INSIDE: Road Maps and Scenic Drives Planning Tips Points of Interest Top Adventures - SUNRISE COAST - MACKINAC BRIDGE/OLD MACKINAC LIGHT
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
DRIVING GUIDE
INSIDE:
Road Maps
and Scenic Drives
Planning Tips
Points of Interest
Top Adventures
SUNRISE COAST - MACKINAC BRIDGE/OLD MACKINAC LIGHT
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 1
COPPER COUNTRY TRAIL 2
Experience Michigan’s Byways
Dear Traveler:
Welcome to the Great Lakes State! We’re glad you’ve chosen to spend some of your precious
free time in Michigan. Our four season’s playground features four Great Lakes and two
interesting peninsulas for you to explore.
On behalf of the Michigan Department of Transportation, I’m pleased to present to you the
Pure Michigan’s Byway Driving Guide and Tour Routes. This guide lead you to some of the most
spectacular locations Michigan has to offer - from our rich cultural heritage sites to our diverse
natural beauty.
Whether you are a visitor to Michigan or a long-time resident, we hope the Michigan Byways
Guide inspires you to map out a memorable adventure.
Sincerely,
Paul C. Ajegba
State Transportation Director
Dear Traveler:
Our roads are gateways to adventure, far more than merely a means to get from one place to
another. We travel through landscapes, cities, small towns and historic places; traveling around
the map but also tracing our way through time as well. The network of roads today is built upon
and most often follows the same routes that Michigan’s first peoples traveled 1,000 and more
years ago. Well-worn ancient trails became widened to wagon trails, which became two-way
roads and then the interstate highways of today. Population centers are similar to 1,000 years
ago as well. Our cities and towns grew up near the same sites that prehistoric villages occupied.
Successive waves of farming, resource use, and industry use have left a tapestry of stories, expe-
riences and historic structures.
Self-awareness is important for our society to function well. But knowing who we are is depen-
dent upon also knowing where we are. As individuals, families, communities, and nations, under-
standing the richness of our place helps us be secure in knowing who we are, as we experience
the unveiling future, moment by moment. The cliché that “life is a journey not a destination”
can be readily experienced on one or more of the many adventures listed in this Pure Michigan
Byway Driving Guide: from the richness of our shared heritage and historical events, to the
excitement of celebrations, festivals, and county fairs, and to the majestic, awe-inspiring natural
wonders and landscapes that inspire our imagination and peace of mind.
We are all richer in spirit and better able to face the future when we are able to pause to take a
slower pace, experience the journeys, and to enjoy these multiple routes and destinations.
Sincerely,
Frank Ettawageshik
Executive Director, United Tribes of Michigan
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 3
ROUTE NAME PAGE
NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY/ALL AMERICAN ROAD
1 Woodward Avenue 7
Houg
2 Copper Country Trail 10 26
3 River Road 13 Ontonagon
5 107
NATIONAL FOREST SCENIC BYWAY 64
45
38
4 Whitefish Bay National Forest 14 513 28
5 Black River National Forest 16 Ironwood
2
64 28
45
STATE SCENIC BYWAY
6 M-22 Byway 18 WIS
CON Ir
SIN 2
Ri
7 Old Mission Peninsula 22
8 Tunnel of Trees 24
9 Tahquamenon 26 NATIONAL HISTORIC
10 US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway 28 LANDMARKS
Designated by the United States
STATE RECREATION BYWAY Secretary of the Interior, National
Historic Landmarks possess excep-
11 Sunrise Coast 31 tional value or quality in illustrating
12 I-69 Recreational 34 or interpreting America’s heritage.
13 Pathway to Family Fun 36 These landmarks are shown in Green
throughout this guide.
14 Hidden Coast 38
15 Chief Noonday 40 NATIONAL REGISTER
16 North Huron Recreational Trail 42 OF HISTORIC PLACES
This National Register is an official list
17 West Michigan Pike 45 of the nation’s historic places worthy
of preservation. The program coordi-
STATE HISTORIC BYWAY nates and supports public and private
18 US-12 Heritage Trail 49 efforts to identify, evaluate, and pro-
19 Iron County Heritage Trail 53 tect America’s historic and archeologi-
cal resources. These places are shown
20 Marshall’s Territorial Road 54 in Blue throughout this guide.
21 Center Avenue/Bay City 56 Editorial copy in this publication
22 Monroe Street 58 does not constitute endorsement of
products or services by the State of
Michigan, the Michigan Department
of Transportation or the Michigan
TOP ADVENTURES LEGEND Economic Development Corp.’s Travel
Look for these symbols in each byway’s planning tips. Michigan. Information, including
prices, dates and hours should be veri-
Natural Beauty Bicycling fied. Reasonable efforts have been
Hiking, Trekking and Boating, Canoeing, made to maintain content accuracy,
Mountain Climbing Kayaking and Rafting it is not represented to be error free.
National and State Parks Camping The Michigan State Police Office of
and Recreation Areas Fishing Highway Safety Planning would like
Sand Dunes or Mountains to remind you that, while enjoying
Winter Sports
Pure Michigan’s Byways and tour
Island Experiences Family Fun routes, always buckle up and have a
Lakes, Rivers and Wine and Cuisine safe, sober driver.
Waterfalls Theatre, Arts, Culture ABOUT THIS TOUR GUIDE
and Heritage The byways are broken down into four tiers: the
Beaches All-American Road, the National Scenic Byway, the
Indian Country Sports, Festivals and state’s Pure Michigan Byway and the
Events National Forest Service’s own Scenic Byway
Wildlife and Bird Watching program. To learn more, please refer to the
Museums and Galleries
Byway Designations on page 68.
Photography Breweries
2 26
2
41
National Scenic Byway/All American Road
203 Hancock
National Forest Scenic Byway
26
ghton
State Scenic Byway
41
LAKE SUPERIOR State Recreation Byway
State Historic Byway
Welcome Center
9 Rest Area
41
Marquette 4 Sault Ste. Marie Roadside Park
28 123
28
Ishpeming 77 42 Scenic Turnout
553 Munising
35 Newberry
141 95 94 28
67
129
Gwinn
ron 117
Crystal 48
iver
Falls 94
35 2 75
69
41 123 48
134
149
10 St. Ignace
19 Iron Mountain 69 2
Manistique 185
16
Escanaba 183
Mackinaw City
2
23
LAKE HURON
Cheboygan
8
119 31
27
41
35 14 Petoskey
33
68
Charlevoix
75 33 11
65
31 75 23
Menominee
32
22
88 Gaylord Alpena
66
204 32
22 37
LAKE MICHIGAN 72
7 131
Traverse City
Grayling
6 31 72
113 65
66
18 33
22
31
115
3
23
55
Cadillac
Manistee 55
Tawas City
55
127
115
37 18
31
75
131
61
Ludington 10 25
10 Harbor
30
Clare 13 Beach
142
10
21
Pentwater Bay
127 City
Big Rapids 66 Midland
Mount
Pleasant 19
31 20
13 25
Saginaw 81
20 138 53 25
675
46
82 46
Alma 75
24
131 91 13
83 Frankenmuth
66 52
90
Muskegon 46
57 13
Flint
136
44 475
104
96
Grand Haven Grand St. Johns 69
Rapids 21 15 24
45 127 71 Port
11 19 Huron
121 94
96 69
31 6 53
196 50 Lansing 75 29
Holland 43
23
496 43
37
15
131 100
40 66
96 59
17
179 99 52 Howell Brighton 1
89
31 37 79 36 696
222 43
20
78 94
96
14
Battle Creek
South Haven 89 50
106
Ann Arbor 153
Detroit
96 94
11
43 94
94 Jackson
140
94 Kalamazoo 66 Marshall
99 Ypsilanti 275
Benton Harbor 63 311
50 52
St. Joseph 12
60
12
51 124
75
31 23
139 216 69
60 50
40 Coldwater 125
94 86 12 127
Monroe
60 24
34
49 223
22
62
12 Niles 12 156
99
INDIANA
18
OHIO
DETRIOT RIVERWALK AND RENAISSANCE CENTER 6
WOODWARD AVENUE
Woodward Avenue
“Detroit’s Main Street,” Woodward Avenue follows, in part, the route of a Native American
trailfrom Detroit to Pontiac. Dotted with remnants of Detroit’s automotive heritage and
decades worth of ethnic neighborhoods, historical homes and landmarks.
Detroit, the Motor City, and, in particu- Malcomson, who bankrolled Henry
lar M-1 (Woodward Avenue), put the Ford’s first successful foray into
world on wheels. Discover important automobile manufacturing and the
heritage past, present and future on this Ford Motor Co.
All-American Road. You’ll find famed
industrial complexes, office buildings, The Renaissance Center anchors the
residential mansions, world-renowned Detroit skyline, comprised of seven sky-
museums, cultural institutions, and nine scrapers. It was built by Henry Ford II
National Historic Landmarks in the area. and is now the world headquarters for
General Motors. Take a guided tour from
the Pure Detroit store in Tower 400 and
visit GM’s 40,000-square-foot show-
room, an eclectic display of vintage,
new model and concept vehicles. From
Tower 200, catch the People Mover
for a 3-mile elevated view of the city CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK
or stop at one of the 13 stations
At the north end of downtown find
adorned with public art while you
Grand Circus Park, home of the Detroit
explore downtown.
Opera House, and transition into the
While here, visit the Guardian Building, sports and entertainment district. You
a landmark skyscraper, often referred can’t miss the iconic six-story mar-
to as “Detroit’s Cathedral of Finance.” quee for the Fox Theatre. Woodward
Created when two large financial Avenue is second to New York City for
institutions merged in the late 1920s to number of theater seats and has a his-
serve the automobile industry’s mas- tory of surpassing New York in actual
sive growth. Grab a cup of coffee in the ticket sales. Woodward’s theaters host
mezzanine and enjoy the breathtaking every type of concert you can imagine. 69
art deco mosaic ornamen-
tation. One of the most
GUARDIAN BUILDING MOSAIC INLAY impressive art deco build-
19
ings in the world. 15 24
Downtown Detroit Stop at Campus Martius, 53
a park right in the center 23 75
Begin your journey where Woodward of the road. Take note of Pontiac
Avenue once met the beautiful spar- the redevelopment and
kling waters of the Detroit River, now excitement of this great
Hart Plaza. Stroll the miles of water- city along the Woodward 1
front parks, plazas, pavilions, and bike corridor while enjoying
696
greenways. Play in the water fountains, Brighton
beach volleyball, con-
ride the carousel, rent a bike or enjoy certs, impromptu art and 94
one of the many concerts along this music during the warmer 14 96
international waterway. Visit one of the seasons. During the winter 153
only locations where the U.S. is north
of Canada. Retrace the pathways to
months, rent ice skates 12 Detroit
and enjoy the rink. Here, 94 75
freedom on the Underground Railroad at Michigan Avenue and
where the last stop was a boat trip Woodward Avenue, where Ypsilanti
across the river. In later times it served 275
the first tri-color traffic
as a coal yard owned by Alexander signal was introduced.
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 7
In the north part
of Midtown
is the Fisher
Building com-
missioned
by the Fisher
brothers of
“Body by
Fisher”
fame and
designed by
Albert Kahn.
It opened
in 1928,
known as the
Cathedral to
TIGERS
, HOME OF THE DETROIT Commerce. The
COMERICA PARK
441-foot tower is decked to the nines
in fancy marbles, mosaics, and soaring
If you’d like to take one in, visit
painted ceilings with brass and bronze.
detroitconcerts.org. Sports enthusiasts
Across the street is the historic head-
can revel in a multitude of sporting
quarters of General Motors, now serv-
events, including hockey with the FORD PIQUETTE AVENUE PLANT
ing as State of Michigan offices. Just
Detroit Red Wings, football with
south is the Argonaut Building, former
the Detroit Lions and baseball’s Highland Park
design center for General Motors and
Detroit Tigers.
current home to the College for Creative
Midtown Studies, Henry Ford Learning Institute In Highland Park is one of the most
and Shinola Detroit, makers of hand- historically significant places in auto-
Midtown hosts renowned historic man- built quality watches, bikes and more. mobile history, the Highland Park Ford
sions, museums, galleries, theaters, and Plant. Here, Henry Ford introduced the
educational institutions. Wayne State Milwaukee Junction moving assembly line, paid a $5 a day
University, a premier research institute, wage and helped launch the mondern
Originally the epicenter of automotive American middle class. This Albert
claims several buildings of famed
history, here find the Ford Piquette Kahn-designed complex is not open to
architecture, including the Minoru
Avenue Plant, Ford Motor Co.’s first built the public, however the Woodward
Yamasaki designed McGregor
factory where Henry Ford developed Avenue Action Association purchased
Conference Center.
and produced the first 12,000 stationary two buildings fronting Woodward
In the heart of Midtown, discover one of assembly Model Ts. Thanks to countless Avenue with restoration plans for an
the nation’s premiere art museums, the volunteers and automotive heritage en- Automobile Heritage Welcome Center.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), home to thusiasts, the factory is being preserved
Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals and undergoing restorations, attracting North of Six Mile Road, back in Detroit,
commissioned in 1932 by Edsel Ford and tourists from the world over. is the first mile of concrete highway.
DIA director William Valentiner depict- Boston Edison Find enchanting Palmer Park, 296 acres
ing the Ford Rouge Plant operations. of historic woodlands, a golf course,
Across the street from the DIA is the Drive through the Historic Boston tennis courts, splash-park, hiking and
Detroit Historical Museum’s Motor City Edison/Arden Park districts and biking trails, Lake Frances, a log cabin,
exhibit that chronicles the Detroit auto- discover the homes of early residents and more. Palmer Woods, a
mobile industry. Within a short walking Ty Cobb, James Couzens, Sebastian residential district where
distance is the Michigan Science Center Kresge, Berry Gordy Jr. and Joe Louis. nearly 300 homes are
and the Charles H. Wright Museum of At Edison Street and Second Avenue is tucked away hidden by
African American History. the home of Henry and Clara Ford. the wooded frontage,
was home to many
automobile legends.
One architecturally
notable home
is Detroit’s
DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS
8
WOODWARD AVENUE
only Frank Lloyd Wright Home, the and plenty of charm. Royal Oak is a city
Dorothy Turkel House. Built in the you may want to go and see or be seen.
Usonian style, it has been restored to It is a vibrant city with retail shops and
and owners of the Scripps-Booth
its former glory by its current own- many restaurant options and home to
Automobile Co.
ers. Before leaving the city and Wayne the Detroit Zoo. Berkley is a wonder-
County is Woodland Cemetery, Section ful place to visit. It’s often ranked as At the north end of the byway is the
10, serving as the final resting place for one of the best cities to live in. It offers city named for the Ottawa (Odawa)
many automobile legends. many retail and dining destinations. Native American chief Pontiac. Rich
The city of Birmingham is known for with its automobile heritage, General
Detroit rapper Marshall Bruce Mathers its beautiful downtown and wonderful Motors once dominated much of the
III, better known as Eminem, made the culinary dining options. You will not be city with production factories, and even
street that divides the city from the first disappointed. named a brand after it. The historic
tier of suburbs famous – 8 Mile Road.
downtown is known for its nightlife
Continuing on the byway, you will be led
Oakland County to the community of Bloomfield Hills.
with great local music. Come visit,
come tour, come live, work and play at,
Crossing over 8 Mile Road entering Visit the Gregor and Elizabeth Affleck
Woodward Avenue.
Oakland County is a 16-mile stretch House, a Frank
that is home to the Woodward Dream Lloyd Wright home
Cruise, held the third Saturday of nestled in the
August. This world-renowned one-day trees. Bloomfield
event attracts 1.5 million people and Hills is also home
showcases some 40,000 classic cars to Cranbrook
from around the globe. Today’s cruisers Educational
retrace the cruisin’ route where automo- Community.
bile engineers in the 50s and 60s formed Stroll through the
car clubs and built hot-rods they unoffi- gardens, visit the
cially “tested” on Woodward Avenue. art museum and
science institute
Ferndale is a city that embraces art, and don’t miss the
diversity, and culture with a bustling charming family
downtown, at 9 Mile Road. This col- manor – the
lection of small retail businesses and Cranbrook House,
bustling restaurants keeps this city publishing family
DETROIT ZOO
vibrant and a destination. Quietly hid-
den in between Ferndale and Royal
Oak, you will find Historic Pleasant
Ridge and Huntington Woods, two
small communities with historic homes PLANNING TIPS
GETTING THERE: Access the byway’s starting point
in the city of Detroit via the US-10 (John C. Lodge
Freeway) south. The “Lodge”south becomes
1
US-10 (Jefferson Avenue) as it reaches the Detroit
River. The byway begins at Hart Plaza, noted by the DRIVING DISTANCE 27 MILES
monument to boxer Joe Louis “The Fist” at Jefferson
and Woodward avenues. The byway heads in a DRIVE TIME 1 HOUR
northwest direction on Woodward Avenue ending in
the city of Pontiac. PLAN TO SPEND 3-5 DAYS
GAS, FOOD AND LODGING: Travel amenities are
available throughout the entire 27 miles. Gas is avail- BEST SEASONS YEAR-ROUND
able in downtown Detroit through Midtown off
Woodward Avenue. Midtown north has gas stations TOP ADVENTURESVING DISTANCE
located on the byway. Lodging is concentrated in
downtown Detroit, available in Midtown Detroit,
Birmingham, and Bloomfield Hills. Including national LOCAL RESOURCES:
chain hotels/motels, historic Victorian homes Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
converted to B&Bs, and luxury boutique hotels. 313-202-1800, 800-DETROIT (338-7648)
Restaurants are all along the byway, ranging from www.visitdetroit.com
the local favorite Coney Island to celebrity chef Woodward Avenue Action Association
restaurants and fine dining. www.woodwardavenue.org
BYWAYS THAT ARE NEAR: US-12 Heritage Trail
and Pathway to Family Fun
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 9
Copper Country Trail
Highlighting the triumphs and tragedies associated with copper mining, the Copper Country
Trail National Byway follows the copper lode that lies deep underground and is the basis of the
area’s exciting and turbulent history.
What began in the earth more than M-203 Spur Route Gay-Lac Labelle Loop
1 billion years ago set the landscape
for what the Copper Country would Connecting the communities of This loop brings travelers along the
become world-renowned for in the Hancock and Calumet via the Portage peninsula’s sandstone eastern shore
19th century. The seemingly endless Lake Shipping Canal, this route is where remnants of an old stamp mill
native copper lodes that formed were beautiful any time of year, but par- drape the landscape and mountains
known 7,000 years ago to early people ticularly at peak fall color. Enjoy the rise up from the water. Several parks
of the Keweenaw. Word of the region’s scenery or spend some time at McLain along the route offer visitors the
richness and the knowledge of how to State Park and explore the north entry chance to stop and enjoy breathtaking
mine it was passed down from Native to the canal. views of Lake Superior.
American to the Europeans who came M-26 Spur Route
in the 17th century. During the height
of historic copper mining, more than Connecting the communities of Hancock
38 ethnic groups lived together in and Lake Linden, this route brings
the Keweenaw. This heritage is repre- motorists through the heart of historic
sented today in the descendant Finns, smelting and stamp mill sites, including
Native Americans, French Canadians, our nation’s last remaining 19th century
and many others who call the smelting works, the Quincy Smelting
Keweenaw home. Works. Discover other small commu-
US-41 nities along the way like Dollar Bay,
Tamarack City, and Hubbell.
Copper Country Trail National Byway Lakeshore Drive
traverses the entire length of US-41.
From Houghton to Copper Harbor M-26 (Lakeshore Drive) connects the
on the Keweenaw Peninsula, passing communities of Phoenix and Copper
through numerous former mining Harbor. Paralleling the rugged Lake
communities and winding through Superior shoreline, this scenic drive
dense forests transforming the road- offers expansive vistas, spectacular
way into a tunnel of trees. Learn about sunsets, and in winter the chance to
area history at Keweenaw National view majestic ice formations. Stop and
Historical Park or explore the several explore other communities like Eagle
nature preserves that can be found along River and Eagle Harbor along the way. BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN DRIVE
the route.
10COPPER COUNTRY
Brockway Mountain Drive TRAIL
Named for Daniel D. Brockway, former
postmaster, resident agent for area
mines and the Upper Peninisula state Cliff Drive
road commissioner. This scenic route
near Copper Harbor greets motor- Take this adventurous alternative to
ists with a panoramic view of the wild US-41 connecting the communities of
Keweenaw. From forest-covered Ahmeek and Phoenix. Admire the rug-
mountains to the deep blue waters of ged escarpment that follows you along
Lake Superior, The road is maintained the way, small silvery lakes, and the
seasonally. In the winter, snowmobilers largest known lava flow on earth.
travel to the top for winter views.
QUINCY SMELTING WORKS
Bootjack Road
EAGLE HARBOR LIGHT
Explorers are led from Lake Linden to
Jacobsville through serene rural set-
tings and forested glens. Jacobsville
sandstone, another popular local re-
2
source, can be seen in many downtown Copper Harbor
buildings today. It was also used in the 26
original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New
York City.
41
PLANNING TIPS
203 Calumet K W
GETTING THERE: The byway has start and end
KEWEENAW points at the Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Hancock
26 BAY and Copper Harbor at the northern part of the
Hancock Keweenaw Peninsula. The corridor for the byway
Houghton is the entire Keweenaw Peninsula.
GAS, FOOD AND LODGING: Gas is available
26
in Houghton, Hancock, and Calumet. Service
41
stations become sporadic north of Calumet.
Accommodations range from chain and local
hotels/motels to campgrounds and RV parks
along the route. Restaurants can be found in
most communities and range from local fare to
fine dining. Some operate seasonally.
BYWAYS THAT ARE NEAR: Iron County
DRIVING DISTANCE 47 MILES Heritage Trail
LOCAL RESOURCES:
DRIVE TIME 2 HOURS Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.keweenaw.info
PLAN TO SPEND 3 DAYS Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce
www.keweenaw.org
BEST SEASONS YEAR-ROUND* * Some of the drives are seasonal and may not
be open during winter months.
TOP ADVENTURESV
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 11LUMBERMAN’S MONUMENT
AU SABLE RIVER
WANIGAN EX
HIBIT - LUMBER
12 MAN’S MONU
MENTNational
RIVER ROAD
Forest
Scenic Byway
River Road
This 22-mile scenic byway extends westward from Lake Huron inland to the
Huron-Manistee National Forests, paralleling the historic Riviere aux Sable “River of Sand.”
The Au Sable River was a major trans- Highbanks Trail wanigan, which is a logger’s floating
portation route for floating Michigan’s kitchen. The Forest Discovery Trail is
giant white pine to the sawmills on A 7-mile, scenic back-country linear trail a walkway leading to an observation
Lake Huron. Byway travelers will find system with views of the Au Sable deck. From May to October, enjoy a va-
camping, fishing and boating facili- River Valley. From high bluffs of the riety of programs put on by the visitors
ties are accessible from the byway, as south shore of the Au Sable River, center. Visitors can stay at Monument
well as trails for hiking in summer and many species of plants and animals Campground, built in 1909 and one of
cross-country skiing in winter. Many of can be seen in their natural setting. the first campgrounds in the Huron
the scenic overlooks are fully acces- Lumberman’s Monument, National Forest, located adjacent to the
sible, with paved parking areas and visitors center grounds.
sidewalks. Visitor Center and Campground
Foote Pond Overlook
Rollways Campground A 14-foot bronze statue of three lum-
bermen stands with the Au Sable River Foote Pond Overlook provides visi-
Built in 1909, Rollways is a small National as its backdrop. At the visitor center, tors with views of the Au Sable River
Forest Campground overlooking the Au learn about the logging industry that and Foote Pond. Visitors may have the
Sable River. The campground features shaped northern Michigan and the lum- opportunity to view many species of
paved pull-through campsites, a picnic bermen who cut the timber and built a wildlife from the overlook. This is also a
shelter with two stone fireplaces and nation. Visitors can try one of the many spectacular location to view fall colors.
an accessible walking trail to Westgate activities available, including climbing a
Overlook. log jam or hiking the stairs down to the
Westgate
Two viewing decks 450 feet apart
HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST
provide incredible views of Loud Dam
Pond. An accessible walking trail leads 72
to both the second overlook and
Rollways Picnic Area. Visitors will have 65
many opportunities to see the varied 23
33
bird life of the area, particularly trum-
3
Oscoda
peter swans and eagles.
Hale
Iargo Springs Tawas
City
Since most of Cooke Pond was dry 55
East
PLANNING TIPS
land before the turn of the Tawas GETTING THERE: From M-65, 7 miles north of
century, dams were construct- Hale, turn east onto River Road National Scenic
ed on the springs by early log- Byway. From Oscoda, access is west of US-23.
gers to divert water to the near- GAS, FOOD AND LODGING: All are available
at either end of the byway in Glennie, Hale,
by logging camps. In the early Oscoda and Tawas. There is camping at Rollways
1900s Europeans started visiting and Monument Campgrounds along the byway.
the springs for recreation, and DRIVING DISTANCE 22 MILES BYWAYS THAT ARE NEAR: Sunrise Coast
in the early 1930s a trail to the LOCAL RESOURCES:
springs was constructed by the DRIVE TIME 1 HOUR Huron-Manistee National Forest, 800-821-6263
Civilian Conservation Corps. The www.fs.usda.gov/hmnf
original dams were destroyed by PLAN TO SPEND 1-2 DAYS Oscoda Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.oscoda.com
a storm in 1981. In 1991, in addition Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce
to rebuilding the dams, a 300-step BEST SEASONS SPRING, SUMMER, FALL
www.tawas.com
staircase, boardwalks and an over- Huron Shores Chamber of Commerce
look were built. TOP ADVENTURESV www.huronshoreschamber.org
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 13National
Forest
Scenic Byway
Whitefish Bay
This route’s historic sites and picturesque views stretch along the Lake Superior shore
through the hardwoods, conifers and wetlands of the Hiawatha National Forest.
The Whitefish Bay National Forest dining options and the 18-hole champi- Mission Hill/
Scenic Byway (Lakeshore Drive) runs onship Wild Bluff Golf Course. Stop in Spectacle Lake overlook
from the Bay Mills Indian Community the resorts gift shop and inquire about
through the Hiawatha National Forest, the book “Gnoozhekanning,” a history One of the most scenic views along the
ending at M-123 (#9 Tahquamenon) of the Bay Mills people. byway is located at the Mission Hill/
south of Paradise, offering many Spectacle Lake overlook. Here, a steep
opportunities for travelers to connect
Brimley State Park sand dune towers above Spectacle
with its natural beauty. Providing recreational opportuni- Lake. On the left, the Point Iroquois
ties along the beautiful shore of Lake Lighthouse’s white tower stands out
History and Culture among dark pines and hardwoods. You
Superior’s Whitefish Bay, Brimley State
The bluffs and shores of Lake Superior Park is one of the oldest state parks can view freighters heading for the Soo
and Whitefish Bay have been home to in the Upper Peninsula. Established in Locks and St. Mary’s River System or
the Chippewa (Ojibwe) people for gen- 1923 when the Village of Brimley gave heading east from the Marquette or
erations. The Ojibwe traditional name Michigan the park’s initial 38 acres. Duluth Superior areas.
given to the area is Gnoozhekaaning, Camping, fishing, boating and hiking Monocle Lake
“the Place of the Pike.” are just a few of the popular amenities
at the park that boasts modern facilites The centerpiece of the attractive natu-
The Whitefish Bay Byway is also named with 237 campsites. ral area in the Hiawatha National Forest
the I.L. “Curley” Lewis Memorial
Highway Scenic Lake Shore Drive. Irwin
L. Lewis was a local politician born in
Alma whose efforts in promoting and
lobbying for scenic highway tourism
resulted in the building of several roads
in the eastern Upper Peninsula in the
mid-1900s. The Whitefish Bay scenic
route is one of his efforts.
Bay Mills Indian Community
Twenty-five miles east of Sault Ste.
Marie is Bay Mills Indian Community.
Located at the southern end of the
byway with a modern government
center, community college and the Bay
Mills Resort and Casino. You may be
tempted to lay back and relax, the re-
sort includes gaming, an RV park, hotel, MONOCLE LAKE
14WHITEFISH BAY
is 172-acre Monocle Lake. It’s stocked the St. Mary’s River system. Secluded
for fishing with walleye, bass, pike, just off the highway among the large
and perch. The site features a beach, pine trees, the semi-rustic Bay View North Country Trail
boat launch and picnic area with grills. Campground offers full beach access.
A 2-mile hiking trail loop starts at the This site is ideal for spring, summer, or The North Country Trail traverses
picnic area and goes through natural fall camping due to the dune that acts through much of the northern
hardwoods intermixed with some very as a buffer from the elements on the Hiawatha National Forest. This desig-
old evergreens. Ospreys are known to coast. The sandy beach is perfect for nated national foot trail extends 3,500
nest here, they can be spotted catch- sunbathing, wading and swimming. miles from New York to North Dakota,
ing fish in the wetland shallows. There However, Lake Superior can be frigid! intersecting with the byway at the
also are several rustic campsites, some Swim at your own risk, there are no Naomikong Overlook. Here visitors can
overlook Monocle Lake. lifeguards on duty. catch glimpses of Lake Superior with
stairs and a trail winding their way from
Point Iroquois Lighthouse National Fish Hatcheries the parking area down to Lake Superior.
Named for a battle in the 1600s be- Pendill’s Creek National Fish Hatchery, Cross-Country Ski Trails
tween the Chippewa and encroaching next to its subsidiary, the Sullivan Creek
Iroquois, is the Point Iroquois National Fish Hatchery, helps stock the The McNearney Cross-Country Ski Trail
Lighthouse. Parts have been renovated Great Lakes every year with lake trout. offers four loops ranging from a 1-mile
to include a museum, bookstore and Visitors can enter the tank buildings and flat beginners loop to a 6-mile loop that
caretaker’s quarters. Near the Point look down at the masses of small fish. demands more advanced techniques.
Iroquois Lighthouse is the boardwalk, The visitor center hosts an abundance The trail is groomed for classic style
offering a spectacular view of Lake of information on the fish, including skiing from January through March.
Superior and the adjacent shoreline. It displays and pamphlets showing fish egg The Waboose Cross-Country Ski Trail
skirts along the beach and through a development and explanations about is a 1.5- mile classic trail offering a quiet
small section of woods. Together with how the parasitic sea lamprey nearly remote setting and wildlife viewing.
sidewalks to the lighthouse, the loop destroyed the upper Great Lakes, and The terrain is flat to gently rolling. With
encompasses 0.2 miles. There are sev- what has been done to control it. Daily a couple of relatively easy to moderate
eral rest stops and benches to stop and tours are offered during the week for challenges, this is a leisurely experience
enjoy the scenery of the Lake Superior the ultimate educational experience. skiers of all levels can enjoy.
coast and passing freighters.
Big Pines Picnic Area
The Big Pines Picnic Area is a local
favorite place to stop along the byway. LAKE
Large pines grow in abundance and the SUPERIOR
site is part of the Hiawatha National 123 Sault Ste. Marie
Forest. While visiting the site, be sure
to go down to the beach, which is
4
42
sandy enough for lounging and has
many colored rocks. It also offers great
views of passing freighters entering 129
PLANNING TIPS
POINT IROQUOIS LIGHT
48 GETTING THERE: I-75 north to M-28 Exit 386
75 48 just south of Sault Ste. Marie. Head west on
123 M-28 to M-221, then turn north to Brimley/Bay
134 Mills where M-221 ends at Lakshore Drive. The
byway here heads west to M-123.
St. Ignace GAS, FOOD AND LODGING: Accommodations
185 and restaurants range from local and national
chains primarily in Sault Ste. Marie, Brimley,
Bay Mills and Paradise. Bay Mills Resort offers
DRIVING DISTANCE 33 MILES an RV park, while camping is availaable in the
Hiawatha National Forest and at Brimley and
DRIVE TIME 1 HOUR Tahquamenon state parks.
BYWAYS THAT ARE NEAR: Tahquamenon,
PLAN TO SPEND 1-2 DAYS North Huron Recreational Trail
LOCAL RESOURCES:
BEST SEASONS YEAR-ROUND Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea
TOP ADVENTURESV Hiawatha National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/hiawatha
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 15National
Forest
Scenic Byway
Black River
The Black River area was officially dedicated as a National Forest Scenic Byway in 1992
in recognition of its exceptional natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
The Black River National Forest Scenic baseball park in America.” Bessemer tents, trailers and motor homes.
Byway comprises 15 miles of Black is known for its huge Fourth of July Modern amenites include pressurized
River Harbor Road (CR 513) from celebration and October Pumpkinfest. water, flush toilets and a sewer dump-
Bessemer to Black River Harbor. A ing station.
popular travel route due to its scenic Black River Harbor
beauty including numerous waterfalls, Copper Peak
Black River Harbor is popular through-
old growth eastern white pine, hem- out the year and is the only harbor Ten miles north of Bessemer, Copper
lock and the historic Black River Harbor within the National Forest System. It Peak rises 364 feet on the east side of
Village. There is ample opportunity for sits at the mouth of the Black River the byway. At the peak is the largest
hiking the North Country National on Lake Superior, and is composed ski jump in the western hemisphere:
Scenic Trail and camping along the by- of three recreation areas: the harbor Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill. Volunteers
way. The Black River Harbor provides boating facilities, day-use picnic area, are working to bring ski flying back to
excellent Lake Superior charter fishing. and modern campground.
Background and History
Summer boating on Lake Superior is
During 1848, William A. Burt, a U.S. popular and the harbor boasts one of
Land surveyor, completed a survey the area’s few boat launches. The Black
of what today is the Black River River Harbor boat ramp can accom-
Recreation Area. His map shows a modate almost any craft trailered, with
wagon road going south from the ample parking and no launching fee.
mouth of the Black River to Chippewa
An on-site concessionaire offers dock-
Hill, today’s Copper Peak Ski Flying Hill.
ing space for transient boaters. Dock-
Also, a supply trail led from the river’s
ing is first-come, first-serve with a daily
mouth to iron mines on the Gogebic
fee. The concession stand offers fuel
Range. By 1904, the State of Michigan
and boat sewage pumping. Limited
had built a wagon road from Bessemer
supplies for boaters and visitors are
to Lake Superior. This road is now the
available during regular business hours.
Black River Scenic Byway.
Bessemer Tall hemlock and pine surround the
Black River Harbor day-use area. Picnic
At the south end of the byway, the city tables and grills are available, as well as
of Bessemer lies nestled among large an enclosed pavilion with fireplace.
rock outcrops of the Gogebic Range.
Attractions include Bluff Valley Park,
Black River Campground
the red sandstone Gogebic County A modern facility with 40 paved camp-
Courthouse, and Steiger Little League ing spurs with several overlooking Lake
Field, the “most scenic Little League Superior, campsites can accomodate
POTAWATOMI FALLS
16BLACK RIVER
access to five distinct and picturesque
waterfalls; Great Conglomerate,
Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone, and
Rainbow Falls. From the parking areas,
you’ll find trails, boardwalks, and stairs
to viewing platforms near each fall.
The North Country National Scenic
Trail follows the Black River and also
provides access to view the waterfalls,
as well as wildlife, the river, and people
fishing for trout and salmon.
North Country National
Scenic Trail
The longest National Scenic Trail in the
United States (4,600 miles when com-
plete) passes through the byway with
almost 1,500 miles in Michigan. Follow
the trail over the suspension bridge
from the day-use area and con-
HARBOR DOCK tinue on to Rainbow Falls. Or take a
shorter trail that leads to the beach
Copper Peak, but in the meantime visi- on Lake Superior. The southernmost
tors can ride the chair lift and 18-story trailhead to the North Country
elevator to the top, for a view never to National Scenic Trail on the byway
be forgotten. is located just north of Copper Peak
Black River Water Falls and has signs to mark its location.
The trail can also be accessed us-
As the Black River flows through areas ing any of the waterfall trailheads.
of large pine, hemlock, and hardwoods BRIDGE TO
TRAILS
it spills over a series of scenic waterfalls
as it drops to meet Lake Superior. The
waterfalls are located along the final
3 miles of the byway. National Forest
LAKE
SUPERIOR 107
Ontonagon
5
trailhead signs and parking areas allow 45
64 PLANNING TIPS
GETTING THERE: The Black River National
513 Forest Scenic Byway is also known as Black
28
64 River Road and CR 513. Take US-2 to the city of
Bessemer (between Ironwood and Wakefield).
Bessemer Turn north at Powderhorn Road and left on
Ironwood 2
to CR 513.
GAS, FOOD AND LODGING: Bessemer,
WIS Ironwood and Wakefield are full-service com-
CON munities. Consider visiting a local bakery and
SIN picking up a traditional U.P. pasty. Black River
Harbor Campground, at the north end of the
byway, offers 40 campsites open spring to fall.
BYWAYS THAT ARE NEAR: Iron County
Heritage Trail
LOCAL RESOURCES:
DRIVING DISTANCE 15 MILES Ottawa National Forest
www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa
DRIVE TIME 30 MINUTES Western U.P. Convention and Visitors Bureau
www.explorewesternup.com
PLAN TO SPEND 1 DAY Bessemer Chamber of Commerce
www.bessemerchamber.org/visit.html
BEST SEASONS SUMMER/FALL Copper Peak
www.copperpeak.com
TOP ADVENTURESV North Country Trail Association
northcountrytrail.org/trail
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 17SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
M-22 Byway
“Going Round the Horn” was the nickname for the original scenic loop from Manistee County to
Traverse City, which is now M-22, and provides year-round beauty, a rural atmosphere,
and a plethora of activities and sites for everyone to enjoy.
M-22 was the first state highway in informational educational environment the Inland Seas Education Association
Leelanau, Benzie, and Manistee coun- focusing on the Great Lakes. The provides scientific exhibits, wetland
ties and was built in 1913. Over time, Traverse Tall Ship Co. docks the demonstrations, and public and
this byway has been known by a Manitou, a 114-foot 1800s replica school sailings.
variety of names: West Michigan Pike, schooner and offers public sailings
Chippewa Trail, Manitou Trail, and where you can sit back and enjoy or Cross over Leelanau County’s
Michigamme Trail. The Ojibway take an “all-hands-on-deck” approach east-west connector, M-204, and visit
(Chippewa) and Odawa (Ottawa) tribes and assist the crew. the unincorporated village of Lake
have inhabited this area for hundreds Leelanau, historically referred to as
of years and created the first pathways Turn west on Cherry Bend Road to Provemont. The highway crosses over
that became state and local roads. access the Cedar Lake Boat Launch the Lake Leelanau Narrows, which
M-22 follows closely along the shore and the Leelanau Trail trailhead. The in the summer season is the water
of Lake Michigan with some incredible trail connects Traverse City and Suttons route between north and south Lake
vistas of Lake Michigan, inland lakes, Bay. Further down the road is the Leelanau. This area provides a boat
rivers, orchards, forests, and fields. 145-acre Leelanau Conservancy launch, boat rental, food, wine tasting
The climate of these counties located DeYoung Natural Area, originally rooms, a distillery, and a cidery.
along Lake Michigan provides the right the DeYoung Farm. This natural area
conditions for orchards and vineyards includes streams, Cedar Lake frontage, GRAND TRAVERSE
with many wineries, cideries, and farm fields, a forest, and historic buildings LIGHTHOUSE
stands. The entire length of the byway that provide for a variety of activities,
provides scenic and nature, recreation- such as birding, fishing, hiking, cross-
al, and historic and cultural activities, country skiing, and snowshoeing.
food, and some lodging. Suttons Bay Township
Elmwood Township and Village of Suttons Bay
In the southeast section of Leelanau Suttons Bay Township and the village
County, stop by the Discovery Center of Suttons Bay are host to several
and Pier Great Lakes for fun and educa- parks that offer places for recreation
tional experiences for the entire family. and water access. Suttons Bay is a
The center complex houses the Great year-round coastal community that has
Lakes Children’s Museum, Maritime a quality all its own, including a marina,
Heritage Alliance, Traverse Tall Ship boat launch, beach, specialty shops,
Co., Watershed Center Grand Traverse galleries, and unique dining experienc-
Bay, and Traverse City Community Sail- es. On 4th Street is the north trailhead
ing. The museum is an interactive and for the Leelanau Trail. On Suttons Bay,
18M-22 Byway
Back on M-22 north of Suttons Bay,
stop by the township’s 45th Parallel PIERCE STOCKING SCENIC DRIVE
Roadside Park for one of the amaz-
ing views of Grand Traverse Bay/Lake
Michigan. Visit Peshawbestown, the
government center and historic lands
of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa
and Chippewa Indians and their
Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center
to learn about the Grand Traverse
Band. The Odaawa Gamik (gift shop)
features the work of tribal and
local artisans in the media of jewelry,
baskets, dream catchers, stained glass,
and more. There are also educational
materials, books, and maps.
Leelanau Township
Continuing north on M-22, you’ll see
beautiful views of Lake Michigan.
The small town of Omena has a scenic
view of Omena Bay with a historic
general store and the Omena Historical
Society’s Putnam Cloud Tower House
Museum. Further north, the village of
Northport lies at the northern point of
M-22 at the M-201 intersection, boast-
ing a harbor, marina and beach park,
a full-service grocery store, shops, art
galleries, and food. Continuing north
of Northport on a county road to the
northern tip of the peninsula is the provides services to North and South Glen Arbor Township
Leelanau State Park, where you can Manitou Islands that are part of
camp, hike, cross-country ski, access Sleeping Bear Dunes National Glen Arbor Township is set amidst
Lake Michigan, hawk watch, and hunt. Lakeshore. Visit Fishtown, a historic, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National
The park is home to the historic Grand working fishing village with weathered Lakeshore, where you can discover
Traverse Lighthouse that has guided fishing shanties, smokehouses, over- the Port Oneida Rural Historic District,
sailors and vessels since 1858. On your hanging docks, fish tugs, and charter a large collection of 19th century farms
way back south, the 279-acre Leelanau boats along the Leland River. Today’s that dotted the agricultural landscape
Conservancy Kehl Lake Natural Area is visitor can experience one of the few with fields and farmhouses that
a part of a wildlife corridor and refuge remaining commercial fishing com- is much the same as it was then.
that is great for birding, hiking and plexes on the Great Lakes where the West on M-109, there is the D.H. Day
snowshoeing. historic shanties are now shops and Campground that provides campsites
galleries. and access to Lake Michigan. The Glen
Leland Haven Historic District is a former com-
Sleeping Bear Dunes pany town with Lake Michigan access
Driving south on M-22 from Northport
on the west side of the peninsula, National Lakeshore that supplied fuel to steamers along
the Leelanau Conservancy’s 370-acre the Great Lakes. The area eventually
Located in Leelanau and Benzie
Houdek Dunes Natural Area provides diversified into farming, canning of
counties along M-22 and M-109, the
hiking, birdwatching, snowshoeing, fruit, and tourism and now includes
Lakeshore is the place to visit and
and cross-country skiing. Next, you a general store, a museum of historic
climb the spectacular 450-foot tall sand
will come to the conservancy’s boats, a restored 1920s blacksmith
dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, for-
104.5-acre Clay Cliffs Natural Area that shop with demonstrations, Lake
ests, inland lakes, historic farmsteads,
has a 1.5-mile trail system on flat and Michigan beach area, trails, and the
trails camping, and a historic maritime
hilly terrain. There is a viewing platform Sleeping Bear Lifesaving Station and
village. Go for a bicycle ride, hike,
with a breathtaking view from 200 feet Maritime Museum. South on M-109,
snowshoe, or cross-country ski on the
above Lake Michigan. Leland provides visit the Dune Climb, where you can
Lakeshore’s Sleeping Bear Heritage
year-round grocery shopping, shops, hike up the dune for a beautiful view
Trail. The trail is paved from County
food establishments, harbor and of Glen Lake and then run back down!
Road 669 to Empire, connecting many
marina, and a public beach, and hosts park attractions and communities.
the Manitou Island Transit that
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 19ARCADIA ROADSIDE PARK POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE
Empire Township
and Village of Empire
Home to three of the most scenic Lake
Michigan overlooks in the Lakeshore:
the 7-mile Pierce Stocking Drive,
Empire Bluff Trail, and the Treat Farm
Trail. The village of Empire hosts the
Leelanau Conservancy’s Chippewa Run
Natural Area that features 112 acres of
four ecosystems, 1.3 miles of trails, and
ponds for birdwatching, hiking, and
snowshoeing. Visit the Empire Area
Museum Complex, comprised of
numerous exhibits among five build-
ings recounting the history of Empire.
On Empire’s main street there are
shops and food establishments.
In Benzie County, you can visit these Frankfort/Elberta Area
points of interest in the Lakeshore
M-22 skirts the business district of
continuing south on M-22: Esch Road
the city of Frankfort, but a short drive
Beach, Platte River Campground near
from M-22 on Main Street brings you
the Platte River and Lake Michigan, and
to where the shops, restaurants and
Old Indian Trail for hiking, snowshoe-
movie theater are located. A beauti-
ing, or cross-country skiing that leads
ful public beach is at the end of Main
to a view of Lake Michigan.
Street, where beachgoers and lake
Point Betsie Lighthouse lovers can rest and relax, and where
people may be kite boarding, stand-up
Built in 1858, the lighthouse is still paddle boarding, kayaking, or just play-
serving as an active navigation aid at ing in the sand and water. The Betsie
the southern nautical entrance to the Valley Trail starts here and continues
Manitou Passage on Lake Michigan. It through Elberta, then east to the south
is open to the public from the end of shore of Crystal Lake, and ends in
May through October. Thompsonville. The village of Elberta
CRYSTAL L is host to restaurants, beaches, and
AKE
marina. In 1892, the Ann Arbor Ferry
began transporting visitors across
Lake Michigan from Kewaunee,
Wisconsin. Heading south, you can
visit the Grand Traverse Regional
Land Conservancy’s nature preserves,
242-acre Green Point Dunes Nature
Preserve, and the 176-acre
Fruithaven Nature Preserve.
20M-22 Byway
of Portage Point Road off M-22 that is a
community park and natural resource
area on Lake Michigan, with a beach,
restrooms, gazebo, and access to the
Portage Lake channel pier for fishing,
walking, and watching sunsets.
Manistee Township
Manistee Township is the southern
gateway to the M-22 Byway at the
intersection of
US-31 and M-22 and
is home base to the
Little River Band of
Ottawa Indians. As
you travel north,
Arcadia M-22 (Orchard
Highway) takes you
The last stop in Benzie County is the through farms and
most magnificent view on M-22, the orchards. Visit
Arcadia Overlook (Inspiration Point). Orchard Beach
Visitors, as well as locals, enjoy one of State Park off
the highest points in the area. M-22 M-22 on Lake
then takes you through the conservan- Shore Road on
cy’s 3,600 acre Arcadia Dunes Nature Lake Michigan.
Preserve for year-round outdoor activi-
ties. Then, on to the town of Arcadia GHTHOUSE
where you can access Lake Michigan FRANKFORT LI
and visit the 273-acre Arcadia Marsh
Nature Preserve for hiking and major
birdwatching.
PLANNING TIPS GAS, FOOD AND LODGING: Accommodations around the
area include motels, resorts, B&Bs, cottage and cabin rentals,
Onekama Village GETTING THERE: Starting at the northwest boundary
campgrounds, and RV parks. Local fare is available along the
and Onekama Township of Traverse City at M-72, the byway heads north on the
byway from farmers markets to fine dining.
Leelanau Peninsula up and around the peninsula to the
“The Two Lake Town” west side. The byway includes the M-204 west connector
BYWAYS THAT ARE NEAR: Old Mission Peninsula
LOCAL RESOURCES:
from Suttons Bay and M-109 west from Glen Arbor;
The village and township are home to then south through Benzie and Manistee counties to
M-22 Pure Michigan Byway
Portage Lake and Lake Michigan, offer- www.m22byway.org
the US-31 intersection.
ing a wide range of year-round outdoor Leelanau Peninsula
Chamber of Commerce
activities such as beach access and LAKE Charlevoix
www.leelanauchamber.com/
boating on both lakes, concerts in the
park, fishing, food, and lodging. Visit MICHIGAN 31
Benzie Chamber of Commerce
and Visitors Bureau
Captain John Langland Park at the end www.visitbenzie.com
Sleeping Bear Dunes
6
22
88
66
204
National Lakeshore
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES 22 37 www.nps.gov/slbe
NATIONAL LAKESHORE Manistee Visitors Bureau
www.visitmanisteecounty.com
131
72
Traverse City DRIVING DISTANCE 116 MILES
Frankfort 31
113 DRIVE TIME 3.5 HOURS
66
22
115 PLAN TO SPEND 3-7 DAYS
31
BEST SEASONS YEAR-ROUND
Cadillac
Manistee 55 TOP ADVENTURES ALL see table of contents
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 21Old Mission Peninsula
Jutting out into Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, M-37 is the peninsula’s main route, running
a northerly course between beautiful scenery from rising bluffs, vineyards, orchards, and farms.
The Old Mission Peninsula divides Grand u-pick farms, and farm stands, just off Further north, the East Grand Traverse
Traverse Bay and has a long history, the byway to the east or west on county Bay Boat Access Site provides launching
starting with the Ottawa and Chippewa roads. Many wineries offer spectacular of pleasure and fishing boats, canoes
tribes. In 1839, Rev. Peter Dougherty views of east and west Grand Traverse and kayaks into East Grand Traverse Bay.
established a mission for those tribes. Bay/Lake Michigan and farm stands Archie Roadside Township Park provides
The first public road in Grand Traverse provide seasonal fruit, such as cherries, bicyclists a parking lot and staging area
County was built in 1853 by volunteers, blueberries, peaches, apples, etc., and for tours of the Old Mission Peninsula,
stretching from Traverse City to the vil- fruit products. Peninsula Township was with access to Grand Traverse Bay.
lage of Old Mission. Europeans discov- the first local government in the state of Further north, visitors can pull off at the
ered that this “finger of land” along Michigan implement a voter-approved Center Road Scenic Overlook to take in
the 45th parallel was ideal for growing “Purchase of Development Rights” the spectacular view of east and west
fruit. In 1935, the road was designated program to preserve the orchards, Grand Traverse Bay and take pictures.
“Queen’s Highway” in honor of the farmlands and scenic view areas from
annual cherry blossom celebration’s development. Just off the byway on Bowers Harbor
elected queen. Road is Bowers Harbor Park, a major
US-31 to Bowers Harbor Road township park with access to natural and
The byway is entirely within Peninsula recreational resources that includes ten-
The southern section of the byway is nis and volleyball courts, baseball, softball
Township, where you’ll find amazing
views of Lake Michigan, orchards, more residential, with many year-round and soccer fields, playgrounds, picnicking
vineyards, farm fields, rolling hills, parks, and seasonal homes and clustered resi- amenities (such as pavilions, grills, and
trails, and a lighthouse. There are many dential developments. Two miles north tables), a restroom, and nonmotorized
value-added agricultural destinations, of Traverse City’s busy US-31 corridor trails. North of Bowers Harbor Park on
such as wineries, bed and breakfasts, is the Grand Traverse Regional Land Peninsula Drive is the conservancy’s
Conservancy’s 62-acre Pelizzari Natural 159-acre Pyatt Lake Nature Preserve,
Area, which was once the Pelizzari family one of the last remaining examples of
farm. Its location amidst relatively dense a “wooded dune and swale complex”
development makes it a backyard park habitat in northern Michigan. The pristine
for many, as well as a destination worth landscape and unique habitat mosaic
traveling to. There are nearly 3 miles of make it a haven for more than 250 plant
trail that meanders through wide-open species. In the spring, lady slipper orchids
fields, former orchards, quiet upland and trillium carpet the ground. Migrating
forests, and cool lowlands with giant waterfowl use the lake as a resting place,
hemlocks, and are suitable for hikers, while warblers, winter wrens, woodpeck-
skiers, and snowshoers. Visitors are likely ers, and owls all flourish in the maturing
to encounter several bird species. The forest. With its geological and botanical
upland hardwood forest is dazzling features and abundant wildlife, Pyatt Lake
PELIZZARI NATURAL AREA in autumn. is a must see.
22OLD MISSION
Bowers Harbor Road an automatic buoy light just offshore. PENINSULA
to Old Mission Road The lighthouse is open seasonally for
public self-guided tours that offer
shelters built by early pioneers. When
Returning to the byway, visitors a peek into what life was like
the house was threatened with de-
head north through the less around the turn of the century for light-
molition, citizens rallied to save it and
populated section that has house keepers and for others who lived
moved it to the Old Mission Lighthouse
many farm fields, vineyards, and worked in the area at the time. This Park, where it was then restored. It is
and cherry, peaches and apple lighthouse is on the National and State on the Michigan History Center’s histor-
orchards, including a lavender Historic Register. Peek into the historic ical markers list.
farm. The small unincorporat- Hesler Log House, a rare surviving log
ed village of Mapleton on the house dating from the early settlement Surrounding the lighthouse on three
byway hosts a market, gasoline of the Old Mission Peninsula. Built in sides are thickly wooded trails that are
services, and a food establish- 1856, the house is made of hand-hewn open year-round for hiking, cross-coun-
ment. Visitors can take Old pine and hemlock from the eastern try skiing, snowshoeing, and birdwatch-
Mission Road to the east to the shore of the southern portion of the ing. Visitors can also stroll the beach and
historical village of Old Mission. peninsula. This house typifies the first utilize the picnic area.
The Old Mission General Store
has been in operation since the OLD MISSION GENERAL STORE
mid-1800s, where you can step
back in time and enjoy penny
candy, purchase lunch, dinner,
and picnic fare, jumbo cookies, and a
pickle on a stick, or browse the antiques.
Few places in the region are as evocative
and historically significant as the 1842
Dougherty Mission House, which was
the first permanent European settlement
with the oldest post-and-beam frame
house in the area. When Rev. Dougherty
moved across Grand Traverse Bay to
Omena in 1852, this area became known
as “Old Mission.” The Old Mission Inn,
built in 1869 and formerly known as
Hedden Hall, is northern Michigan’s old- Charlevoix
est, continually operating historic hotel,
now operating as a bed and breakfast.
Haserot Beach Township Park located
31 7
at Old Mission Harbor is the only im-
proved public beach access on the Old PLANNING TIPS
Mission Peninsula. Facilities include a GETTING THERE: The route begins at the
22 88
northern edge of Traverse City and travels north
boat launch, swimming area, playground
equipment, restroom, parking, and a 204
the length of Old Mission Peninsula. There are
basketball court. views of both the east and west arms of Grand
22 Traverse Bay through the rolling hills, orchards
Old Mission Road 37
and vineyards.
GAS, FOOD AND LODGING: B&Bs and
to Old Mission Point cottages are located along the byway and other
72 locations on the peninsula. Local fare from farm
At the north end of the byway and at
stands to fine dining are located on and near the
the end of the Old Mission Peninsula is byway. The Traverse City area offers an array
the Mission Point Lighthouse Park on Traverse City
of options, including hotels, motels, resorts, and
the 45th parallel, owned by Peninsula 31 camping, with a full range of dining options.
Township. During the 1860s, a large DRIVING DISTANCE 18 MILES BYWAYS THAT ARE NEAR:
ship hit a shallow reef and sank just 113 M-22 Byway, M-119 Tunnel of Trees
in front of where Mission Point DRIVE TIME 1 HOUR LOCAL RESOURCES:
Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula
Lighthouse now sits. A lighthouse was
PLAN TO SPEND 3-5 DAYS www.wineriesofomp.com
then built and completed in 1870. From Traverse City Tourism
1870 through 1933, Mission Point’s light BEST SEASONS YEAR-ROUND www.traversecity.com
kept the waters at the end of Old
Mission Peninsula safe for mariners. It TOP ADVENTURESV
was in 1933 that the lighthouse was de-
commissioned and later replaced with
PURE MICHIGAN BYWAYS AND TOUR ROUTES 23You can also read
