15 Must-See Stops on the West Michigan Pike for 2025 | Discover Michigan’s Hidden Gems

Are you ready to embark on a captivating journey along the West Michigan Pike, a historic route brimming with charming beach towns, breathtaking scenery, and endless lakefront adventures?

By Bella DiMascio

West Michigan Pike: Your Gateway to Michigan’s Scenic Coastline

This scenic byway winds its way alongside the majestic Lake Michigan shoreline, stretching from the vibrant Indiana border to the picturesque town of Manistee. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills or tranquil relaxation, this Pure Michigan Byway offers something for everyone.

The historic West Michigan Pike is a scenic route that has attracted beachgoers to the Lake Michigan coast since its development in 1911, however it was only in 2016 that it was added to the Michigan Department of Transportation’s collection of Pure Michigan Byways.

The route runs along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, thought cities and beachtowns following I-94, I-196/US-31, and BR-31 from New Buffalo up to Manistee. Full of idyllic Michigan beachtowns and plenty of lakefront recreation, there’s so much to see and explore along the pike for both adventurous and laid-back travelers.

Come along with us as we take you on the ultimate Pure Michigan road trip up the West Michigan Pike. We’ll start at its base in beautiful New Buffalo and stop at all the best locations along the way until we end up in magnificent Manistee. you can use the interactive map of the West Michigan Pike below to help you plan your visit!

A Historical Journey Through Time
Dating back to 1911, the West Michigan Pike served as a pioneering route for early automobiles, connecting beachgoers with the pristine shores of Lake Michigan. In 2016, it proudly joined the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Pure Michigan Byways collection, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic Michigan experiences.

Use the Interactive map of the West Michigan Pike

Unveiling the Treasures of the West Michigan Pike

New Buffalo

This cozy little beach town is the foundation of the West Michigan Pike. Even though it sits on the Indiana state line just 70 miles from downtown Chicago, New Buffalo feels far away from the big city, offering scenic lakefront views and plenty of small town charm. Discover southwest Michigan’s upland and wetland habitats at Galien River County Park, complete with a boardwalk and an overlook tower for the best views. If you’re feeling lucky, spend some time at Four Winds Casino New Buffalo for some of the best casino gaming and entertainment in southwest Michigan. Spend some time exploring the shops and galleries of downtown New Buffalo; try an ice cream sundae at Oink’s Dutch Treat and/or a magnificent burger at the Stray Dog before walking down to the sprawling New Buffalo Public Beach.

Union Pier

Just north of New Buffalo, Union Pier is a located in Michigan’s Harbor Country, a popular vacation destination . Situated in the heart of southwest Michigan wine country, there’s plenty of scenic vineyards to visit and lots of Michigan wines to taste. Wine lovers who visit Union Pier can try some Pure Michigan blends at the St. Julian Winery & Distillery or the Round Barn Tasting Room, located beside each other, just outside town.

St. Joseph

Continuing up the Pike for another 20 miles or so, we find ourselves in St. Joseph, or St. Joe, as the locals call it. Still connected to the wineries of southwest Michigan, there’s places to taste both in town and off the beaten path. Try the Lazy Ballerina Winery or the White Pine Winery for a downtown wine-tasting experience. Hit the shores at Silver Beach County Park and travel up the pier at Tiscornia Park to see the historic North Pier Lighthouse.

Benton Harbor

St. Joe’s next door neighbor, Benton Harbor, stands just across the St. Joseph River. Despite its close proximity to its neighbor, Benton Harbor stands on its own, offering unique opportunities for fun and adventure. Book a tee time at Harbor Shores Golf Club and spend the day out on the green. When you’re done, stop by nearby North Pier Brewing Company for some Michigan-made IPAs or Belgian-style ales. Benton Harbor may be in wine country, but this place has brews that easily compete.

South Haven

Among Michigan’s iconic beach towns, South Haven sits proud near the top of the list. The famous South Pierhead Lighthouse stands out against the blue waters of Lake Michigan in summer, and the white of its ice during the winter. Choosing between North and South beach is nearly impossible, since they’re both among the most popular beaches in the area, not to mention the five other beaches in the area, including the sprawling dunes at Van Buren State Park.

Fennville

Northwest of South Haven and just off the Pike, Fennville is a rural community growing all of Michigan’s best agricultural goods. From vineyards, like Fenn Valley Vineyards, full of grapes for local wineries to Crane Orchards, offering the best U-Pick apples in the region. Fennville is perfect for the traveler looking to escape the busy beach towns on the Pike and enjoy a relaxing day out on the farm.

Saugatuck

Drive north for 20 more minutes and you’ll wind up in charming Saugatuck. This cute Lake Michigan beach town sits on Kalamazoo Lake, near the mouth of the river of the same name. Walk through a charming downtown, filled with shops and restaurants, or hike the trails at Mount Baldhead for some of the more spectacular views along the West Michigan Pike. There’s also plenty of lakeshore to enjoy here, including the ever-popular summer destination Oval Beach, and the stunning dunes at Saugatuck Dunes State Park.

Holland

Immerse yourself in the rich Dutch heritage of Holland. Witness the vibrant blooms during the Tulip Time Festival or capture the iconic image of Big Red, the majestic lighthouse at Holland State Park Beach.

From the windmills to the tulips, the clogs, and even the city’s name, there’s no mistaking that Holland is Michigan’s hotspot for Dutch community and culture. Visit during spring to catch the Tulip Time festival, when the tulip fields of Holland are in full bloom. See the most colorful blooms at Windmill Island Gardens.

A trip here in the summertime warrants a beach day at Holland State Park Beach and a trip to one of Michigan’s most photographed lighthouses, affectionately known as “Big Red.”

Grand Haven

Not to be confused with South Haven, Grand Haven has plenty of unique features that set it apart from its similarly named neighbor down the coast. This is Coast Guard City, USA, so it’s no wonder the town is packed during the Coast Guard Festival in the summer. Visit around then for all the best access to Coast Guard vessels during the Parade of Ships and other unique festival events. Take a break from the crowded streets and head to the Grand Haven beaches for some fun in the sun or check out the South Pierhead Lighthouse – yet another iconic red light on the Lake Michigan shore.

Muskegon

The breadth of Muskegon’s fun is virtually unmatched anywhere else on our trip along the West Michigan Pike – there truly is something for everyone. For the beach bum, relax lakeside at Pere Marquette Park and for the hiker, trek the Dune Ridge Trails and reward yourself with the sweeping views over the bluffs. For the best of both worlds, do both hiking and relaxing at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. If you’re looking for more than beachfront recreation, history buffs and thrill seekers can visit the USS Silversides Submarine Museum and Michigan’s Adventure, respectively.

Whitehall

If you’re heading up the West Michigan Pike, you’re going to see lots of Lake Michigan lighthouses. If you want to see them all, you have to stop in Whitehall. Here you’ll find the White River Light Station, situated on a small peninsula, separating Lake Michigan from White Lake. This lighthouse is nearly 150 years old, placing it among some of the state’s oldest lighthouses. Scope out the museum to learn more about the lighthouse and its purpose on the Lake Michigan coast.

Hart

Similarly to Whitehall, Hart is the perfect destination for a specific interest. If you’re a hiker or biker tracing Michigan’s coastline up the pike, stop in Hart for a while. Hart is home to the William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park. This park has miles of paved biking trails through natural west Michigan forests. It’s the perfect stop to stretch your legs and appreciate the state’s natural beauty – even outside the beaches.

Mears

Mears is one of the most scenic stops on the Pike. It’s the perfect place to unwind and relax after your trek through Hart. Have a picnic at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Lay a blanket on the sand, relax and enjoy a meal beside the crashing waves and wild beach grass. Bonus points if you find a spot near the Little Sable Point Lighthouse.

Ludington

Depending on who you ask, they might tell you that Ludington is where “up north” begins along Lake Michigan. Beyond this point, the coastal vacation has a different kind of atmosphere. It’s that unique kind of “up north” beautiful here, and Stearns Park is the perfect place to see that. Lighthouse enthusiasts aren’t done yet, either, since Big Sable Lighthouse stands tall at Ludington State Park.

Manistee

We will end our road trip in lovely Manistee. Embrace the quieter downtown, denser forests, and the fleeting feeling of freedom from a long road trip. It all culminates here and beyond; the further north you go, the more you look back on your journey.

Stroll the Manistee Riverwalk and support the small, local boutiques by picking up a souvenir to remember the trip. Then see the last lighthouse on the checklist – the Manistee North Pier Lighthouse. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying 1st Street Beach, before turning back, to do it all again in reverse, discovering new things that you didn’t see on the way up.

Tips for Planning a Road Trip Along the West Michigan Pike

Consider the season when planning your trip. Spring offers blooming landscapes, summer beckons with beach activities, fall boasts vibrant foliage, and winter provides snowy adventures.

• Pack for diverse weather conditions, as Michigan experiences all four seasons
• Research local festivals and events to enhance your experience
• Support local businesses and restaurants for authentic experiences
• Respect the environment and practice responsible tourism

More Places to visit Near the West Michigan Pike

• Grand Rapids: Explore the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, known for its art scene, breweries, and cultural attractions.
• Tri-Cities Historical Museum: Located in Grand Haven, this interesting museum celebrates the rich heritage of the Grand Haven, Ferrysburg, and Spring Lake areas with exhibits that tell the story of the Pike.
• Spring Lake: Take a scenic boat tour on Spring Lake and admire the stunning scenery. Dom;t forgte to stop by the Village Baker in downtown Spring Lake for a giant, homemade soft pretzel!
• West Olive: Hike through acres of woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River, pick your own blueberries at Reenders Blueberry Farm, or soak up the sun on Kirk Park’s expansive beach. Are you bringing Fido along? Kirk park is dog-friendly!

Farewell, West Michigan Pike: A Journey Remembered

As you head back home, with the sun dipping below the horizon over Lake Michigan, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic for the journey you’ve just taken. Driving the historic West Michigan Pike has been more than just a road trip—it’s been a chance to experience the charm of coastal towns, the beauty of sandy shores, and the rich history that ties it all together.

From the welcoming streets of New Buffalo to the peaceful shores of Manistee, each stop has left its mark, creating memories that will stay with you long after the drive is over. But the adventure doesn’t have to end here. Michigan is full of hidden treasures, from cascading waterfalls to scenic byways waiting to be explored.

So keep the spirit of adventure alive. Wander off the beaten path, climb a dune, dip your toes in the lake, or discover a new favorite small town. The West Michigan Pike may have an end, but Michigan’s beauty and wonder stretch far beyond the road. Your next adventure is just around the corner.

Have you driven the West Michigan Pike? We’d love to hear about your favorite stops along this unique Michigan byway. Please use the comment section below and share tips with us!