When the open road calls, there is no better starting point than northwest Michigan. Whether you're looking for sweeping Lake Michigan shorelines, rolling orchard hills, or dense hardwood forests, the routes winding through this region offer some of the most stunning vistas in the Midwest.
Here is a guide to the best routes to explore, making Crystal Mountain your basecamp for adventure.
25 miles from Crystal Mountain
Pierce Stocking Drive
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 7.4-mile, one-way loop featuring 12 informational stops. Download the free NPS app to follow along with detailed info about each stop.
Expect the full tour to take about two hours. Please note that trailers are prohibited on the drive; however, you can unhook and leave them in the parking lot located immediately on the right at the entrance.
The most scenic stops we recommend are:
Stop 1: Covered Bridge
Stop 2: Glen Lake Overlook
Stop 3: Dune Overlook
Stop 9: Lake Michigan Overlook
Stop 10: Sleeping Bear Dune Overlook
Stop 11: North Bar Lake Overlook
12 miles from Crystal Mountain
M-22 Scenic Drive
This 116-mile stretch of road holds winding turns through beautiful forests combined with awe-inspiring views of Lake Michigan. Taking a drive on M-22 will always be a favorite of tourists and locals, but when the ocean of green leaves fade to brilliant waves of red, yellow and orange in the fall, this drive is a must. It's best described as “Pure Michigan”. Learn more about M-22.
Traverse City Tourism
Traverse City Tourism
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M-22 Stops We Recommend
Great Towns to Stretch Your Legs:
- Arcadia
- Elberta
- Frankfort
- Empire
- Glen Arbor
- Leland
- Northport
- Suttons Bay
Route Highlights:
- Arcadia Overlook (also known as Inspiration Point)
- Arcadia Dunes: The CS Mott Nature Preserve
- Point Betsie Lighthouse
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Glen Haven Historic Village
- Historic Fishtown in Leland
- Clay Cliffs Natural Area
- Peshawbestown Village
