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Take the path to beauty
 Have you ever taken a wrong turn and ended up somewhere wonderful? Well, many scenic roads and great drives can be found around virtually every turn in Northern Michigan. Whether you are traveling by car, bicycle or snowmobile, these "driving tours" will set you on the course to discovering all that is scenic, historic and beguiling about Northern Michigan. Any day is a great day to take a spin. The fall colors are spellbinding, the winter whites are dazzling and the water-- it has its own personality every day. Please send us notes or photos about your favorite route at
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Scenic Drives by Auto
A Sunday type drive any day
Some of the most popular and gorgeous rides are the following:
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive West of Traverse City within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This paved .5-mile road climbs to the top of the dunes to offer stunning overlooks of the dunes, Lake Michigan and countryside around Glen Lake.
Tunnel of Trees follow M-119 for 30-miles Petoskey northward to Cross Village. You will travel through the hill country north of Harbor Springs and along the shoreline with their forested bluffs. The trail is called a tunnel because the trees form a canopy over the highway. Look for a break in the wall of trees for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan and distant Beaver Island.
Leelanau Ramble Taking M-22 north out of Traverse City to Northport, this road hugs the Grand Traverse Bay shoreline. Loop down the west peninsula as you gaze at Lake Michigan. Continue following M-22 from Northport back to Empire. You can see the Manitou Islands and many of the dunes located within the National Park. Follow M-72 east to Traverse City and your round trip is about 75 miles. Make an afternoon of visiting the small, charming lakeside towns along the way.
Sunrise Side Drive Takes you off the crowded path by following M-23 near Standish when it beaks away from I-75. Enjoy life in the slow lane as you meander along the Lake Huron shoreline for the next 200 miles before rejoining the highway in Mackinaw City. The shoreline route offers glimpses of small towns, cottages.
Old Mission Peninsula A voyage of 26 miles and a world apart. Travel from Traverse City to the tip of the peninsula and the Old Mission Lighthouse Park along M-37 northward. Here you are right smack on the 45th Parallel. Enjoy vistas of both East and West Grand Traverse Bay from higher elevations. The orchards and vineyards will give you the sensation of the agriculture and culture of the area. Several vineyards have wine-tasting room so plan a lunch stop.
Snowmobiling
Thousands of miles of powdery fun
In Northern Michigan there are thousands of miles of designated trails. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources spends over $2.5 million dollars to groom the trails each year. No matter where you are in Michigan, you are only a short drive away to the trail system. Permits are required. Please send us notes or photos about your favorite trail at
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Bike and ORV
Find the Zen of traveling the open road
You and the open road. Northern Michigan has roads that wind through national forests, along lakeshores, through sand dunes and ones that lead to historic sites. Grab your helmet (in Michigan, it is the law) and take a journey. Explore scenic routes, curving routes and unpaved routes. Please send us notes or photos about your favorite motorcycle route at
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Michigan's Public Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trail/route system covers 3,100 miles and provides motorcycle trails, all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, ORV routes which are open to all Secretary of State licensed vehicles, and scramble areas. Two of the five scramble areas are on state forests (St. Helen's Motorsport Area and Black Lake Scramble Area), one at Silver Lake State Park, and one at Bull Gap in the Huron National Forest. Trails are only lightly groomed. Riders are advised to be alert for hazards including sand, rough moguls, steep hills, stumps, rocks, and brush.
Click here for a list of ORV trails from The Michigan Department of Natural Resource.
Biking
See more in two-wheel drive
Why is biking better in Michigan? You are never more than 20 minutes away from water. You can peddle through a national dune, past a lighthouse or along shorelines that go on as far as the eye can see. The most scenic ride you might ever take is the eight mile paved trail around the perimeter of Mackinac Island. It is perfect for families and kids of all ages. This island prohibits automobiles so everyone travels by foot, bicycle or horse. Mountain bikers love Northern Michigan for its varied terrains. Bikes are allowed on all paved and non-paved roads in all of Michigan's state parks and recreation areas. If you are a serious mountain biker - take to the UP. In Copper Harbor the Mountain Bike Trail System has 20 miles of designated, marked & mapped trails. The terrain is very rocky, rugged and mountainous by Midwestern standards. Most trails are rated intermediate, advanced & expert. While you are out for a leisure ride or an exploratory journey, you can find the path for you.
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