Coastal Michigan may be one of the most beautiful areas of the country, especially in the fall and spring, and that means this part of the country is loaded with scenic drives. While the state's M-22 gets a lot of the attention, the M-119, aka the Tunnel of Trees, might be the best drive in all of Michigan, with its route that takes you along the coast, past quaint towns, and through verdant forests.
Starting just north of Petoskey, Michigan, the M-119 passes through the charming town of Harbor Springs before becoming what we refer to as the “Tunnel of Trees” as it winds toward Cross Village. It’s not a long stretch of road, just 20 miles or so, but you’ll never forget your first drive or ride down the Tunnel of Trees…
Harbor Springs, Michigan, United States
The biggest town you’ll pass through is Harbor Springs. It's full of quaint little shops and eateries and it's home to a bustling marina. It’s a good place to spend a few hours exploring, eating and shopping.
For a sit-down style meal with a great view, try Stafford's Pier Restaurant, a waterfront gem overlooking the yacht basin. Add in an old-school atmosphere and delicious local seafood (and vegan menu options) and you've got a recipe for a great meal.
If you’re more in the mood for a sandwich, Gurney's Harbor Bottle Shop has generated a cult following for their sandwiches. Keep in mind, they’re cash only, but these sandwiches are out of this world, thanks to house-baked bread and fresh ingredients. Pro tip: order the deli sauce.
Whether you eat at the Pier or at Gurney’s, you’ll want to finish off your meal with a stop at Tom's Mom's Cookies. Starting with chocolate chunks hand-cut from 10 pound bars of chocolate, their cookies are the real deal. Each soft and chewy cookie weighs just shy of 1/4 a pound.
It’s called a “tunnel,” but unlike a mountain tunnel, the Tunnel of Trees gives the road tripper a different view and experience at each twist and turn as it hugs Lake Michigan, with rich hardwoods on each side creating a tree canopy over much of the narrow road.
As the Tunnel of Trees comes to an end in Cross Village, you still have one more stop to make. The Legs Inn is one part architectural gem, one part great restaurant, and one part stunning place to catch the sunset.
Best time to travel the Tunnel of Trees: Though any time of year is great for this byway, the best time to travel is autumn, especially when the fall foliage colors are at their peak. Be prepared that you might catch an Indian Summer, when the weather will stay warm through October... otherwise, the fall can get chilly in Northwest Michigan.
