Thru Michigan..Lake Michigan Route or Lake Huron Route?

[grumpy0374]

In Oct we'll be comming back from the Dakotas, northern route thru Minn., Wisc., and Michigan UP.
Heading south thru Michigan, looking for info on either SR 31 on the Lake Michigan side or SR 23/25 on the Lake Huron side.
We.re under no mileage or time constraints, just looking for the more senic route. On the map, the Lake Huron route looks longer (which is nice for us) and a bit more "rural".
Any recommendations?
Grumpy

[Gheidbrink]

As a West Michigan resident I think going down the west side is more scenic. Lots of small fun towns to see. The east side is very beautiful too. There are fewer tourist towns and attractions. The west side has Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park that is rated one of the most scenic spots in the US. Lots of beautiful rolling hill and orchards. Great restaurants and a lot to due.

[skigramp]

I have only been along the Lake Michigan side ... watching the sunset from the lighthouse at the end of the point north of Traverse City is etched into my brain ... Sleeping Bear Dunes are pretty spectacular ... there are some very interesting tourist towns south of there ... and wineries a few miles inland ...

There are some really nice state parks to stay for a night or two ...

[F76Marion]

We have done both, even sort of recently. The lake view is sparse from either side, but there is more to see/do on the Michigan side.

When going along the Huron side we always have to stop at Memorial at Rogers City. I have reason to do so. South of that 23 runs inshore most of the way and water is only visible for short stretches.

31 isn't that different in that respect, but there is more to see as mentioned above.

Frank

[BA-in-Mich]

I still like the sunrise side of the state. If you really want to stretch your trip you can go along the thumb. That part of the trip is pretty mundane.