The historic M-119 scenic route skirts Lake Michigan, between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. During this 20-mile drive, you'll experience tree canopies, ridiculously charming small towns, and delicious local cuisine.
The first town worth exploring along the Tunnel of Trees is Cross Village. It has a Heritage Museum in its old town hall, and features a giant white cross on a bluff overlooking the lake. The story of the cross has its roots back in the seventeenth century, when Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette supposedly planted a white cross on the bluff before he died.
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The first thing you'll notice when you arrive at the Legs Inn is the incredible, rustic stone architecture... and things only get cooler from there. The inside is just as kitschy and lodge-like, and they serve up a wild menu of very authentic Polish cuisine (think pierogis, smoked whitefish, and stuffed cabbage.) Enjoy it all with a Polish beer or some Polish vodka, and, if you're there on the right evening, some live music. They also have cottages for rent if you want to make a whole night of it.
Another spot to pull off and stretch your legs is Three Pines Studio and Gallery. Hosting a huge variety of local crafts and art, you can admire the wares and purchase anything that strikes your fancy. You'll find anything from fiber arts pieces and jewelry to woodworked art, blown glass, and paintings here.
Also along the route, you might want to take a quick dip in the lake at Middle Village Park's beach. The trail behind the Middle Village church features an observation deck and easy access to the quiet little public swim spot.
Stop off in the tiny hamlet of Good Hart. Seriously, it's tiny. The downtown only has three businesses. The Good Hart General Store is one of the most iconic stops along the Tunnel of Trees. It's totally authentic. The store has been a central gathering spot for the people of Good Hart since the 1930s. It's the town's grocery, bakery, deli, real estate office, and post office. Stop in for snacks, one of their famous pot pies, souvenirs, or just a photo op with the red building.
Pond Hill Farm is one of the main attractions along the M-119, and it's not hard to see why: There's something for everyone here. Kids will love exploring the working farm, petting the animals, and enjoying a sundae from the ice cream parlor, and adults will want to unwind with a wine tasting or nice sit-down meal at the Garden Cafe before picking up some farm-fresh fruits and veggies, locally made goods, and more.
Harbor Springs has been a resort destination for decades, so it's a great place to visit on your journey. Located on Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs offers scenic beauty, stargazing, quaint historic sites, and, of course, one end of the Tunnel of Trees.
Petoskey is a rare gem. The town, famed for its Victorian architecture, has more than 500 historic places on the National Historic Register, as well as the Gaslight District and a postcard-worthy downtown. A visit here is almost like stepping back in time! Plus, Petoskey is the best place to find a Petoskey stone, which is the official state stone of Michigan. Petoskey stones are actually made of fossilized coral that was abundant in the area before the Ice Age. Glaciers rubbed these coral fossils into smooth stones, which are most easily recognized by the six-sided pattern that criss crosses the surface.
Petoskey's Magnus Park is one of the best places to go hunting for those Petoskey stones. It's right on the shore, and also has a nice campsite as well.
A drive down the M-119 will take you to another time and place entirely... where dense forests and rushing rivers give way to familiar-feeling small towns, vintage charm, and expansive lakeshore views.