As part of its Regional Transportation Program, WMSRDC is working with the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and others in west Michigan on the creation of a Corridor Management Plan for the West Michigan Pike. WMSRDC is writing the plan, providing coordination services for public and committee meetings, and is acting as a fiduciary agency for the committee.

The West Michigan Pike was designated in 2016 as Michigan’s newest Scenic Byway. This route follows US-31 from the State’s southern border to US-10 near Ludington. Traveling through Berrien, Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon, Oceana, and Mason Counties, the route is 184 miles long. The main goals of the designation are to promote tourism and the history of the area. The Pike was originally developed between 1911 and 1922 as a way to promote tourism in West Michigan.

WMSRDC staff and the Beachtowns association have identified attractions along the Pike and ranked them for their level of visitor readiness. In addition, staff has produced the majority of the GIS maps needed for the plan. These include maps for the designated route, the historic route, and attractions along the length of the Pike. Next steps include identifying goals, strategies, and action items for ways to enhance the Pike experience.