The legendary curves of the M-22 M-22 motorway along the eastern coast of Michigan, creating one of the most beautiful panoramic readers in America. This winding road takes you through charming cities by the lake, imposing sand dunes and alongside crystal waters that compete with a coastal destination. Beyond amazing natural beauty, you will discover comfortable bakeries serving warm pastries and sympathetic local places that make this trip as delicious as picturesque. Pack your camera and your appetite for an unforgettable adventure through the jewel of the crown of northern Michigan.
1. Clinch Park Beach – Crossing City
Start your M-22 adventure in the city center City is like cheating-you get beach vibrations without leaving a civilization behind. This extent of popular sand is perfectly found on the Bay of West Large Traverse, where families spread blankets while children build sandy castles.
The paved path of the seafront facilitates walks for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents. The snacks keep hunger remotely when the beach appetites come into play.
Parking fills up quickly during summer weekends, so arrive early to claim your place. The location of the city center means that restaurants and shops are a few steps from the end of the beach.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Empire
The Philip A. Hart in Empire reception center serves as a gateway to one of the most famous natural wonders of Michigan. The rangers here share stories on the massive dunes which turn on the coast of Lake Michigan as the sandy skyscrapers.
Choose your adventure: approach the famous climb of the dunes for burning legs or navigate the picturesque driving of pierce for easier visits. The park protects more than 35 miles of virgin coast.
Do not forget to provide your success or entry fees – this protected landscape requires a small investment. The views and memories you create are worth every penny of admission.
3. Empire Beach
Sometimes the best views come without hiking, and Empire Beach proves it perfectly. Located in the village, this jewel of Lake Michigan offers views of spectacular dune while keeping your feet firmly planted on level sand.
Children love the equipment of the playground, while parents appreciate practical picnic areas for family meals. The beach connects easily to the start of the Empire Bluff path for those who wish a short walk in nature.
Village life clashes nearby, so grabing ice cream or snacks only takes a few minutes. The combination of natural beauty and convenience in a small town makes the Beach Empire a perfect family stop throughout your trip M-22.
4. Good Harbor Bay Beach
Escape the crowd of this hidden gem nestled between Glen Arbor and Leland. Good Harbor Bay Beach extends for what looks like miles, offering a lot of space to find your own private slice of Lake Michigan paradise.
The Manitou islands float on the horizon like mysterious ships, creating a perfect backdrop for beach photos. Parking is conveniently found from M-22, which makes access surprisingly easy in such a peaceful location.
Bring a good book and prepare to waste time. Sweet waves and sweet sand create the perfect environment for relaxation, while the island’s views offer endless entertainment to reveries.
5. Cherry Republic – Glen Arbor
Cherry lovers, prepare for paradise! This institution of Glen Arbor transforms the famous tangy cherries of Michigan into all the guidelines imaginable, classic pies with creative flavors of ice cream that will surprise your taste buds.
The campus looks more like a cherry theme park than a simple store. Browse the tasting room for free samples, have lunch at the coffee or relax on the large garden patio surrounded by cherry.
Fill up on jams, candies and dried cherries for the coming road. Local cherries have a completely different taste of the versions purchased in stores – once you try them fresh, you will understand why Michigan Cherry Country has such a devoted suite.
6. The village cheese cheese shanty – Leland
Fishtown’s restored fishing bases create a magical backdrop for one of the most legendary sandwichers in northern Michigan. The canee of the village cheese is technically called a cold cut, but their Bretzel bread cooked at home raises each sandwich with bakery status.
The historic fishing bases border the port, telling stories from Leland’s sea past while you nibble on your meal. The bread of Bretzel Salted associated with fresh charcuterie meats creates combinations of flavors that the inhabitants ravent all year round.
Operating seasonal means checking the hours before visiting, but the wait is worth it. Cash works better here, keeping simple transactions in this charming return at simpler moments along the shore of Lake Michigan.
7. Barb’s Bakery – Northport
Adjust your early alarm for the best kept secret in Northport! Barb’s Bakery operates from a small space that fills celestial aromas of fresh donuts, cinnamon buns and strong coffee every morning before dawn.
Local regulars know the exercise: arrive in the middle of the morning or risk disappointment when the windows are empty. The small lots approach means limited quantities but a maximum flavor in each bite.
Cash transactions keep things simple and old -fashioned, just like the recipes that Barb uses. Seasonal hours mean calling to come during the shoulder seasons, but summer visitors can count on warm pastries and a friendly service of this beloved local institution.
8. Christmas Cove Beach – Northport
Nestled by the main tourist trails, Christmas Cove Beach offers something increasingly rare: a peaceful coast of Lake Michigan without crowds. The views of the passage of the Manitou are constantly extending through the blue waters to distant islands.
Pack a picnic and prepare for serenity. This public beach remains surprisingly silent compared to the more occupied beaches of the park, which makes it perfect for romantic walks or family affair time.
The isolated location means bringing everything you need, snacks with sunscreen. But the reward – to have the virgin coast of Lake Michigan for yourself – makes additional planning useful for travelers looking for authentic beauty in northern Michigan.
9. Large crossing Lighthouse – Leelanau State Park
Sentinel standing since the 1850s, this historic lighthouse marks the dramatic point of the Leelanau peninsula where Lake Michigan meets the Baie de Grand Traverse. The small maritime museum inside tells fascinating stories about the expedition of the Great Lakes and the headlight.
Go up the tower requires a park, but the panoramic views reward each step up. Rocky Shoreline surrounds the lighthouse, creating dramatic photos opportunities, especially during sunset hours.
The districts of the lighthousekeeper highlight the furniture of the period and the maritime artefacts. Plan more time to explore the rocky beaches and imagine the countless ships that depended on this tag for safe passage through perfidious waters.
10. BAY SUTTON BAKEUR – Suttons Bay
Classic small town bakeries such as the Bay Bay bakery remind you why homemade beats have bought in stores each time. Fresh breads, oversized muffins and cookies that really have a taste for childhood memories fill the windows daily.
Seasonal pies show that fruits ripen locally, spring of fall -in -law strawberries. Bakers arrive before sunrise to ensure that everything remains fresh for customers throughout the day.
The perfect timing in fact your last treat M-22 before returning to City. Take additional cookies for the road – You will want reminders of this incredible Loop Drive long after returning home in everyday life.
