M-20 (Michigan Highway)

M-20 (Michigan Highway)

M-20 is a state trunkline highway in the US state of Michigan that runs from New Era to Midland. It crosses through rural Lower Peninsula forest land between the two ends. The highway serves the college towns of Big Rapids and Mt. Pleasant, home of the main campuses of Ferris State University and Central Michigan University, both located near the trunkline.

Originally in July 1919, M-20 was routed farther north along a corridor now used by US Highway 10 (US 10). The M-20 designation was shifted south to the corridor it now follows. It previously connected to Bay City, and in 1958, a freeway was opened from Bay City to Midland. The former M-20 along Midland Road, going through Auburn, was returned to local control at that time. In 1960, the M-20 freeway became US 10, moving M-20's terminus to Midland. Prior to 1969, M-20 extended on the west end to Muskegon before it was rerouted from White Cloud to New Era.