The 9 Best Scenic Drives in Michigan, United States

July 13, 2021 Misti Hsu

Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
Restaurants in Michigan

1. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire, MI +1 231-326-4700 http://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/psscenicdrive.htm
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 691 reviews

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Reviewed By JenR917 - Michigan, United States

This gorgeous drive through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is just perfect. There are a number of stops along the way to take in the beautiful views. You can also access at least 1 hiking trail through the drive. We did not do that one as it was raining, but completely enjoyed the trip.

2. Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

Brimley, MI http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recarea/?recid=18187
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway

Reviewed By amyadamy - Lansing, United States

It's a beautiful drive along Michigan's lakeshore with plenty of stop off's to either go for a swim or just dip your toes into Lake Superior. It's a quiet, two lane drive with tall trees and views of the water for miles. If you're in the area, take the up north way of life route and slow down for a gorgeous drive.

3. Leelanau Peninsula

MI
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Leelanau Peninsula

4. Brockway Mountain Drive

Copper Harbor, MI https://www.keweenaw.info/attractions/transient-twilight-brockway-mountain-keweenaw-peninsula-upp/
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 600 reviews

Brockway Mountain Drive

Reviewed By DYAN55

We’ve been up here before, and it truly does not disappoint. If you go for sunset, arrive early for your spot, bring chairs, snacks, blanket as it can get cold and a camera for sure. We went twice this visit, one early evening and it was a zoo, people looking for spots to park, second visit was mid afternoon on a beautiful, but windy day. We had more time to enjoy without all the people walking around looking for the right picture angle. The mountain has two drives one headed towards Eagle Harbor, one towards Copper Harbor, this one is the cool twisty one and has a great overlook about half way, City of Copper Harbor and beyond, really a gorgeous view, don’t pass this by!

5. River Road Scenic Byway

River Road, Oscoda, MI http://byways.org/explore/byways/10781
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

River Road Scenic Byway

Reviewed By NancyG202 - Boyne City, United States

My husband and I spent 3 days in Oscoda, Mi and took a half day to drive the River Road Scenic Byway. We didn't know what to expect at the height of the summer, but the drive and the many stops along the way were terrific. All of the turnoffs are clearly marked along this 23-mile byway, all were very clean, including the restrooms', and all offered wonderful views of the Au Sable River. If you like to walk in the woods, ride a bike, or gaze at the water, this is the place for you. Many of the turnoffs have picnic tables, which make River Road Scenic Byway a great place for a picnic! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this drive to family and friends. And we look forward to returning later this year for the fall colors.

6. Blue Water River Walk

River Shore south of Black River, Port Huron, MI 48060 +1 810-294-4965 [email protected] http://stclairfoundation.org/riverwalk
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Blue Water River Walk

Reviewed By RICART75 - Peru, United States

This is a wonderful asset for the area. The views of the St. Clair river, Blue Water bridge, Port Huron water front, river traffic and activity, and the morning sunrise; create a place one can enjoy repeatedly. One can walk, run, or just sit and relax; all along the pathway. The Maritime Center is a really great place to start and/or end one's visit to the riverwalk. With its friendly and informative volunteers, clean restrooms, and nice cafe; it offers both a starting orientation, and/or an ending respite. Port Huron is fortunate to have this attraction; for both its residents, and its visitors.

7. Thomas Edison Parkway Boardwalk

Along the St Clair River under the Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron, MI 48060
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Thomas Edison Parkway Boardwalk

Reviewed By 511chrism511

This is a really beautiful park with a boardwalk, benches a boxcar, a nice view of Canada and a statue of Thomas Edison himself. It’s a gorgeous place to exercise, fish or just sit and watch the sun, the boats and the beautiful blue water where Lake Huron meets the St. Clair River. We are from the Erie County, Ohio area, where Edison was born, so we got to compare the statues!

8. High Rock Bay

Copper Harbor, MI 49918
Excellent
81%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

High Rock Bay

Reviewed By Roeskar - Wisconsin, United States

High Rock Bay is such a beautiful destination! It is certainly a challenge to get there, requiring patience and a good eye on the road/trail to make sure you don't damage your vehicle. I have been there many times in a 4x4 Suburban and have never had any issues, but you really have to pay attention! I have also been there many times on my adventure motorcycle, my preferred method of getting there. I wouldn't recommend trying it with a conventional car as you will bottom out in places, and there is usually a lot of water standing in the pot-holed road/trail. I've seen many four-wheelers and UTV's go there as well and that looks like great fun. Its not just the destination, but the journey! The views of the lake and of Manitou Island are beautiful, and walks along the rocky beach are a good way to stretch your legs before journeying back to Copper Harbor. Pack a lunch and have a picnic. Even though its cold most of the year, we usually take a dip in the lake if its a sunny day. They don't call it the Cold Water Caribbean for nothing!

9. Tunnel of Trees - M119

South Lakeshore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49737 http://www.m119tunneloftrees.org/
Excellent
55%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 352 reviews

Tunnel of Trees - M119

Reviewed By 409jeaninef

This was a great way to spend about 3 hours! A beautiful drive through the forest with breathtaking views of Lake MI. Once you get to Cross Village you must stop at Leggs Inn for lunch. Plan to wait, but grab a drink and head out to the garden. Beautiful flowers and view of the water.

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