Michigan’s roadways offer some of America’s most breathtaking views, from sparkling Great Lakes coastlines to vibrant autumn forests. Taking the scenic route through the Great Lakes State rewards travelers with unforgettable landscapes and charming small towns you’d miss on the highways. Pack some snacks, queue up your favorite playlist, and explore these nine spectacular Michigan drives worth the extra miles.
1. M-22: The Coastal Treasure Hunt
Curving gracefully around the Leelanau Peninsula, M-22 delivers 116 miles of pure Michigan magic. The route hugs Lake Michigan’s shoreline, revealing postcard-worthy views at nearly every bend.
Cherry orchards and vineyards dot the inland side while crystal-clear waters shimmer on the other. Stop in Suttons Bay for local wines or explore the towering sand mountains at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Fall transforms this drive into a kaleidoscope of reds and golds, making it Michigan’s most photographed route year after year.
2. Tunnel of Trees: Nature’s Cathedral
M-119’s famous Tunnel of Trees stretches 27 miles between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, where ancient hardwoods create a living canopy overhead. The narrow, winding road hugs bluffs high above Lake Michigan, occasionally opening to reveal stunning water vistas.
Local legend claims this is Michigan’s most romantic drive, especially when autumn paints the tunnel in fiery hues. The route feels delightfully forgotten by time, with few guardrails and barely enough room for two cars to pass.
Don’t miss the Polish food at Cross Village’s Legs Inn after completing this unforgettable journey.
3. Brockway Mountain Drive: Upper Peninsula Majesty
Rising dramatically above Lake Superior, this 9-mile ridgetop drive delivers the Upper Peninsula’s most spectacular panoramas. At 1,320 feet above sea level, Brockway Mountain Drive offers sweeping views across copper country wilderness and the world’s largest freshwater lake.
Eagles soar at eye level while wildflowers carpet the roadside in spring. The western overlook provides the perfect sunset spot, where the fiery orb seems to melt directly into Superior’s vast waters.
Open only from late April through October, this seasonal treat between Copper Harbor and Eagle Harbor defines unforgettable.
4. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: Dune Wonderland
Hidden within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, this 7.4-mile loop delivers natural wonders around every curve. The drive climbs through dense beech-maple forests before dramatically revealing massive sand dunes cascading 450 feet down to Lake Michigan’s turquoise waters.
Twelve designated stops include the famous Lake Michigan Overlook, where brave souls attempt the steep dune descent. The covered bridge along the route adds charming character to this natural showcase.
A $25 park entrance fee applies, but the memories of standing atop these ancient sand mountains are absolutely priceless.
5. Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway: Superior’s Secret Shore
Tracing Lake Superior’s eastern shoreline for 27 miles, this hidden gem in the Upper Peninsula offers solitude and spectacular views. Ancient white pines tower alongside the road while pristine beaches beckon with their crystal-clear waters.
The historic Point Iroquois Lighthouse stands sentinel where Lake Superior narrows into the St. Marys River. Look for freighters navigating these waters or eagles soaring above.
Unlike Michigan’s more famous routes, Whitefish Bay rarely feels crowded, even during peak summer months. The road’s smooth curves and light traffic make it perfect for convertibles and motorcycles.
6. River Road National Scenic Byway: Woodland Waterway
Following the mighty Au Sable River for 22 miles through Huron National Forest, this peaceful drive connects travelers with Michigan’s wilderness heart. Ancient cedars line crystal-clear waters where fly fishermen cast for trout in Michigan’s most celebrated river.
The Lumberman’s Monument offers fascinating insights into the region’s logging history. For the adventurous, the river itself provides a parallel journey by canoe or kayak.
Wildlife sightings abound – keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, deer, and even the occasional black bear. The byway is especially magical in early morning when mist rises from the river.
7. Old Mission Peninsula: Vineyard Vistas
This slender 19-mile finger of land splits Grand Traverse Bay and delivers some of Michigan’s most diverse scenery. Vineyards cascade down hillsides toward blue waters on both sides, creating a Mediterranean feel in the heart of the Midwest.
The route culminates at the historic Mission Point Lighthouse, marking the 45th parallel – exactly halfway between the equator and North pole. Cherry orchards, wineries, and farm stands dot the journey, offering delicious local detours.
The peninsula’s rolling terrain provides constant elevation changes and reveals new vistas around each bend, making this drive especially stunning at sunset.
8. US-2 Lake Michigan Shoreline: Superior’s Southern Coast
Stretching 120 miles from St. Ignace to Escanaba, US-2 hugs Lake Michigan’s northern shoreline through the Upper Peninsula. Miles of pristine beaches with sugar-soft sand invite impromptu stops, while dense forests of pine and birch create a green backdrop.
The Cut River Bridge spans a deep, forested gorge, offering thrilling views from its 147-foot height. Fayette Historic State Park preserves a remarkably intact 19th-century iron smelting town.
Unlike many scenic routes that close seasonally, US-2 delivers year-round beauty – from summer beach days to winter wonderland views when Lake Michigan freezes into ice mountains along the shore.
9. Red Arrow Highway: Artisan Alley
This 15-mile stretch along Lake Michigan’s southwestern shore connects charming beach towns through a corridor of creativity. Once the main route between Detroit and Chicago, today’s Red Arrow Highway features art galleries, antique shops, and farm markets housed in colorful roadside buildings.
The road passes through New Buffalo, Union Pier, and St. Joseph, where Lake Michigan beaches await just blocks from the main drive. Wineries and breweries dot the route, offering tastings of Michigan’s growing craft beverage scene.
Unlike northern Michigan’s wilderness drives, Red Arrow delivers a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and lakeside charm.
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