Backroads & Byways of Michigan

by Matt Forster

The best road guide to the Great Lakes State, completely revised and updated.

From the Chicago and Territorial roads, home of a historic and scenic railroad, to the Lower Peninsula’s Chain of Lakes area, Backroads & Byways of Michigan is the shortest route a visitor can take to knowing the state like a local. This fourth edition offers updated itineraries to scenic and intriguing places, like Michigan’s Wine Country—where you can sample local wines, chocolate truffles, and orchard fruits—and Western Michigan, once a mining area, now a winter-recreation wonderland and home of many spectacular waterfalls.

The Backroads & Byways series provides you with all the crucial information you need to make every moment of your journey count. This guide features maps, photographs, and detailed listings for points of interest on every drive.

Drives

History off the Beaten Path

Where Great Lakes Meet

Superior’s Scenic Shoreline

The Grape Coast

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

397 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2009

About the author

A native of Michigan, Matt Forster has lived in the Midwest, New England, and the Rocky Mountain regions of the country. He now resides in Houston with his kids. With a number of books under his belt, including guides to Colorado, Michigan, and Ohio, Matt is currently working on a guide for parents looking for great hikes in Texas. He dreams of someday writing a book on the national parks of Israel, a biography of John Woolman, and thrilling fiction for young readers.

Reviews

[Kristen Freiburger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My summer (spring, winter and fall) guide book that I’m keeping in my car. What a treasure trove!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some cool ideas for places to see in Michigan, with a little history thrown in.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the very specific directions on how to take a scenic drive in the various parts of Michigan. I didn't like the restaurant recommendations for my part of Michigan, which made me mistrust the rest of the info in the book. Published in 2014, the book recommends one Grand Rapids restaurant that has been closed for at least two years, and a second one that is mediocre faux Mexican food at best.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I was reading this book, I was taking myself on a daydream road trip, and writing down places that I want to try... Michigan is one of my family's newest fave spots to travel to, esp when it's only a 4.5 hr drive there... There are so many trips that we need to take in Michigan, and this book definitely has that aspect covered... Lots of things to be seen, done, and eaten in Michigan... Lots of cool treasure troves of places that you wouldn't think would be there, and so beautiful... We would never live there, as some areas can get up to 15 feet in winter, no thanks, but we'll be visiting as often as we can!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skimmed. The content seems pretty good, but I don’t love the format of dividing the state into drives.

[Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered some places in Michigan that I have never heard of!

[Anna Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book is packed with venues, history, stories, and many colorful pictures, this travel book is better suited to the reader with absolutely no creativity. The author picks and chooses routes and destinations *for* the reader, and anything in the area he chooses to omit, you simply aren't given an option to see.

People who read usually are the kinds that can make their own decisions about where they want to go. I wasn't fond of the style and high-handedness of this type of book.

[Margaret Gerberding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ideas for trips in Michigan, along with hotels and restaurants. The list did not really include anything new, but the standards. If you are not familiar with Michigan, this would be a good guide.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the fact that someone took the time to take the little roads, and find Michigan!

[Karen! · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough little read, this is a great means for finding not only some interesting sights, but also for learning a bit about them.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some neat ideas in it.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok read. Some ideas on places wouldn't have thought to visit. Nice resource to begin a trip thought process.

[David Britten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for planning a relaxing road trip.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did like that there was a route to follow in this book. But it missed some of the things that were cool and we stumbled into. There were also some bad directions. So it made it hard to follow.