Michigan Scenic Route Among Best U.S. Road Trips

From rugged mountain passes to coastal highways and enchanting countryside routes, scenic drives are like stepping into a real-life postcard. Beyond being just a means of transportation, scenic road trips…

Modern hipster girl relaxing in a car and reading a map. Feet outside the window at sunset. (Scenic Route Named Among Best U.S. Road Trips)
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From rugged mountain passes to coastal highways and enchanting countryside routes, scenic drives are like stepping into a real-life postcard. Beyond being just a means of transportation, scenic road trips transform into unforgettable adventures. Travel + Leisure magazine narrowed down what they say are the best scenic road trips in the U.S.

The United States has an abundance of scenic drives, each with its own unique charm. From the breathtaking California coastline to the historically rich roads of New England, these routes offer a treat for the eyes at every turn. One such example is the mesmerizing 469-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which winds its way past limestone caverns, crystal-clear mountain springs, and the majestic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Depending on the season, the views may vary, painting the landscape in ever-changing colors.

And it's not just nature that makes these drives unforgettable. Some people enjoy human-made scenic views. For instance, American architectural wonders along Chicago's famed Lake Shore Drive, like the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), which once held the title of the world's tallest building.

Michigan Scenic Routes

According to the travel magazine, Michigan has one of the best scenic roads for road trips. From the Great Lakeshores to the charming small towns and lush forests, it’s no surprise that Michigan made its list. There are plenty of scenic routes to pick from in the Mitten. You have US-2 from St. Ignace to Manistique, M-119 Tunnel of Trees, US 23 from Tawas City to Alpena, and others.

However, they named Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive as one of the best road trips in the U.S. It’s only a 7.4-mile drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore, and you'll witness the Sleeping Bear Dunes, dense forests, and a freshwater lake. The trip takes less than 30 minutes, but the stunning lookout points might tempt you to linger a bit longer. Their website highlighted the reconstructed covered bridge, originally built in the '60s by Pierce Stocking himself which you can see along the route.

See who else made the cut for this list of the best scenic road trips in the U.S. here.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.