The Best of the Midwest: Three Super Scenic Drives in Michigan

Driving is something I loved to do when I was 16. Now, it's more of a nuisance than anything. However, living in the Midwest, there are a few places where driving can actually be a thing of joy. I live in Michigan, home of the Great Lakes and plenty of natural beauty. If you ever get up this way and are looking for a scenic drive that you will remember for a long time, here my three favorites:

3) M-28: This 290 mile highway (source) stretches from the western end of Michigan's upper peninsula all the way across the eastern end. I drove this stretch a few years ago when I was up visiting relatives of mine that live in the upper peninsula. Most drivers usually take Highway 2 to get across the U.P., since it is easily accessible from St. Ignace. While this highway also has its charm, it is often crowded with enormous RVs or people hauling campers. This is a problem, since Highway 2 is only two lanes and the aforementioned vehicles tend to go VERY slow.

M-28 is much less crowded and offers, in my opinion, a lot more in the way of scenery. I went during the fall, which is definitely the best time to take this drive. The color of the trees was spectacular and would have justified the drive even if there was nothing else to see. However, there are stretches of the highway that pass by the Lake Superior shoreline(from Marquette to Munising). The view of the lake is incredible, allowing you to see the blue of the water all the way to the horizon.

In addition to the lake, there are also a number of waterfalls along M-28. These cannot be seen from the road, but if you park and walk a short distance, they are there in all their glory. These waterfalls are: Agate Falls, Bond Falls, Scott Falls, and Wagner Falls. It does not take long at all to stop and see these waterfalls during your drive, and it is well worth it.

To get to M-28 take I-75 to M-28(they intersect near the tiny town of Dafter, Michigan). You can also get on M-28 from the northeast tip of Wisconsin, but I have never driven down this section of Wisconsin, so I wouldn't be the one to advise you as to what route to take.

2) M-22 between Traverse City and Northport: This approximately 28-mile stretch(according to my odometer) takes you from the summer resort city of Traverse City to the top of the Leelanau Peninsula. It is not a long drive, but is as scenic as they come. Heading north from Traverse City, you will see the shores of the Grand Traverse Bay frequently on your right. It is a popular spot for tourists, and if you are making the drive in the summer, you are almost guaranteed to see plenty of boats.

You will also drive through the charming town of Sutton's Bay, one of the most cozy and quaint little towns in all of Michigan. It might be a good place to stop for a bite to eat or a little shopping if you are so inclined. When you reach Northport, you might want to get out of the car and take a walk on the beach. The last time I was there a full moon was out, and the lake looked incredible. This is a great ride for the romantically inclined.

To get to this road, you will need to travel to Traverse City, Michigan. You can get there via M-72, which links up to I-75 near Grayling, Michigan.

1) Manchester, Michigan to Saline, Michigan(M-50 and US 12). This winding(and I do mean winding!) drive is filled with small towns, history, and a bit of nature. It is Americana at its finest. The towns of Manchester, Clinton, Irish Hills, and Saline are beautiful and small. Any one of them is an excellent place to stop for a picnic or lunch along the drive.

The route itself is also filled with "touristy" sites that have in large part gone by the wayside in America. These include the now-defunct Prehistoric Forest, that has dinosaurs that can still be seen from the road, and the Irish Hills "Twin Towers", a set of matching structures notable both for their beauty and their uniqueness. Driving through this section of Michigan is unlike any other spot I have ever visited. It something that feels straight out of the 50's. This drive is about 45 miles long(according to my odometer).

To get to this section of road, you need to get on US-12 where it intersects with I-94 near Ypsilanti, Michigan. You will have to take it west for a few miles until you reach Saline.

The Midwest can be a fun place to drive if you know the right places. In Michigan, try the three routes I have mentioned for scenic drives to remember. You might actually recall why you enjoyed driving back when you were 16.