How long is the Sleeping Bear Dunes & M-22: A Northern Michigan Loop route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Traverse City, Michigan to Traverse City, Michigan in Michigan, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is June to October: summer beaches, fall colour.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with a car or a campervan.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Coastal, Nature, Food & drink, Classic road trip.

Sleeping Bear Dunes & M-22: A Northern Michigan Loop

Loading…

The route · 6 stops

4 overnight bases · 1 day trip · 1 stop on the way

Traverse City, Michigan

2 nights

The region's hub on Grand Traverse Bay and the start of the loop. Known for its food and wine, with tasting rooms strung along the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, plus city beaches, lighthouses and a walkable downtown. A good base to settle into before the lakeshore driving begins.The region's hub on Grand Traverse Bay and the start of the loop. Known for its food and wine, with tasting rooms strung along the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas, plus city beaches, lighthouses and a walkable downtown. A good base to settle into before the lakeshore driving begins.

Recommendations

On to Glen Arbor & Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Glen Arbor & Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

2 nights

The scenic heart of the route, about 30 minutes from Traverse City. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore rises 450 feet above Lake Michigan, with the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and its overlooks, the steep Dune Climb, and the turquoise Glen Lakes. Tiny Glen Arbor makes a relaxed base for two nights.The scenic heart of the route, about 30 minutes from Traverse City. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore rises 450 feet above Lake Michigan, with the 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and its overlooks, the steep Dune Climb, and the turquoise Glen Lakes. Tiny Glen Arbor makes a relaxed base for two nights.

Recommendations

On to Charlevoix, Michigan

Charlevoix, Michigan

1 night

A pretty harbour town between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, set on a channel crossed by a drawbridge. The headline sights are the storybook Mushroom Houses dotted around town and Castle Farms, a stone castle with gardens and a model railroad. An easy one-night stop with good waterfront dining.A pretty harbour town between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, set on a channel crossed by a drawbridge. The headline sights are the storybook Mushroom Houses dotted around town and Castle Farms, a stone castle with gardens and a model railroad. An easy one-night stop with good waterfront dining.

Recommendations

Day trip from Charlevoix, Michigan

4
Petoskey, Michigan
A day trip from Charlevoix: A historic resort town on Little Traverse Bay, about 25 minutes north of Charlevoix. The Gaslight District has Victorian storefronts, galleries and the famous Kilwin's chocolates, while the beaches are the best place to hunt for Petoskey stones, the state's fossil coral. The Little Traverse Wheelway is a fine sunset cycle.A day trip from Charlevoix: A historic resort town on Little Traverse Bay, about 25 minutes north of Charlevoix. The Gaslight District has Victorian storefronts, galleries and the famous Kilwin's chocolates, while the beaches are the best place to hunt for Petoskey stones, the state's fossil coral. The Little Traverse Wheelway is a fine sunset cycle.

On to Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island, Michigan

1 night

The northern tip of the Lower Peninsula and ferry gateway to car-free Mackinac Island. Park in Mackinaw City and cross by ferry for a day among horse-drawn carriages, Fort Mackinac, the grand lakefront hotels, the 8.2-mile shoreline bike loop and the island's fudge shops. The Mackinac Bridge looms over the straits.The northern tip of the Lower Peninsula and ferry gateway to car-free Mackinac Island. Park in Mackinaw City and cross by ferry for a day among horse-drawn carriages, Fort Mackinac, the grand lakefront hotels, the 8.2-mile shoreline bike loop and the island's fudge shops. The Mackinac Bridge looms over the straits.

Recommendations

On the way

Traverse City, Michigan
Quick stop
Close the loop with the 100-mile drive back south on US-31 along the Lake Michigan shore, passing back through Petoskey and Charlevoix country. A final evening on Grand Traverse Bay before flying out or driving on.Close the loop with the 100-mile drive back south on US-31 along the Lake Michigan shore, passing back through Petoskey and Charlevoix country. A final evening on Grand Traverse Bay before flying out or driving on.
Recommendations

Sleeping Bear Dunes & M-22: A Northern Michigan Loop

The route · 6 stops

Traverse City, Michigan

Glen Arbor & Sleeping Bear Dunes, Michigan

Charlevoix, Michigan

Petoskey, Michigan

Mackinaw City & Mackinac Island, Michigan

Traverse City, Michigan

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Add a photo or video

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet