There’s something timeless about a Michigan road trip in the Fall, and few drives capture the state’s natural beauty quite like M-22. This scenic highway hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, winding through charming small towns, coastal overlooks, and endless water views. Although I grew up in Michigan and had previously visited many of these towns, I hadn’t yet done a full M-22 Highway road trip, so I was genuinely excited to take on this weekend adventure with my mom.

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What is the M-22 Highway?

M-22 is one of Michigan’s most scenic state highways, stretching roughly 116 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline in the northwest corner of the Lower Peninsula. The route begins in Manistee, weaves through the forests and beaches of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, loops around the Leelanau Peninsula, and wraps up just north of Traverse City.

People love this drive for its lakeshore views, rolling hills, classic small towns, and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, biking, paddling, and even wine tasting. You could technically drive the whole route in a single day. Still, most travelers (us included) prefer to take it slow, stopping at overlooks, checking out local shops, and experiencing each community along the way. That’s what really makes the M-22 Michigan Road Trip remarkable.

Viator offers a Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour for Michigan’s M-22 Lakeshore, which is perfect for solo travelers wanting a personal guide. It highlights recommended stops, local history, and interesting insights as you drive.

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Starting Our M-22 Michigan Road Trip in Manistee

When my mom and I started our M-22 Michigan road trip, we caught the highway right where it officially begins, just northeast of Manistee, near the Little River Casino Resort. We didn’t drive into downtown this time, but most M-22 roadtrippers choose to start their adventure there — and honestly, I get why!

Manistee is one of those charming lakeshore towns that make it easy to slip into “road trip mode”. The Manistee Riverwalk runs along the water with peaceful views, and the historic buildings downtown give the area a cozy, small-town feel. Many visitors walk out to the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse during their visit and pay the $8 entrance fee to climb the tower. Michigan has no shortage of lighthouses along Lake Michigan, but this one is a classic. It’s the kind you see in paintings, postcards, and every local brochure.

Since we had grey skies and cold weather that morning, my mom and I stopped at the Little River Casino Resort, which sits right at the corner of where M-22 begins. Neither of us walked away any richer (surprising, I know), but it’s a pretty, not-too-crowded casino and turned out to be a fun way to start our trip before heading up the shore.

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Onekama, MI: Scenic Lake Views Along M-22

After Manistee, we drove north into Onekama, a tiny little lakeside town on the edge of Portage Lake. We didn’t stop downtown, but we did loop around the lake and made a quick detour to Captain John Langland Park, where Portage Lake meets Lake Michigan.

Even with the cold winds gusting off the lake, the beach was stunning. There’s an ADA-accessible ramp down to the shore, allowing anyone to take in the views, and the firepits along the coast instantly make the spot feel more inviting. After a short stroll to the beach, we headed back to M-22 and kept heading north toward Arcadia.

Arcadia, MI: Nature Trails and Small-Town Charm

One of the first things to check out as you enter Arcadia is the 1.8-mile out-and-back trail inside the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. During our M-22 Michigan road trip, my mom was dealing with an injured ankle, so we had to skip the big hikes. Luckily, this trail is completely flat and well-maintained, making it an easy option for anyone. Honestly, we were both really impressed by how accessible it was.

Since we visited in mid-October, we didn’t see as much wildlife as you would earlier in the year, but we still managed to spot plenty of birds, a couple of frogs, and a bunch of caterpillars. The highlight for me, though, was seeing a mink among the rocks! I’d never seen one before, so that made the whole walk extra memorable.

The walk out was peaceful and quiet, not many people around, but the return trip had us power-walking into a cold headwind the whole way and was much less enjoyable. By the time we reached the car, we were both chilled and more than ready for something warm and comforting.

Like many stops on the M-22 Michigan Road Trip, Arcadia is a small lakeshore town, so the lunch options were pretty limited. We landed at MT Plate Diner downtown. It doesn’t have that classic “diner” vibe you might expect, but the service was friendly and the food hit the spot, especially after a chilly hike!

After lunch, we wandered down to the Arcadia Ice House —one of the most well-known attractions in town. Even though it only opened in 2000, stepping inside feels like walking straight into a vintage ice cream shop. It smelled like fresh waffle cones, the decor was nostalgic in the best way, and I wished I’d saved room for dessert after my lunch. We didn’t indulge this time, but I’d still say this should definitely be a stop on your M-22 Michigan road trip.

Before heading out of town, we made one last stop at Inspiration Point, which, in my opinion, is one of the best scenic overlooks in Michigan. It was extremely windy (no surprise for Lake Michigan in the fall) but the view was absolutely worth it. You have to climb about 120 steps to reach the top, which can be challenging, but you can still enjoy jaw-dropping views right from the parking area, so don’t skip this one!

Inspiration Point gives me that classic “Pure Michigan” feeling.

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Frankfort, MI: Lighthouses and Downtown Strolls

Our next stop, Frankfort, was another charming lakeshore town — one we instantly wished we had more time to explore. Most of the tourist shops close at 5:00 p.m., and we rolled in around 4:00, so we only had about an hour to wander. Even in that short window, we found plenty to love: classic tourist t-shirts, vintage candies, quirky little trinkets, and an impressive selection of loose-leaf teas and spices that make perfect take-home treats.

Once the stores closed up for the day, we wandered down to the pier, taking our time admiring the boats in the harbor. The town’s waterfront park has a sweet nautical-themed play area for kids, complete with a lighthouse, a ship structure, and plenty of slides and swings for everyone. It’s adorable and worth a quick stroll if you’re already down by the water.

After leaving downtown, we drove out to Point Betsie Lighthouse, which unfortunately closed at 5:00 p.m as well, but we were able to see it from afar. The sand was icy cold, and the wind was still blowing quite a bit so we decided not to spend much time on the beach and get back on the road. Surprisingly, though, there were quite a few visitors on the beach, laying out blankets and starting their evening fires.

As most attractions and shops were closing down for the night, we chose to head to our final destination of the day — The Foothills Cafe & Motel. Check-in was easy, and as motels go, it was just as expected. Nothing fancy, but it was clean and met our needs. Mom and I spent the evening resting our feet, and I worked on editing some of the photos from the day.

Finding a place to stay in this stretch of the M-22 was trickier than I expected. The area has gorgeous resorts and Airbnb stays, but few classic hotels or motels that cater to quick overnight stays. Most spots required a two-night minimum, which didn’t fit our itinerary at all. That’s why I was genuinely relieved when I snagged a room at this little motel. It felt like the perfect solution for a one-night stop. If you’re planning your own M-22 getaway, here are a few affordable options I looked into: M-22 Glen Arbor, Empire Lakeshore Inn, and the Sylvan Inn Bed & Breakfast.

If mom hadn’t been injured during this trip, we absolutely would have squeezed in a hike before sunset. The stretch between Frankfort and Empire is packed with incredible trails. If you’re planning your own M-22 Michigan road trip and have time to spare, I highly recommend stopping just outside Empire to hike the Empire Bluff Trail. It’s a 1.6-mile out-and-back with some of the most stunning lake views along the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

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Day 2: Breakfast and Exploring the Leelanau Peninsula

After waking up and packing up, we walked over to the on-site cafe of the Foothills Cafe & Motel. Having read glowing reviews about their breakfast, I had high expectations, and they did not disappoint! We both ordered the breakfast combo of two eggs, hashbrowns, and a pancake. The meal was delicious, the service was warm and welcoming, and everything felt just like a cozy bed and breakfast type spot. As a coffee lover, I’ll add that the coffee itself was outstanding!

Short Detour Off the M-22 Highway for Major Attractions

Before continuing to the next town along the M-22 Highway, my mom and I decided to take a quick detour. I highly recommend you do the same! On the map below, you can see the M-22 cuts straight up between the two sections of Glen Lake, but Highway 109 loops around the west side. Taking that loop gives you access to two major highlights of any Michigan road trip along the coast.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: Fall Foliage and Lookouts

One of my favorite moments of the entire trip was driving the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This 7.4-mile loop features more than ten stops offering incredible views and educational information about the forest and the surrounding area. You’ll get a unique view of Lake Michigan, the dunes, and the surrounding forest. The $25 entrance fee is steep, but the drive is beautifully maintained, the lookouts are stunning, and the interpretive signs provide valuable context to what you’re seeing.

One of the first stops is the iconic covered bridge. Depending on crowds, it can be tricky to capture a clean photo without other cars or people, but there’s a designated pull-off where you can safely wait for your moment.

Toward the end of the drive, the overlook at North Bar Lake is a must! The aerial views of Lake Michigan, the steep dunes, and the layers of fall color are breathtaking, especially in October. This stop alone makes the scenic drive worth it.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

After finishing the loop, we continued north on Highway 109 toward Sleeping Bear Dunes. This area is one of Michigan’s most famous natural attractions, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring. Walking through sand is no joke, and even the path to the beach feels like a mini workout. There are several access points, but many visitors head straight to the Dune Climb, a massive 300-foot challenge that looks deceptively doable until you’re actually doing it. If you’ve never tackled sand before, take the warning signs seriously. There are signs everywhere explaining how rescues work and how much it could potentially cost you if you need to call in a rescue.

Since my mom was traveling with an injured ankle on this trip, we skipped the sand climbing this time around, but growing up in Michigan means we’ve both had plenty of dune adventures in the past, so that didn’t put a damper on our spirits. Even without climbing, just driving through the area brings back all the nostalgia and beauty that make the Sleeping Bear region so special.

Glen Arbor, MI: Cherry Republic and Local Shops

Glen Arbor was the most upstate, wildernessy-feeling town of our entire fall road trip, and I mean that in the best possible way. It’s charming, cozy, a little quirky, and full of small-town magic. We found free parking along S. Lake Street, the main shopping road, and began our mini-walking tour at the Cherry Republic Gift Shop. Even though neither my mom nor I are huge cherry fans, we still loved this place. You can get cherry everything — syrups, sauces, candies, chocolate-covered cherries, wine, you name it. Beyond the gift shop, the property includes a wine-tasting room, restaurant, an ice cream stand, and a cute little garden area with plenty of places to sit and games to play. We stayed and wandered for a bit, took a stab at some cherry-themed checkers, and soaked up the vibe.

After exploring Cherry Republic, we crossed the street to The Cottage Book Shop, which was easily one of my favorite stops of the entire M-22 highway. I ADORE this bookstore! The shop is inside an old cottage overflowing with natural light, and the shelves are lined with handwritten staff recommendations. To make it even more special, the owner was there, welcoming and chatting with all the customers, offering personal book recs, and making everyone feel right at home. It felt like stepping into someone’s dream come true.

We continued north along the main street, popping in and out of gift shops and local boutiques. The town was lively with visitors, and if you’re hunting for Michigan souvenirs, Petoskey Pete’s is a great stop for classic Petoskey stones. We were still full from our big breakfast, but if you need a caffeine boost while you wander, there are several local coffee spots scattered throughout downtown.

On your way out of town, there’s a bonus store called M-22 Glen Arbor that has all your iconic M-22 road trip memorabilia, including t-shirts, magnets, keychains, water bottles, socks, and other souvenirs. I had this on my list of places to stop, but forgot all about it until we were already out of town!

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Leland, MI & Fishtown: Historic Fishing Village

From Glen Arbor, we cruised north to Leland — home to the well-known and completely adorable Fishtown. This was one of the busiest stops on our M-22 road trip. Finding parking took us much longer than expected. The streets were packed, every spot was taken, and we had to circle around the downtown area until we found someone else leaving.

Once we finally parked the car, we made our way straight into Fishtown. It was packed, honestly, a bit too busy for my liking, but still such a cool place to explore. We wandered down the docks first to take in the water views before weaving our way back through the collection of shanty-style shops. You’ll find clothing boutiques, candy shoppes, an ice cream stand, a couple of restaurants, and plenty of quirky little souvenir spots.

One thing that surprised me during our visit was the lack of railings or ropes protecting visitors from the edge of the docks, which drop straight down into the water. Since the walkways were so busy, this felt a little daring. It did, however, allow you to get right up to the edge to watch all the fish swimming below.

After finishing up at Fishtown, we headed up to Leland’s main street. It’s just as cute as the Fishtown area. We visited a beautiful bookstore, an M-22-themed outdoor shop, and plenty of quaint boutiques. Even with the crowds, Leland was a fun stop and definitely worth wandering for a bit. We could have spent much more time there than we did.

Northport, MI: Quiet Harbor and Waterfront

A bit further up the Leelanau Peninsula, we arrived in Northport, a quiet lakeside town with a noticeably slower pace than some of the other M-22 stops. There isn’t a long list of must-dos here, but the marina makes for a perfect place to stretch your legs, with a small, clean beach and spacious park. The chilly, windy weather meant we had the area mostly to ourselves, though I can imagine it gets much busier in the warmer months. We spent some time wandering around town, popping into art galleries, a vintage bookstore, and a quirky shop called Porcupine, which I thought was adorable.

We didn’t continue north past Northport since it was already around 5:00 p.m. when we arrived, but many travelers choose to drive another 15 minutes up to Leelanau State Park. That’s where you’ll find the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, sitting right at the northern tip of this stretch of the peninsula. If you have the time, it’s a great addition to the M-22 Michigan road trip itinerary.

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Suttons Bay, MI: Waterfront Dining, Shops, and Wineries

Our final official stop along the M-22 Michigan road trip was Suttons Bay, a colorful, completely walkable town on the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s filled with boutique shops, wine tasting rooms, art galleries, and waterfront dining. It’s small, but in the fall it feels especially cozy, with seasonal decor, and lake views around every corner.

While Suttons Bay shares some similarities with other M-22 towns, it stands out for how effortlessly everything fits together. You can stroll along the bay, browse local shops, sip wine, and catch the sunset over Lake Michigan without ever needing to move your car. That easy travel pace, paired with its lakeside setting, is what makes Suttons Bay a perfect stop in northern Michigan.

Heading south out of Suttons Bay, we passed an outdoor brewery I was beyond excited to visit – Hop Lot Brewing Co. & Beer Garden. This wasn’t a last-minute idea or a casual maybe kind of stop; I had planned for this place. I had already looked through the menu, scoped out the vibe, and knew it was something I really didn’t want to miss. Unfortunately, between the completely full parking lot, cars lining the street near the entrance for what looked like half a mile, and mom’s injured ankle, we made the tough call to skip it this time. Still, this spot is high on my Michigan must-visit list. The atmosphere looks fun and welcoming, the beers sound right up my alley, and the food menu alone is reason enough for me to make the two-hour drive back next time I’m in the mitten.

Traverse City, MI: Restaurants, Wineries, and Things to Do

While the official M-22 Highway wraps up just north of town, most travelers naturally continue into Traverse City. It’s one of northern Michigan’s most beloved destinations and an easy place to extend your road trip if time allows.

My mom and I stopped in Traverse City for dinner at Sleder’s Family Tavern, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Michigan, which felt like a fitting place to land after a day full of small towns and shoreline views. The restaurant has a handful of quirky traditions that make dining there feel like part experience, part history lesson. The food was solid, the atmosphere was lively, and it’s definitely a spot worth visiting. However, as any spot with such a reputation, be prepared to wait if you’re arriving around peak meal times.

Over dinner, we started looking for a place to stay and quickly realized just how limited and pricey accommodations in Traverse City can be, especially without reservations. With no luck finding anything available and only about two hours separating us from home, we decided to officially wrap up our M-22 Michigan road trip after dinner and head south while there was still daylight.

That said, if this is your first time driving the M-22 or visiting this part of Michigan, I highly recommend planning ahead and spending at least a night in Traverse City. There’s so much for you to do: you can explore the local wineries with a guided tour, sample spirits on a distillery and brewery tour, experience a magical flying dress photoshoot, or enjoy the bay on a sailboat or on a pontoon boat rental! Between the beaches, shops, restaurants, and vibrant waterfront, Traverse City is great for girls’ trips, bachelor/bachelorette parties, romantic couples weekends, and family outings.