WHAT IS THE MINI-GAMI?
The Mini-Gami is the 484-mile abbreviated version of the full Mishigami Lake Michigan circumnavigation. Where the full Mishigami covers all four shores of Lake Michigan across four states, the Mini-Gami covers the southern arc — exiting Chicago heading east through Indiana, up along Michigan's western shore, cutting across the lake via the historic SS Badger Ferry, then south through Wisconsin back to Chicago.
The Mini-Gami uses exactly the same self-supported rules as the full Mishigami. There are no support crews, no aid stations, and no outside assistance. Riders navigate using GPS and resupply from commercially available services along the route.
For riders considering the full Mishigami in future years, the Mini-Gami is an excellent and meaningful first ultra distance event. At 484 miles, it requires the same approach — sleep management, nutrition planning, bike packing discipline — that defines ultra cycling at any distance.
THE ROUTE
484 Miles.
4 states
The 2026 Mini-Gami is going counterclockwise for the first time. The route is almost entirely paved. Terrain ranges from flat lakefront paths and quiet country roads to rolling hills in Wisconsin and Michigan's scenic coastal highways. Most riders expect 1–3 days of non-stop effort.
With nearly 300 miles before the ferry there will be new challenges, more fatigue, and more uncertainty. It will undoubtedly make for exciting dot-watching!