7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in the Great Lakes
Are you searching for the perfect place to enjoy beautiful and panoramic rides on your bicycle? The Great Lakes region with its large, freshwater lakes and dramatic vistas (spreading across both the United States and Canada) includes a coastline with scenic beauty, dense forests, and rolling landscapes. It really is an ultimate hub for bicycle tours. Once known as a place with deep roots of trading and heavy industry, today this region retains much of that industrial backdrop but is now also appreciated for its thriving small towns and outdoor recreational opportunities. With miles of bike trails, well-connected street grids, and stunning views, these towns offer everything from historical landmarks and commercial hotspots to quiet natural settings. Dust off your bike and take the trails; the seven most bike-friendly towns in the Great Lakes will not disappoint.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City sits on the West Arm of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay and offers an easy, scenic way for cyclists to get to some of the top attractions via the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trail. TART starts downtown and takes bikers along to Clinch Park, which is just steps off the path and is a great place to take a break on the waterfront. From there, it's a smooth ride onto the trail and out to the City Opera House, a cultural focal point for performances and other events. The TART Trail links up with the Boardman Lake Trail, where cyclists can take in the views in a tranquil, four-mile loop circling the lake, accessing neighboring parks in the area. For the more adventurous one who would like to go on an even longer ride, the TART seamlessly connects to the 17-mile Leelanau Trail, which takes one through rolling vineyards and lush forests onto Suttons Bay. With clear signage and well-maintained paths, cyclists can easily transition from one landmark to the next, making Traverse City an ideal destination for biking enthusiasts.
Port Washington, Wisconsin
On the shores of Lake Michigan, Port Washington has excellent bicycling infrastructure, with a great connection of roads and trails to access nearly every attraction. The Ozaukee Interurban Trail cuts through town, with a 30-mile paved route that gives way to many attractions with little effort. This creates an easy day of riding from the Port Washington Lighthouse, accessible from downtown along bike paths, where you can be treated to panoramic views of the lake. From there, it's a short ride down the trail to Coal Dock Park, a waterfront park perfect for picnicking and relaxing. Continuing through bike-friendly streets, riders will reach the 1860 Light Station Museum to learn about maritime history. The trail also cuts into downtown and its many shops and eateries. Compacted within Port Washington are bike-friendly routes that ensure that getting around from one landmark to another is effortless and an absolute delight while making several stops to explore on foot by parking your bicycle.
Marquette, Michigan
Along the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is a cyclist's dream come true, with an extensive network of trails and access to some spectacular attractions. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is a 47-mile multi-use path that starts downtown and takes tours through the town's industrial history. From downtown, the trail heads out to Presque Isle Park, a beautiful peninsula offering breathtaking lake views and paved loops ideal for leisurely rides. From here, the trail continues southbound to the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, which overlooks the rocky shoreline from its historic perch. Continuing into town, cyclists can visit the Upper Peninsula Children's Museum for the family-oriented or take a break at one of many local cafes for a refreshing drink. The trail also accesses Ellwood A. Mattson Lower Harbor Park, a lakeside green space for relaxing after your ride.
Holland, Michigan
Holland is also on Lake Michigan, and it's also a dream for cyclists, full of Dutch charm and an extended network of bikes. The Holland Metro Trails include more than 150 miles of trails that connect some of the town's most iconic attractions. Start your ride at Windmill Island Gardens, home to the iconic De Zwaan windmill and a riot of colorful tulips in spring. From there, take the trails onto Holland State Park with its panoramic lakefront vistas, sandy beaches, and iconic Big Red Lighthouse. A little further down the waterfront is the beautiful Kollen Park for picnicking or taking some quiet time out. On the same waterfront, cyclists might wish to veer toward downtown and the Holland Museum for boutique shopping or a break in one of the town's cozy cafes. Trails do extend into the Sanctuary Woods Preserve, a quiet retreat that offers forested pathways, handsome vistas, and a chance to connect with nature.
Sandusky, Ohio
Along the shores of Lake Erie, Sandusky features scenic routes and easy access to top attractions. The Sandusky Bay Pathway's beautiful waterfront trail is the backbone of the town's network of bikes that weaves through town and connects quite a few must-see attractions. Start your ride at Shoreline Park, a quiet place for picnics or lake views. From there, take the path to the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, where you can learn about the area's rich nautical history. A short detour downtown brings you to a lively scene of shops and restaurants, perfect for a break and a quick bite. The path opens to allow cyclists to continue onto Battery Park Marina, a lively waterfront area with great views of Lake Erie. To combine an adrenaline-pumping day of pedaling with a few loops of screaming and heart-pounding terror, the pathway leads one toward Cedar Point Amusement Park and its famous roller coasters.
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, Bayfield boasts a natural beauty with a bike-friendly layout. It is an ideal destination for bikers since it has all the facilities required for a bike tour. The Bayfield Lakeshore Trail is the main biking route that connects key spots around town with stunning lake views along the way. Start your ride at the Madeline Island Ferry landing, from which you can take a trip to the Apostle Islands. Then follow the trail to the Bayfield Maritime Museum, a short ride down the road, to check out the town's rich nautical history. Continue through the quiet, bike-friendly streets to the Old Rittenhouse Inn, a historic mansion turned cozy bed-and-breakfast, ideal for a meal or relaxing break. The trail also leads bikers to the quiet green of Halvor Reiten Park, with its beautiful lake views and a place to relax.
Saugatuck, Michigan
With the stunning Lake Michigan as a backdrop, Saugatuck has melded scenic beauty with friendly biking trails, thus being an absolute heaven for bike lovers. Kick off your ride from Oval Beach, one of the more popular and well-known beaches that features pristine sand and breathtaking lake views. From there, tour along the Blue Star Trail, a developing multi-use path connecting Saugatuck with neighboring communities to provide safe and scenic biking routes. A short ride into town delivers you to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for live performances or an art exhibit. Pedal to Mount Baldhead Park and experience the thrill of climbing 302 steps for breathtaking views of the town and lake. Make sure not to miss the Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Museum, where all the rich history of this town is represented.
Final Thoughts
From the TART Trails in Traverse City to the Bay Pathway in Sandusky and the Blue Star Trail in Saugatuck, these seven bike-friendly towns in the Great Lakes region combine natural beauty with rich history. With their seamless connectivity, each town provides an ideal setting for cyclists of all levels. Each one of these cities has something different to offer — from waterfronts to historic landmarks and bike paths to downtown areas. These cities and towns welcome cyclists with well-maintained bike routes and easy access to their main attractions. Cyclists can ride past iconic lighthouses and museums to peaceful parks and bustling local hot spots while meandering through picturesque landscapes. Bike-friendly in design and offering a variety of activities, these towns are more than cycling havens; they're immersive experiences that put people in touch with the culture and beauty of the Great Lakes. Pack up your bike and get ready for an amazing ride.
