2023 GUIDE Michigan Tunnel of Trees M-119 + Best MAP of Fall Scenic Drive | Harbor Springs Fall Color Tour Drive, Pond Hill Farm, Good Hart, and Cross Village in Northern Michigan - Most Scenic Drives in America! Awesome Road Trip
2023 GUIDE Michigan Tunnel of Trees M-119 + Best MAP of Fall Scenic Drive | Harbor Springs Fall Color Tour Drive, Pond Hill Farm, Good Hart, and Cross Village in Northern Michigan - Most Scenic Drives in America! Awesome Road Trip
By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated: September 16, 2023
Michigan Tunnel of Trees is located in northwest Michigan on scenic M-119, a state highway that parallels the scenic Lake Michigan's shoreline. During this scenic 20-mile drive, get ready to see photo worthy tree canopies, charming Michigan small towns, and tons of Instagram-worthy photos of Michigan's Fall Color.
The Tunnel of Trees Harbor Springs MI is one of the most scenic drives in America! See Why!
Chris and I love to drive this popular Michigan fall color tour destination every year in the autumn season. However, it's a popular Michigan vacation destination enjoyed throughout all of Michigan's four seasons: Spring, summer, fall and winter.
Michigan tunnel of trees scenic drive on state highway M119 is very entertaining as there are several stops along the way. Chris loves the very curvy road with sneak peeks of Lake Michigan's shoreline. It's the perfect road for sports cars or motorcycles (but watch out for slippery leaves)!
Tunnel of Trees Petoskey-The tunnel of trees begins 10 miles north of Petoskey. It's one of our favorite places to go in Michigan in the fall. It's an incredible Michigan fall color drive!
Generally, the trees in this region change color late in the season, but check our Michigan Fall Color Map for predictions.
The Tunnel of Trees on M-119 is one of the narrowest state highways in the United States, measuring 18 feet wide with no centerline! The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route was designated in 2003 and is now a Pure Michigan Byway.
Michigan's Tunnel of Trees is famous for its winding curves, sneak peaks of Lake Michigan, wildlife, and lovely arching canopy of trees. Rightly so, the Discovery Channel listed it as one of the "Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in North America".
Michigan Tunnel of Trees Map - Harbor Springs Fall Color Tour and Road TripThis Michigan Tunnel of Trees Fall Road Trip Includes:
- Petoskey - Explore the lovely downtown area, Bear River Valley Recreation area and so much more.
- Harbor Springs - beautiful harbor, restaurants, downtown shopping and exploring.
- Thorne Swift Nature Preserve (Scenic Boardwalk Trails with Incredible Views of Lake Michigan)
- Pond Hill Farm (Wine Tasting, Pumpkins, Hot Chocolate, Hay Rides)
- Good Hart Michigan (Cute Shops like the General Store and A Studio!)
- Cross Village Michigan (Legs Inn!) - Great restaurant and gift shops
- Tunnel of Trees Michigan Hotels (Best Places to stay while vacationing in Northern Michigan!)
Let's start exploring the Harbor Springs tunnel of trees!
OMG! The Tunnel of Trees is So Pretty Any Time of the Year! Check out our Video!
Interactive Tunnel of Trees Michigan Map
Tunnel of Trees Information and Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive through the Tunnel of Trees in Michigan? Without stopping, it takes about 40 minutes to drive from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. I would plan at least three hours if you like to make frequent stops along the way to shop, picnic or hike.
How long is the drive through the Tunnel of Trees? Again, it's 40 minutes from Harbor Springs to Cross Village one way without stopping.
What is the best time of year to see the Tunnel of Trees in Michigan? It's beautiful any time of year, but the Tunnel of Trees is most popular during Michigan's fall color. Usually around the end of the first week of October is good time to drive the Tunnel of Trees but it's best to call the local Chamber of Commerce to verify prior to being your trip.
Where do you start the Tunnel of Trees in Michigan? We recommend beginning your Tunnel of Trees color tour in Harbor Springs, Michigan along M-119 in northwest Michigan. You can also begin in Petoskey.
When can you see the Tunnel of Trees in Michigan? The tunnel of trees is open and available to drive any day of the week all year long.
Is Tunnel of Trees worth it in the summer? Absolutely! It's a lovely Michigan scenic drive with lots of shops, restaurants, scenic hikes and photographic opportunities along the way.
Is the Tunnel of Trees worth it? Absolutely. It's such a fun (and free!) color tour and family activity!
What towns are in the Tunnel of Trees Michigan? Harbor Springs, Hart and Cross Village.
Got More Questions?
Where Does the Tunnel of Trees Start?
Wondering where is the Tunnel of Trees Michigan located? The Harbor Springs Tunnel of Trees begins in Harbor Springs, just North of Petoskey on M-119.
If you need an actual address, just type in Harbor Point Golf Club, Harbor Springs as M-119 runs along the south side of the club. But basically, just drive into Harbor Springs and stay on M-119. Visiting the Tunnel of Trees is a Michigan Fall tradition!
1. Michigan Tunnel of Trees Beginning Point: Petoskey
Since most people will either be staying in Petoskey or wish to visit this area during their tunnel of trees visit and the autumn months, we will start there.
Stay at the Inn of Bay Harbor!
We highly recommend staying at the Inn of Bay Harbor during your Michigan color tour. Chris and I had a wonderful room overlooking Little Traverse Bay, rented e-bikes, relaxed with couples massages, enjoyed wonderful meals in their in-house restaurants and walked the sparking beach.
2. Next Stop, Harbor Springs: Lots of Attractions and Things to do!
Is Harbor Springs worth visiting? Yes! It's a great small village with cute shops, scenic marina and restaurants worth exploring.
Harbor Springs is such a happy and fun place to shop, dine and wander. We were following Chris' aunt and uncle in the photo above! Gurney's Harbor Bottle Shop is a fun place to stop into while exploring Harbor Springs.
- The Highlands at Harbor Springs also offers scenic chairlift rides in the autumn! What a cool fall activity! Youʼll be able to see Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and as far as the Mackinac Bridge on a clear day.
- And this year they are offering Fall Color Segway Tours! September 22-October 15, 2023.
Middle Village Park – Just North of Harbor Springs along the M 119 Tunnel of Trees
Saint Ignatius Catholic Church at Good Hart, Address: Harbor Point, MI 49740
Also along the Michigan Tunnel of Trees route, be sure to make a quick stop at Middle Village Park's beach. There is a trail behind the Middle Village church offering an observation deck (see great views of Lake Michigan!) and access to a small public swimming area.
Dine at Stafford's Pier Restaurant in Harbor Springs
We love eating at Stafford's Pier Restaurant as it offers lovely indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. The Pier Restaurant was built on the original pilings over the harbor. They offer a wide variety of meal options including seafood, sandwiches, vegetarian options, and yummy things for meat eats like bbq pork tacos and burgers.
Stafford's Pier Restaurant doesn't take reservations during the very popular and busy color tour time in Michigan.
3. Thorne Swift Nature Preserve - Scenic Boardwalk and Hiking Trails Leading to Lake Michigan
Along the Harbor Springs Tunnel of Trees is the Thorn Swift Nature Preserve. I think it's definitely worth veering off the beaten path to visit this incredibly neat boardwalk path with views of Lake Michigan.
It's one of the best places in Michigan to visit while touring the tunnel of trees scenic heritage route as you can view wildlife, hardwoods, and incredible scenery.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve Address: 6696 Lower Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Directions: From Harbor Springs, take M-119 northwest 3.8 miles to Lower Shore Drive. Follow Lower Shore Drive for ½ mile. The preserve is on the left.
Trail Hours: April 15 - November 15 – Daily 10 am to sunset.
Nature Center Hours Memorial: Labor Day- October 23– Weekends Only, 10 am - 7 pm
Above is a trail map of Thorne Swift Nature Center. There are restrooms and a cute nature center to visit!
4. Visit Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs Michigan
Pond Hill Farm Address: 5699 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
What is there to do in Pond Hill Farm? Check out their large outdoor Biergarten for food, beer, wine and hard cider! Chris and I love to walk around their farm and enjoy the gnome house hunt through the woods! There's also a fabulous pumpkin patch in the fall and a playground for kids.
Oh, and you will just love their furry critters! Chris and I were crazy about their adorable sheep, goats and pigs at Pond Hill Farm. So cute!
Pond Hill Farm has a cute café to grab lunch, drinks or snacks! You can also enjoy wine tasting!
So, while driving the tunnel of trees this Michigan fall, stop in to Pond Hill Farm!
5. Stop in Good Hart Michigan Along the Tunnel of Trees in Northwest Michigan
Chris and I love pulling over in Good Hart to visit the General Store, A Studio and Primitive Images while touring the Michigan tunnel of trees scenic heritage route.
Good Heart General Store
Good Hart General Store - Gourmet Shop, Bakery, Confectioners Deli, 1075 N. Lake Shore Drive Good Hart MI 49737
The Good Hart General Store Offers bakery items, sandwich options, yummy cookies! Be sure to check out their "World Famous Pot Pies!" One gets hungry while driving the 119 tunnel of trees!
- The Good Hart General Store is open year round.
There's so many fun shops to explore and purchase homemade goods, home décor and novelty items to remember your trip to the Michigan tunnel of trees!
There are porta-johns at the back (left side) of the General Store.
A Studio in Good Hart Michigan
Visit A Studio while in Good Hart Michigan. They have lots of fun home décor items, artwork, clothing, blankets and gifts!
Primitive Images, Harbor Springs
Primitive Images LLC, 1129 N Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
How cute is Primitive Images! They have cute home décor, tea tastings and Michigan gifts. Come explore Good Hart today!
The Devil's Elbow
Just south of Good Hart is a hairpin turn in the road called the Devil's Elbow. It is believed to be the home of spirits that make their presence known after dark. Are you brave enough?
What To Wear: Super Cute Fall Sweaters
Open Front Long Sleeve Chunky Knit Cardigan Sweaters Loose Outwear Coat
Long Sleeve Crewneck Color Block Patchwork Pullover Knit Sweater Tops
I'm such a fan of both of these lovely fall sweaters, I need more pumpkin colored items in my closet for sure.
This golden pumpkin colored cable knit sweater comes in so many colors, you will love the selection! And color block sweaters are so hot this season! This fall sweater comes in a TON of styles and colors, so check it out!
6. Our Final Stop is Legs Inn in Cross Village Michigan + Three Pines Studio
Legs Inn Address: 6425 N Lake Shore Dr, Cross Village, MI 49723.
TIP: Legs Inn is located directly north of Harbor Springs so you can head south from here to go back to Harbor Springs if don't wish to drive the slower tunnel of trees route.
Housemade Polish cuisine is Legs Inn's specialty, but you will find a wide variety of American dishes, including locally-caught Great Lakes Whitefish on their menu. The Great Lakes Smoked Whitefish (served with crackers) is awesome! While driving the Michigan Tunnel of Trees you are bound to get hungry!
The last time we were there we shared the Old World Sampler so we could try Pierogis, Kabanosy (Polish Sausage) and Bigos (Hunter's Stew).
- Check out their incredibly eclectic interior! There's everything from disco balls to totem poles decorating every inch of this outrageous Michigan restaurant.
NOTE: Legs Inn doesn't take reservations, so we recommend getting there about an hour before you are starving to death so you can wander through their two gift shops while you wait for your table - there's one inside the main restaurant and another across the street.
You don't want hangry to show up!
We absolutely love wandering around their "backyard." The views of Lake Michigan are incredible and the staff at Legs Inn in Cross Village take great pride in their colorful gardens.
Legs Inn in Cross Village is seasonal and is scheduled to close October 24. We recommend visiting their webpage prior to visiting to make sure they are open and their hours.
Three Pines Studio and Gallery in Cross Village
Cross Village is also home to the cute Three Pines Studio and Gallery. It's right across the street from Leg's Inn so we usually shop here while waiting for our table. Three Pines Studio and Galley has a large amount of local crafts, home decor, gifts and apparel. The shop has lots of jewelry and handmade local artwork too.
7. Tunnel of Trees Michigan Hotels
Don't These Pillows Make You Feel Sleepy?If you are wondering where to stay while touring the tunnel of trees, check out these two interesting lodging options in Harbor Springs, Michigan.
Boyne Highlands - 600 Highland Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
We recommend staying at the Boyne Highlands resort as they have a super cool chairlift so you can have a panoramic view of the fall colors, walking trails, zip lines, an in-house lounge for meals or drinks and so many things to do while you are vacationing in Northern Michigan. Be sure to visit the Tunnel of Trees this Michigan Fall!
Colonial Inn - 210 Artesian Ave, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Open mid May through late October, this lovely Inn offers gas fireplaces in some rooms, a swimming pool, indoor spa and fitness room. The lovely rooms at The Colonial Inn Hotel have porches and balconies overlook their spacious grounds. This historic inn (1894) is a lovely place to stay on your summer or fall Michigan vacation.
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