US-2 Top of the Lake (Lake Michigan Shore)
The eastern segment of US-2 in Michigan's Upper Peninsula runs approximately 96 miles from Manistique east to St. Ignace, following the northern shore of Lake Michigan. Designated the Top of the Lake Scenic Byway from Thompson to St. Ignace, the highway passes through Naubinway, Brevort, and several scenic overlooks. Highlights include the Cut River Bridge — a 147-foot arch over a deep river gorge with a beach access stairway — and multiple soft-sand Lake Michigan pull-offs. Part of both the Lake Michigan Circle Tour and the Lake Superior Circle Tour, and featured by UP Travel as one of seven signature UP motorcycle routes.
What you'll hit along the way.
Rider-verified stops, overlooks, fuel, and the corners worth knowing about — in the order you'll meet them.
Larch
Small town at the western start of the route where US-2 begins tracing the northern Lake Michigan shoreline.
Cooks
Quiet inland town at roughly the midpoint offering a natural rest stop along the route.
Sunoco
Reliable fuel stop in Gulliver, a good point to top off before the more rural eastern stretch.
Gould City
Small community set among the northern Michigan woods with a remote, unhurried character.
Mystery Spot
A roadside attraction near Gros Cap known for optical illusions and a lighthearted stop near the route's end.
Gros Cap
Small lakeside community at the eastern terminus of this Lake Michigan shore run.
No runs logged on this road yet — be the first.
Runs are rider-logged & GPS-traced in the app
Ride your own ride — times are rider-logged & GPS-traced, never a race on public roads.
Shot by the riders who've run it.
Riders upload photos to their profile and tag the road or stop — tagged shots show up here automatically.