MI Bucket List: Tunnel of Trees Michigan
Lauren Coin
| 3 min read
Have you added the Michigan Tunnel of Trees to your bucket list yet? This scenic route along the Lake Michigan coast spans from Harbor Springs to Cross Village and offers picturesque views, small town pitstops and outdoor adventures.
The 20-mile stretch of road is more formally known as M-119 and has been designated as a Scenic Heritage Route because of the local community’s dedication to preserving its charm.
The Tunnel of Trees is a must-see for Michiganders looking to unplug, slow down and immerse themselves in the state’s natural beauty.
How to get to the Tunnel of Trees
Many travelers begin their trip at the south end of the tunnel in Harbor Springs and head north toward Cross Village. Once in Harbor Springs, follow M-119 North. This becomes the Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route.
If you’re coming from Petoskey, the closest major town, head north on US-31, then turn onto M-119 North toward Harbor Springs.
The drive typically takes around 45 minutes, but you may want to allot more time to make stops along the way.
Nature trails
The Tunnel of Trees isn’t all about driving. There’s plenty of hiking and cycling trails, as well as nature preserves to explore. These trails vary in length and difficulty, so be sure to plan accordingly.
- Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
- Nass, Mauger, Raunecker & Leslie Nature Preserve Complex
- Hoogland Family Nature Preserve
- Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve
- Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve
- Woollam Family Nature Preserve
- Watson & Joseph J. Schott Nature Preserve
Shopping and dining
If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a souvenir to bring home, the Tunnel of Trees route goes past many small businesses.
Bring the whole family to Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs to visit a petting zoo, pick produce from gardens and listen to live music on Saturday nights. In the colder months, you can try sledding or snowshoeing. The farm also features a café to enjoy a good meal during the drive.
Shop around at Good Hart General Store for unique gifts and homemade goods. You can also stock up on travel necessities.
Stop for coffee in Harbor Springs at Trillium Woods Coffee. Note that this café runs seasonally, so be sure to check their hours of operation before going.
Stay the night at Legs Inn, a Polish-inspired lodge in Cross Village. Here, you can enjoy a lakefront view and authentic Polish cuisine.
Planning and safety tips
Before embarking on your trip to the Tunnel of Trees, it’s important to plan out your route and check road conditions, especially in the winter.
Drive with caution, as the two-lane road is narrow and windy, and there may be local wildlife. Watch out for infamous hairpin turns like Devil’s Elbow and Horseshoe Curve.
Parking facilities and restrooms can be found periodically along the route.
When to visit
Every season brings its own unique beauty to the canopy of trees, but many say that fall is the best time to visit. The trees are typically in peak color from late September to mid-October.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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