West Michigan Pike
History

Heritage Tourism in Michigan

First came the cars. Then came an idea: to build an automobile touring route that stretched from New Buffalo to Mackinaw City. They called the idea “the West Michigan Pike,” and as it grew, West Michigan’s shoreline became a celebration of the road, the people, and the places along the West Michigan Pike.

The West Michigan Pike was developed and constructed between 1911 and 1922 as one of the nation’s first “tourist” roads, designed specifically to bring vacationers from Chicago to Michigan’s West Coast to escape the sweltering summer heat of the Windy City. A full-blown tourism industry with lodging, restaurants, and attractions grew up along the West Michigan Pike and flourishes to this day. The communities along the “Pike,” collectively known as Michigan Beachtowns, include the historic communities of St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, South Haven, Saugatuck/Douglas, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

West Michigan Pike 1915 Route Cover Image

Download 1915 Tourist Directory PDF

West Michigan Pike 1922 Route Cover Image

Download WMP 1922 Route PDF

West Michigan Pike 1922 Route Cover Image

Download Large JPG

The West Michigan Pike

by Amy Arnold, published by MISHDA

Because of its size, this report has been broken into multiple PDFs. These files may also be found on the Michigan.gov site.

Volume 1: Historic Context Narrative

Volume 1: Historic Resource Survey

Articles

Memories of Route 66 – My First Roadtrip
by Felicia Fairchild
Historic Auto Trails of Michigan
Return of the Pike
by Lee Lupo, MLive.com
Michigan Road Trip – a 3-part series on Saugatuck/Douglas
by Ann L. Fouty, Grosse Pointe News
The Evolution of Michigan Roadmaps
Michigan State University Library of Maps
Ernest Hemingway on the West Michigan Pike
by Deborah Johnson Wood, Rapid Growth
Photojournalist documents “West Michigan Pike” for possible historic certification
PDF of an article from MichiganHistoryMagazine.com site
Get your kicks… on the West Michigan Pike
by Stephen Kloosterman, The Holland Sentinel
West Michigan Pike promoters to show off lakeshore communities to travel writers
by Dave Alexander, The Muskegon Chronicle
Tourist Guide to the West Michigan Pike
by Louis H. Conger, West Michigan Pike Association. Copyright 1922

Facebook

Michigan Beachtowns is in St. Joseph, Michigan.

1 day ago

<img decoding="async" src="https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-1/351210881_211234105188603_8217484934057301161_n.png?stp=cp0_dst-png_p50x50&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=4da83f&_nc_ohc=cbQXIBGyoZ8AX9J3Osf&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&oh=00_AfDJlNtjRp29wIq8HAx9XhmK1sB-B-U-qAntDiY8vos8IA&oe=65798A86" title="Michigan Beachtowns" alt="Michigan Beachtowns" width=40 height=40 onerror="this.style.display='none'">

Wonder what a million twinkling lights look like? Look no further than the Light Up the Bluff display in St. Joseph, Michigan. The holidays are in full swing in this winter wonderland! 📷 Joshua Nowicki - Photography #mibeachtowns Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council #swmichigan ... See MoreSee Less

View on Facebook

Instagram

mibeachtowns

Take in the most beautiful beaches and picturesque towns along Lake Michigan. Tag us or use #mibeachtowns to give us permission to reshare.

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/uploads/sb-instagram-feed-images/mibeachtowns.jpg" alt="Michigan Beachtowns" width="50" height="50">

Wonder what a million twinkling lights look like?

Wonder what a million twinkling lights look like? Look no further than the Light Up the Bluff display in St. Joseph, Michigan. The holidays are in full swing in this winter wonderland!

📷 @joshua.nowicki

#mibeachtowns @swmichigan #swmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Wonder what a million twinkling lights look like? Look no further than the Light Up the Bluff display in St. Joseph, Michigan. The holidays are in full swing in this winter wonderland! 📷 @joshua.nowicki #mibeachtowns @swmichigan #swmichigan">

Holiday shopping can be so much more than checking

Holiday shopping can be so much more than checking gifts off a list. This festive season is about creating cherished memories!

Plan a visit to Muskegon County, which boasts three pleasant and walkable shopping areas that will make for a memorable day. And, all with social districts, so you can enjoy your beverage while moving between shops.

Visit the link in our bio to read @visitmuskegon's latest blog about how to plan your day of holiday fun:

🎀 Start your adventure in Downtown Muskegon, adorned with lights and decorations
👜 Visit the charming Western Market Chalets, featuring handmade items
🎁 Head over to the Lakeside Business District, nestled next to Muskegon Lake

#mibeachtowns #visitmuskegon #westmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Holiday shopping can be so much more than checking gifts off a list. This festive season is about creating cherished memories! Plan a visit to Muskegon County, which boasts three pleasant and walkable shopping areas that will make for a memorable day. And, all with social districts, so you can enjoy your beverage while moving between shops. Visit the link in our bio to read @visitmuskegon's latest blog about how to plan your day of holiday fun: 🎀 Start your adventure in Downtown Muskegon, adorned with lights and decorations 👜 Visit the charming Western Market Chalets, featuring handmade items 🎁 Head over to the Lakeside Business District, nestled next to Muskegon Lake #mibeachtowns #visitmuskegon #westmichigan">

A magical new perspective of snow on the dunes. 📷 @nat_geo_vibes

#mibeachtowns @thinkdunes #ThinkDunes #slsd #westmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="A magical new perspective of snow on the dunes. 📷 @nat_geo_vibes #mibeachtowns @thinkdunes #ThinkDunes #slsd #westmichigan">

Anticipating a rosy December in the Michigan Beach

Anticipating a rosy December in the Michigan Beachtowns. We can't wait for the winter wonder.

#mibeachtowns @swmichigan #swmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Anticipating a rosy December in the Michigan Beachtowns. We can't wait for the winter wonder. #mibeachtowns @swmichigan #swmichigan">

Here's to all of the visitors to the Michigan Beac

Here's to all of the visitors to the Michigan Beachtowns who create adventure in any season! We appreciate you so much, and look forward to seeing you this winter and in 2024!

#mibeachtowns #westmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Here's to all of the visitors to the Michigan Beachtowns who create adventure in any season! We appreciate you so much, and look forward to seeing you this winter and in 2024! #mibeachtowns #westmichigan">

Of wind and waves. Recognizing another photographe

Of wind and waves. Recognizing another photographer who keeps us "fed" with their stunning captures - @simplylauriephotography. Thank you for sharing!

#mibeachtowns @swmichigan #swmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Of wind and waves. Recognizing another photographer who keeps us "fed" with their stunning captures - @simplylauriephotography. Thank you for sharing! #mibeachtowns @swmichigan #swmichigan">

A message of Thanksgiving to all of the photograph

A message of Thanksgiving to all of the photographers out there who share their work with us throughout the year. You truly capture what's special about the Michigan Beachtowns.

We appreciate these and many, many more. @irwin.nick, @sg.captures, @photosbydylan1, @walter.e.elliott, @desereol, @neilweaverphoto, @joshua.nowicki, @tbonnette007, @_sovereign_photography_, @adwaitbhagwat, @benji_zimmerman, @timlargentsr, @jenmorgan2016, @3rd_coast_images, @chrismcguirephoto, @radiantlandscapesphotography, @mi_scapes, @mi_playground, @simplylauriephotography, @janelledarnell, @mmduram, @metroslisa, and @strydphotography.

#mibeachtowns

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="A message of Thanksgiving to all of the photographers out there who share their work with us throughout the year. You truly capture what's special about the Michigan Beachtowns. We appreciate these and many, many more. @irwin.nick, @sg.captures, @photosbydylan1, @walter.e.elliott, @desereol, @neilweaverphoto, @joshua.nowicki, @tbonnette007, @_sovereign_photography_, @adwaitbhagwat, @benji_zimmerman, @timlargentsr, @jenmorgan2016, @3rd_coast_images, @chrismcguirephoto, @radiantlandscapesphotography, @mi_scapes, @mi_playground, @simplylauriephotography, @janelledarnell, @mmduram, @metroslisa, and @strydphotography. #mibeachtowns">

Photographer @irwin.nick captured a person "just h

Photographer @irwin.nick captured a person "just hanging out" on top of the lighthouse. Kind of jealous!

#mibeachtowns @visitgrandhavenarea #visitgrandhaven #westmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Photographer @irwin.nick captured a person "just hanging out" on top of the lighthouse. Kind of jealous! #mibeachtowns @visitgrandhavenarea #visitgrandhaven #westmichigan">

Sunshine, handmade items, and the bounty of the ha

Sunshine, handmade items, and the bounty of the harvest season. What could be better on a beautiful November day get into the swing of the holidays?! #mibeachtowns

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Sunshine, handmade items, and the bounty of the harvest season. What could be better on a beautiful November day get into the swing of the holidays?! #mibeachtowns">

Experience the magic of "Hike the Lights." The Whi

Experience the magic of "Hike the Lights." The White Night Trail, Pete's Path, and Lost Lake Trail are illuminated from sunset until 10pm every night of the week through November 30th at the @muskegonluge Adventure and Sports Park.

#mibeachtowns @visitmuskegon #visitmuskegon #westmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Experience the magic of "Hike the Lights." The White Night Trail, Pete's Path, and Lost Lake Trail are illuminated from sunset until 10pm every night of the week through November 30th at the @muskegonluge Adventure and Sports Park. #mibeachtowns @visitmuskegon #visitmuskegon #westmichigan">

Grab your best friend and seize the moment in the

Grab your best friend and seize the moment in the Art Coast of Michigan this fall.

🎨 Go on a gallery stroll
🍸 Enjoy a hip craft beverage
🥧 Indulge in a slice of pie at @cranespiepantry

#mibeachtowns #artcoastofmichigan @saugatuckdouglas #saugatuckdouglas #westmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Grab your best friend and seize the moment in the Art Coast of Michigan this fall. 🎨 Go on a gallery stroll 🍸 Enjoy a hip craft beverage 🥧 Indulge in a slice of pie at @cranespiepantry #mibeachtowns #artcoastofmichigan @saugatuckdouglas #saugatuckdouglas #westmichigan">

Fat tire biking on Silver Lake Sand Dunes opens De

Fat tire biking on Silver Lake Sand Dunes opens December 15!

Plan your adventure by visiting the link in our bio.

#mibeachtowns @thinkdunes #thinkdunes #westmichigan

<img decoding="async" src="https://www.michiganbeachtowns.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png" alt="Fat tire biking on Silver Lake Sand Dunes opens December 15! Plan your adventure by visiting the link in our bio. #mibeachtowns @thinkdunes #thinkdunes #westmichigan">

Load More Follow on Instagram