Lake Michigan Driving Tour: Self-Guided

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4.8

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Tour Details

Tour Type: Driving
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Distance:120 Miles
Audio Stories: 80+
No of Starting Points: 2
Purchase Qty: One Per Car
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Lake Michigan Driving Tour

Experience the beauty of Michigan’s wilderness with this self-guided driving tour of the shores of Lake Michigan. See the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes, a vast expanse of towering sand dunes. Visit the iconic Point Betsie Lighthouse. Take in views of the serene and scenic Manitou Islands. And so much more! There’s no better way to discover Lake Michigan.

About the Tour

Your tour route stretches from Manistee to Northport and down to Traverse City, following the shoreline of Lake Michigan the whole way. Enjoy the picturesque Portage Lake and walk peacefully along the Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk. Stop at Inspiration Point for a stunning view and continue to Green Point Dunes.

Visit Frankfort Beach for a relaxing break before heading to Crystal Lake. Explore the historic Point Betsie Lighthouse, then discover the vast Sleeping Bear Dunes. Hike the Old Indian Trail if you’re feeling spry!

Drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and explore the quaint village of Glen Haven. Then venture onto Alligator Hill for more spectacular views.

Glen Arbor is your next stop, followed by a vista featuring the serene Manitou Islands. Point Oneida offers even more lakeside vistas, while Bohemian Beach is perfect for lounging shoreside.

On the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, you’ll pass the historic Leland Fishtown, then check out the iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula.

Finally, your route heads to Traverse City, where the tour concludes. And if you’d rather go in the other direction, you can do that too!

Each stop is packed with fascinating stories and local tips, making this driving tour of Lake Michigan an unforgettable experience.

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Where To Start?

We recommend Starting From Either of these locations:

Tour Name: Lake Michigan (Manistee to Traverse)

Starting Address: Forward – 7QP4+GPX Eastlake, Michigan, USA

Tour Name: Lake Michigan (Traverse to Manistee)

Starting Address: PFXF+3F4 Holiday Hills, Traverse City, MI, USA

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome
Welcome to Lake Michigan, known for stunning sunsets, fruit festivals, and dune-bounded beaches.
Great Lakes
Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes, the largest group of freshwater lakes by area, essential for shipping goods.
Portage Lake
Portage Lake reflects the blessings and curses of Michigan's lumber industry, with mills once flooding farmlands and causing mosquito problems.
Portage Point Resort
The historic Portage Point Resort, opened in 1903, has been a popular vacation spot for over a century, now restored for modern visitors.
Laurentide and Lakes
Glaciers from the Ice Age, including the massive Laurentide Ice Sheet, shaped Michigan’s diverse landscape of lakes, dunes, marshes, and hills.
Old Facefull
Old Facefull, an artesian well, offers a unique sight as water constantly flows from a pipe sticking out of the ground.
Important Coastal Wetlands
Coastal marshes along Lake Michigan are vital ecosystems, home to rare species like the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly, though many have been destroyed.
Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk
The Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve, one of the few remaining coastal marshes, features a 1.5-mile boardwalk trail ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point, one of the highest spots on the Lake Michigan coastline, offers breathtaking views of the coast and turquoise waters.
Baldy Trails
The Baldy Trailhead in the Arcadia Dunes Land Preserve features an accessible trail leading to a beautiful overlook of Lake Michigan.
The Dunes
Lake Michigan’s dunes are constantly changing, with different ecosystems depending on their distance from the water.
Fruit Belt
Lake Michigan’s moderate climate, fertile soil, and extended growing season make it an excellent region for fruit orchards.
Green Point Dunes
The Green Point Dunes Trail offers a hike through woods to a sandy beach and an overlook of the City of Boston shipwreck.
Elberta and Frankfort History
Elberta and Frankfort, with their rich history, are notable for their early settlers and connection to Father Jacques Marquette.
Cherry Hut Detour
The Cherry Hut, famous for its pies since 1922, is a delightful detour for a sweet treat.
Frankfort Beach
Frankfort Public Beach, with its sandy shores and picturesque lighthouse, is a perfect stop for beach lovers.
Inland Lakes
Inland lakes near Lake Michigan were formed by melting glaciers, creating smaller lakes and river channels.
Crystal Lake History
Crystal Lake, Michigan’s ninth largest inland lake, was originally a bay on Lake Michigan until sand dunes closed it off around 2,000 years ago.
Point Betsie Lighthouse
The Point Betsie Lighthouse, built in 1858, is a historic and picturesque beacon with guided tours available from Memorial Day weekend through late October.
Sleeping Bear Intro
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, stretching along 35 miles of Lake Michigan's coastline, is famous for its natural beauty, glacial features, and diverse ecosystems.
Sleeping Bear Highlights
For a comprehensive visit, stop at the Phillip Hart Visitor's Center in Empire and take the scenic 7.5-mile Pierce Stocking Drive for breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
Old Indian Trail
Old Indian Trail offers two 2.5-mile loops through historic paths once used by Native Americans, ideal for a quieter hike.
Ghost Towns
The area around Sleeping Bear Dunes is home to remnants of five abandoned logging communities from the 1800s.
Aral Sawmill
Aral, near Esch Beach, was once a thriving sawmill town with white pine forests, now a ghost town with remnants still visible.
Pitcher's Thistle
Pitcher's Thistle, a unique dune plant, thrives in sandy soil with a taproot up to six feet long and flowers once before dying.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
The 7-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offers scenic views, interpretive stops, hiking options, and covered bridges.
Glen Lake Overlook
Glen Lake, known for its bright turquoise color, appears as two lakes but is one body of water with a shallow channel, offering a stunning view.Dune Overlook
Dunes Scenic Overlook
This place offers stunning views of North and South Manitou Islands, Sleeping Bear Bay, and the historic DH Day farm.
Cottonwoods
Look for Eastern cottonwood trees, the only common tree on the dunes, which anchor the shifting sands and stabilize the ecosystem.
Beech-Maple Forest
Enter a shaded forest with sugar maples and American beech trees, where deer and squirrels may be spotted.
Hart and Stocking
The scenic drive was initially named after Michigan senator Philip A. Hart but later renamed Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive in 1979.
Sleeping Bear Overlook
This overlook provides unobstructed views from a wooden platform 450 feet above Lake Michigan, offering glimpses of Empire Bluffs and Platte Bay.
North Bar Overlook
From here, you can view North Bar Lake, which sometimes gets blocked by sand, creating a small channel connecting it to Lake Michigan.
Leelanau Letters
Kathleen Stocking's book "Letters from the Leelanau" offers insights into life in the Leelanau Peninsula and the creation of the national lakeshore.
Dune Rescue
Sliding down dunes can lead to dangerous situations requiring expensive rescues, so it's best to enjoy the view from designated spots.
Glen Haven
Explore Glen Haven Ghost Town, a once-thriving port town now restored with historic buildings like a blacksmith shop and general store.
Glen Arbor
Glen Arbor, originally inhabited by Native tribes and later settled by fur traders, now offers art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and cafes.
Manitou Islands
North and South Manitou Islands, part of Sleeping Bear Lakeshore, offer rich archeological history and primitive camping experiences.
Point Oneida
Point Oneida was a thriving lumber community that turned to farming after the timber ran out, fostering a close-knit community.
Dunesmobiles
In the 1930s, Dunesmobiles roared through the Sleeping Bear Dunes, offering thrilling rides up and over the sandy slopes.
Piping Plover
The endangered Great Lakes piping plover has made a comeback at Sleeping Bear Dunes, thanks to habitat protection efforts.
Bohemian Beach
Bohemian Road Beach offers a lovely, less crowded beach option where dogs are welcome, while Good Harbor Bay Beach is great for kids.
Manitou Passage
The Manitou Passage, a vital waterway for maritime trade in the 1800s, saw many shipwrecks as sailors sought shortcuts.
Manitou Passage
The Manitou Passage, a vital waterway for maritime trade in the 1800s, saw many shipwrecks as sailors sought shortcuts.
Good Harbor Bay
Good Harbor Bay Beach is perfect for swimming, walking, or sunset viewing, with leashed dogs allowed on half the beach.
Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula, known as "Michigan's Little Pinky," offers a temperate microclimate ideal for growing fruits like cherries and grapes.
Michigan Wine Country
Leelanau Peninsula's AVA is known for producing well-balanced white wines, contributing to Michigan's growing wine industry.
Leland Fishtown
Leland's historic Fishtown, a thriving fishing community since the early 1800s, still operates today, preserving its rich history.
Sturgeon
The Great Lakes sturgeon, once near extinction, has made a remarkable comeback thanks to conservation efforts.
Clay Cliffs
Clay Cliffs Natural Area offers a 1.5-mile loop trail with stunning views of Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan from a 200-ft clay bluff.
Beaver Island Strangites
Beaver Island's history includes a stint as a self-proclaimed theocratic monarchy under James Strang, who declared himself king in 1850.
Strang's Demise
Strang's autocratic rule led to his assassination in 1856 by disgruntled followers, ending his theocratic reign on Beaver Island.
Northport
In Northport Harbor, a recently studied shipwreck, visible on Google Earth, revealed a wooden vessel with intact boilers.
Grand Traverse Lighthouse
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, built in 1849, served as a navigational marker for ships traveling around the Leelanau Peninsula.
Isthmus or Peninsula
Peninsulas, like Michigan's two peninsulas, protrude into water, while isthmuses connect two landmasses, like Panama and Suez.
Peshawbestown
Peshawbestown, named after Chief Peshaba, highlights the complex history of treaties and land rights for the Odawa people.
Michigan Cherries
Michigan is a leading producer of tart Montmorency cherries, which are rich in antioxidants and essential for pies and preserves.
45th Parallel Park
Approaching the 45th Parallel, this park marks the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole, offering a unique geographical spot.
Suttons Bay
Named after founder Harry C. Sutton, Suttons Bay evolved from a steamer "gas station" to a town sold for a National University project.
Logging History
Named after founder Harry C. Sutton, Suttons Bay evolved from a steamer "gas station" to a town sold for a National University project.
Leelanau Cheese
Leelanau Cheese, known for its award-winning raclette, has gained an international reputation for European-style cheeses.
Cider Versus Wine
Cider and wine both stem from fermented fruit juices, blurring traditional lines with creative combinations like apple wine and grape cider.
Fur Trading
Fur trading, particularly beaver pelts, was vital in Michigan's early economy, facilitated by Indigenous peoples trading with Europeans.
Madeline La Framboise
Madeline La Framboise, a successful fur trader with French and Odawa heritage, expanded her business across Michigan after her husband's death.
Lumber and Warbler
The lumber industry's impact on Michigan's forests threatened species like Kirtland’s warbler, which narrowly avoided extinction in the 1970s.
Traverse City
Traverse City offers abundant activities including water sports, skiing, cherry orchards, wineries, art, museums, and top-notch food spots, particularly on Front Street.
Cherry Capital
Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” Traverse City owes its cherry abundance to early plantings by Presbyterian missionary Peter Dougherty.
Tall Ship
Traverse Tall Ship Company offers sails on the Manitou, a replica of an 1800s cargo schooner, providing a unique sailing experience on Grand Traverse Bay.
Highway 22 End
Highway 22 ends as it transitions into Highway 31 towards Mackinaw City, passing through Traverse City for a scenic continuation of your journey.
Botanical Garden Sidetrip
Barns Park, a former working farm for a psychiatric hospital, now hosts a botanical garden expanding its horticultural attractions.
TC Walk
Traverse City's walking tours highlight historic sites such as the old Whiting Hotel, City Opera House, and the Hannah Lay Mercantile store.
Old Mission History
Old Mission Peninsula, named after Rev. Dougherty’s relocated mission, is a 19-mile-long sliver of land known for its wineries and historic charm.
Dennos Museum
The Dennos Museum Center features a significant collection of Inuit art and exhibits on art, science, and cultural history.
Hannah Lay Company
Traverse City's timber industry thrived thanks to Perry Hannah and partners, who revitalized a lumber mill and drew workers to the area.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining the tour along Lake Michigan's coastline.

Preview The Tour

Tour FAQs

The tour features stunning natural sights such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Point Betsie Lighthouse, and scenic views of the Manitou Islands.

The driving tour typically lasts about 2 to 3 hours, depending on stops and personal pace.

Most tours around Lake Michigan begin in a major nearby city like Chicago or Traverse City, providing easy access to the lake’s attractions.

Summer and early fall are ideal, offering warm weather and the best conditions for sightseeing and activities.

Yes, the tour is great for families, offering various activities and sights that children and adults alike can enjoy.

A comfortable car with good mileage is ideal, as the tour covers several scenic routes along the lake’s shores.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes and Point Betsie Lighthouse are particularly photogenic and popular among photographers.

Pack snacks, water, a camera, sunscreen, and perhaps a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic stops.

Yes, there are numerous towns along the lake that offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale dining.

Yes, there are various hotels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals along the Lake Michigan shore.

Most stops have designated parking areas, though it’s wise to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.

Generally, self-guided tours offer downloadable content that can be accessed offline, which is useful in areas with limited cell service.

Always check local weather conditions before setting out, especially if planning to visit beaches or remote areas.

Many areas are pet-friendly, especially outdoor sites, but check specific attractions for their pet policies.

Inclusions and Exclusions

App on your phone: A link to download the Action Tour Guide App and Password for your tours.

Easy to use: Stories play automatically by GPS. Hands-free. Get HELP all day: Call, Chat, or Email.

Flexible schedule: Use any day, any time. Valid for multiple visits up to 1 year after purchase.

Interactive audio stories: Experience local history and culture through clear, concise narratives from experienced narrators.

At your own pace: No group. Take breaks for photos, snacks, hikes. Go at your own pace.

Offline use: No cell signal or wifi required. Offline GPS Map & route. Stop-to-stop direction.

Don’t miss a thing: Full itinerary, travel tips, professionally narrated videos, text, and hidden gems.

Transportation, parking fees, food, and drinks.

Entry tickets or reservations to any attractions along the route.

Car Rental: Please arrange a rental car at the closest airport or train station.

Lake Michigan Driving Tour: Self-Guided

Tour Details

Upgrade to Bundles & Save

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 200+ Tours for $99.99 SAVE WITH BUNDLES $99.99

Welcome to the Lake Michigan Driving Tour

About the Tour

Where To Start?

How Does It Work?

What You'll See

Welcome

Great Lakes

Portage Lake

Portage Point Resort

Laurentide and Lakes

Old Facefull

Important Coastal Wetlands

Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk

Inspiration Point

Baldy Trails

The Dunes

Fruit Belt

Green Point Dunes

Elberta and Frankfort History

Cherry Hut Detour

Frankfort Beach

Inland Lakes

Crystal Lake History

Point Betsie Lighthouse

Sleeping Bear Intro

Sleeping Bear Highlights

Old Indian Trail

Ghost Towns

Aral Sawmill

Pitcher's Thistle

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Glen Lake Overlook

Dunes Scenic Overlook

Cottonwoods

Beech-Maple Forest

Hart and Stocking

Sleeping Bear Overlook

North Bar Overlook

Leelanau Letters

Dune Rescue

Glen Haven

Glen Arbor

Manitou Islands

Point Oneida

Dunesmobiles

Piping Plover

Bohemian Beach

Manitou Passage

Manitou Passage

Good Harbor Bay

Leelanau Peninsula

Michigan Wine Country

Leland Fishtown

Sturgeon

Clay Cliffs

Beaver Island Strangites

Strang's Demise

Northport

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

Isthmus or Peninsula

Peshawbestown

Michigan Cherries

45th Parallel Park

Suttons Bay

Logging History

Leelanau Cheese

Cider Versus Wine

Fur Trading

Madeline La Framboise

Lumber and Warbler

Traverse City

Cherry Capital

Tall Ship

Highway 22 End

Botanical Garden Sidetrip

TC Walk

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 200+ Tours for $99.99
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$99.99

Action+ Annual Unlimited Subscription of 200+ Tours for $99.99
SAVE WITH BUNDLES
$99.99