Cruising the coastline

Scenic shores, small-town charm, and the spirit of the Great Lakes on one of America’s most beautiful Drives.

Few roads in Michigan capture the essence of the state’s natural beauty and small-town charm quite like M-22. This scenic byway hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline, weaving through charming coastal towns, rolling vineyards, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Midwest. There’s a reason there are up north shops dedicated entirely to the highway. If you’re looking for an unforgettable road trip, set your sights on an M-22 adventure from Frankfort to Northport, with stops in Glen Arbor, Leland, and more along the way.

Begin your journey in Frankfort, a picturesque harbor town where the crystal-blue waters of Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake meet. The Frankfort Public Beach, located right at the end of Main Street has accessible seating options and ADA walkways that allow access to the beach and breakwall. It’s popular in the summers, but big enough that there’s plenty of sand for everyone. While in town, be sure to stop at Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market, a local favorite offering Italian cuisine, woodfired pizzas and sandwiches. (The Southerner hot panini is a revelation.) From there, you can cross the street for a craft beer at Stormcloud Brewing Company before heading north. As you get on the road, a must-see attraction in Frankfort along M-22 is the Point Betsie Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan. Dating back to 1858, it offers stunning views, vast rolling sand dunes and a glimpse into maritime history. North of Point Betsie, you’ll pass Crystal Lake, one of the largest and arguably most beautiful inland lakes in the state, before entering National Park territory up and into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

The gateway to the National Park is in Empire, where you can stop and learn more about the local flora and fauna at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, as well as pick up your vehicle entrance pass to the park. From there, head to the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a must-do detour, rewarding travelers with awe-inspiring overlooks of Lake Michigan. At the apex of the dunes, you may be tempted to traverse the 450-foot drop to the lakeshore–don’t. Heed the warning signs and instead head to the Dune Climb overlooking Glen Lake. The views are just as stunning and don’t require a complicated and expensive rescue!

After you’ve dumped the sand out of your shoes, head into Glen Arbor. Once named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by Good Morning America, Glen Arbor is a quick 10-minute drive from Empire, filled with natural wonders and small-town charm. In town, stop by Cherry Republic, a paradise for cherry lovers, where you can sample cherry wines, salsas, and even cherry soda while exploring the charming gift shop. Another popular spot is Art’s Tavern, where on Wednesdays you can order their world-famous chicken jalapeno soup.

A short 15-minute drive from Glen Arbor brings you to Leland, an old fishing village that has preserved its maritime history while embracing a thriving tourism scene. Stroll along the wooden docks of historic Fishtown, where weathered fishing shanties have been transformed into delightful boutiques, galleries, and eateries. The area maintains its historic charm with working fishing tugs and smokehouses. Before leaving, grab a famous pretzel-bread sandwich from the Village Cheese Shanty—the Leelanau sandwich, featuring turkey, dill Havarti, and house-made herb mayo, is a crowd favorite. Just a short walk from Fishtown, Van’s Beach offers soft sand and clear waters, perfect for a quick dip or a relaxing break.

Continuing north for another 25 minutes along M-22, you’ll reach Northport, the northernmost town on the Leelanau Peninsula. This quiet, artsy village is perfect for a peaceful getaway. One of its highlights is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, located within Leelanau State Park. This historic lighthouse has guided sailors since 1852 and climbing to the top offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Northport Brewing provides a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a pint of locally crafted beer, with rotating taps featuring unique flavors inspired by the region. For a secluded beach experience, Christmas Cove Beach is a hidden gem with stunning rock formations and calm waters—perfect for a picnic and some well-earned relaxation.

On your way south, consider a stop in Suttons Bay, a charming town known for its wineries, art galleries, and lakefront scenery. Hop Lot Brewing Co., recently voted one of the Ten Best Beer Gardens in the country by USA Today, features a sprawling yet inviting beer garden with fire pits, excellent food choices and of course lots of craft beer on tap, making it a perfect place to unwind. Suttons Bay is also part of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, home to award-winning wineries such as Mawby and Black Star Farms, among many others. Before concluding your journey, Suttons Bay Beach offers a great spot to relax and soak in the scenery.

After experiencing the best of M-22—from sweeping Lake Michigan vistas to historic villages and outdoor adventures—you can head back toward Traverse City to commemorate your trip with a product or three from the M22 Store or continue exploring the Leelanau Peninsula. No matter the season, an M-22 road trip promises unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and the best of Northern Michigan charm.

So, pack your bags, hit the road, and discover why M-22 remains one of Michigan’s most beloved routes.

TOP PHOTO: ID 117252771 © CRAIG STERKEN | DREAMSTIME.COM