Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== 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. --- ===== 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 | --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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 --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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 --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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. --- ===== 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]] --- ===== 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]] --- ===== 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}} transportation/m_72.txt Last modified: 2026/06/01 13:32by admin