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The top things to do on a Tunnel of Trees road trip

Little towns and unique history make Northern Michigan's M-119 highway a memorable drive

  • 12
  • 00:51
  • 31 mi
  • $5
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Created by Roadtrippers - December 18th 2020

Northern Michigan's M-119 highway, known as the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route, is one of the state's most picturesque drives, with a route that takes you along the coast, past quaint towns, and through verdant forests. Fall is a particularly beautiful time to take a whirl on this Pure Michigan Byway.

M-119 starts just north of Petoskey. If you begin your road trip here, spend time shopping in the charming Gaslight Shopping District downtown or strolling the shores of Little Traverse Bay.

Photo of Bay Inn Of Petoskey
4.2

2445 Charlevoix Rd, Petoskey, MI, US

Bay Inn Of Petoskey

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If you need a home base, just off Route 31 is the Bay Inn of Petoskey. This is a very comfortable and affordable inn with beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay.

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10mi 00h 16m

Harbor Springs, Michigan, United States

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The biggest town you’ll pass through is Harbor Springs. It's full of quaint shops and eateries, as well as a bustling marina.

Photo of Colonial Inn In Harbor Springs
3.6

210 Artesian Ave, Harbor Springs, MI, US

Colonial Inn In Harbor Springs

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The Colonial Inn in Harbor Springs is a historic boutique hotel that's right across the street from Lake Michigan Beach. This is a good choice if you're looking for something slightly more upscale. The inn has an indoor pool, free WiFi, complimentary continental breakfast, and some rooms with balconies.

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0mi 00h 01m

102 E Bay St, Harbor Springs, MI, US

Stafford's Pier Restaurant

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For local seafood or cocktails with a great view, try Stafford's Pier Restaurant, a waterfront gem overlooking the basin. You'll feel as though you've stepped aboard a luxury yacht without leaving land.

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0mi 00h 01m

215 E Main St, Harbor Springs, MI, US

Gurney's Harbor Bottle Shop

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If you’re more in the mood for a sandwich, Gurney's Harbor Bottle Shop has generated a cult following for their sandwiches. Keep in mind, the shop is cash only, but these sandwiches are out of this world, thanks to house-baked bread and fresh ingredients. Pro tip: Order the deli sauce.

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0mi 00h 00m

267 S Spring St, Harbor Springs, MI, US

Tom's Mom's Cookies

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Whether you eat at the Pier or at Gurney’s, you should finish off your meal with a stop at Tom's Mom's Cookies. Starting with chocolate chunks hand cut from 10 pound bars, their cookies are the real deal. Each soft and chewy cookie weighs almost a quarter of a pound.

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5mi 00h 09m
Photo of Tunnel of Trees
4.5

M119, Harbor Springs, MI, US

Tunnel of Trees

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It’s called a “tunnel,” but unlike a mountain tunnel, the Tunnel of Trees cuts through a forest. It gives the roadtripper a different view and experience at each twist and turn as it hugs Lake Michigan, with rich hardwoods creating a tree canopy over much of the narrow road.

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0mi 00h 00m
Photo of Pond Hill Farm & Garden Cafe
4.5

5581 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI, US

Pond Hill Farm & Garden Cafe

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Pond Hill Farm is your one-stop-shop for local crafts and nibbles. Children can pet animals in the livestock barn, hunt for gnomes on a scavenger hunt, or sling fruits and vegetables on the Squash Rockets. Adults will enjoy dining in the cafe, sampling the wines and brews, or shopping in the farm market.

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8mi 00h 14m

1129 N Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI, US

Primitive Images & Northern Crepes

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After enjoying Pond Hill Farm, hop over to Primitive Images, a funky antique store with rustic furniture, homemade jewelry, and other handcrafted items. Sample a variety of teas on the serene deck at the Good Hart and Soul Tea Room.

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0mi 00h 00m

1075 N Lake Shore Dr, MI, US

Good Hart General Store

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Tucked away in the heart of the Tunnel of Trees, the Good Hart General Store is exactly the kind of down-home, local flavor place you want to find on a good road trip. The exterior of the store, with its classic red and white paint scheme, is the perfect place for a photo. Don't leave without grabbing one of the store's famous pot pies.

7mi 00h 11m
Photo of Legs Inn
4.5

6425 N Lake Shore Dr, Cross Village, MI, US

Legs Inn

As the Tunnel of Trees comes to an end in Cross Village, you still have one more stop to make. The Legs Inn is an architectural gem, with a great restaurant inside.

Best time to travel the Tunnel of Trees: Though spring and summer are beautiful times to travel this byway, the best time is when the fall foliage colors are at their peak. Take a jacket since fall temperatures can get chilly in Northwest Michigan.

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