Original post updated in October 2024
Take a Roadtrip this Fall along the M-22 Scenic Drive
Living in the heart of the M-22 corridor I’ve seen it through all seasons. Each has something amazing to offer, but none more varied and beautiful than autumn in Northern Michigan.
In case you’ve never planned an M-22 roadtrip I’ve put together a list of some of the fun, food and activities to experience along this scenic drive. Named one of the top five greatest driving tours in America by Rand McNally, M-22 has something to offer everyone. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself. Here’s my list of 22 Reasons for a Fall M-22 Roadtrip.
1. Canoe the Platte.
Fall is one of the best times to take a canoe or kayak down the Platte River. The calm cool waters reflect mother nature’s painted canvas, but they also reveal a seasonal secret. The salmon run upstream in autumn to spawn and the Platte River is the perfect place to witness this natural wonder. The weir is closed this time of year which means you’ll portage around it. But on the other side the water boils with jumping fish. You couldn’t get a better view anywhere else. Riverside Canoes is located on M-22 and open until the second weekend in October for canoe and kayak rental, or fishing tackle if you’re feeling adventurous.
2. Find a Farm Stand.
When you’re driving along on your M-22 roadtrip, stop and shop a roadside farm stand for fresh from the orchard apples, colorful pumpkins, veggies, flowers and homemade baked goods. Bring your cash as most are pay on your honor. Check out Taste the Local Difference to search for u-pick orchards and farmer’s markets that last through the season.
3. Bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
Just inside the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ll find the Heritage Trail, a scenic, mostly paved, 20-mile path stretching between Empire and Bohemian Road. As the only bicycle trail within the national park, it is handicap accessible and offers several trailheads to hop onto. So, park your car and enjoy the natural beauty by bike!
4. Head to Benzie Fall Festival.
The second weekend in October wraps up Benzie Fall Fest with family-friendly activities in Frankfort. Don’t miss the giant pumpkin drop, parade and mutt march. The crowd cheers as a massive pumpkin drops from a crane and squashes a car. Dress your pet and join the parade down the main street in festive costumes. It is sure to be an unforgettable stop on your M-22 roadtrip!
5. Dinner at The Manitou.
Nestled among the changing leaves along M-22 a few miles north of Crystal Lake, The Manitou Restaurant is a great place to stop and enjoy a fall meal. If you’re a lobster lover, make sure to visit in October for their month-long Lobster Fest! And, if you hear someone ask about Skinny Dippers they’re not suggesting a cold jump in the lake. They’re actually ordering a crispy appetizer basket of potato skins. All the soups and pies are made from scratch so save some room for their famous blueberry raspberry pie a la mode.
6. Visit River Club.
It’s more than just mini golf at River Club Glen Arbor. Play mini golf all day for one price, sip on cocktails or frozen lemonade while you hit the course, and relax at the picnic tables by the river. You can even catch a College Football game on the big screens while you enjoy their Mexican cantina!
7. Take in Breathtaking Views.
The scenic drive through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is an absolute must on any M-22 roadtrip. The park has over a dozen picture perfect Scenic Overlooks which explain why so many of us come back year after year. No matter the season this drive is worthwhile, but the colors of autumn bring out the beauty of this hardwood forest in shining contrast to the crystal blue waters and miles of sand dunes.
8. Explore a 160+ year old Lighthouse.
Point Betsie Lighthouse was built in 1858. It’s the second most photographed lighthouse in the nation. In the fall don’t be surprised to find surfers, paddlers and rock hunters combing the beaches for treasures. This is outside the National Lakeshore so rock hunting is welcome. The lighthouse and museum are open on the weekends through mid October for tours.
9. Visit Fishtown.
You won’t want to miss the historic fishing village in Leland. Wooden shanties line the boardwalk of this century-old fisherman’s haven. Today charter fishing boats bring in fresh salmon to be smoked at Carlsons, and the Manitou Transit waits to take visitors on the short journey to the Manitou Islands. From unusual cheeses to locally-made clothing, these rustic shanties hold a vast array of treasures.
10. Tour Art Galleries.
For the art lover, there are dozens of unique galleries to add to your M-22 roadtrip. In Glen Arbor, discover the distinct style of Sticks painted furniture at the Ruth Conklin Gallery, admire the work of talented artists at Arbor Gallery, and check out Becky Thatcher’s exquisite jewelry along the road to the beach. While in Leland, don’t miss the authentic art and fun gifts at Two Fish Gallery or a visit to the Old Art Building, serving as a center for arts and culture in Leelanau County for decades.
11. Hop on the Wine Trail.
The Leelanau peninsula is home to more than 30 wineries and cideries. Many of them are off-the-beaten-path but well worth the diversion. Taking a wine tour has become one of the most popular activities for Northern Michigan visitors. From the farm-to-table menu at Gilchrist Farm Winery on M-22 in Suttons Bay and the craft espresso bar at Dune Bird Winery north of Leland to the impressive equestrian estate at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, the wineries are as diverse and interesting as the wines they produce.
12. Dine along the water’s edge.
When the warm summer breeze becomes a brisk autumn wind, find a room with a view and enjoy the scenery from the cozy warmth a the restaurant located right on scenic highway M-22. Check out Apache Trout Grill or West End Tavern in Traverse City for delicious food and stunning water views. Or visit Knot Just A Bar in Omena to gaze over Grand Traverse Bay and sneak next door for a sip of wine from Leelanau Cellars’ tasting room.
13. One Fish, Two Fish, They Fish or You Fish.
All along M-22 on the Platte, Betsie and Crystal Rivers you’ll find fishermen casting their lines for salmon and trout as they head up stream. If you like to fish, bring your wadders as the water’s getting colder. For a learning adventure take a quick detour over to the Platte River State Fish Hatchery on US31 and 669 just past Honor. This is Michigan’s primary salmon hatchery, where eggs are harvested for coho and Chinook salmon to be raised and restocked in Michigan’s lakes.
14. Feeling Lucky? Visit the Casino.
The Leelanau Peninsula is home to the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and their original Northern Michigan casino, Leelanau Sands. From gaming, to dining to fantastic shows, they’re a little bit of Vegas in the tiny town of Peshawbestown just north of Suttons Bay. The tribe also opened a cultural museum, Eyaawing perched along Grand Traverse Bay on M-22 near the Casino.
15. Bike or Hike the Betsie Valley Trail.
One of the newest rail-to-trail programs, the Betsie Valley Trail is a 22 mile pathway from Frankfort, through Elberta and Beulah on to Thompsonville. Much of the trail is non-motorized and perfect for bikes and pedestrians. The entire trail is stunning this time of year. So pack your bikes, rollerblades and walking shoes for a great excursion through the land surrounding M-22.
16. Take a Beach Walk.
The waters of fall are often too cold for swimming, but the beaches are still a great place to enjoy nature’s gift to Northern Michigan. Follow M-22 from Frankfort to Empire and explore some of the roads that lead to small beaches. Peterson Beach, Otter Creek and North Bar Lake are great places to hike the dunes, comb the shores for fossils and capture the picturesque views of Lake Michigan.
17. Shop ‘Til You Drop.
The M-22 scenic drive takes you through a half dozen quaint towns defined by their unique locations and the collection of small businesses that make up these communities. Take time to browse through their stores, sample their homemade edibles and bring home something to remember your journey. Perhaps some M-22 logowear would be appropriate. The brand was created by local kiteboarders to symbolize the amazing experiences found on M-22.
18. Endulge Your Inner Foodie.
From an agricultural perspective, this region has become well-known for cherries and grapes, but there’s much more to be discovered. Farms and orchards line the M-22 roadside. The corridor is home to many amazing food producers. Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate in Empire makes my favorite sweet, chocolate-covered candied ginger. Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor started as a small t-shirt company and now produces cherry BBQ sauce, bottled sodas and so much more. In Suttons Bay, you can watch fudge made on a marble slab at Murdick’s Fudge Shoppe, or taste award-winning raclette at Leelanau Cheese. Foodies beware, you’ll be in heaven here.
19. Grab a Round of Golf.
Love the game? Add a course to your M-22 roadtrip for a memorable round. At the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you’ll find Manitou Passage, an Arnold Palmer signature course. On the southern end of M-22 is Arcadia Bluffs, home to stunning views complimented by a full-service restaurant and a bagpipe serenade at sunset. Or, if you’re lucky enough to know a member, Crystal Downs sits between M-22 and Lake Michigan and ranks in the top 100 courses in the world!
20. Stand on the 45th Parallel.
M-22 wraps around the Leelanau Peninsula on both coasts and has the unique claim of crossing the 45th parallel, not once, but twice! So go ahead, get out of your car and take that photo next to the big green marker. You’ll find one alongside Lake Leelanau on your way north to Leland, and then cross it again just north of M-204 and Suttons Bay. Looking for other ways to experience the 45th? Check out Forty-Five North Vineyard & Winery near Lake Leelanau and 45th Parallel Cafe in downtown Suttons Bay.
21. Drive back in Time at A & W.
Feeling nostalgic? What better treat than enjoying an A&W root-beer float, coney dog and fries served carside! At the corner of M-22 and M-115 in Frankfort this family-owned A&W restaurant is a great stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids. With a free jukebox, affordable all-American fare and the best root-beer around, you just can’t beat it.
22. Stop, Look and Listen.
The change of seasons brings much to enjoy if we take a moment to do so. Listen for the honk of Canadian geese overhead as they migrate in their tell-tale V-formation. Examine the forest floor and you’ll discover mosses and fungi of all sorts thriving on the moist soil. Bite into a honeycrisp apple and enjoy the syrup-sweet taste of Michigan’s fruitful harvest. Soak it up and savor this season.
Autumn in Northern Michigan offers so much, and an M-22 roadtrip is one of my favorite ways to take it all in. So to all you leaf-peepers, welcome! I hope you’ll enjoy these stops as much as I do. While you travel along M-22 through Benzie and Leelanau counties don’t hesitate to take a few detours of your own along the way. And whatever you do, don’t forget your cameras!
