Road Trips and Scenic Drives in Michigan
Michigan casinos provide plenty of entertainment. However, make sure you take time and explore the area. Some of the nation’s greatest attractions are found in the Upper Peninsula. These nine road trips and scenic drives in Michigan ensure you make the most of your trip.
Dixie Highway (M-29)
Start your trip along M-29/Dixie Highway in Anchorville, about 40 minutes north of Detroit casinos. Head east along this highway that hugs Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River before ending in St. Clair. Along the way, you can visit these popular spots.
St. John’s Marsh – Loads of trails wind through this marsh and wildlife area that’s popular for birdwatching
Champion’s Auto Ferry – Car ferry service to Harsens Island
Walpole Algonac Ferry – Ferry service to Walpole Island
Jefferson Avenue in Detroit
If you’re at a Detroit casino, don’t miss the chance to drive the entire 60+ miles of Jefferson Avenue. Start on West Jefferson Avenue and head northeast. Once you’re into Grosse Point, the road follows the coastline to Harrison Twp, where you have to cross the Clinton River.
Follow South River Road to Bridgeview Street and then North River Road to General Andrews Drive. Head north again bearing left onto George Avenue. That brings you to the continuation of North Jefferson Avenue. The road follows the shore with many attractions along the way.
International Memorial to the Underground Railroad – One of many attractions in Hart Plaza. Also, check out the Martin Luther King Sculpture while you’re there.
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House – The historic estate owned by the Henry Ford family.
Brandenburg Town Foot Pier – Walk out into Anchor Bay along a fishing pier that provides gorgeous views.
Keweenaw Bay Scenic Drive
Ojibwa Casino in Baraga is a good starting point for a scenic drive along Keweenaw Bay. Take the 41 North. It hugs Keweenaw Bay to Portage River. Keep going to Chassell and take in the views of Portage Lake, too. Along the way, these are good stops to make.
Sand Point Lighthouse on Water Plant Road – A maritime museum in a decommissioned lighthouse
Sturgeon River Sloughs State Wildlife Area – A 1 3/4-mile nature trail along Portage and Sturgeon rivers with an observation platform for bird watching over the marsh
Chassell Centennial Park – a 6-acre park with a beach that hosts the yearly Copper Country Strawberry Festival
Leelanau Peninsula
If you’re at Leelanau Sands Casino & Lodge, head north on 22. The route hugs Omena Bay and passes through Northport. In Northport, continue north onto South Shabwasung Street to Main Street. Turn right onto Main and continue up Bay Street until North Short Drive. Once you’re on North Shore Drive, keep going north along Northport Bay until it connects with East Woolsey Lake Road and brings out the peninsula’s point. These are good stops for this trip.
The Finton Natural Area – An easy ½-mile nature trail
Grand Traverse Lighthouse – The historic lighthouse and panoramic views of Lake Michigan
The M-31
If you head west out of Petoskey, where there’s an Odawa Casino, you’ll be on the 31. Follow it south for a scenic drive along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. Several stops make it easy to get out and stretch as you travel.
Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse – A beach, lighthouse, and playground for kids
Torch Bay Nature Preserve – Easy access to both Torch Lake on one side and Lake Michigan on the other
Guntzviller’s Spirt of the Woods Museum – Zoology museum
Maple Bay Farmhouse – A historic farm with nature trails that lead to a beach
Dennos Museum Center – A large art museum with interactive exhibits for kids
The M-119 (Tunnel of Trees)
The Odawa Casino in Petoskey is close to the Tunnel of Trees. Head north from Petoskey along the 31 and bear left onto the M-119. Follow the M-119 through Petoskey State Park and west to Harbor Springs, where it becomes the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route. It gets the name as the trees grow close to the road on both sides and branches and leaves create a tunnel-like atmosphere. As you travel this route there are stops to consider.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve – 300-foot beach along Lake Michigan with trails and platforms along the way for viewing wildlife
Hoogland Family Nature Preserve – Popular for spotting moose
The M-134
If you get off the I-75 near St. Ignace, take H-63 north (Mackinac Trail) from the Kewadin St. Ignace Hotel area. Near Platz Lake, turn right onto the 134 (Dixie Highway) and head east. After crossing the Pine River bridge, you’ll head south and follow the shores of St. Martin Bay.
Drive through Search Bay Nature Preserve and head into Hessel. From here, the M-134 travels through several peninsulas and passes many islands. The views are always gorgeous, and there are plenty of attractions to visit.
Les Cheneaux Maritime Museum – A maritime museum with the area’s must-try Jersey Mud sundae
Bush Bay Trail – Also known as Narnia Trail due to the breathtaking forests, rocks, and water views
Carl A. Gerstacker Nature Preserve – A nature preserve and beach
DeTour Village Botanical Gardens – Botanical gardens not far from the ferry out to Drummond Island
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
The nearest casino is a couple hours away, but if you’re at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, make the drive north to Empire. That’s your starting point for the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It is a seasonal scenic route, so don’t attempt it in the winter.
Head north on the 109 to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive entrance. Take the left onto the road and follow the signs to ensure you follow the route in the correct direction. Along the way, you’ll want to stop to take a closer look at these attractions.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes – 450-foot bluffs on the eastern side of the dunes offering panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake
Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook – An overlook on the western side of the dunes offering views of Lake Michigan
Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway (Curley Lewis Memorial Highway)
This route hugs the shores of Whitefish Bay and is one of the prettiest roads in Michigan. Head south out of Sault Ste Marie on the H-63 and turn west on 6 Mile Road. Follow the road to Brimley State Park and go straight to connect with Iroquois Road and West Lakeshore Drive. Follow West Lakeshore Drive along the coast. Some of the stops you’ll want to make include:
Point Iroquois Lighthouse – Home to the Bay Mills Indian Community Museum, a maritime museum, and the lighthouse tower
Naomikong Overlook – A short hike ends at the shores of Lake Superior.
The Bark Dock – A gorgeous sandy beach on Lake Superior
Those are just a few of the dozens of road trips and scenic drives in Michigan. With so many more options, you’ll want to spend weeks rather than days here.