====== M-72 ======

{{:transportation:m_72.jpg?500|M-72 crossing northern Michigan}}

**M-72** is an east-west state trunkline highway in the northern Lower Peninsula of [[state:michigan|Michigan]]. Stretching across the state from the Lake Michigan shoreline near [[places:empire|Empire]] to the Lake Huron region near [[places:harrisville|Harrisville]], M-72 serves as one of northern Michigan's most important transportation corridors.

The highway connects forests, inland lakes, agricultural communities, recreation destinations, and major population centers including [[places:traverse_city|Traverse City]] and [[places:grayling|Grayling]]. It provides critical access to some of Michigan's most popular outdoor recreation areas, including the Sleeping Bear region, the Au Sable watershed, and the forests of northeastern Michigan.

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===== Quick Facts =====

^ Attribute ^ Information ^
| Highway Type | Michigan State Trunkline Highway |
| Designation | M-72 |
| Maintained By | Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) |
| Direction | East–West |
| Western Terminus | [[places:empire|Empire]] |
| Eastern Terminus | [[places:harrisville|Harrisville]] |
| Region | Northern Lower Michigan |
| Known For | Recreation Access, Scenic Forest Routes |

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===== Route Overview =====

M-72 crosses northern Michigan from west to east.

Major counties along the route include:

* [[counties:leelanau_county|Leelanau County]]
* [[counties:grand_traverse_county|Grand Traverse County]]
* [[counties:kalkaska_county|Kalkaska County]]
* [[counties:crawford_county|Crawford County]]
* [[counties:oscoda_county|Oscoda County]]
* [[counties:alcona_county|Alcona County]]

The route serves as one of the principal east-west highways north of M-55 and south of M-32.

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===== Western Terminus =====

M-72 begins near:

* [[places:empire|Empire]]

close to:

* [[geography:lake_michigan|Lake Michigan]]
* [[landmarks:sleeping_bear_dunes_national_lakeshore|Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore]]

The western portion of the route provides access to some of Michigan's most visited natural attractions.

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===== Traverse City Corridor =====

One of the busiest sections of M-72 passes through:

* [[places:traverse_city|Traverse City]]

where the highway serves as a major commercial corridor.

This section connects:

* Retail districts
* Residential neighborhoods
* Regional employment centers
* Transportation routes

The Traverse City segment carries some of the highest traffic volumes along the route.

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===== Kalkaska & Forest Region =====

East of Traverse City, M-72 passes through:

* [[places:kalkaska|Kalkaska]]

and enters extensive forestlands.

The surrounding area includes:

* State forests
* Recreation trails
* Inland lakes
* Wildlife habitat

This section is popular with hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

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===== Grayling =====

M-72 intersects major transportation routes in:

* [[places:grayling|Grayling]]

including:

* I-75
* US-127

Grayling serves as one of the most important transportation hubs in northern Michigan.

The highway provides access to:

* [[geography:ausable_river|Au Sable River]]
* [[geography:manistee_river|Manistee River]]
* Camp Grayling

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===== Fairview Junction =====

In:

* [[places:fairview_michigan|Fairview]]

M-72 intersects:

* [[transportation:m_33|M-33]]

This junction provides access to:

* Michigan Elk Country
* Huron National Forest
* Oscoda County recreation areas

The intersection serves as an important gateway to northeastern Michigan.

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===== Forest & Recreation Access =====

M-72 passes through or near numerous recreation areas including:

* Huron National Forest
* State forest lands
* Snowmobile trail systems
* ATV trail networks
* Inland lakes
* Wildlife management areas

The highway is heavily used by visitors traveling to northern Michigan recreation destinations.

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===== Scenic Character =====

Much of M-72 travels through:

* Pine forests
* Hardwood forests
* Agricultural landscapes
* Wetlands
* Glacial terrain

The route is widely regarded as one of northern Michigan's most scenic highways.

Seasonal attractions include:

* Fall colors
* Wildlife viewing
* Snow-covered forests
* Lake-region scenery

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===== Economic Importance =====

M-72 supports regional economic activity by connecting:

* Tourism destinations
* Agricultural producers
* Forest industries
* Healthcare facilities
* Educational institutions
* Small businesses

The highway serves as a critical transportation corridor for both residents and visitors.

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===== Winter Travel =====

Winter weather can significantly impact travel along M-72.

Common conditions include:

* Heavy snowfall
* Ice accumulation
* Blowing snow
* Reduced visibility

Despite seasonal challenges, the route remains a vital year-round transportation link.

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===== Major Communities Along M-72 =====

From west to east:

* [[places:empire|Empire]]
* [[places:traverse_city|Traverse City]]
* [[places:kalkaska|Kalkaska]]
* [[places:grayling|Grayling]]
* [[places:fairview_michigan|Fairview]]
* [[places:harrisville|Harrisville]]

These communities depend upon M-72 for transportation, commerce, and tourism.

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===== Notable Features =====

* [[landmarks:sleeping_bear_dunes_national_lakeshore|Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore]]
* [[places:traverse_city|Traverse City]]
* [[places:grayling|Grayling]]
* [[geography:ausable_river|Au Sable River]]
* [[places:fairview_michigan|Fairview]]
* [[geography:lake_huron|Lake Huron]]

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===== See Also =====

* [[transportation:m_33|M-33]]
* [[places:grayling|Grayling]]
* [[places:traverse_city|Traverse City]]
* [[geography:ausable_river|Au Sable River]]
* [[places:harrisville|Harrisville]]
* [[state:michigan|Michigan]]

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===== References =====

* Michigan Department of Transportation
* Michigan State Highway Maps
* Michigan Transportation History Resources
* Michigan Department of Natural Resources
* Library of Michigan

{{tag>transportation m72 highway michigan traverse_city grayling fairview harrisville recreation northern_michigan}}