====== M-28 ====== {{:transportation:m_28.jpg?500|M-28 crossing Michigan's Upper Peninsula}} **M-28** is a major east–west state trunkline highway that traverses much of Michigan's [[regions:upper_peninsula|Upper Peninsula]]. Running from the western Upper Peninsula near [[places:wakefield|Wakefield]] to eastern Chippewa County near [[places:sault_ste_marie|Sault Ste. Marie]], M-28 serves as one of the principal transportation corridors connecting communities across northern Michigan. The highway passes through forests, mining communities, wetlands, lakeshore regions, and several of the Upper Peninsula's most notable cities and landmarks. Along with [[transportation:us_2|US-2]], M-28 is one of the primary routes spanning the Upper Peninsula from east to west. --- ===== Quick Facts ===== ^ Attribute ^ Information ^ | Route Number | M-28 | | Highway Type | Michigan State Trunkline Highway | | Region | [[regions:upper_peninsula|Upper Peninsula]] | | Direction | East–West | | Western Terminus | Near [[places:wakefield|Wakefield]] | | Eastern Terminus | Near [[places:sault_ste_marie|Sault Ste. Marie]] | | Length | Approximately 290–335 miles depending on historic alignments | | Known For | Cross-UP Travel, Scenic Routes, Seney Stretch | --- ===== Route Description ===== M-28 travels across much of the Upper Peninsula and passes through or near: * [[places:wakefield|Wakefield]] * [[places:ironwood|Ironwood]] * [[places:bergland|Bergland]] * [[places:ontonagon|Ontonagon]] * [[places:baraga|Baraga]] * [[places:ishpeming|Ishpeming]] * [[places:negaunee|Negaunee]] * [[places:marquette|Marquette]] * [[places:munising|Munising]] * [[places:seney|Seney]] * [[places:newberry|Newberry]] * [[places:brimley|Brimley]] The route crosses several distinct geographic regions, including: * [[regions:copper_country|Copper Country]] * Central Upper Peninsula forests * The Lake Superior shoreline * Upper Peninsula wetlands * Eastern Upper Peninsula river systems --- ===== History ===== M-28 was first designated as part of Michigan's original state trunkline highway system in 1919. Initially a shorter western Upper Peninsula route, the highway was dramatically expanded in 1927 when Michigan reorganized portions of its highway network following the introduction of the United States Highway System. The expansion extended M-28 eastward across much of the Upper Peninsula, creating one of the state's longest continuous state highways. Throughout the twentieth century, portions of the route were realigned, straightened, and modernized to improve travel conditions and reduce railroad crossings. Today, M-28 remains one of the most important transportation routes in northern Michigan. --- ===== The Seney Stretch ===== One of the most famous segments of M-28 is: * The Seney Stretch Located between [[places:seney|Seney]] and [[places:shingleton|Shingleton]], this section is widely known for its exceptionally long, straight alignment through forests and wetlands. The roadway extends for more than twenty miles with very few curves and is considered one of Michigan's most recognizable highway segments. The Seney Stretch has become a well-known landmark for travelers crossing the Upper Peninsula. --- ===== Lake Superior Corridor ===== In central Alger County, M-28 follows portions of the Lake Superior shoreline. This section provides access to: * [[landmarks:pictured_rocks_national_lakeshore|Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore]] * [[places:munising|Munising]] * [[geography:lake_superior|Lake Superior]] The route offers some of the most scenic driving opportunities in Michigan. --- ===== Copper Country Connections ===== In the western Upper Peninsula, M-28 serves as an important transportation corridor for: * [[regions:copper_country|Copper Country]] * [[places:houghton|Houghton]] * [[places:hancock|Hancock]] * [[places:ontonagon|Ontonagon]] Historically, the highway played an important role in supporting mining communities and industrial development throughout the region. --- ===== Marquette County ===== M-28 passes through the largest population center in the Upper Peninsula. Major communities include: * [[places:ishpeming|Ishpeming]] * [[places:negaunee|Negaunee]] * [[places:marquette|Marquette]] The highway serves as a principal commuter and commercial corridor for the region. --- ===== Economic Importance ===== M-28 supports: * Tourism * Freight transportation * Regional commerce * Healthcare access * Education * Outdoor recreation The highway provides access to numerous destinations including: * [[landmarks:pictured_rocks_national_lakeshore|Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore]] * [[landmarks:tahquamenon_falls_state_park|Tahquamenon Falls State Park]] * [[landmarks:porcupine_mountains_wilderness_state_park|Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park]] * [[landmarks:seney_national_wildlife_refuge|Seney National Wildlife Refuge]] --- ===== Tourism ===== M-28 is one of the most heavily traveled tourism routes in the Upper Peninsula. Popular attractions along or near the route include: * [[places:marquette|Marquette]] * [[places:munising|Munising]] * [[places:seney|Seney]] * [[landmarks:pictured_rocks_national_lakeshore|Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore]] * [[landmarks:keweenaw_national_historical_park|Keweenaw National Historical Park]] * [[geography:lake_superior|Lake Superior]] The route serves as a gateway to many of Michigan's most visited outdoor destinations. --- ===== Notable Features ===== * The Seney Stretch * Lake Superior shoreline segments * Historic mining communities * Forest corridors * Wetland crossings * Scenic overlooks --- ===== Major Junctions ===== M-28 intersects several important highways, including: * [[transportation:us_2|US-2]] * [[transportation:us_41|US-41]] * [[transportation:m_123|M-123]] * [[transportation:m_94|M-94]] * [[transportation:m_77|M-77]] * [[transportation:m_129|M-129]] These connections make M-28 one of the most important transportation arteries in northern Michigan. --- ===== See Also ===== * [[transportation:us_2|US-2]] * [[regions:upper_peninsula|Upper Peninsula]] * [[places:seney|Seney]] * [[places:marquette|Marquette]] * [[geography:lake_superior|Lake Superior]] * [[landmarks:pictured_rocks_national_lakeshore|Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore]] --- ===== References ===== * Michigan Department of Transportation * Michigan Highways Route Listings * National Highway System Records * Michigan History Center * Upper Peninsula Transportation Archives {{tag>transportation m28 state_highway upper_peninsula seney_stretch marquette munising wakefield michigan_highways}}