Afisha Life | Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 Self-guided Driving Audio Tour

1

Great Lakes Bay

Michigan sits in the heart of the Great Lakes, one of America's most interesting and in my opinion underappreciated natural wonders. By area, the Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and contain 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. The lakes are all connected, and if you follow the smaller lakes and rivers that drain them, eventually you'll reach the Atlantic Ocean. NOTE: This 120-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Michigan in 5-6 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

2

Lake

Michiganders love to use their hands as maps to show where they’re from. Hold up your left hand, and make a mitten-type shape with your palm facing away from you. Congratulations, you just created a map of the lower peninsula. This tour takes us along the outside of your hand, on the pinky-finger side.

3

Portage

Coming up ahead is Portage Lake, a perfect encapsulation of the blessings and curses of lumber in Michigan’s history. The timber industry was booming in the mid-1800s, and lumber mills popped up in small settlements all along Lake Michigan’s coast. Trees made their way to mills for processing and were then shipped to cities via the Great Lakes. One of these sawmills was on Porter Lake.

4

Crystal Lake Alpacas

Crystal Lake was originally a bay on Lake Michigan before sand dunes closed it off around 2,000 years ago. Not to be deterred by a little geology, Archibald Jones, an entrepreneur and founder of the Benzie County River Improvement Company, wanted to remove the sands between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.

5

Frankfort Beach

If you’re in search of a beach stop, Continue straight on Forest Avenue until you hit the water. There's a small parking lot for Frankfort Public Beach, which is a nice stretch of sand along Lake Michigan. There's also the picturesque Frankfort lighthouse and pier just offshore.

6

Point Betsie Lighthouse

one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and it's surrounded by a particularly nice stretch of sandy beach. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds and guided tours are offered Memorial Day weekend through late October for a small fee.

7

Sleeping Bear Dunes

One of the top highlights of M22 is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I'm guessing it is one of the reasons you've decided to drive this stretch of scenic road so I'm going to fill you in on some of its details before we arrive.

8

Old Indian Trail

Keep a lookout for a small sign marking the turn for Old Indian Trail. This National Park trail has two, roughly 2.5-mile loops that follow a portion of a path that early Native Americans established between their camp and fishing sites. It's a nice option for folks who are looking for a quieter hike or if you have several days in the area.

9

Empire

The Empire State was one of the largest and fastest steamer ships of its day, with 40-foot paddle wheels slicing through the water. It was launched in 1848 and carried passengers in luxury from Chicago northward, to destinations along the Great Lakes.

10

Dune Climb

Coming up is one of the biggest draws at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore–the Dune climb. The nearly 300-ft dune is steep and one of the few places in the park where climbing on dunes is encouraged. There’s plenty of parking and you’ll see the towering sand right away. You won't miss the sign.

11

Glen Arbor

Tourism was big in the early 1900s and still is today. Glen Arbor has quite a few art galleries, several wine and cider tasting rooms, and cafes, and it's a lovely spot to spend the night if you're not in a hurry to continue along the lakeshore.

12

Pyramid Point Trail

First is the turn for Port Oneida Beach and Pyramid Point. Pyramid Point offers one of the most gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It's about a three-mile hike from the trailhead and totally worth it for the panoramic views of the lake.

13

Manitou Passage Golf Club

I talked a bit about the Manitou Islands earlier on our tour but have yet to chat much about the waterway separating the islands from mainland Michigan - the Manitou Passage. Well, in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, maritime trade was booming and the waters of Lake Michigan were teeming with ships carrying goods.

14

Good Harbor Bay Trail

About a mile ahead is a turnoff for Good Harbor Beach, on your left hand side. The beach is a lovely place for a stroll, swim, or viewing the sunset. If you swim, be wary of waves and rip current-- there's no lifeguards, so use caution.

15

Leelanau Peninsula

Leelanau peninsula and county was named by Henry Schoolcraft, who served as Michigan’s Indian agent in the 1820s, acting as a go-between with the US government and Native American tribes. When he was assigned to live in Sault Ste. Marie, he met his wife Jane Johnston.

16

Beaver Island

The Manitou Islands are only two of the many islands that grace Lake Michigan's waters. The largest is Beaver Island located north of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has quite an interesting history including a stint as a self-proclaimed theocratic monarchy.

17

Northport

You are approaching Northport, a village on Grand Traverse Bay that has quite an interesting history. Northport was settled back in the mid-1800s after a state-wide epidemic of smallpox hastened a mass scattering of settlers.

18

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

A man named Philo Beers was the 2nd lighthouse keeper, after taking the job from David Moon, who only lasted about 8 months before calling it quits. The lighthouse life isn’t for everyone.

19

Peshawbestown

In a few moments, you will be passing through a portion of the Grand Traverse Indian Reservation. As you can see, it's just south of the original settlement at Omena led by Reverend Dougherty. Later, a different group of Odawa people moved in to what was called Eagle Town but was renamed, and continues to be called Peshawbestown after their Chief, Peshaba.

20

Suttons Bay

Ahead is the town of Suttons Bay. As the name implies, the town was named after a person, Harry C Sutton, who founded the port in 1854. Originally the town was called Suttonsburg, and it was considered a “gas station” stop for steamer ships. Cordwood was loaded onto ships that burned wood to heat their boilers.

21

Traverse City

Alright, you are approaching Traverse City, a city that sits at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, and let me tell you there is a lot to see and do here. Hopefully, you're planning on staying for a few days and maybe you're using it as a basecamp to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes and the rest of the Leelanau Peninsula.

22

Dennos Museum Center

The museum also hosts a wide-array of visiting and rotating exhibits. Past temporary exhibits included glass artist Dale Chihuly, Mathias J. Alten, Orna Ben-Ami who was the first female military correspondent for Army Radio, Andy Warhol, and the traveling Bodies Human exhibit.

23

Great Lakes Bay

Michigan sits in the heart of the Great Lakes, one of America's most interesting and in my opinion underappreciated natural wonders. By area, the Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and contain 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. The lakes are all connected, and if you follow the smaller lakes and rivers that drain them, eventually you'll reach the Atlantic Ocean. NOTE: This 120-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Michigan in 5-6 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

24

Lake

Michiganders love to use their hands as maps to show where they’re from. Hold up your left hand, and make a mitten-type shape with your palm facing away from you. Congratulations, you just created a map of the lower peninsula. This tour takes us along the outside of your hand, on the pinky-finger side.

25

Portage

Coming up ahead is Portage Lake, a perfect encapsulation of the blessings and curses of lumber in Michigan’s history. The timber industry was booming in the mid-1800s, and lumber mills popped up in small settlements all along Lake Michigan’s coast. Trees made their way to mills for processing and were then shipped to cities via the Great Lakes. One of these sawmills was on Porter Lake.

26

Crystal Lake Alpacas

Crystal Lake was originally a bay on Lake Michigan before sand dunes closed it off around 2,000 years ago. Not to be deterred by a little geology, Archibald Jones, an entrepreneur and founder of the Benzie County River Improvement Company, wanted to remove the sands between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.

27

Frankfort Beach

If you’re in search of a beach stop, Continue straight on Forest Avenue until you hit the water. There's a small parking lot for Frankfort Public Beach, which is a nice stretch of sand along Lake Michigan. There's also the picturesque Frankfort lighthouse and pier just offshore.

28

Point Betsie Lighthouse

one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and it's surrounded by a particularly nice stretch of sandy beach. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds and guided tours are offered Memorial Day weekend through late October for a small fee.

29

Sleeping Bear Dunes

One of the top highlights of M22 is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I'm guessing it is one of the reasons you've decided to drive this stretch of scenic road so I'm going to fill you in on some of its details before we arrive.

30

Old Indian Trail

Keep a lookout for a small sign marking the turn for Old Indian Trail. This National Park trail has two, roughly 2.5-mile loops that follow a portion of a path that early Native Americans established between their camp and fishing sites. It's a nice option for folks who are looking for a quieter hike or if you have several days in the area.

31

Empire

The Empire State was one of the largest and fastest steamer ships of its day, with 40-foot paddle wheels slicing through the water. It was launched in 1848 and carried passengers in luxury from Chicago northward, to destinations along the Great Lakes.

32

Dune Climb

Coming up is one of the biggest draws at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore–the Dune climb. The nearly 300-ft dune is steep and one of the few places in the park where climbing on dunes is encouraged. There’s plenty of parking and you’ll see the towering sand right away. You won't miss the sign.

33

Glen Arbor

Tourism was big in the early 1900s and still is today. Glen Arbor has quite a few art galleries, several wine and cider tasting rooms, and cafes, and it's a lovely spot to spend the night if you're not in a hurry to continue along the lakeshore.

34

Pyramid Point Trail

First is the turn for Port Oneida Beach and Pyramid Point. Pyramid Point offers one of the most gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It's about a three-mile hike from the trailhead and totally worth it for the panoramic views of the lake.

35

Manitou Passage Golf Club

I talked a bit about the Manitou Islands earlier on our tour but have yet to chat much about the waterway separating the islands from mainland Michigan - the Manitou Passage. Well, in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, maritime trade was booming and the waters of Lake Michigan were teeming with ships carrying goods.

36

Good Harbor Bay Trail

About a mile ahead is a turnoff for Good Harbor Beach, on your left hand side. The beach is a lovely place for a stroll, swim, or viewing the sunset. If you swim, be wary of waves and rip current-- there's no lifeguards, so use caution.

37

Leelanau Peninsula

Leelanau peninsula and county was named by Henry Schoolcraft, who served as Michigan’s Indian agent in the 1820s, acting as a go-between with the US government and Native American tribes. When he was assigned to live in Sault Ste. Marie, he met his wife Jane Johnston.

38

Beaver Island

The Manitou Islands are only two of the many islands that grace Lake Michigan's waters. The largest is Beaver Island located north of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has quite an interesting history including a stint as a self-proclaimed theocratic monarchy.

39

Northport

You are approaching Northport, a village on Grand Traverse Bay that has quite an interesting history. Northport was settled back in the mid-1800s after a state-wide epidemic of smallpox hastened a mass scattering of settlers.

40

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

A man named Philo Beers was the 2nd lighthouse keeper, after taking the job from David Moon, who only lasted about 8 months before calling it quits. The lighthouse life isn’t for everyone.

41

Peshawbestown

In a few moments, you will be passing through a portion of the Grand Traverse Indian Reservation. As you can see, it's just south of the original settlement at Omena led by Reverend Dougherty. Later, a different group of Odawa people moved in to what was called Eagle Town but was renamed, and continues to be called Peshawbestown after their Chief, Peshaba.

42

Suttons Bay

Ahead is the town of Suttons Bay. As the name implies, the town was named after a person, Harry C Sutton, who founded the port in 1854. Originally the town was called Suttonsburg, and it was considered a “gas station” stop for steamer ships. Cordwood was loaded onto ships that burned wood to heat their boilers.

43

Traverse City

Alright, you are approaching Traverse City, a city that sits at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, and let me tell you there is a lot to see and do here. Hopefully, you're planning on staying for a few days and maybe you're using it as a basecamp to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes and the rest of the Leelanau Peninsula.

44

Dennos Museum Center

The museum also hosts a wide-array of visiting and rotating exhibits. Past temporary exhibits included glass artist Dale Chihuly, Mathias J. Alten, Orna Ben-Ami who was the first female military correspondent for Army Radio, Andy Warhol, and the traveling Bodies Human exhibit.

45

Great Lakes Bay

Michigan sits in the heart of the Great Lakes, one of America's most interesting and in my opinion underappreciated natural wonders. By area, the Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and contain 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. The lakes are all connected, and if you follow the smaller lakes and rivers that drain them, eventually you'll reach the Atlantic Ocean. NOTE: This 120-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Michigan in 5-6 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

46

Lake

Michiganders love to use their hands as maps to show where they’re from. Hold up your left hand, and make a mitten-type shape with your palm facing away from you. Congratulations, you just created a map of the lower peninsula. This tour takes us along the outside of your hand, on the pinky-finger side.

47

Portage

Coming up ahead is Portage Lake, a perfect encapsulation of the blessings and curses of lumber in Michigan’s history. The timber industry was booming in the mid-1800s, and lumber mills popped up in small settlements all along Lake Michigan’s coast. Trees made their way to mills for processing and were then shipped to cities via the Great Lakes. One of these sawmills was on Porter Lake.

48

Crystal Lake Alpacas

Crystal Lake was originally a bay on Lake Michigan before sand dunes closed it off around 2,000 years ago. Not to be deterred by a little geology, Archibald Jones, an entrepreneur and founder of the Benzie County River Improvement Company, wanted to remove the sands between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.

49

Frankfort Beach

If you’re in search of a beach stop, Continue straight on Forest Avenue until you hit the water. There's a small parking lot for Frankfort Public Beach, which is a nice stretch of sand along Lake Michigan. There's also the picturesque Frankfort lighthouse and pier just offshore.

50

Point Betsie Lighthouse

one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and it's surrounded by a particularly nice stretch of sandy beach. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds and guided tours are offered Memorial Day weekend through late October for a small fee.

51

Sleeping Bear Dunes

One of the top highlights of M22 is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I'm guessing it is one of the reasons you've decided to drive this stretch of scenic road so I'm going to fill you in on some of its details before we arrive.

52

Old Indian Trail

Keep a lookout for a small sign marking the turn for Old Indian Trail. This National Park trail has two, roughly 2.5-mile loops that follow a portion of a path that early Native Americans established between their camp and fishing sites. It's a nice option for folks who are looking for a quieter hike or if you have several days in the area.

53

Empire

The Empire State was one of the largest and fastest steamer ships of its day, with 40-foot paddle wheels slicing through the water. It was launched in 1848 and carried passengers in luxury from Chicago northward, to destinations along the Great Lakes.

54

Dune Climb

Coming up is one of the biggest draws at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore–the Dune climb. The nearly 300-ft dune is steep and one of the few places in the park where climbing on dunes is encouraged. There’s plenty of parking and you’ll see the towering sand right away. You won't miss the sign.

55

Glen Arbor

Tourism was big in the early 1900s and still is today. Glen Arbor has quite a few art galleries, several wine and cider tasting rooms, and cafes, and it's a lovely spot to spend the night if you're not in a hurry to continue along the lakeshore.

56

Pyramid Point Trail

First is the turn for Port Oneida Beach and Pyramid Point. Pyramid Point offers one of the most gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It's about a three-mile hike from the trailhead and totally worth it for the panoramic views of the lake.

57

Manitou Passage Golf Club

I talked a bit about the Manitou Islands earlier on our tour but have yet to chat much about the waterway separating the islands from mainland Michigan - the Manitou Passage. Well, in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, maritime trade was booming and the waters of Lake Michigan were teeming with ships carrying goods.

58

Good Harbor Bay Trail

About a mile ahead is a turnoff for Good Harbor Beach, on your left hand side. The beach is a lovely place for a stroll, swim, or viewing the sunset. If you swim, be wary of waves and rip current-- there's no lifeguards, so use caution.

59

Leelanau Peninsula

Leelanau peninsula and county was named by Henry Schoolcraft, who served as Michigan’s Indian agent in the 1820s, acting as a go-between with the US government and Native American tribes. When he was assigned to live in Sault Ste. Marie, he met his wife Jane Johnston.

60

Beaver Island

The Manitou Islands are only two of the many islands that grace Lake Michigan's waters. The largest is Beaver Island located north of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has quite an interesting history including a stint as a self-proclaimed theocratic monarchy.

61

Northport

You are approaching Northport, a village on Grand Traverse Bay that has quite an interesting history. Northport was settled back in the mid-1800s after a state-wide epidemic of smallpox hastened a mass scattering of settlers.

62

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

A man named Philo Beers was the 2nd lighthouse keeper, after taking the job from David Moon, who only lasted about 8 months before calling it quits. The lighthouse life isn’t for everyone.

63

Peshawbestown

In a few moments, you will be passing through a portion of the Grand Traverse Indian Reservation. As you can see, it's just south of the original settlement at Omena led by Reverend Dougherty. Later, a different group of Odawa people moved in to what was called Eagle Town but was renamed, and continues to be called Peshawbestown after their Chief, Peshaba.

64

Suttons Bay

Ahead is the town of Suttons Bay. As the name implies, the town was named after a person, Harry C Sutton, who founded the port in 1854. Originally the town was called Suttonsburg, and it was considered a “gas station” stop for steamer ships. Cordwood was loaded onto ships that burned wood to heat their boilers.

65

Traverse City

Alright, you are approaching Traverse City, a city that sits at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, and let me tell you there is a lot to see and do here. Hopefully, you're planning on staying for a few days and maybe you're using it as a basecamp to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes and the rest of the Leelanau Peninsula.

66

Dennos Museum Center

The museum also hosts a wide-array of visiting and rotating exhibits. Past temporary exhibits included glass artist Dale Chihuly, Mathias J. Alten, Orna Ben-Ami who was the first female military correspondent for Army Radio, Andy Warhol, and the traveling Bodies Human exhibit.

67

Great Lakes Bay

Michigan sits in the heart of the Great Lakes, one of America's most interesting and in my opinion underappreciated natural wonders. By area, the Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and contain 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. The lakes are all connected, and if you follow the smaller lakes and rivers that drain them, eventually you'll reach the Atlantic Ocean. NOTE: This 120-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Michigan in 5-6 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

68

Lake

Michiganders love to use their hands as maps to show where they’re from. Hold up your left hand, and make a mitten-type shape with your palm facing away from you. Congratulations, you just created a map of the lower peninsula. This tour takes us along the outside of your hand, on the pinky-finger side.

69

Portage

Coming up ahead is Portage Lake, a perfect encapsulation of the blessings and curses of lumber in Michigan’s history. The timber industry was booming in the mid-1800s, and lumber mills popped up in small settlements all along Lake Michigan’s coast. Trees made their way to mills for processing and were then shipped to cities via the Great Lakes. One of these sawmills was on Porter Lake.

70

Crystal Lake Alpacas

Crystal Lake was originally a bay on Lake Michigan before sand dunes closed it off around 2,000 years ago. Not to be deterred by a little geology, Archibald Jones, an entrepreneur and founder of the Benzie County River Improvement Company, wanted to remove the sands between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.

71

Frankfort Beach

If you’re in search of a beach stop, Continue straight on Forest Avenue until you hit the water. There's a small parking lot for Frankfort Public Beach, which is a nice stretch of sand along Lake Michigan. There's also the picturesque Frankfort lighthouse and pier just offshore.

72

Point Betsie Lighthouse

one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and it's surrounded by a particularly nice stretch of sandy beach. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds and guided tours are offered Memorial Day weekend through late October for a small fee.

73

Sleeping Bear Dunes

One of the top highlights of M22 is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I'm guessing it is one of the reasons you've decided to drive this stretch of scenic road so I'm going to fill you in on some of its details before we arrive.

74

Old Indian Trail

Keep a lookout for a small sign marking the turn for Old Indian Trail. This National Park trail has two, roughly 2.5-mile loops that follow a portion of a path that early Native Americans established between their camp and fishing sites. It's a nice option for folks who are looking for a quieter hike or if you have several days in the area.

75

Empire

The Empire State was one of the largest and fastest steamer ships of its day, with 40-foot paddle wheels slicing through the water. It was launched in 1848 and carried passengers in luxury from Chicago northward, to destinations along the Great Lakes.

76

Dune Climb

Coming up is one of the biggest draws at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore–the Dune climb. The nearly 300-ft dune is steep and one of the few places in the park where climbing on dunes is encouraged. There’s plenty of parking and you’ll see the towering sand right away. You won't miss the sign.

77

Glen Arbor

Tourism was big in the early 1900s and still is today. Glen Arbor has quite a few art galleries, several wine and cider tasting rooms, and cafes, and it's a lovely spot to spend the night if you're not in a hurry to continue along the lakeshore.

78

Pyramid Point Trail

First is the turn for Port Oneida Beach and Pyramid Point. Pyramid Point offers one of the most gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It's about a three-mile hike from the trailhead and totally worth it for the panoramic views of the lake.

79

Manitou Passage Golf Club

I talked a bit about the Manitou Islands earlier on our tour but have yet to chat much about the waterway separating the islands from mainland Michigan - the Manitou Passage. Well, in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, maritime trade was booming and the waters of Lake Michigan were teeming with ships carrying goods.

80

Good Harbor Bay Trail

About a mile ahead is a turnoff for Good Harbor Beach, on your left hand side. The beach is a lovely place for a stroll, swim, or viewing the sunset. If you swim, be wary of waves and rip current-- there's no lifeguards, so use caution.

81

Leelanau Peninsula

Leelanau peninsula and county was named by Henry Schoolcraft, who served as Michigan’s Indian agent in the 1820s, acting as a go-between with the US government and Native American tribes. When he was assigned to live in Sault Ste. Marie, he met his wife Jane Johnston.

82

Beaver Island

The Manitou Islands are only two of the many islands that grace Lake Michigan's waters. The largest is Beaver Island located north of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has quite an interesting history including a stint as a self-proclaimed theocratic monarchy.

83

Northport

You are approaching Northport, a village on Grand Traverse Bay that has quite an interesting history. Northport was settled back in the mid-1800s after a state-wide epidemic of smallpox hastened a mass scattering of settlers.

84

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

A man named Philo Beers was the 2nd lighthouse keeper, after taking the job from David Moon, who only lasted about 8 months before calling it quits. The lighthouse life isn’t for everyone.

85

Peshawbestown

In a few moments, you will be passing through a portion of the Grand Traverse Indian Reservation. As you can see, it's just south of the original settlement at Omena led by Reverend Dougherty. Later, a different group of Odawa people moved in to what was called Eagle Town but was renamed, and continues to be called Peshawbestown after their Chief, Peshaba.

86

Suttons Bay

Ahead is the town of Suttons Bay. As the name implies, the town was named after a person, Harry C Sutton, who founded the port in 1854. Originally the town was called Suttonsburg, and it was considered a “gas station” stop for steamer ships. Cordwood was loaded onto ships that burned wood to heat their boilers.

87

Traverse City

Alright, you are approaching Traverse City, a city that sits at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, and let me tell you there is a lot to see and do here. Hopefully, you're planning on staying for a few days and maybe you're using it as a basecamp to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes and the rest of the Leelanau Peninsula.

88

Dennos Museum Center

The museum also hosts a wide-array of visiting and rotating exhibits. Past temporary exhibits included glass artist Dale Chihuly, Mathias J. Alten, Orna Ben-Ami who was the first female military correspondent for Army Radio, Andy Warhol, and the traveling Bodies Human exhibit.

89

Great Lakes Bay

Michigan sits in the heart of the Great Lakes, one of America's most interesting and in my opinion underappreciated natural wonders. By area, the Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and contain 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. The lakes are all connected, and if you follow the smaller lakes and rivers that drain them, eventually you'll reach the Atlantic Ocean. NOTE: This 120-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Michigan in 5-6 hours. Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.

90

Lake

Michiganders love to use their hands as maps to show where they’re from. Hold up your left hand, and make a mitten-type shape with your palm facing away from you. Congratulations, you just created a map of the lower peninsula. This tour takes us along the outside of your hand, on the pinky-finger side.

91

Portage

Coming up ahead is Portage Lake, a perfect encapsulation of the blessings and curses of lumber in Michigan’s history. The timber industry was booming in the mid-1800s, and lumber mills popped up in small settlements all along Lake Michigan’s coast. Trees made their way to mills for processing and were then shipped to cities via the Great Lakes. One of these sawmills was on Porter Lake.

92

Crystal Lake Alpacas

Crystal Lake was originally a bay on Lake Michigan before sand dunes closed it off around 2,000 years ago. Not to be deterred by a little geology, Archibald Jones, an entrepreneur and founder of the Benzie County River Improvement Company, wanted to remove the sands between Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan.

93

Frankfort Beach

If you’re in search of a beach stop, Continue straight on Forest Avenue until you hit the water. There's a small parking lot for Frankfort Public Beach, which is a nice stretch of sand along Lake Michigan. There's also the picturesque Frankfort lighthouse and pier just offshore.

94

Point Betsie Lighthouse

one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and it's surrounded by a particularly nice stretch of sandy beach. Visitors are welcome to tour the grounds and guided tours are offered Memorial Day weekend through late October for a small fee.

95

Sleeping Bear Dunes

One of the top highlights of M22 is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I'm guessing it is one of the reasons you've decided to drive this stretch of scenic road so I'm going to fill you in on some of its details before we arrive.

96

Old Indian Trail

Keep a lookout for a small sign marking the turn for Old Indian Trail. This National Park trail has two, roughly 2.5-mile loops that follow a portion of a path that early Native Americans established between their camp and fishing sites. It's a nice option for folks who are looking for a quieter hike or if you have several days in the area.

97

Empire

The Empire State was one of the largest and fastest steamer ships of its day, with 40-foot paddle wheels slicing through the water. It was launched in 1848 and carried passengers in luxury from Chicago northward, to destinations along the Great Lakes.

98

Dune Climb

Coming up is one of the biggest draws at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore–the Dune climb. The nearly 300-ft dune is steep and one of the few places in the park where climbing on dunes is encouraged. There’s plenty of parking and you’ll see the towering sand right away. You won't miss the sign.

99

Glen Arbor

Tourism was big in the early 1900s and still is today. Glen Arbor has quite a few art galleries, several wine and cider tasting rooms, and cafes, and it's a lovely spot to spend the night if you're not in a hurry to continue along the lakeshore.

100

Pyramid Point Trail

First is the turn for Port Oneida Beach and Pyramid Point. Pyramid Point offers one of the most gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. It's about a three-mile hike from the trailhead and totally worth it for the panoramic views of the lake.

101

Manitou Passage Golf Club

I talked a bit about the Manitou Islands earlier on our tour but have yet to chat much about the waterway separating the islands from mainland Michigan - the Manitou Passage. Well, in the mid-1800s to early 1900s, maritime trade was booming and the waters of Lake Michigan were teeming with ships carrying goods.

102

Good Harbor Bay Trail

About a mile ahead is a turnoff for Good Harbor Beach, on your left hand side. The beach is a lovely place for a stroll, swim, or viewing the sunset. If you swim, be wary of waves and rip current-- there's no lifeguards, so use caution.

103

Leelanau Peninsula

Leelanau peninsula and county was named by Henry Schoolcraft, who served as Michigan’s Indian agent in the 1820s, acting as a go-between with the US government and Native American tribes. When he was assigned to live in Sault Ste. Marie, he met his wife Jane Johnston.

104

Beaver Island

The Manitou Islands are only two of the many islands that grace Lake Michigan's waters. The largest is Beaver Island located north of the Leelanau Peninsula. It has quite an interesting history including a stint as a self-proclaimed theocratic monarchy.

105

Northport

You are approaching Northport, a village on Grand Traverse Bay that has quite an interesting history. Northport was settled back in the mid-1800s after a state-wide epidemic of smallpox hastened a mass scattering of settlers.

106

Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum

A man named Philo Beers was the 2nd lighthouse keeper, after taking the job from David Moon, who only lasted about 8 months before calling it quits. The lighthouse life isn’t for everyone.

107

Peshawbestown

In a few moments, you will be passing through a portion of the Grand Traverse Indian Reservation. As you can see, it's just south of the original settlement at Omena led by Reverend Dougherty. Later, a different group of Odawa people moved in to what was called Eagle Town but was renamed, and continues to be called Peshawbestown after their Chief, Peshaba.

108

Suttons Bay

Ahead is the town of Suttons Bay. As the name implies, the town was named after a person, Harry C Sutton, who founded the port in 1854. Originally the town was called Suttonsburg, and it was considered a “gas station” stop for steamer ships. Cordwood was loaded onto ships that burned wood to heat their boilers.

109

Traverse City

Alright, you are approaching Traverse City, a city that sits at the head of the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, and let me tell you there is a lot to see and do here. Hopefully, you're planning on staying for a few days and maybe you're using it as a basecamp to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes and the rest of the Leelanau Peninsula.

110

Dennos Museum Center

The museum also hosts a wide-array of visiting and rotating exhibits. Past temporary exhibits included glass artist Dale Chihuly, Mathias J. Alten, Orna Ben-Ami who was the first female military correspondent for Army Radio, Andy Warhol, and the traveling Bodies Human exhibit.

Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 Self-guided Driving Audio Tour

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