My DH and I are visiting Michigan in October. We'll be driving from Cleveland and will probably spend the night in the Bay City area, on our way to Mackinac Island. We want to take a scenic route, so we're planning to take US-23 around the east coast. Should we stay on US-23 all the way to Mackinac City, or go west on highway 23 at Alena to I-75 North? Both routes are listed as scenic.
After Mac Island, we will be driving down the west coast to fly out of GRR. That part of the trip is already set.

If you are leaving from Bay City, it all depends on the amount of time you have. Since I live in Midland, we just jump on 75 north to get to Mackinac City. But you might want to consider a little side trip to Cheboygan to check out the lighthouses, "This Old House" restaurant for awesome pizza or Pier M33 for a more upscale restaurant with seafood, steaks and burgers. Then take 23 up to Mackinac City.

agree with travelmi!