An Unforgettable Michigan Road Trip Through Over 100 Miles Of Stunning Scenery
Picture yourself behind the wheel, windows down, with the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan stretching endlessly beside you.
M-22 is one of Michigan’s most scenic highways, winding roughly 120 miles along the western shore from South Haven up to Traverse City.
This route offers everything!
From towering sand dunes and historic lighthouses to charming small towns and beaches that rival any coastal paradise.
Along the way, every turn feels like a postcard come to life, with breathtaking vistas that beg you to stop and take it all in.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets or exploring hidden coves, M-22 promises a journey as memorable as the destinations themselves
Why The M-22 Drive Is Michigan’s Ultimate Road Trip
Stretching approximately 120 miles along western Lake Michigan, M-22 offers a front-row seat to some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in the Midwest.
You will pass through quaint villages, endless beaches that make every mile feel like a postcard come to life.
The route connects South Haven in the south to Traverse City in the north, weaving through landscapes that shift from sandy shores to forested hillsides.
Each turn reveals something new, whether it is a hidden lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop or a roadside farm stand bursting with fresh cherries.
The mix of natural landmarks and charming small towns creates a rhythm that keeps you engaged without feeling rushed.
I remember my first drive along this stretch, watching the sun bounce off the water and feeling like I had stumbled onto a secret only locals knew.
The beauty of M-22 lies in its variety.
One moment you are cruising past dunes that tower like mountains, and the next you are rolling into a cozy town with art galleries and ice cream shops.
This drive is not just about getting from point A to point B. It is about savoring every scenic overlook, every quirky stop, and every moment of pure Michigan magic.
Planning Your M-22 Adventure
Timing your trip can make all the difference when exploring M-22.
Summer brings warm weather perfect for beach hopping and swimming in Lake Michigan’s crystal-clear waters.
Fall transforms the landscape into a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, and golds, making it ideal for scenic photography and cozy sweater weather.
Winter offers a quieter, snow-covered wonderland for those who enjoy peaceful drives and dramatic lakeside vistas.
Pack smart to maximize your comfort and enjoyment.
A good camera or smartphone is essential for capturing sunsets and lighthouse shots that will make your friends jealous.
Bring a map or GPS device since cell service can be spotty in rural areas.
Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes are a must for spontaneous hikes or beach walks.
Snacks and water keep energy levels high during long stretches between towns.
Accommodations range from budget-friendly campgrounds to luxurious bed-and-breakfasts.
South Haven offers waterfront hotels and cozy inns perfect for starting your journey.
Saugatuck provides boutique lodging with artistic flair.
Traverse City serves as an excellent base with numerous dining and lodging options.
Book ahead during peak summer and fall seasons to secure your preferred spot and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Start In South Haven – Waterfront Charm & Lighthouse Views
South Haven welcomes you with its classic beach-town energy and the iconic red South Haven Lighthouse standing guard at the harbor entrance.
Located at 300 Broadway Street, South Haven, MI 49090, this charming town combines maritime history with modern lakeside fun.
The lighthouse, accessible via a pier walk, offers picture-perfect views especially during golden hour when the sun sets over Lake Michigan.
Early morning visits reward you with peaceful scenes of fishing boats heading out to start their day.
Downtown South Haven pulses with local cafes perfect for fueling up before hitting the road.
Grab a latte and pastry at one of the cozy coffee shops along Phoenix Street.
The marina area bustles with activity, and the beaches stretch wide and sandy, inviting you to dip your toes in before starting your drive.
I always start my M-22 trips here, sipping coffee on a bench overlooking the water and mentally preparing for the adventure ahead.
The town’s relaxed vibe sets the perfect tone for your journey.
Stroll along the boardwalk, browse the local shops, or simply breathe in the fresh lake air.
South Haven proves that great road trips begin with great starting points, offering both practical amenities and that special coastal magic that makes Michigan summers unforgettable.
Saugatuck & Douglas – Art, Shops, And Dune Magic
Saugatuck and its neighboring village Douglas form an artistic haven along the lakeshore, bursting with galleries, boutiques, and waterfront charm.
Located around 138 Butler Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453, this area has attracted artists and creative spirits for generations.
The downtown streets overflow with unique shops selling everything from handmade jewelry to local paintings.
Waterfront views pop up around every corner, reminding you why this spot earned its reputation as the Art Coast of Michigan.
Oval Beach, ranked among the best beaches in America, sits just minutes from downtown at 125 Oval Beach Road, Saugatuck.
Soft sand stretches for what feels like miles, and the dunes rise dramatically behind the shoreline.
Swimming here feels different than at other beaches, perhaps because the water stays surprisingly clear and the crowds remain manageable even in summer.
Pack a picnic and spend a few hours soaking up the sun before returning to explore the town’s culinary scene.
Walking through Saugatuck feels like stepping into a storybook village where creativity lives around every corner.
I once spent an entire afternoon hopping between galleries and ended up buying a small painting that now hangs in my living room.
Grab an ice cream cone from one of the local shops and wander aimlessly. That is when Saugatuck reveals its true magic.
Empire – Gateway To Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire serves as your launching point for one of Michigan’s most spectacular natural wonders, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The park entrance sits near 9922 Front Street, Empire, and opens the door to adventures that will leave your legs sore and your camera full.
Massive sand dunes tower hundreds of feet above Lake Michigan, creating landscapes that look more like the Sahara than the Midwest.
Climbing the dunes tests your endurance but rewards you with panoramic views that stretch to the horizon.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile loop within the park, offers breathtaking overlooks without requiring serious hiking.
Stop at each viewing platform to snap photos of forests, dunes, and endless blue water. The drive winds through shaded woods before emerging at dramatic clifftop vistas.
Each overlook provides a different perspective, making it impossible to pick a favorite.
Pack water and snacks since services within the park are limited.
Standing atop a massive dune with wind whipping around me and Lake Michigan glittering below remains one of my most vivid Michigan memories.
The scale of these natural formations humbles you in the best way possible.
Empire and Sleeping Bear Dunes prove that some places cannot be adequately described, only experienced.
Give yourself at least half a day here, though a full day would be even better.
Hidden Gems Along M-22
Between the major stops, M-22 hides dozens of tiny towns and unexpected treasures waiting to be discovered.
Leland, located around 203 W River Street, Leland features the historic Fishtown district where weathered fishing shanties cling to the riverbank.
These working structures now house shops and restaurants, preserving a piece of Michigan’s commercial fishing heritage.
Wander the docks, watch boats come and go, and sample fresh whitefish at one of the casual eateries.
Glen Arbor, near 6014 S Lake Street, offers a perfect midpoint break with local coffee roasters and ice cream shops.
Small beaches tucked between towns provide quiet alternatives to the more popular stops.
Lighthouse enthusiasts can seek out Point Betsie Lighthouse near Frankfort and other maritime beacons that dot the coastline.
Each lighthouse tells its own story of Great Lakes navigation and the keepers who maintained these vital lights.
I have found that my favorite M-22 memories often come from unplanned stops. Pulling over for a roadside cherry stand or following a hand-painted sign to a hidden beach creates spontaneous moments that planned itineraries cannot match.
Keep your schedule loose enough to explore when something catches your eye. These impromptu detours often become the stories you tell most when describing your trip.
Why This Lakeshore Drive Stays With You
Long after you return home, M-22 lingers in your memory like a favorite song you cannot stop humming.
The sunsets that painted the sky in impossible colors, the feeling of sand between your toes at Oval Beach, and the thrill of standing atop Sleeping Bear.
Dunes all combine into something greater than the sum of their parts.
Small-town conversations with shop owners and vineyard hosts add human connections that transform a simple drive into a collection of meaningful moments.
The route teaches you to slow down and appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.
Every winding turn along the lakeshore offers a new perspective, a different angle on the same beautiful water.
The freedom of the open road combines with Michigan’s natural beauty to create an experience that feels both adventurous and comforting.
I find myself planning my next M-22 trip before I have even finished the current one.
M-22 proves that you do not need to travel across oceans to find breathtaking scenery and memorable adventures.
Michigan’s lakeshore delivers everything a great road trip should offer.
Take your time, stop often, and let the rhythm of the lake guide your pace.
This drive rewards those who approach it with curiosity and openness, revealing new favorites with each visit.