Michigan I-75 or US-127 Northbound?

radman72 · 08-06-2021, 03:26 PM

Planning to travel from Ohio to Petoskey MI in a couple weeks. The last time we went up I-75 (2 years ago) it was so bumpy we had some damage to our camper. Seemed to be real bad just north of Flint Michigan. Would US-127 be any better? Any other recommendations?

asr524 · 08-06-2021, 08:02 PM

I live in the Flint area and don't recall any bumps that are really bad around here. I69 toward Lansing gets bouncy but I digress.

US23 south of Flint is under construction and has serious back ups daily. Highly recommend avoiding that right now. There is also significant construction around Saginaw which really sucks to tow through right now as well.

I normally don't take 127 due to location logistics but there is a good portion north of Lansing that is basically a 4 lane road but then turns back into freeway.

Might suggest US23 to I96 to 127

phipps33 · 08-06-2021, 09:17 PM

Been a few months, but last time I went up 75 just north of Toledo was a mess. It may be fixed by now, but thought I’d toss that out there.

Ohinaz1970 · 08-06-2021, 10:11 PM

Just made the trip from NW Ohio to Minn, via the U.P., and back. Would urge you to use 127.
As a side note, we travel several thousand miles a year in our Class-C pulling a toad, and our take is that the entire Interstate system is in a shambles, especially in, around, and thru, major cities.

rsdata · 08-07-2021, 12:47 PM

127 without a doubt
I stay off the interstate as much as possible anyway

127 will be way more relaxing with much more places to top for lunch and sightseeing

asr524 · 08-07-2021, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

127 without a doubt
I stay off the interstate as much as possible anyway

127 will be way more relaxing with much more places to top for lunch and sightseeing

127 is a freeway 50mi north of the I69 interchange in Lansing

rsdata · 08-07-2021, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asr524

127 is a freeway 50mi north of the I69 interchange in Lansing

so you are comparing 127 and I-75 as equals?

It has been about 8-9 years since I went that way but they did not back then compare any way shape or form... other than limited access

asr524 · 08-07-2021, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsdata

so you are comparing 127 and I-75 as equals?

It has been about 8-9 years since I went that way but they did not back then compare any way shape or form... other than limited access

Yes.... 127 ~50mi north of Lansing is not much different than I75 north of the M13 split. Lately there has been lots of Facebook posts of RV crashes on 127 (and 131).
Last few years lots of traffic back ups on all the roads around here. Right now I would give the 127 the nod only due to all of the construction on 23 by Fenton/Grand Blanc/Flint and I75 around Saginaw.

markb422 · 08-07-2021, 06:14 PM

What part of Ohio are you coming from.

ProfChuck · 08-07-2021, 07:01 PM

We have a cottage up north and travel to it often as well as camping up there. I would definitely take 127. We usually go up I-96 to Lansing and from there go up on 127 north. Lansing is a bit crazy but, only for about 5 miles and then it goes into a freeway. Just watch out around Jolly road since some of the lanes end and you have to move left, but, you do keep right most of the way to get to 127. Just follow the signs to Clare and Mt. Pleasant. Just past St. John's, the freeway will go down to 65mph. and turn into a 4 lane divided highway (like Ohio 20 only less trucks). There is a bit of construction on that part of the highway as they are making new turnarounds, but, so far we haven't encountered any real slowdowns. I think there is one red light at a railroad track (smooth going over them - you can take them at 65) and that is it. The road goes into a freeway again a ways from the tracks and it is freeway all the way up to Mackinaw with little construction and joins I-75 at Grayling. There was some construction during the spring, but, we didn't encounter much of anything on our last trip up and down which we did two weeks ago. I like the idea of not fighting the traffic and trucks like you do on I-75 from Brighton to past Bay City and the windmills around Mt. Pleasant are very pretty. Also, when you get to Rosebush, there is a very easy on easy off gas station (Mobil) with some of the best prices (most of the time) and the ability for us to pull our 35ft. Windjammer in for gas and get out easily. Once in a while it is crowded, but, not often. They have a nice set of restrooms and a snack area as well. We mark that as our half way point going up north. You will not go as far as we do, but, you will join I-75 around Grayling and then be cutting over towards Petoskey/Harbor Springs (we go to Cheboygan). I'm not sure how the roads are that way, but, I do recall they were being repaved a couple years ago, so I think you will be fine. My brother has a condo up there and hasn't had any problems going back and forth. That is the way I would go, especially pulling a trailer or 5th wheel. Except for Lansing, the trip is much easier and calmer than I-75. A few days ago, heading to Cedar Point on I-80 we were coming from 23 and observed about a 2 mile backup of cars and trucks trying to get onto I-75 (275?) and we came home from the point though Perrysburg to 23 (Ann Arbor area) which was much nicer. Hope you have a great trip. Michigan is really nice this time of year.

radman72 · 08-08-2021, 07:07 AM

We’ll be coming from Hilliard, near Columbus.

radman72 · 08-08-2021, 07:13 AM

Thanks for all the replies and valuable information. We’ll definitely be going up 127 this year…

NoviBill · 08-08-2021, 08:21 PM

If I was in a rush and a non-weekend, I would take I-75. Any other time, I like US-127, it can add 20-30 minutes to the trip, but in general has a lot less traffic and stress. Stop at Cops and Donuts in Clare for a tasty treat. Jojan's pastry shop in Petoskey is also worth stopping at, best custard long-johns I have had. If you like biking (bicycle) the trail north from Petosky is great, stop in Alason Bakery for a tasty treat.

radman72 · 08-09-2021, 07:07 AM

Thanks for the tips and info. We’ve stopped at Jojans bakery and it’s wonderful. The donut shop in Clare sounds interesting.

huntingskeetman · 09-06-2021, 02:32 PM

We’re leaving next Saturday for our two week trip to the UP. I’ve read there is considerable traffic on I-75/23 up near Flint last month. Can anybody verify road conditions headed north. I’ve heard some recommend taking US 127 north to avoid traffic and road congestion as an alternative route.

radman72 · 09-06-2021, 02:47 PM

Two weeks ago we travelled up I-75 to I-96 to Lansing then up 127 all the way past Gaylord. There’s about a 10 mile stretch on 127 that’s a little rough but not too bad. I would definitely choose 127 over I-75.
There’s a lot of interesting comments earlier on this thread too.

huntingskeetman · 09-06-2021, 03:30 PM

I think I’ll take 96 to 127 as a more sure route as we’ll be going up on a Saturday thanks for your input.

ProfChuck · 09-06-2021, 06:59 PM

Adding to my previous message. 96 to 127 is the way we go all the time now. It adds about 13-15 minutes to the trip but, the easier drive is worth it. Much of the previous construction is done along 127, at least when we came back Thursday (9/2/21). Rosebush still had one of the lowest gas prices. It is about 1/2 way for us. Also, if you are going the speed limit (we don't, pulling a TT), the speed limit goes up to 75 just outside of Lansing until the short stretch of non-freeway which is 65, then it's back to 75 all the way to the bridge.
DW and I were talking about it as we came home and have decided to use this route from now own. We are making the trip about every 7-10 days and only going up for the day (600 miles round trip from Ann Arbor area to Cheboygan) since we are having a cottage built (with a full hookup RV pad - not ready yet, though - next to it) and have to check building progress, etc., so we want the trip to be as relaxing as possible and this seems to be the best route to drive. Also, if you are going to the UP and staying for less than 36 hours, consider the bridge pass. It's available on line through the Mackinaw Bridge Authority. Hope you enjoy your trip. Lots of campgrounds and stuff to see up there.

ProfChuck · 09-06-2021, 07:12 PM

Couldn't tell where you were from, but, we join I-96 at Howell and do not go through Detroit. If you are coming from Ohio, I would recommend you avoid 75 and take 23 around Toledo and go up to 96.

huntingskeetman · 09-06-2021, 07:48 PM

Thanks for updates. We are coming via I-80 (Ohio pike) and usually take I-280/475 through Toledo and access M-23 headed north. My daughter lives in Saline and I hunt every year up near Grayling so I’m familiar with M-23/I-75 trip up north but that’s normally without our camper, so the 127 alternate sounds much better to me. We’ll be on our trip to UP for two weeks so I’m sure we’ll have to pay full toll both ways on the bridge. We’re really looking forward to our trip, hoping for some cooler temps and start of fall foliage.

You may also like: