• Great Lakes Bay - Michigan is nestled in the heart of the Great Lakes, one of America’s most fascinating and, in my opinion, underappreciated natural wonders. By area, the Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and hold 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. The lakes are interconnected, and if you follow the smaller lakes and rivers that drain them, you’ll eventually reach the Atlantic Ocean.

NOTE: This 120-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Lake Michigan in 5-6 hours.

• 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.

• 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.

• Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk - In about a mile, we will arrive at the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve, one of only 15 remaining coastal marshes along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula shoreline. Bird, butterfly, and botanical lovers will delight in this stop, where you can walk through the marsh on a dry and elevated boardwalk. It’s free to enter, but dogs are not allowed. The turn is a little easy to miss so I’ll be sure to point it out as we get closer.

• 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.

• Green Point Dunes - This 2-mile hike will take you through shady and green-filled woods on your way to the golden, sandy beach along Lake Michigan. If you want to get to the beach, you’ll have to descend some wooden stairs.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - Alright, you’re coming up on the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and as I said earlier, I highly recommend starting your exploration of Sleeping Bear Dunes here. turn right onto West Front Street - that’s the next street. Then look for the bluish building and park signs on our left. The visitor center is hard to miss.

• 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.

• 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.

• Alligator Hill Trail - Coming up quickly is an interesting side trip - the Alligator Hill hike. This somewhat gentle uphill trail leads to the Islands Lookout where on a clear day you can see all the way out to the Manitou Islands. The hike to the lookout is about 3 miles roundtrip.

• 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.

• North Manitou Island - I’ve mentioned the Manitou Islands a couple of times now, so let me fill us in on some more details on these Lake Michigan gems. Both islands are officially part of Sleeping Bear Lakeshore and are largely uninhabited.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Historic Fishtown - You are approaching the town of Leland, and a stroll through the town’s historic Fishtown is a must-do. Leland is built on the site of one of the oldest Ottawa villages in the Great Lakes region. The spot where the Leland River flows into Lake Michigan provided a natural fish ladder so it’s always been a popular fishing ground.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Great value: purchase per car, not per person. More affordable than bus or guided tours!
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Experience the beauty of Michigan’s wilderness with this self-guided driving tour of the shores of Lake Michigan. See the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes, a vast expanse of towering sand dunes. Visit the iconic Point Betsie Lighthouse. Take in views of the serene and scenic Manitou Islands. And so much more! There’s no better way to discover Lake Michigan.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

• How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
• How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
• Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
• Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
• Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
• Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
• Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
• Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
• Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
• Minimum Mobile OS Requirement: iOS 14 or later / Android 9 (Pie) or later. It is compatible with iPad models that have a GPS chip.
• CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet supported. Connect your phone via Bluetooth, USB, or Aux for audio. Use phone speakers if needed.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.