Experience the beauty of Michigan’s M-22 highway with our guide to the top attractions along the way. From stunning scenic views to charming small towns, this road trip has it all.
An Extensive Guide To The Most Popular Attractions Along The M-22 Road Trip
Introduction To The M-22 Road Trip
We’re going to share an extensive list of sights along the M-22 and nearby stops.
After sharing all the stops along the way, we will outline how we divided our time on the M-22 over the course of two days.
To wrap it all up, we will provide you with additional places to visit in the area, so that if you wish and can, you can turn your extended weekend plans into a week or two of exploring more of the Lake Michigan Shoreline.
How To Best Find Campsites and Other Accommodation Along The Route
For those who don’t RV or camp in a tent, sites like Airbnb, VRBO, and Hotels.com offer plenty of suggestions.
We are primarily campers, using either our truck camper, travel trailer, or Kodiak Canvas Tent, depending on the type of trip we are taking.
We decided to take this trip at the last minute in early April and had no problem finding a campsite. However, if you are planning to go in either the Summer or during leaf peeping season, you are going to need to book your campsite(s) well in advance.
If you failed to do that and now all the State and Federal campgrounds are filled up, as well as the private ones, don’t despair, there are still a few lesser-known options that might help you.
Harvest Host & Boondockers Welcome
If you have what is considered a fully self-contained RV, you can grab a combined membership to Harvest Host and Boondockers Welcome here through my referral link, and you’ll gain access to over 9,000 places to camp that others without a membership don’t, plus I’ll receive a bonus month free as a thank you.
The membership opens you up to not just one night dry camping in someone’s driveway, but multiple nights with hookups (at additional cost) at farms, wineries, and more.
HipCamp
Whether you camp in an RV or a tent, you can use Hipcamp. Hipcamp is kind of like the Airbnb of camping. It allows private landowners to open their land to campers and RVers for a fee. The number of campsites and available amenities vary from site to site.
Use my referral link to join Hipcamp and receive $10 in Hipcamp credit towards your next stay (and I do too! Thanks)
RV Parky App
This free app helps you find free places to spend the night, including Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and more.
Type in your destination and click on the icons for nearby businesses or rest areas. Check if they allow camping and read reviews for more information. At the time of writing, I found two businesses in the M-22 area that allow overnight parking in the Traverse City area using the RV Parky App.
Manistee
Things To Do
- See the Manistee North Pier Lighthouse
- Walk the Manistee Riverwalk
- Paddle the Manistee River
- Hike The Magoon Creek Natural Area Loop Trail
- Learn about the history of the area at the Manistee County Museum
- Tour The S.S. City Of Milwaukee
Onekama
Things To Do
- Stroll the shores of Lake Michigan at Captain John Langland Park.
- Stop for a picnic and view Portage Lake at Onekama Village Park.
- Take a walk through Glen Park to Onekama Mineral Springs.
Arcadia
The show-stopper in Arcadia is the Arcadia dunes pictured above. But there is plenty more to explore in the area.
Things To Do
- Arcadia Golf Course
- Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk Hike (great for viewing birds and waterfowl)
- Stop at the Arcadia Scenic Turnout and climb over one hundred steps to Inspiration Point and soak up the breathtaking views
- Visit Arcadia Beach Natural Area and walk the shoreline searching for rocks.
- Learn about local history at the Arcadia Area Historical Society
Elberta
Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve (pictured above) is roughly 10 minutes down the road from the Arcadia Scenic Turnout and 7 minutes away from the village of Elberta. We didn’t stop at every beach along the route, but we stopped at least half a dozen, and Jack and I both agreed that this beach was our favorite. There is a hike of about a mile to get to the beach, but it is worth it!
Things To Do
- If you are visiting in July, get off the M-22 and visit Cherry Hill Lavender Farm while the lavender is blooming.
- If you can do a steep and long flight of stairs, visit Grace Road Beach (little parking available)
- Hike the 1.6-mile loop trail in the Elberta Dunes South Natural Area and enjoy the views of Lake Michigan and Lake Betsie. Those who have visited the beach in this area have reported finding Petoskey stones.
- Visit Elbeta Beach Scenic Overlook for a view of Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse and the nearby shores of Lake Michigan.
- Enjoy some time at Elberta Beach.
- Visit Elbeta’s Waterfront Park for views of Bestsie Lake, or, if you have kids, let them burn off some energy at the playground.
Frankfort
We didn’t stop in the town of Frankfort—perhaps next time. Another trip along the M-22 is definitely on our bucket list. I want to see more and see the area’s appearance in different seasons.
Things To Do
- Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse -How did I miss putting this lighthouse on our first M-22road trip? So unlike me.
- Frankfort Car Ferry Welcome Sign – a lasting reminder of the first car ferry service across Lake Michigan from 1892 to 1982.
- Hale Auto Museum – a small museum with limited hours.
- Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center For The Arts— Inside a converted Coast Guard station, hosts various art exhibits annually. Check its website for more information.
- Betsie Valley Trail – a 22-mile trail for hiking and biking ( paved and aggregate).
- Visit one of the public beaches along the shore of nearby Crystal Lake.
- Charter a boat and go fishing (this activity can be done in many different little towns along M-22)
- Hike along the dune trail inside Zetterberg Nature Preserve at Point Betsie (1.2-mile loop includes a walk along the beach near Point Betsie Lighthouse)
- Tour the Point Betsie Lighthouse
Empire
Empire is well known for the Empire Bluff Trail of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. However, there is much more to explore in the area.
Things To Do
- Platte River Picnic Area and Canoe Access – You can go Kayaking, Canoeing, or even tubing down the Platte River. You can rent a kayak, canoe, tube, paddleboard, or raft from Riverside Canoe Trips.
- Peterson Beach, Sleeping Bear National Recreation Area – According to the National Parks website, this beach tends to be less crowded than the others. It also says Petosky stones can be found here, but not collected.
- Visit Empire Beach, and while you are there, check out the Robert H. Manning Memorial Lighthouse.
- If you visit in the summer and are a history enthusiast, be sure to check out the Empire Area Museum Complex.
- Hike the 1.4-mile loop trail inside Chippewa Run Natural Area and enjoy the songs of up to 20 bird species.
- Ride your bike along the 20-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail from Empire Bluffs to Bohemian Road.
The Dune Highway
You might want to save this section for another trip, as it covers several of the sites in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. However, if you have the time during your M-22 visit, I would recommend squeezing in at least the Dune Climb (pictured above). Reminder: You will need a National Parks Pass to enter and park at the National Seashore sites.
Things To Do
- Drive the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, enjoying over a dozen stops along the way (it is closed to all but hikers from roughly late October to mid-May). Stop #2 offers stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of both Little Glen Lake and Big Glen Lake.
- Stop along the drive at the trailhead for the 1.6-mile Cottonwood Trail and learn about the dunes and their plant life.
- Climb up the Dune at The Dune Climb. This isn’t the one that charges a $3,000 fee for rescue; that one is at Stop 9 of the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This dune is much more friendly to those who are not Olympic athletes. While you are there, consider hiking out to the lake shore. I did! It was a challenging hike—a 3-mile round-trip walk up and down various dunes—but the beach at the end was well worth the effort.
- Hike the 2.5-mile Sleeping Bear Point Trail. We hiked it with our kids in 2016, and the views were so breathtaking.
- In the summer, the Blacksmith Shop presents live demonstrations that highlight the local blacksmith’s importance to this area throughout its history.
- Walk along the shores of Glen Haven Beach.
Travel Tip: Hate emptying sand from your shoes days after visiting a sand dune? We keep minimal water socks/shoes like these inside a ziplock bag in our camper to wear in sandy areas. They don’t take up much space and can be easily washed and dried to remove any remaining sand.
Glen Arbor
Glen Arbor offers numerous dining options, making it an excellent destination for a meal. But there is more to do than eat in this town.
Things To Do
- Go Kayaking or tubing down the Crystal River.
- Take in the sights, smells, and tastes of Cherry Republic.
- Enjoy art exhibits at the Glen Arbor Arts Center.
- Pick up a memento of your trip at the M-22 gift store
- Charter a fishing boat
- Alligator Hill -Explore one or all three of the loop trails on this alligator-shaped ridge and enjoy views of both Lake Michigan and Big Glen Lake. This trail allows horses with their riders at certain times of the year.
- If you have time to adventure off M-22, consider heading to the Pyramid Point trailhead. This is a location within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore. The hike is pretty short but steep. The views are spectacular, especially at sunset.
- Turn towards the shoreline at Bohemian Drive to experience the beauty of Bohemian Drive Beach along the shores of Good Harbor Bay.
- Stop at Little Traverse Lake Park and Boat Launch to enjoy a peaceful moment on the small dock, or head out for a paddle, as kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are allowed.
Travel tip: If we know we’ll be passing small lakes where we want to get out on the water, we pack at least one of our double inflatable Kayaks. These Kayaks are inexpensive, pack up relatively small, and are sturdy – we like them better than our rigid plastic sit-on-top-style kayaks.
Leland – Fishtown
Leland’s Fishtown is full of old shanties perched on a wooden boardwalk along the Leland River that flows into the Great Lake.
There is more to the town than this iconic village.
Things To Do
- Before entering town, stop at Whaleback Natural Area and hike the trail to the viewing platform that offers fantastic views of the Manitou Passage.
- Visit Vans Beach or North Street Beach
- Rent a Charter boat
- See the more than 500 handmade tiles around the maple tree in the center of the Village Green.
- Take in views of Lake Leelanau at Nedows Bay
- Learn more about Leelanau County’s history with a visit to the Leelanau Historical Society Museum
- If you’re in the area between April and October, grab a sandwich at the Village Cheese Shanty.
- Just a few miles out of town, towards Northpoint, you will find Clay Cliffs Natural Area. A short hike will give you a peek at North Manitou Island, way off across the passage.
- And if you are into trees (so am I!), stop at Houdek Dunes Natural Area to be wowed by the century-old white birches.
If you have the time, you can plan a visit to either North or South Manitou Island from here, or both, as the ferries to these Islands leave from Leland.
Travel Tip: Instead of traditional beach chairs, which can be bulky to carry, we use collapsible hiking chairs, similar to these, at the beach. They fit in a small bag that can be easily carried in a large beach tote.
Northport
M-22 turns along the southern edge of Northport and starts to head towards Traverse City. Don’t take the turn! If you can afford a few hours, give it to Northport and what lies beyond it.
Things To Do
- Between Leland and Northport, several wineries with tasting rooms are open to visitors.
- Downtown, the Bayfront Park Marina, and Haserot Park are side by side, providing visitors with ample space to spread out and enjoy a stroll, a swim, playtime on the playground, or a picnic.
- Visit the town center to grab a bite to eat
- Drive out to the northernmost tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, which is inside Leelanau State Park. You will need to walk a bit from your car to get there, but it’s not far.
Travel tip: We found the beach at the point to be super windy. When we travel, we like to keep both a fleece jacket and a raincoat in our camper, so we are ready for whatever weather and temperatures are thrown our way. Our favorite brand of fleece is Columbia, which is both warm and economically priced.
Leelanau State Park
- Grand Traverse Lighthouse is open for tours from April through October. Check their website for details.
- Take the steps found in front of the lighthouse down to the beach and enjoy the views of nothing but blue water.
Incredible Scenic Views From A Campsite in the Leelanau State Park Primitive Campground
I figured you wouldn’t believe me that Leelanau has campsites with crazy, amazing views of Lake Michigan unless I showed you. These campsites are smaller and primitive, but if you can make that work and snag one, go for it!
Suttons Bay
Once you start along the west Grand Traverse Bay side of M-22, the first town you will hit is Suttons Bay.
Things To Do
- If you didn’t get out to snap a picture with the 45th parallel sign on the other side of the Peninsula, you can snap a selfie with this rock that marks the entrance to the 45th Parallel Park just before you enter Suttons Bay.
- Take a stroll through Bayside Gallery for a unique selection of beautiful art and home decor.
- If you love craft beer, stop in at Hop Lot Brewing Co. They brew their own beer onsite.
- Take a short hike through Leo Creek Preserve. (just over half a mile)
- If you visit in the Fall, be sure to check out the trail at Stites Natural Area. Reviewers say it explodes with color in the Fall.
- Grab some cave-aged cheese at Leelanau Cheese just outside of Sutton’s Bay on your way towards Traverse City
Greilickville
This is the last town you will hit before Traverse City, but don’t rush it, as it has some real gems.
- Grab a snapshot of you or your loved one swinging with the waters of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay in the background at Bougery Park. This park is located North of Greilickville, so you will pass it before you enter the town.
- Grelickville Harbor Park also has swings in the sand, but it might be a bit busier. This park offers stunning views of the Old Mission Peninsula, as well as a spot to swim and a grassy area perfect for picnics.
- If you have bikes, you can jump on the Leelanau Trail for a few miles at the Cherry Bend Trailhead.
- Enjoy the half-mile universal access trail at DeYoung Natural Area that provides sweeping views of Cedar Lake.
Traverse City
Although M-22 ends on the outskirts of downtown Traverse City, I’d like to share a few things to do here as well, as it is an excellent addition to your trip.
- Visit one of the many beaches along Grand Traverse Bay, including West End Beach, Clinch Park, and Braynt Beach on the West Arm of the bay, and East Bay Park, Traverse City, and State Beach Park, on the East Arm of the bay.
- See the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Pan.
- Walk or Bike around Boardman Lake
- View the latest art exhibit at Crooked Tree Arts Center
- Pick up a book at Horizon Books
- Grab a bit to eat at Grand Traverse Pie Company
How We Approached Our M-22 Trip In MI
We had seven days off in early spring. Since it was not yet the height of tourist season in the area, we were able to secure a campsite for the entirety of our stay at Traverse City State Park.
The sites are shady, but you do hear road noise from the nearby highway. Road noise doesn’t bother us, but I thought I should mention it as I know it does others.
Our site had electricity only. We made the water in our holding tanks last a week by using the park’s showerhouse for showers. They were always clean and warm.
We lost a day on either side of our trip to hauling the Jayco from our home to the park and then from the park to home.
That left us 5 days to explore the area.
We spent one half-day and one full day exploring M-22. On the first day, we started in Greilickville and made our way up to Lelanue State Park. After Grand Travse Lighthouse, we hiked to the lookout at Clay Cliffs Natural Area and made a quick stop in Fishtown (since it was early Spring, not much of it was open).
Once we hit the M-204, we turned on it to start our journey back to the campsite for the night.
The second day, we started at sunrise and did not return until after sunset. We drove from our campsite to Manistee North Pier Lighthouse. The lighthouse is before the start of M-22, but being the lighthouse fanatic that I am, I wasn’t going to miss scratching another off my list when it was so close.
We then drove up the Western side of the M-22 route all the way back to 204, with our last stop being Pyramid Hill at Sunset.
By no means did we see everything on the above list. We left feeling like we would love to come back again and spend more time exploring more of Sleeping Bear Dunes, as well as bring our ebikes along so that we can bike at least one of the trails in the area. And of course, we want to explore a few more beaches.
As for the other three days of our vacation, we spent two of them exploring the Traverse City area at a leisurely pace, and one day we drove up the coast all the way to Charlevoix Lighthouse and back, making several stops along the way.
On a previous trip to the area, we spent a day exploring the Old Mission Peninsula and then another day driving around Torch Lake. We highly recommend adding these two places to your trip itinerary, if possible.
How I Would Spend A Week On And Off M-22 If I Knew I Could Not Return Easily To The Area
Jack and live five hours from Traverse City, so we know that we can easily spend more time up there without significant effort to get there and back. If you can’t, though, here is how I would spend a week in the area.
It would be an adventure-packed week, with mornings spent rising with the dawn and adventuring until dusk. I would spend two days on M-22, one day exploring either Traverse City or delving deeper into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, one day exploring the Old Mission Peninsula, and another day driving up to Charlevoix, making stops along the way. Leaving one day to travel to the area and another to return home.
Add On Day Trips
Old Mission Peninsula
Downtown Traverse City to the Mission Point Lighthouse at the end of the peninsula is roughly a thirty-minute drive, according to Google Maps. However, trust me, you will want to make plenty of stops along the way.
Things To Do
- Grab coffee and a bakery treat from any of the bakeries in Traverse City before you leave. We personally loved everything we tried during our two visits to Cuppa Joe, located off Four Mile Road. But there are several other fabulous bakeries in the area.
- Stop by Dennos Art Museum and enjoy their 10 exhibits, as well as their outdoor sculptures scattered throughout the nearby campus of Northwest Michigan College.
- Take a hike through former orchards, wetlands, and giant hemlocks at Pleizzria Natural Area.
- Stop at one of the many vineyards open to the public.
- Don’t rush! Pull over at each overlook to take in the incredible views.
- If your visit is during cherry season, stop at Cherry U Pick at Third Coast Fruit Company to choose your own cherries to snack on throughout the rest of the day.
- Stop by Local Yokels Farmstand to pick up in-season fruits and vegetables.
- Walk the wooden pathways to views of Pyatt Lake at the Bill Carls Nature Preserve.
- If you visit in early fall, consider purchasing apples at Wunsch Farms’ Apple U-Pick
- Visit the Old Mission General Store, a gem of an antique, that is still in operation.
- While in the Old Mission area, visit the replica of the Mission Log Church and the Dougherty Mission House to learn about the area’s history. (The Missions Lighthouse website contains a number you can call and extensions to enter for an audio tour of these historical sites and more in the area)
- Put your toes in the waters of Old Mission Harbor at Haserot Beach. It is dog-friendly, has a swimming area, and a small playground.
- Finally, you have made it to the end of the peninsula, where you can visit the Mission Point Lighthouse. If it is open, a small charge applies for the tour. There is also a beach. to enjoy as well as several hiking trails and a few more historical sites. Mountain bikers, dogs on leash, and horses are allowed on the surrounding trails.
- This last suggestion is for those with access to a canoe or boat. Look into paddling or boating over to the nearby Power Island. There are trails, beaches, and even campsites on the island.
Travel Tip: If you bring a cooler to keep your bounty from the fruit stands, skip the ice mess by using these reusable plastic ice bags with spouts that allow you to either drink the water produced by the ice or dispose of it mess-free.
Torch Lake
I would recommend heading to the Torch Lake Sandbar Public Access area to start your tour around the lake. Please note that the Caribbean blue colors you see online may not be the same as what you see in person, as this depends on the weather conditions at the time. No matter what the weather, though, this lake is beautiful.
When we toured Torch Lake, we stayed on the roads closest to the lake, stopping at nearly every public access spot we could find to catch a glimpse of the lake. In some areas, the lake water was definitely giving off more Caribbean vibes than others, so I felt that made the consent stopping worth it.
Things To Do
- Stop at the Torch Lake Sandbar Public Access Point. Parking is limited.
- If your route takes you down I-70 and some or all of your crew loves butterflies and bugs, consider stopping at the GT Butterfly House & Bug Zoo on the way to the lake. Open May to Labor Day.
- The next central spot to enter the lake as you drive towards Alden is Torch Lake Public Swimming Access. This might be a better place to launch a personal kayak, canoe, or paddleboard than the Sandbar area.
- If you feel like staring at more than just blue water all day, take a hike on a beautiful forested trail inside Coy Mountain Natural Area.
- Learn about the history of the railroad in Alden at the Alden Depot Park & Museum. Inside is a model railway that any train enthusiast, big or small, is sure to enjoy. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Stop by Alden Muffin Tin for some coffee and a bakery treat
- See the tiny Alden Lighthouse at the end of the Alden boat ramp
- Lone Tree Point, a tiny beach to catch another glimpse of the water.
- Pinnell Beach Access is a small beach with limited parking—a great place to swim or grab a shady spot and enjoy the views for a while.
- Forest Home Famliy Day Park – our favorite beach that we visited. It is a bit rocky, so wear your water shoes, but it does have several parking spots and picnic tables. It also has a small boat ramp
- Take a windsurfing lesson from Torch Lake Windsurfing. You can also rent Kayaks and Paddleboards here.
- Take a detour onto Highway 88 to Kings Orchards — pretty much everything there is yummy.
- Get back on Highway 88 and head to Barnes County Park, which has a beach along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan.
- Get into the water on the north side of Torch Lake at William Good Day Park, AKA Torch Lake Township Daypark. This park also has a boat launch and a playground area.
- Hunt for great rocks at Torch Bay Nature Preserve along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.
- Take a picture with the 45th Parallel sign on the side of Highway 31.
- Hike out to the shores of Lake Maplehurst on the trails at Maplehurst Natural Area.
- End your day where you started at Torch Lake Sandbar for one last look at its crystal clear waters
Travel Tip: Quick-dry towels like these are great for visiting beaches on a road trip. They not only dry fast, but sand doesn’t stick to them.
Follow Highway 31 From The Outskirts Of Traverse City To Charlevoix
If you don’t want to devote a whole day of your vacation to Torch Lake, you could add visiting Torch Lake Township Daypark to this route and still get to enjoy a bit of time there while also enjoying a greater variety of landscapes and activities that this area has to offer.
Several stops are located a few miles off Highway 31, so be sure to enter them into your preferred GPS app before leaving for the day to plan your route accordingly.
Again, I will be starting the route in Traverse City.
Things To Do
- Tour the Music House Museum
- If you prefer tiny beaches, stop at Sayler Park. It features a public access boat ramp, grilling spots, picnic tables, a small playground, and numerous rocks for rockhounds.
- Take a hike through the woods and to the beach at Maple Bay Natural Area (this trail is hilly).
- Walk the one mile past Petobego Pond to Petobego Cove. This trail is found within the Petogego State Natural Area. (Hunting is allowed in this property; read signs before entering)
- Stop at Guntzviller’s Taxidermy to explore the Spirit of the Woods Museum
- Enjoy the sculptures in the Walk of Art Sculpture Park in Elk Rapids
- Stretch your legs and enjoy more of the Grand Traverse Bay shoreline at Wilcox Palmer Shah Preserve
- Get your kayak into the water of Birch Lake at the Birch Lake Public Boat Access
- Take a selfie with the 45th Parallel sign on the side of Highway 31.
- Go rockhounding at Torch Bay Nature Preserve.
- Catch a glimpse of the Caribbean blue waters of Torch Lake at Torch Lake Township Daypark.
- Grab some local fruit and goodies from Friske’s Farm Market (also a Harvest Host)
- Grab some locally made Maple Syrup from the Hardwood Gold Maple Syrup Stand (not directly on 31 but close by)
- Search for Petosky stones in Norwood Township Park
- View and purchase local art from the Bier Art Gallery & Pottery Studio
Travel Tip: For hilly hikes, we use hiking poles. My husband and I split a pair so that we each have one. Being adjustable, they don’t occupy a lot of space.
- Find Charleviox Stones at Fisherman’s Island State Park (and Petosky stones too!)
- See the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Tin From 1976 to 1987
- See the Charleviox South Pier Lighthouse
- Take a peek at the Mushroom houses not far from the lighthouse
I hope this post provides you with everything you need to get M-22 and its surrounding area off your bucket list and onto your ‘seen it’ list.
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