Sometimes the perfect getaway is a simple drive along some scenic country roads in Michigan. It doesn’t have to be action-packed or involved a bunch of sightseeing. Just being surrounded by relaxing vistas and rolling, winding roads takes you out of yourself for a while. Here are some stunning scenic routes you need to check out in Michigan.
- Grand Marias to Munising: Grand Sable Dunes at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr Lake Superior has never looked so magical than when driving through Grand Marias to Munising. This is certainly one of the most scenic drives in Michigan.
- Harbor Springs to Cross Village’s Tunnel of Trees
Larry/Flickr Sure everyone has heard of a Tunnel of Love, but this Tunnel of Trees is a paradise for all lovers of beautiful places in Michigan come fall.
- M-134 from Hessel to Drummond Island
Kate Ter Haar/Flickr This quaint drive gives visitors a view and a trip to the overlooked Les Cheneaux Islands, a hideaway filled with cottages and old-fashioned boats.
- Cut River Bridge
C Hanchey/Flickr Just west of St. Ignace you can drive along this bridge for an incredible view of Lake Michigan, which is highly recommended.
- US-2 from St. Ignace to Manistique
buyo/Flickr This Upper Peninsula drive offers stunning views of the shoreline.
- River Road Scenic Byway
Werwin15/Flickr You’ll have your breath taken away as you drive along AuSable river, and don’t be afraid to stop and head out on a hike along the AuSable River Trail.
- M-23 from Tawas City to Alpena
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr The drive to Alpena is wonderful and once you arrive, it’s a perfect view of the waterfront. Picnic anyone?
- M-22 from Arcadia to Frankfort
Rachel Kramer/Flickr A spectacular drive from these cities gives the driver an amazing view of the beaches of Arcadia.
- Weko Beach
charlie vinz/Flickr This hidden gem of a beach along Lake MIchigan is the prize for driving up from Bridgman.
- Red Arrow Highway from New Buffalo to St. Joseph
Derick Adame/Flickr Along this drive, we can see the beautifully eerie view of the coastal town of Union Pier at dusk. This is worth it for the drive alone, trust us.
So, do you think you’re up for a nice scenic drive sometime soon? The great thing about these no-muss road trips is that you literally don’t need a plan. You just hit the gas station, turn on that GPS to get on the right roadway, and drive. Where are your favorite scenic country roads in Michigan? Tell us in the comment section.
James Marvin Phelps/Flickr
Lake Superior has never looked so magical than when driving through Grand Marias to Munising. This is certainly one of the most scenic drives in Michigan.
Larry/Flickr
Sure everyone has heard of a Tunnel of Love, but this Tunnel of Trees is a paradise for all lovers of beautiful places in Michigan come fall.
Kate Ter Haar/Flickr
This quaint drive gives visitors a view and a trip to the overlooked Les Cheneaux Islands, a hideaway filled with cottages and old-fashioned boats.
C Hanchey/Flickr
Just west of St. Ignace you can drive along this bridge for an incredible view of Lake Michigan, which is highly recommended.
buyo/Flickr
This Upper Peninsula drive offers stunning views of the shoreline.
Werwin15/Flickr
You’ll have your breath taken away as you drive along AuSable river, and don’t be afraid to stop and head out on a hike along the AuSable River Trail.
Michigan Municipal League/Flickr
The drive to Alpena is wonderful and once you arrive, it’s a perfect view of the waterfront. Picnic anyone?
Rachel Kramer/Flickr
A spectacular drive from these cities gives the driver an amazing view of the beaches of Arcadia.
charlie vinz/Flickr
This hidden gem of a beach along Lake MIchigan is the prize for driving up from Bridgman.
Derick Adame/Flickr
Along this drive, we can see the beautifully eerie view of the coastal town of Union Pier at dusk. This is worth it for the drive alone, trust us.
One more scenic drive you may want to add to your list is the seven-mile-long Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive located in the western part of Northern Michigan.
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Address: Grand Sable Dunes, Burt Township, MI, USAAddress: Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route, Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Rte, Harbor Springs, MI, USAAddress: M-134, Michigan, USAAddress: Cut River Rd, Michigan 49762, USAAddress: US-2, St Ignace, MI, USAAddress: Oscoda, MI, USAAddress: Alpena, MI 49707, USAAddress: Michigan 22, M-22, Frankfort, MI, USAAddress: 5239 Lake St, Bridgman, MI 49106, USAAddress: Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo, MI, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Country Roads In Michigan May 07, 2021 Melissa M What are some of the best scenic overlooks in Michigan? Some scenic overlooks can be found easily by driving while others include more effort, like a hike out in the wilderness. Along a sandy trail just off the road in the Upper Peninsula, you can find Log Slide Overlook. Here you’ll be treated to a magical view of the dunes and Lake Superior in front of you. It’s a breathtaking sight! The Spectacle Lake Overlook, also in the Upper Peninsula, offers spectacular views of the surrounding Michigan landscape as well as Canada across the water on a clear day. What are the most beautiful places in Michigan? Michigan is full of beautiful places and some of those places are better known than others. One lesser-known place that’s full of beauty is Isle Royale National Park which can only be accessed by boat. You will find plenty of wildlife like moose and wolves as well as untouched terrain, so if you love the wilderness, this is the place for you! Lighthouse Park in Port Huron is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise, explore the beach by the lake, and visit the lighthouse to learn about its history. What road trips can I take in Michigan? Michigan is an incredible state to take a road trip and we have put together many trips that will give you some great ideas. If you are into spooky places, hit the road on our Michigan’s Most Abandoned Places trip. There is also a route we put together for lighthouses, waterfalls, covered bridges, natural wonders, restaurants, and more! Visit our 10 Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In Michigan post for additional information.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Country Roads In Michigan
May 07, 2021
Melissa M
What are some of the best scenic overlooks in Michigan? Some scenic overlooks can be found easily by driving while others include more effort, like a hike out in the wilderness. Along a sandy trail just off the road in the Upper Peninsula, you can find Log Slide Overlook. Here you’ll be treated to a magical view of the dunes and Lake Superior in front of you. It’s a breathtaking sight! The Spectacle Lake Overlook, also in the Upper Peninsula, offers spectacular views of the surrounding Michigan landscape as well as Canada across the water on a clear day. What are the most beautiful places in Michigan? Michigan is full of beautiful places and some of those places are better known than others. One lesser-known place that’s full of beauty is Isle Royale National Park which can only be accessed by boat. You will find plenty of wildlife like moose and wolves as well as untouched terrain, so if you love the wilderness, this is the place for you! Lighthouse Park in Port Huron is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise, explore the beach by the lake, and visit the lighthouse to learn about its history. What road trips can I take in Michigan? Michigan is an incredible state to take a road trip and we have put together many trips that will give you some great ideas. If you are into spooky places, hit the road on our Michigan’s Most Abandoned Places trip. There is also a route we put together for lighthouses, waterfalls, covered bridges, natural wonders, restaurants, and more! Visit our 10 Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In Michigan post for additional information.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some scenic overlooks can be found easily by driving while others include more effort, like a hike out in the wilderness. Along a sandy trail just off the road in the Upper Peninsula, you can find Log Slide Overlook. Here you’ll be treated to a magical view of the dunes and Lake Superior in front of you. It’s a breathtaking sight! The Spectacle Lake Overlook, also in the Upper Peninsula, offers spectacular views of the surrounding Michigan landscape as well as Canada across the water on a clear day.
What are the most beautiful places in Michigan?
Michigan is full of beautiful places and some of those places are better known than others. One lesser-known place that’s full of beauty is Isle Royale National Park which can only be accessed by boat. You will find plenty of wildlife like moose and wolves as well as untouched terrain, so if you love the wilderness, this is the place for you! Lighthouse Park in Port Huron is a gorgeous place to watch the sunrise, explore the beach by the lake, and visit the lighthouse to learn about its history.
What road trips can I take in Michigan?
Michigan is an incredible state to take a road trip and we have put together many trips that will give you some great ideas. If you are into spooky places, hit the road on our Michigan’s Most Abandoned Places trip. There is also a route we put together for lighthouses, waterfalls, covered bridges, natural wonders, restaurants, and more! Visit our 10 Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In Michigan post for additional information.
