Tunnel of Trees in Michigan – How to Visit?

The Tunnel of Trees is one of northern Michigan’s not-so-best-kept-secrets.

You will find this beautiful scenic route north of Harbor Springs under a leafy canopy of hardwood trees and leaves…deep greens in spring and summer, and gorgeous reds and goldens in autumn.

Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees makes a great spot for Michigan Fall Color Tour. It’s also worth visiting in the summer and winter.

Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees is a great place to enjoy scenic drives.

Come join us for a tour of northern Michigan and the Tunnel of Trees scenic heritage trail.

What is Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees and how does it work?

Michigan’s scenic roads, like the Tunnel of Trees, are an unforgettable travel experience.

Follow the M-119 to Harbor Springs, where you will find a narrow road that runs along the Michigan border. It is surrounded by 20 miles of forest and color.

This road trip is perfect for autumn because of the colors in the trees, but you can also enjoy spring and summer scenery.

The M-119 Tunnel of Trees offers a weekend escape with beach, forest and dunes. It could also be a bluff looking out at the deep blue Lake Michigan or a log cabin hidden under the hardwoods.

Continue reading to learn all you need about taking a memorable drive through the Tunnel of Trees.

Take a trip through the Tunnel of Trees

How would it feel to travel from Harbor Springs, through the Tunnel of Trees’ leafy canopy to Cross Village (or vice versa) on a pure Michigan road trip?

So you know what to expect, we’ve created the perfect trip plan around the Tunnel of Trees.

We have included places to go near the tunnel, as well as places to stay before and during the drive.

Below is a map that shows you the best places to visit along the scenic route. It can be used to help you plan your exploration of Michigan’s scenic heritage routes.

Get started on your Tunnel of Trees journey here

We recommend that you start your Tunnel of Trees Drive in Petoskey. Follow the US-31 through town to reach M-119.

Continue north on M-119 via Harbor Springs, and continue north through Good Hart to Cross Village.

Petoskey (MI): Your Tunnel of Trees Start Point

If you are coming from the south side of Michigan you will reach Petoskey on the shores Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay.

Take some time to visit Petoskey as you travel up the Tunnel of Trees scenic route. There is so much to do in this charming town, including exploring downtown Petoskey’s Gaslight Village and Bayfront Park.

If you are interested in learning more about Petoskey’s historical site, the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau can be a good place to start. We also have two guides to help you explore this area.

Our Ultimate Petoskey Travel Guide has the most up-to-date information on where to stay, play and eat in Petoskey.

Petoskey Area Attractions

Before you go to the trees on M119, check out these fun places in Petoskey.

Bear River Valley Recreation
Bear River is your next stop on the M-119 Michigan highway in Petoskey. Petoskey’s Bear River Valley recreation area is 1.5 miles full of beautiful nature walks, forested trails and rushing rapids.

Bear River is the perfect place to stop if you want to add some adventure to your trip by whitewater rafting, or just to relax in nature for an hour,

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Bear River from the observation deck.

Explore Petoskey’s beaches

Bear River is over. Petoskey State Park, on the shores Lake Michigan’s shores, will be waiting for you.

This park is more than just another state park. The Petoskey Stones, which can be found in the sand or in shallow water, are one of the city’s most striking features.

It is the state’s only stone. However, you will need to hunt along the shoreline a bit to find it. You can find out more about the state’s stone in our Guide for Hunting Michigan’s Petoskey Stones.

Stopping at the state park allows you to stop driving, stretch your legs and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Michigan.

Bay Harbor

Bay Harbor is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a longer stay in Petoskey.

This is a great spot to swim, sunbathe, and take in the views of Lake Michigan.

The luxurious Little Traverse Bay area forms a bridge between Charlevoix, and Petoskey. Make sure to visit this charming beach neighborhood!

Harbor Springs Michigan

Harbor Springs, a Bay Town on the Coast of Lake Michigan is home to many beautiful Michigan stops.

The charming, elegant downtown Harbor Springs is worth a visit.

Harbor Springs Spots You Must See

Pond Hill Farmis an idyllic, rustic café that offers visitors the chance to eat, drink and hunt for gnome homes with their children.

Pond Hills, Harbor Springs MI, is the ideal place to ski, fat tire bike and hike 1.5 miles of their trail loop in winter.

Take time to enjoy the market and the trails and stop by Pond Hill Farms for some delicious jams or wine!

Toms Moms Cookies is a charming shop that sells award-winning cookies ever since 1985.

For some tasty treats, stop by while you are on the road!

Gurneys Harbour Bottle Shop was established in 1792 and is a great place to stop for a quick meal or a rest from driving.

You can create your own sandwich here and choose from fresh bread, cheese, or meat.

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, another stop in Harbor Springs, is a great place to go for a boardwalk through the forest or along the beach.

The nature preserve covers 30 acres of lush green grass and white waves.

Thorne Swift is the best place to go if you are interested in hiking trails!

Stafford’s Pier Restaurant offers a spectacular waterfront seafood restaurant that features three indoor dining areas and a deck.

This historic restaurant celebrates Harbor Springs’ maritime heritage while offering beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay.

Boyne Highlands Ski Resort is an area for skiing, biking, golfing and ziplining. If you’re looking to spend more time in Harbor Springs while on your way to Tunnel of Trees, it offers a luxurious place for you to stay.

Boyne Highlands offers a Tunnel of Trees Color Excursion Tour if you are ready to begin your journey on M119 Harbor Springs!

Tunnel of Trees Route M-119

The Tunnel of Trees, along M119, is the final reason you came.

For a more complete experience, we recommend driving it multiple times and in different seasons.

You will be amazed at the beauty of these trees in their natural setting. Each glance out your car’s window will bring you new things.

The M119 is a magical canopy that extends over the road from the evergreens and hardwoods.

This highway runs alongside the Michigan Great Lake, making it one of the most beautiful in Michigan. You might be more interested in biking or hiking if you only do a small portion of the Tunnel of Trees.

Driving straight through the Tunnel of Trees can be a great choice, but there are some other places you might want to check out nearby to make your wooded adventure even more thrilling.

Crooked River
You can make your way up or down the Tunnel of Trees heritage trail, but head east for a few miles towards the Crooked River. This river connects Burt Lake with Crooked Lake.

You can kayak or canoe the river to see Michigan wildlife up close (including deer, herons, and herons). As the river flows through Emmet County, you’ll be able to paddle through Devils Elbow.

Good Hart MI

You don’t need to blink or it will be gone.

The town of Good Hart, also known as Middle Village to the Odawa Native Americans in the area is a great place to stop along your journey through the tunnel.

Good Hart General Store
The Good Hart General Store is a great place to shop for gifts, apparel, and other Michigan-made items. You can’t miss their gourmet pot pies, and other homemade treats.

St. Ignatius Church
This church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. It is one of the four Catholic communities that make up L’Arbre Croche. Nearby is a Native American burial ground with a path that leads to Lake Michigan Beach and Middle Village Park. This tranquil, windswept beach on Lake Michigan is a must-see place along your vacation.

A Studio Shop
The seasonal gift shop has a unique and diverse selection. This is a great place to stop. You never know what you might find.

Good Hart Glassworks
The gallery and studio offer educational demonstrations on the glassblowing process. Take some time to look through the beautiful hand-blown pieces.

Things to Do in Cross Village, MI

Harbor Springs and Cross Village mark the end of the Tunnel of Trees’ incredible journey.

Cross Village offers many opportunities to make memories, whether you are starting or ending your journey.

Look out for the tall, white cross that overlooks Lake Michigan at Cross Village’s beach. Tourists love to see it if they come across it.

These special spots are not to be missed on your Tunnel of Trees Tour.

Legs Inn
Legs Inn offers a relaxing place to end your Tunnel of Trees journey. Enjoy the beautiful colors and the fresh scent of the woods while you relax with house-made Polish and American cuisine, refreshing drinks, and live musical entertainment.

Three Pines Studio
To spark your intellectual side, take a look around Three Pines Art Studio and Gallery. Three Pines offers a peaceful and tranquil environment for people of all ages to enjoy art and browse the gardens. You can also stock up on craft supplies.

Sturgeon Bay
Sturgeon Bay is a few miles further north of the Tunnel of Trees but it’s well worth the extra drive. It offers all the joys of beach life, including bright blue waves and three miles of sand. There are also dunes that can be climbed.

Black Barn Farm
The farm is family-owned and operates with a focus on organic vegetables, herbs, pasture-raised eggs, and a wide variety of homemade pastas, pesto, and other products. For some homemade treats, visit their store.

Woolam Family Natural Preserve
This natural preserve, which covers 62 acres, offers 4000 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. Our picnic baskets are filled with goodies from the Good Hart General Store. We then head to this spot to enjoy the sunset while we eat.

This is the ideal place to end your Tunnel of Trees Tour.

You can travel north to Mackinaw City to catch a ferry to Mackinac Island. Or you can cross the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Tunnel of Trees F.A.Q.

Q. Where is the tunnel of Trees in Michigan?

A. Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees can be found along the 20-mile stretch of M-119 which runs along the scenic coast of Lake Michigan. There are many shops and art studios hidden in the trees, along with stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Q. Q. How long does it take for the Tunnel of Trees to pass?

A. It will take approximately 40 minutes to drive the 20-mile state highway without stopping. This is not the best way to experience this beautiful place. To fully explore this place, you will need to plan at least 4-5 hours.