The West Michigan Pike was once the premier way to travel along Michigan’s western shores. This highway running along Lake Michigan from Michigan City, Indiana, to Mackinac City was conceived of and built during the second decade of the 20th century to accommodate the “horseless carriage,” opening up the region to tourism and the development it would bring. Eventually, the Pike was replaced by state and U.S. highway systems and was mostly forgotten until the present day.
In 2016, the state recognized a small section of the Pike as a “Pure Michigan Byway”, joining 22 other historic, scenic, and recreational Michigan byways that include M-22 byway, Tahquamenon, and the U.S.-12 Heritage Trail.
In 2018, two original concrete West Michigan Pike road markers were discovered behind an abandoned house adjacent to Spring Lake Country Club (SLCC), this marker, along with another identical one, have generously been donated to the County by the SLCC for historical purposes.
Both were loaned to the Tri-Cities Museum in Grand Haven for a time to display as part of a West Michigan Pike Exhibit. This interactive exhibit with numerous artifacts told the life story of the Pike. Today, the markers are back at the Department of Strategic Impact Office, but will eventually be part of a more permanent West Michigan Pike exhibit.
A handful of other original West Michigan Pike markers exist. Staff are developing a commemorative plaque to be placed where an original Pike marker from 1916 still stands along 152nd Avenue near Luce Street in Grand Haven Township. Another marker exists locally at 7th and Fulton streets in Grand Haven. The Grand Haven marker, however, was moved from a different location to serve as a representation of what once stood there.
Staff is currently working with local historians on developing a route similar to the West Michigan Pike that could be enjoyed by motorists and cyclists.
For more information on the West Michigan Pike, visit www.michiganbeachtowns.com.
A early 20th century postcard depicting the West Michigan Pike in Grand Haven. From Tri Cities Historical Museum collection.
The Department loaned one of its Historic Pike Markers to the Tri-Cities Historical Museum in Grand Haven for an exhibit on the Pike. Concrete markers like this one let motorists know they were going the right way. Some of these markers are still in their original place along the WMP including one on the corner of Fulton and 7th Street in Grand Haven.