors can find a riverwalk trail, playground equipment, and a petting zoo, where visitors can see bunnies, turtles, and other animals while enjoying seasonal treats from The Ole Popcorn Stand.
Schoolcraft, Michigan
Next up on your US-131 journey is Schoolcraft, a village named for Henry Schoolcraft, who is credited with naming several of Michigan’s counties.
Schoolcraft is also home to several historic sites that offer fascinating insight into the area’s history…
Dr. Nathan Thomas Home
The home of Dr. Nathan Thomas was a station on the Underground Railroad and is estimated to have aided between 1,000 and 1,500 fugitive slaves on their way to Canada. His home — at 613 E. Cass St. — is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Cooper’s Island (Big Island Woods)
Located just west of US-131 on West Eliza Street, this island is a scenic 23-acre woodland that contains a colorful assortment of plants and trees.
Schoolcraft United Methodist Church
Standing proud on the corner of Clay and Grand streets, this church has been a mainstay in the city since the early 1850s. The church’s first chapel, the Ebenezer Episcopal Church of Prairie Ronde, was the first church built north of the St. Joseph River.
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Kalamazoo or Kzoo is a city unlike any other in Michigan; a college town that offers a touch of history, urban flair, and youthful vigor that make it a must-see destination.
Contrary to popular belief, Elvis isn’t living in Kalamazoo, but he did maintain an office in the Columbia Hotel and performed at Wings Stadium in 1976.
No matter your interests, Kalamazoo has something for everyone. It’s known as one of Michigan’s best biking cities, the home of Western Michigan University, a city with inviting eateries, unique museums, relaxing parts, and even fall color spots.
If you’re stopping in Kalamazoo, consider these excellent activities/places:
- The Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum is a massive showcase of flight, space, aviation, and science that includes engaging exhibits, flight motion simulators, and amusement park rides.
- Sweetwater’s Donut Mill has been a mainstay for sweet treats for decades and has a delicious mix of traditional and creative donuts.
- Factory Coffee is one of several delightful Kalamazoo-area coffee shops that have tasty coffee drinks, sweet treats, and a light menu of scrumptious sandwiches and bagels.
- The Kal-Haven Trail connects Kalamazoo to South Haven via a beautiful railroad cut and is one of several local hiking trails beckoning visitors to explore.
- Gull Meadow Farms (just east of Kalamazoo) is a seasonal favorite that operates several greenhouses where visitors can find flowers in the spring and donuts, cider, and pumpkins in the fall.
- Angling Road (north of I-94) is one of local several spots that’s perfect for a leisurely fall color drive.
RELATED: The Gilmore Car Museum (in nearby Hickory Corners) is a must-see for car enthusiasts and features fun exhibits and history around every corner.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
A visit to Grand Rapids unlocks a world of possibilities on US-131. As a cultural hub, a beer mecca, a festival hotspot, and an all-season destination, the only question you’ll ask yourself is “What should I do first?”
If you’re looking for family activities, a trip to John Ball Zoo is always a winner. It’s one of the oldest zoos in West Michigan and it’s impossible not to smile when you’re here. With a menagerie of animals, hands-on experiences, and educational programs, everyone can have fun here!
The Gerald Ford Presidential Library and Museum offers a fascinating look at the life and presidency of Gerald Ford, a Michigan native who served as the 38th US President from 1974-77.
If you’re an architecture buff, you can’t go wrong with a walk around downtown Grand Rapids. From the Blue Bridge to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and plenty of points in between, there’s a surprise around every corner downtown.
Looking for more to do in Grand Rapids? Add these activities to your bucket list…
- Grand Rapids has all kinds of awesome museums that appeal to a wide range of visitors including the award-winning Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum.
- Each fall, ArtPrize stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to arts and culture and invites artists from all mediums to showcase their skills.
- Grand Rapids has plenty of comforting coffee shops and restaurants, including the Mitten Brewing Co.
- If you’re looking for a bit of culture, the Grand Rapids Symphony has been a mainstay in the city since 1930 and holds a variety of inspired performances.
- In wintertime, Grand Rapids is a perfect place for outdoor dining, offering unique experiences to stave off winter’s chill.
- During winter, residents and visitors can explore scenic snowmobile trails, slide down sledding hills, go ice fishing, and much more.
- For future road trips, Grand Rapids is also the perfect starting point for fun-filled day trips.
Rockford, Michigan
Nestled along the Rogue River, Rockford offers travelers a comfortable balance between bustling city life and escape into nature. Visitors can explore galleries, restaurants, and shops downtown or soak up scenic river views at the Rockford Dam Overlook.
In winter, visitors can come to Bivins Christmas Tree Farm, a cozy, no-frills spot where you can cut your own Christmas tree.
Spend time traversing the beautiful White Pine Trail, which extends 92 miles through Comstock Park, Rockford, Big Rapids, and Cadillac among several other spots. The Rockford Brewing Company is a great spot to grab a bite along the trail.
Big Rapids, Michigan
You’ve already passed through Grand Rapids on your journey, but not too long after you’ll arrive in Big Rapids. The home of Ferris State University is a bustling college town with plenty to do and plenty of scenery.
Those who want to get away for a while can walk along the Big Rapids Riverwalk — a roughly 3.5-mile-long journey along the shore of the Muskegon River. The trail offers fishing benches, platforms, picnic areas, and more, making it a fun all-season trail.
Fans of museums can visit both the Mecosta County Historical Museum to learn the history of the area and the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery, a museum on the FSU campus that houses one of the nation’s largest collections of racist imagery and provides education on the impact those images have had.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat before you leave town, head to Schubergs Bar and Grill. It’s been a Big Rapids and West Michigan favorite since 1933 and has been deemed one of Michigan’s best burgers. The Schu-Burger is a classic, but there are nearly two dozen 1/3-pound burger choices to satisfy every appetite.
Reed City, Michigan
If you’ve only got time for one activity in Reed City, make sure it’s a stop at H&D Chuckwagon.
Here, you’ll find delicious breakfasts, including decadent donuts that fall off the plate and require two hands to hold. You can pick from several different donut varieties (regular-sized donuts are available too) at an affordable price.
Cadillac, Michigan
As you continue into Northern Michigan on your US-131 travels, you’ll arrive in Cadillac, a town blanketed in nature, history, and plenty of fun experiences.
A town famously visited by KISS in 1975 (a visit immortalized by the KISS Monument in town) is the perfect spot for family adventures.
Golf enthusiasts can play scenic rounds on one of several renowned golf courses. Skiing enthusiasts can enjoy many ski and snowboarding options at Caberfae Peaks in the winter, scenic views in the fall, and idyllic golfing in the summer.
Mitchell State Park is one of the best outdoor spots in Cadillac. Situated between Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell, visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more.
Trekkers can use Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park to traverse a trail network along the shoreline and the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center offers archery and gun ranges, and scheduled shooting programs.
If you’ve got kids in tow on your journey, make sure to pay a visit to Toy Town of Cadillac. It’s one of Michigan’s largest independent toy stores and a good spot to stock up on souvenirs.
RELATED: Check out more family-friendly activities to enjoy in Cadillac.
Kalkaska, Michigan
Located a hop, a skip, and a jump from Traverse City, Kalkaska is a quaint small town that attracts a multitude of visitors who come to enjoy Torch Lake and TC.
But, on its own Kalkaska is a quiet town, immortalized by Ernest Hemingway’s “The Battler.” It’s also home to the National Trout Festival, held every April. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a host of activities that include live music, fishing contests, eating contests, classic car shows, parades, and more.
A shrine to the festival can be found at 335 S. Cedar St. Known as the Fisherman’s Shrine, it features a fountain with a large brook trout that’s reported to be 17 or 18 feet long.
About 10 minutes from Kalkaska, travelers can visit the Seven Bridges Nature Area, a scenic, pristine nature preserve that features multiple bridges to cross (there are actually four, not seven) over the Rapid River and escape into the beauty of nature.
Mancelona, Michigan
Mancelona may be small, but it’s also home to one of the best apple orchards in Northern Michigan. Flynn Orchards is a small family farm that offers fresh, delicious apples and produce and their wares can also be found at local farmers’ markets.
NOTE: Visits to Flynn Orchards can also be booked by appointment.
Boyne Falls, Michigan
As you continue your northward journey, pull off of US-131 to spend some time on the Michigan SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain Resort. The World’s Longest Timber-Towered Suspension Bridge offers unparalleled views, especially during the fall, and is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that beckons visitors to come back again.
For an indoor adventure in Boyne Falls, play at the Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, also located at the resort.
Walloon Lake, Michigan
The village of Walloon Lake at the foot of boot-shaped Walloon Lake is a special place in Michigan and a worthy addition to any warm weather bucket list.
Apart from a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation, the village holds historical significance as the home of Windemore — the summer retreat of Ernest Hemingway’s family.
Near Walloon Lake, travelers can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences including a fancy meal at Walloon Lake Inn, an upscale bar scene at Walloon Watershed, and waterfront dining at Barrel Back Restaurant.
Petoskey, Michigan
If you’re driving along US-131 in the warmer months, Petoskey is one of the best towns to spend a little time in.
Known for its “million dollar sunsets,” Petoskey has it all: Beautiful beaches, a lively downtown, excellent restaurants, and so much more.
Make no mistake, however. Petoskey is an all-season destination with plenty of fun to be found in winter and lots of hidden gems to explore in the fall.
Just outside Petoskey, Sturgeon Bay Dunes is the perfect place for a rugged beach experience. Along three miles of shoreline, visitors can explore hilly dunes and spend time soaking up the sun.
Summer is also a great time to go hunting for Petoskey stones. Michigan’s state stone can be found all along the shores of Lake Michigan and Magnus City Park is a great place to start looking. The Petoskey Breakwall and Petoskey State Park are good spots to look too.
DID YOU KNOW: The Petoskey stone is actually a mix of rock and fossil and its famous hexagonal (honeycomb) pattern is fossilized coral.
Apart from its stunning natural beauty, Petoskey is also a hotspot for foodies — so much so that the city has its own culinary trail where visitors can discover wineries, restaurants, farmers markets, and more.
Enjoy a Little Bit of Everything on US-131
A road trip on US-131 — all 269 miles of it — is a one-of-a-kind journey in Michigan. From the hustle and bustle of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids to the serenity of Walloon Lake and the small-town warmth of towns like Reed City and Mancelona, US-131 offers a little bit of everything for every type of traveler.
So whether you’re dying to dig into a delicious donut from Sweewater’s, hike the Kal-Haven Trail, or just find a quiet spot in the shadow of the Sturgeon Bay Dunes, an adventure on US-131 in Michigan is one you won’t soon forget!
This article was originally published by Awesome Mitten on September 24, 2024, and has been republished with permission.