• Great Lakes Bay - Michigan is centrally located in the Great Lakes region, a fascinating and often underrated natural marvel in the United States. The Great Lakes form the largest group of freshwater lakes by area on the planet, holding 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. These interconnected lakes eventually lead to the Atlantic Ocean through smaller lakes and rivers.

NOTE: This 120-mile tour highlights the key attractions of Lake Michigan in a 5-6 hour journey.

Purchase once and enjoy for a year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.

• Lake - Residents of Michigan often use their hands as maps to indicate their hometowns. By holding up the left hand in a mitten shape with the palm facing outward, one can visualize a map of the lower peninsula. This tour follows the outer edge of the hand, along the pinky-finger side.

• Portage - Ahead lies Portage Lake, a prime example of the benefits and challenges of Michigan’s lumber history. The timber industry thrived in the mid-1800s, with lumber mills emerging in small communities along Lake Michigan’s coast. Trees were transported to mills for processing and then shipped to cities via the Great Lakes. One such sawmill was located on Porter Lake.

• Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk - In about a mile, the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve awaits, one of only 15 remaining coastal marshes along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula shoreline. This stop is a haven for bird, butterfly, and plant enthusiasts, offering a dry, elevated boardwalk through the marsh. Entry is free, but dogs are not permitted. The turn is easy to miss, so it will be pointed out as it approaches.

• Crystal Lake Alpacas - Crystal Lake was once a bay on Lake Michigan until sand dunes closed it off around 2,000 years ago. Undeterred by geological changes, Archibald Jones, an entrepreneur and founder of the Benzie County River Improvement Company, aimed to remove the sands between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.

• Green Point Dunes - This 2-mile hike leads through lush, shaded woods to a golden, sandy beach along Lake Michigan. To reach the beach, visitors must descend wooden stairs.

• Frankfort Beach - For a beach stop, continue straight on Forest Avenue until reaching the water. A small parking lot serves Frankfort Public Beach, a lovely stretch of sand along Lake Michigan. The picturesque Frankfort lighthouse and pier are just offshore.

• Point Betsie Lighthouse - Known as one of Michigan’s most photographed lighthouses, it is surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach. Visitors can tour the grounds, with guided tours available from Memorial Day weekend through late October for a small fee.

• Sleeping Bear Dunes - A major highlight of M22 is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It is likely one of the reasons for choosing this scenic drive, so details will be shared before arrival.

• Old Indian Trail - Watch for a small sign indicating the turn for Old Indian Trail. This National Park trail features two loops, each about 2.5 miles, following a path established by early Native Americans between their camp and fishing sites. It’s a peaceful option for those seeking a quieter hike or with several days in the area.

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - Approaching the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, it is highly recommended to begin exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes here. Turn right onto West Front Street, the next street, and look for the bluish building and park signs on the left. The visitor center is easy to spot.

• Empire - The Empire State was a grand and fast steamer ship of its time, with 40-foot paddle wheels cutting through the water. Launched in 1848, it transported passengers in luxury from Chicago northward to destinations along the Great Lakes.

• Dune Climb - Approaching is one of the main attractions at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore—the Dune Climb. This nearly 300-ft dune is steep and one of the few areas in the park where climbing is encouraged. Ample parking is available, and the towering sand is easily visible. The sign is hard to miss.

• Alligator Hill Trail - An interesting side trip is the Alligator Hill hike. This gentle uphill trail leads to the Islands Lookout, offering views of the Manitou Islands on a clear day. The hike to the lookout is about 3 miles roundtrip.

• Glen Arbor - Tourism flourished in the early 1900s and continues today. Glen Arbor boasts art galleries, wine and cider tasting rooms, and cafes, making it a charming spot to spend the night if not in a rush to continue along the lakeshore.

• North Manitou Island - The Manitou Islands have been mentioned a few times, so here are more details on these Lake Michigan treasures. Both islands are part of Sleeping Bear Lakeshore and are largely uninhabited.

• Pyramid Point Trail - The turn for Port Oneida Beach and Pyramid Point is first. Pyramid Point offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. It’s a three-mile hike from the trailhead, well worth it for the panoramic lake views.

• Manitou Passage Golf Club - The Manitou Islands were discussed earlier, but the waterway separating the islands from mainland Michigan—the Manitou Passage—has yet to be covered. In the mid-1800s to early 1900s, maritime trade thrived, with Lake Michigan’s waters bustling with ships carrying goods.

• Good Harbor Bay Trail - About a mile ahead is a turnoff for Good Harbor Beach on the left. The beach is perfect for a stroll, swim, or sunset viewing. Swimmers should be cautious of waves and rip currents, as there are no lifeguards.

• Leelanau Peninsula - The Leelanau Peninsula and county were named by Henry Schoolcraft, Michigan’s Indian agent in the 1820s, who acted as a liaison between the US government and Native American tribes. While living in Sault Ste. Marie, he met his wife, Jane Johnston.

• Historic Fishtown - Approaching the town of Leland, a walk through the historic Fishtown is a must. Leland is built on one of the oldest Ottawa villages in the Great Lakes region. The Leland River’s flow into Lake Michigan created a natural fish ladder, making it a popular fishing ground.

• Beaver Island - The Manitou Islands are just two of the many islands in Lake Michigan. The largest is Beaver Island, north of the Leelanau Peninsula, with a fascinating history, including a period as a self-proclaimed theocratic monarchy.

• Northport - Approaching Northport, a village on Grand Traverse Bay with a rich history. Northport was settled in the mid-1800s after a state-wide smallpox epidemic prompted settlers to disperse.

• Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum - Philo Beers became the second lighthouse keeper after David Moon, who resigned after about 8 months. Lighthouse life isn’t for everyone.

• Peshawbestown - Soon, the Grand Traverse Indian Reservation will be visible. It is just south of the original settlement at Omena, led by Reverend Dougherty. Later, a different group of Odawa people moved to what was called Eagle Town, renamed Peshawbestown after their Chief, Peshaba.

• Suttons Bay - Ahead is Suttons Bay, named after Harry C Sutton, who founded the port in 1854. Originally called Suttonsburg, it served as a “gas station” stop for steamer ships, loading cordwood for ships that burned wood to heat their boilers.

• Traverse City - Approaching Traverse City, located at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, there is much to see and do. Hopefully, a few days are planned here, perhaps using it as a basecamp to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Leelanau Peninsula.

• Dennos Museum Center - The museum hosts a variety of visiting and rotating exhibits. Past exhibits have featured glass artist Dale Chihuly, Mathias J. Alten, Orna Ben-Ami, the first female military correspondent for Army Radio, Andy Warhol, and the traveling Bodies Human exhibit.

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Discover the stunning wilderness of Michigan with a self-guided driving tour along the shores of Lake Michigan. Marvel at the breathtaking Sleeping Bear Dunes, a vast area of towering sand dunes. Explore the renowned Point Betsie Lighthouse and enjoy the tranquil and picturesque views of the Manitou Islands. There’s so much more to experience! It’s the perfect way to explore Lake Michigan.

After booking, be sure to check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action. Enter your unique password to access your tour. These steps require a reliable internet/Wi-Fi connection. Then, simply follow the audio instructions and the designated route.

Purchase once and enjoy for a full year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.

Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.

• How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). • Download the separate tour app by Action • Enter the password sent by email and text. • MUST download the tour while in strong wifi/cellular. • Works offline after download.
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Driving tours: purchase just one tour for everyone in the car
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
• Audio Setup: Connect your phone to your car’s stereo system using Bluetooth, USB, or AUX. For the best experience, consider using headphones for walking tours. Audio playback is compatible with Apple CarPlay, with navigation features coming soon. Support for Android Auto is also on the way.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.