Top Northern Michigan Fall Drives

1. Stronach Road

Take this scenic drive toward the Manistee Weir, the state’s only Steelhead egg-take facility, and see some bright pops of color (and likely a few fish) along the way. This is a good spot to get out and stretch your legs. Not far from the parking area you’ll find a viewing platform overlooking the river, giving you an up close view of the fish swimming to the weir. (Good place for a bathroom break, too.)

Location: From U.S. 31, turn east onto Stronach Road and follow to the base of the hill across from Packaging Corporation of America and turn south to continue to Stronach Road around Manistee Lake, Turn east on Old Stronach

2. Lakeshore Drive

This lesser-known route runs parallel to M-22, and also provides a winding stretch of scenic road along Lake Michigan. There are roadside stops along the way, giving you breathtaking views of Lake Michigan – and of lots pretty trees dressed in fall colors that flank your path.

Location: From U.S. 31 in Manistee, head north on Lake Shore Drive 

3. M-55

You may have already been on M-55 as you drive into Manistee. But did you know M-55 is one of the most scenic roads in Michigan? Connecting Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, M-55 has plenty spectacular views throughout Manistee County. Cooley Bridge, Tippy Dam, Udell Rollways – all within the Manistee National Forest – make this road a must-travel on your fall color tour.

4. Tunnel of Trees

A half-mile stretch of graceful, towering willows form Manistee’s own Tunnel of Trees over Main Street at the intersection of M 55, just east of US-31 in Eastlake. To locals, this section of Main Street is better known as Bullfrog Highway, owing its nickname to the seasonal chorus of croaking bullfrogs from the adjacent Big Manistee River’s Peter’s Bayou area. Penny Park can be accessed off nearby Gillespie Street with a universally accessible playground and a boat launch.

5. Marilla Road to Nine Mile Road Near Hodenpyl Dam

Off the beaten path and smack dab in the middle of North Country of Manistee County, sits a lovely country road that is flanked by beautiful trees and family farms. Look for Marilla Road and Nine Mile Road near Hodenpyl Dam. Road side stands sell fresh flowers and fruit, this road is the quintessential spot for the serenity and colors of a back-country road in fall.