Exploring Michigan’s M-119 Tunnel of Trees: A Comprehensive Guide
Recognized as one of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the U.S., Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route is a must-visit destination year-round, offering stunning natural landscapes, unique attractions, and rich history.
No matter the season—fall’s vibrant foliage, winter’s snow-draped serenity, spring’s fresh blooms, or summer’s lush greenery—our Ultimate Guide to the M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Drive has everything you need to plan the perfect trip!
About Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees
About the Tunnel of Trees
The Tunnel of Trees is one of Michigan’s most scenic drives, running along M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village in the northwest Lower Peninsula.
Getting there is easy! If you’re coming from downstate, take US-131 or I-75 north, then connect to US-31 near Petoskey. From there, you can hop onto M-119, which officially becomes the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Byway just past Harbor Springs.
This narrow, winding road stretches for 20 miles along a high bluff, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan. There’s no centerline, just a gorgeous tree canopy overhead and plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery.
Many people ask, “Where does the Tunnel of Trees start and end?”
- If you’re heading north, it starts in Harbor Springs and ends in Cross Village.
- If you’re coming south, it begins in Cross Village and leads to Harbor Springs.
With Sturgeon Bay to the north and Little Traverse Bay to the south, this stretch of M-119 is a must-drive, especially in the fall when the colors explode.
Want to keep going? If you follow M-119 beyond the Tunnel of Trees, you’ll reach Sturgeon Bay and Wilderness State Park, perfect for even more outdoor adventures.
Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees is a perfect spot for scenic drive in the summer, and it’s a popular spot for a Michigan fall color tour, too. It’s easy to fall in love with Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees. Please join me as I share some of my favorite stops along the way.
EXPERT TIP: People often ask, “How long does it take to drive Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees?”. Here’s my answer: Posted speeds are between 35-45 mph. But, with all the enchanting spots to explore, I like to allow anywhere from a half-day to a full day to fully experience the magic of this spot.
Where to Start your Tunnel of Trees Journey
We recommend starting your Tunnel of Trees drive in Harbor Springs, at the junction of State and Bluff Streets (see on map), and the road turns into M-119. You’ll follow M-119 through Harbor Springs in continue north through Good Hart until you get to Cross Village.
EXPERT TIP: Have your camera ready if you are riding passenger. The beauty of the age-old trees in their pristine natural setting never gets old, and you’ll find something new with each glance through your car window. The branches of the hardwoods and evergreens along M-119 stretch over the road like a magical canopy.
As a bay town on the coast of Lake Michigan, Harbor Springs is home to some beautiful Michigan stops. Charming, upscale downtown Harbor Springs is a fun spot to explore, and be sure and stop by Zoll Street Beach on the shores of Little Traverse Bay and catch a glimpse of the Little Traverse Lighthouse.
Where to Stop Along the Tunnel of Trees
Tunnel of Trees Scenic Outlook
Located at 6770 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Rte, Harbor Springs, MI 49740, you can pull over along this small gravel patch to catch a glimpse of Lake Michigan. take care as tis is a narrow road, but the Lake Michigan views are beautiful here.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
There’s 950 feet of Lake Michigan frontage here, with about 300 of that sandy, public beach access. Follow the boardwalk to a beach overlook that includes dune views. Then follow the trail down to the pristine beach and watch the waves roll in. The nature center provides information about the surrounding flora and fauna.
Pond Hill Farm
Pond Hill Farm is a delightful, rustic cafe with visitor opportunities to eat, drink, and hunt for gnome houses with your kids. In the winter, Pond Hill is the perfect place in Harbor Springs MI to hike, fat tire bike, and ski around their 1.5 mile trail loop. Enjoy the market, explore the trails, and take some time for delicious jams and wine at Pond Hill Farms!
PRO-TIP: I like to spend at least an hour here; just enjoying a delicious chicken salad sandwich or hot pretzel and taking in the serene surrounding.
Five Mile Creek Nature Preserve
This 40-acre nature preserve includes about a mile trail along Five Mile Creek, which opens into Lake Michigan. You can follow the trail in and out through the cedar forest, or simply enjoy the platform and bridge overlook.
Hoogland Family Nature Preserve
I like to hike the easy 1.5 mile trail loop here, which takes you through a maple and beech forest, with wildflowers dotting the landscape. This is a very peaceful spot.
Good Hart Glassworks
You’lle veer off of M-110 for this spot, to 112 W Townline Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. This unique glassblowing art studio and gallery at times gives educational demos of the glass-blowing process. Plan some time to browse the collection of beautiful, hand-blown pieces.
Saint Ignatius Catholic Church at Good Hart
Added to the National Register of Historic places in 2007, this is one of four churches making up the Catholic community of L’Arbre Croche. Next to the church is a Native American burial ground wit ha path leading to the Middle Village Park and Lake Michigan Beach. This quiet, windswept Lake Michigan beach is a must-see spot along your trip and one of the most unique churches in Michigan.
Seeped in the rich history of the Little Traverse Bay area, you can follow the long dirt road to the church. Be prepared: this is a peaceful setting, with a chapel and Native American burial ground on the premises. After you’ve explore this, follow the path to the beach.
EXPERT TIP: This small stretch of Lake Michigan public beach is one of my go-to spots when I am in the area. Very secluded and serene; the sand is soft and the water a deep blue.
Good Hart General Store
You’ll want to spend some time inside the Good Hart General Store filled with gifts, apparel and other “Made in Michigan” items. Don’t miss their famous gourmet pot pies and other homemade treats.
A Studio Shop
This seasonal gift shop offers an unique and eclectic collection. It’s a fun spot to stop…from trinkets to bouquets of heavenly-scented freshly-cut flowers, you never know what you’ll find.
readmond Township Park
I always make a point to pull over at Readmond Park, which offers lake Michigan access. This isn’t a great swimming beach as there are lots of large rocks here. It’s perfect place to catch an amazing Lake Michigan sunset, though, and do some good old-fashioned Michigan rock-hunting.
Woolam Family Nature Preserve
It’s a half-mile walk to this pristine 62-acre natural preserve offersing 4000 feet of Lake Michigan beach front. The parking lot is small and easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled.
The Woolam Family Nature Preserve is why I like to plan my Tunnel of Trees ride as a day trip: this is a very nice swimming beach and it’s easy to spend at least a half-day here. Keep your eyes peeled for butterflies if you visit in the summer.
Cross Village
Legs Inn
Consistently voted one of the “most-iconic Michigan restaurants,” this unique spot serves up Polish and American fare featuring local favorites like their amazing Smoked Whitefish Dip and mouth-watering Pierogi. The Legs Inn offers patio dining as well, and the relaxing atmosphere is the perfect way to end your Tunnel of Trees drive. You can enjoy refreshing drinks and live music, too.
EXPERT TIP: you can also rent cabins from the Legs Inn at a resonable price during the summer and fall. Pricing and details can be found on their website.
Petoskey Brewing Cross Village
This is another highlight of the Tunnel of Trees trip. The food here is mostly bar fare and sandwiches – but it’s very good. Their shredded chicken sandwich may be one of the best chicken sandwiches I’ve had, and ther smash burger on Brioche is pretty amazing, too. Sit on the patio and take in your surroundings while enjoying a cocktail or cold one.
Three Pines Studio and Gallery
Take a turn around Three Pines Art Studio and gallery to spark your intellectual side. The quiet and peaceful atmosphere of Three Pines is a lovely way for all different ages to explore art, browse gardens, and stock up on crafts supplies.
Sturgeon Bay
A few extra miles north from the Tunnel of Trees, but undeniably worth it, Sturgeon Bay offers all the delights of beach life: bright blue waves, three miles of sand, and dunes for climbing.
Black Barn Farm
This family-run farm specializes in naturally grown vegetables, flowers, herbs, pasture raised eggs as well as a variety of homemade pastas and pesto. Visit their store for some home-spun treats.
Wrapping Up Your Tunnel of Trees Road Trip
Harbor Springs and Cross Village are the two end points of the Tunnel of Trees’ unforgettable journey. Whether you’re starting or finishing in Cross Village, you’ll find opportunities for even more memories to be made.
While you’re here, look for the tall, white cross overlooking Lake Michigan on one of Cross Village’s beaches. It’s one of the well-known beacons that tourists admire if they stumble across it. You can continue north to Mackinaw City, where you can catch a ferry to Mackinac Island or travel over the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Petoskey, MI: Your Tunnel of Trees Side Trip
If you’re coming up from the southern side of Michigan, you’ll reach Petoskey, set on the shores of Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.
As you make your way up to the Tunnel of Trees scenic drive, set aside some time to explore the unique city of Petoskey. You’ll find so much to do in the quaint town, from exploring downtown Petoskey’s historic Gaslight Village to Bayfront Park.
The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau is a great place to start if you want to learn more about the historical site of Petoskey, and we have two guide to this beautiful area to help you make a more thorough visit.
Use our Ultimate Petoskey Travel Guide for the most-up-to-date information about where to stay, play, eat and beach in Petoskey.
What I Love About Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees, or My favorite Scenic Drive
The first time I drove the 20-mile drive through theTunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan, from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, it was summer time. Thick foliage of deep emerald greens surrounded us, verdant and lush.
When I returned later that same year in the fall, it was like it had changed completely: gone were the forest greens and in its place were bright golds and vibrant reds all around us. The here-and-there peeks of the bright blue of Lake Michigan remained, though. It was all the reminder I needed to know that I was still in the same place.