7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Michigan
Michigan is one of the most beautiful states in the US, blessed by the elegant Lake Michigan and other small lakes and rivers. The state also boasts some of the most bike-friendly towns across the country, featuring expansive bike-only lanes, interconnected streets, and lower speed limits to ensure the safety of bikers. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of these towns on a bike, enjoying the crisp, clear air and capturing clear vistas of nature. From Traverse City, renowned for its exemplary TART trails that facilitate excellent biking, to Grand Haven, where Lake Michigan shines brightly, bikers would love it in these seven bike-friendly towns in Michigan.
Ferndale
Ferndale is a bustling town in Oakland County renowned for its vibrant downtown that’s walkable and bike-friendly. Riding on the saddle of two wheels is one of the best ways to explore this downtown area and visit its top attractions. Pedal through the lively streets, appreciating its sights and sounds, and stop at The Rust Belt Market to purchase gift items like handcrafted jewelry and pottery as souvenirs for the trip. Visit the Ferndale Historical Museum next to peek at the town’s early days through artifacts and purchase some historic plaques as memorabilia. Relax for a moment at the Ringwald Theatre to catch an interesting show or performance, and top off the entertainment experience with a musical comic relief show at Go Comedy Theatre. For art lovers, explore artworks at Lawrence Street Gallery and be stunned by the sheer brilliance of local artists. Don’t forget to relish sensational meals at the Barrel House, or stop by One Eyed-Betty to savor cocktails and pork belly poutine for lunch.
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant, the county seat of Isabella County, is a biker’s haven with many interconnected bike lanes and designated bike trails. With these scenic bike paths glowing in safety and serenity, visitors can hop on a bike’s saddle to explore some top attractions like the beautiful campus of Central Michigan University. Relish the University’s sights and sounds and head out downtown to immerse in a thrilling art scene at the Art Reach of Mid Michigan, where awe-inspiring creativity reigns in its gallery. Proceed to the Ziibwing Center to learn about the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan through various exhibits. Next, bike to Island and Nelson Parks, both featuring green spaces for picnics and charming river views. When it’s time to quench hunger pangs, The Brass Café and Mountain Town Station are some of the best spots in town for a delicious gastronomic treat.
Marquette
Marquette is a picturesque and historic university town on the shores of Lake Superior with a wide network of bike paths that make biking incredibly satisfying. Once here, pedal gracefully to the breathtaking Presque Isle Park on the lake's shores to sunbathe, promenade, and catch the sunset on the beach. There’s also a concert band shell for entertainment, a picnic shelter, a marina for boating, and hiking trails to explore this 323-acre park. Exit the beach and bike to the Marquette Maritime Museum to see exhibits related to the town's maritime roots, including relics of shipwrecks, boats, and canoes. Continue on the path of history to Marquette Regional History Center and explore regional exhibits and artifacts that offer a glimpse at the early pioneer days of the region. Afterward, visit Beth Millner’s Jewelry Store to purchase one of her glittery pieces or admire artworks at the Zero Degrees Gallery.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven is a charming and laid-back town on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan boasting over 100 miles of biking trails. Get a bike and hit one of these trails to the town’s highlight attraction - Grand Haven State Park, where a stunning beach invites all to bask in the sun, paddle, boat, sail, jet ski, and camp for extended experiences. Otherwise, admire the enchanting lake views and lighthouse from the fishing pier and fish on the lake. Also, explore the downtown on a bike and visit the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, a depot for native American and pioneer exhibits, including over 70,000 artifacts. Proceed to the Midwest Miniature Museum near the downtown to explore a variety of premium quality miniatures in a historic mansion. Don’t miss the Kirby House, home to Three District Restaurants, where a tantalizing pizza with views of a boardwalk and Lake Michigan does it for an unforgettable lunch.
Holland
Famously known as Tulip City, Holland is a scenic town on the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, where biking is an exciting endeavor. The town boasts over 150 miles of paved bike paths and interconnected streets that make biking seamless and safe. Bikers can start an adventure here with a ride to Windmill Island Gardens on Lincoln Avenue to explore a tulip garden, ride a carousel, and wonder at a 250-year-old windmill. The Holland State Park is another prime outdoor attraction to visit with a bike as it features its bike trails across the beachfront and offers opportunities for sunbathing, picnicking, and sunset watching. In addition, Window on the Waterfront has a biking trail to explore its thousands of tulips. Visit the Holland Museum afterward to immerse in the town’s storied past and don’t forget to grab antiques at the Wooden Shoe Antique Mall downtown before leaving.
East Lansing
East Lansing is a bustling town within Ingham County that’s home to Michigan State University. In terms of bike-friendliness, the town scores high, with multiple designated bike lanes and biking trails. One of the best trails here is the 17-mile Lansing River Trail that runs from Michigan State University to North Lansing, bypassing the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. On the University Campus, bikers can even explore its top attractions such as W.J. Beal Botanical Garden and Broad Art Museum. Downtown East Laning is also a great place to bike around and explore more attractions like the Saper Galleries (for art lovers) and Custom Framing and Crunchy’s (for delicious burgers and tacos for lunch).
Traverse City
Traverse City is arguably the most bike-friendly town in Michigan. The town’s bike-friendliness is inspired by the Traverse Area Recreational and Transportation Trails (TART) system, where special areas within and beyond the city are designated as “non-motorized” routes. Some of the best trails in the TART system in this town include the 4-mile loop Boardman Lake Trail, the 1.5-mile Buffalo Ridge Trail, and the 24-mile Boardman/Ottaway River Trail. These trails bypass their namesake rivers and lakes, exposing the quaint natural allure of Traverse City. Meanwhile, visitors can also bike to the Mission Point Lighthouse overlooking Grand Traverse Bay to absorb the striking views of this 19th-century lighthouse, alongside the picturesque bay scenery around it. Also, on the bike-friendly East Front Street, the City Opera Theatre is a great spot to unwind and watch performances. Stop by Bubba’s restaurant on the same street to enjoy a hearty lunch after exiting the theatre. For art lovers, make the Dennos Museum Center a last stop to explore its fascinating collections of artworks and paintings.
Biking is an incredibly exciting activity that should be way more popular than it is now. This eco-friendly activity combines the flexibility of walking with the speed of larger vehicles, leaving behind the cons, to offer tourists a super-packed way to explore. While not all towns offer the right infrastructure and atmosphere to enjoy this activity, these towns in Michigan are great destinations to soak in nature’s untamed beauty and explore quaint downtowns on a bike. With that said, visit these towns today and rent a bike for adventures of a lifetime.
