M22

M22 must be one of the most beautiful drives in all of the state of Michigan. Around each curve in the road, or over each hill a new surprise awaits. You may catch a glimpse of a sparkling lake, a vista of colorful trees, or it may be a beautiful vineyard, it’s grapes just waiting to be turned into wine.

M22 starts just outside of Manistee Michigan and follows the Lake Michigan shoreline for 116 miles, until it ends in the picturesque town of Traverse City.

The breathtaking drive begins it’s northern course along the shores of Portage Lake in Onekema, continues north through Arcadia and into Frankfort. It winds it’s way north around Crystal Lake, through the village of Empire and along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Traveling past Glen Lake, you enter the artistic village of Glen Arbor and then enter Leelanau County. The waterfront towns of Leland and Northport are great places to stop for a a breath of fresh air and snack or meal at one of their unique restaurants or cafes. When leaving Northport, M22 turns southward along Grand Traverse Bay and through the towns of Omena, Suttons Bay and ends in Traverse City.

We have travelled M22 many times and in every season. Each time we think it is the best time of year to travel M22, but having just been there this past Saturday, my vote is for the fall!