Tunnel of Trees - M-119 Byway | Harbor Springs to Cross Village, Michigan
Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees is ranked among the most scenic roads in the nation! Driving under a canopy of leaves and hardwood trees, you can find the forest floor littered with wildflowers in the spring, deep greens in the summer, and a beautiful flame of color in the autumn months. This scenic drive is absolutely breathtaking any time of year, but it is definitely a must-see experience that needs to be on your fall bucket list.
You can find the Tunnel of Trees as part of the M-119, starting at the north end of Petoskey, and officially becoming the Tunnel of Trees just north of Harbor Springs. This state highway can be very narrow, running 20 miles overlooking stunning Lake Michigan views.
A Brief History
The views along this 27.5 mile drive are designated a state Scenic Heritage Route. As was much of Michigan, the first settlers of what is now Harbor Springs were the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. In 1847, L’Arbre Croche, or Crooked Tree as named by the French, had the largest concentration of Native Americans in the state. It went through many names from L’Arbre Croche, to Petit Traverse, until it was incorporated as Harbor Springs in 1880.
The establishment of Richard Cooper’s trading post and general store in the village in 1853 marked the beginning of commercial activity. In 1880 to 1920, the area thrived from the booming lumbering industry. Other businesses in the area included Emmet County Bank, now operating as First Community Bank. In 1895, Joseph and Martha Juilleret opened a boat livery and an ice cream parlor. The main building, which houses those two businesses, was the south half of the Juilleret’s restaurant, passing through the generations of the Juilleret family to it’s present name of Pierson’s Grill and Spirits.
The end of the ‘Tunnel’ drops you off at one of the oldest settlements of continuous occupancy in the state of Michigan, Cross Village. Beginning as a Native American village, Cross Village has been home to many different ethnicities over the years. Again, the booming lumber industry transformed the village to a prospering town. But now, it’s just a quiet town overlooking Lake Michigan where many tourists flock to enjoy the natural beauty and remoteness.
Where to Start & How to Get There
I recommend heading to Petoskey to begin your journey. From there, take US-31 downtown until you get to M-119. Head north, turning left, onto M-119 through Harbor Springs. There’s a few stops you may want to make in Harbor Springs, but the tunnel doesn’t start until after you pass through the town. From there, you continue north through Good Hart until you reach Cross Village.
Related: The Ultimate Fall Bucket List For Michigan
When To Visit
The Tunnel of Trees is well known for their fall colors, but it also makes for an amazing summer vacation. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, the sunsets of Lake Michigan are stunning year-round! Travelers come to enjoy the scenery and businesses year-round, regardless of the season or weather conditions.
Tunnel of Trees in the Spring
The early signs of spring make an amazing time to kick-off the end of winter. In the spring, you are sure to find wildflowers, budding trees, and migratory animals starting to come back out from a long winter. Spring is the perfect time to beat the crowds and find good hotel deals. Spring can be wet, with cold weather lingering into late April and early May.
Tunnel of Trees in the Summer
During the summer, you’re guaranteed to have all the businesses open, gorgeous, green, covering trees, and all the lovely scenery stops along the way. The tunnel of trees is not only a visual treat, but it also offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The peaceful surroundings provide a perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet walk. Summer marks the perfect time to enjoy the vineyards, take art classes at one of the many studios, hang out at the beach, find a local event or festival, and enjoy the many delicious eateries along the trail.
Tunnel of Trees in the Fall
The fall is the most popular time to visit the tree canopy. If you are wanting to see the trees all lit a flame in color, going during peak season will be the best time to visit. Just know you won’t be the only one! The weather is typically still moderate, which makes for a wonderful vacation.
Tunnel of Trees in the Winter
Even winter is a beautiful time to visit! Some places may be closed for the season, but that doesn’t mean that the Tunnel of Trees is closed. If you are looking for stunning ‘winterscapes’, you are sure to find it here during that season. The resorts will still be open for skiing, you can enjoy cross country skiing on the trails, snowshoeing, and cozy winter cabin days snuggled up by the fireplace.
Grab this freebie!
Where to Stop
As I was listing off all of the amazing stops for the Tunnel of Trees, I decided it would be much easier if you all had a map to use (especially if you are a visual person like me)! I’ve created a wonderful resource, which you can find below. I’ve chosen a mix of well known food + drink stops, Tunnel of Trees markers + photo stops, recreational areas, and historical locations. So there should be a little bit of something for everyone on this trip. If you are planning an all day trip, or an extended vacation, to the area and you are foodies like us, you may want to pack a cooler so you can bring home the many homemade goodies that I am about to list below.
Petoskey, MI
Bay View Association: Founded in 1875, you can find historic ‘gingerbread homes’ and wonderful arts & cultural programs throughout the summer. Many current cottage owners represent the thirds and fourth generations of their families. You can also find the nationally renowned and longest reigning music festival here in the summer.
Bear River Valley Recreation: 1.5 miles of quaint trails, nature walks, and rushing rapids. Here you can also find the Bear River Bridge that dates back to 1925.
Crooked Tree Arts Center: Once a Methodist church, this 1890-building features two fine art galleries, a theatre/stage, and studios.
Crooked Tree Breadwork: They opened in 1996, when the culinary landscapes of the Little Traverse Bay region looked completely different. They are now known for their traditional, time-intensive baking methods and amazing parmesan rolls. Stop in for some homemade bread, or some parmesan rolls for your pate dip that you might be picking up later!
Little Traverse Historical Society Museum & Clock Tower: This former Chicago and West Michigan Railroad Depot built in 1892 now houses displays on the regions history and Ernest Hemingway’s personal and literary connections.
North Perk Coffee: if you have the time for a quick stroll downtown, I highly recommend stopping into North Perk Coffee for a cup of their local or specialty seasonal coffees.
Petoskey Gaslight District: The downtown shops in Petoskey are on the National Register of Historic Places, with many of them being over 100 years old (just look for the gaslights).
Petoskey State Park: You may have to hunt a little, but Petoskey State Park is well known for the Petoskey Stones found in the sand. Make sure to read over the DNR guidelines for rock picking if you are coming up to rock hunt.
St. Francis Solanus Mission Church: This ‘Little Indian Church’ was built in 1859 and overlooks the Little Traverse Bay. It was established by Father Baraga, also known as the ‘snowshoe priest’.
Toski Sands Market and Wine Shop: Remember those parmesan rolls from earlier? Head here for their amazing whitefish spread and homemade jerkies, the perfect snack for your drive or back at the hotel.
Harbor Springs, MI
Harbor Springs is a charming bay town just before the Tunnel of Trees officially begins. If you have the time to stop for a stroll, you might want to check out this popular vacation destination! Hopefully you saved some room if you stopped in Petoskey for some snacks because Harbor Springs is home to some amazing treats, too.
American Spoon: Opened in 1982, this family owned storefront kitchen hand-prepares preserves. They work closely with a group of Michigan farmers and foragers who aim to collect and cultivate a variety of fruit. Their unique flavors can’t be matched! Although they are known for their preserves, you can find salsas, condiments, drink mixes, pancakes, toppings, granola, fruit butters, gifts, and some amazing recipes.
Andrew J. Blackbird House: Presented in the house of Odawa (Ottawa) tribal leader Andrew J. Blackbird, you can find the museum of American Indian artifacts.
Ephraim Shay House/Shay Park: This house was built in 1892 remarkable known as the Hexagon House. It was built by Ephraim Shay, the creator of the Shay geared locomotive. This building was gifted to the Historical Society in 2016, and renovated in 1990.
Five Mile Creek Schoolhouse: Although not open for tours, this one-room standard schoolhouse dates back to 1915. A community group maintains the building since its closing in 1950.
Gurneys Harbor Bottle Shop: Another stop that features fresh ingredients, this shop was established in 1792 and is a wonderful stop where you can build your own sandwich using fresh bread, cheeses, and meats.
Harbor Springs History Museum: You can find informative displays that document the rich history of Harbor Springs and the surrounding region.
Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre: This nonprofit movie theater is open year long. You can find classics, family, or foreign movies for some relaxing entertainment.
Pond Hill Farm: For more than 20 years, this farm has provided wonderful entertainment to couples and families. You can find the Harbor Springs Vineyards and Winery, as well as Tunnel Vision Brewery. Don’t forget to stroll across the fields and well groomed trails. In the winter, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski on the trails, or head to the Vineyard Sled Hill. You can also find a fun Gnome Scavenger Hunt all year. Still hungry? Head to the Garden Cafe that serves seasonal dishes and a market with fresh produce and homemade goods. There’s also a livestock barn, playground, and special events all throughout the year.
Stafford’s Pier Restaurant: You can find 3 distinct indoor spaces and an outdoor deck. Park of the building is historic and the business prioritizes tribute to the Harbor’s heritage by providing waterfront dining on original pilings over the harbor, views of the historic yacht basin, and through its traditional and locally sources meals.
Stafford’s Pointer Boat Tour: Another historic tribute provided by Stafford’s is the historic Pointer Boat yachts that once were the only way to reach Harbor Springs, as no cars were allowed from 1930 to 1962. Three yatchs have been fully restored and put on display. But they also offer relaxing boat tours of the Little Traverse Bay region in replicas of the original Pointer Boat. Tours last about one hour and fifteen minutes from late May through the end of September and the boat holds 12 passengers.
The Highlands At Harbor Springs: Between recreation, dining, lodging, and sustainability, The Highlands has it all. If you’re coming during ski time, you may want to save time for this stop! Or maybe you want to have a round of golf, head to the bike park, take a Segway tour, go for a swim, test your limits at the zipline, go for a horseback ride, look at the views from up high on the chairlift, head for a hike, and so much more!
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve: This stunning nature preserve offers 30 acres with 950 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. You can also explore the Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center or the 1.5-mile trail to the dunes and pond observation platform.
Tom Moms Cookies: Since 1985, this shop has been selling award-winning cookies!
Turkey’s Cafe and Pizzeria: Known for their special omelets, bagels, French toast, burgers, pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches, this 110-year-old building is the perfect brunch spot along your trail.
Wequetonsing: This historic community will offer you time travel as you drive through homes that originated in 1878.
Related: The Complete List of Orchards & Cider Mills in Michigan
Good Hart, MI
A Studio: At this beautiful boutique, you can find unique accessories and one-of-a-kind gifts. There are only open from Memorial Day through October.
Devil’s Elbow Marker: One of the first markers along the Tunnel of Trees. Many markers are difficult to find with all the foliage, so I’ve marked them on the map above. Devil’s Elbow is a flowing spring in the ravine that was believe to be the home of spirits who made their presence known after dark, by the Odawa peoples. It is also located in a horeshoe curve, where the typical canopied ‘tunnel’ the road is known for can be found.
Good Hart General Store: You can’t drive through Good Hart without stopping at the General Store. This authentic 1934 shop is the area’s bakery, deli, grocery, and post office. You can find amazing house made goodies, like their famous potpies and gooey cookies! You can also find branded clothes and gifts, or other various souvenirs to take home.
Good Hart Glassworks: This art studio and gallery offers educational demos and lessons about glass blowing. You can find it about 2 miles from the general store and off the scenic road.
‘Middle Village’ Marker: Another marker along the trail that tells of the vicinity that the first Jesuit mission of 1741 occurred, also known as Aapatawaaing by the native peoples.
Primitive Images: Here you can find antiques and rustic furniture, handmade jewelry, rugs, and other items. But it also hosts the Good Hart & Soul Tea Room, which is served in the garden and on the outdoor deck.
Readmond Township Park: Here you can find a carry-in boat access, a picnic area, and restroom facilities. A perfect stop to stretch your legs, have a picnic, take some pictures, and finish the Tunnel.
St. Ignatius Church and Cemetery: This picturesque church was build in 1886 with Jesuit and Native American roots. Pen to the public. You can also find a Native American burial ground next to the church and a pathway that leads to an observation deck to Middle Village Park. At the park, you can find a beach for swimming, restroom facilities, and boat access.
Cross Village, MI
Cross Village Beach: Just a short walk from Legs Inn, you can find a boat launch, restroom facilities, hardwood trees, and open spaces along the waters of Lake Michigan.
L’Arbre Croche Marker: As mentioned in the history, this marker talks about the land in 1847, when the area was named L’Arbre Croche - the ‘Crooked Tree’ - and had the largest concentration of Native Americans in the U.S.
Legs Inn: Named the second-most iconic restaurant in the state by MLive, this landmark was constructed by Smolak and the labor of local Odawa and other area residents in the 1930s. Smolak was a Polish immigrant and designed the building with locally gathered timber and stones, using tree roots, libs, and driftwood to carve fantastical creatures into the furniture and decorative objects used in the inn. It had become a social center for the community, and still is. You can find house-made Polish cuisine, refreshing drinks, and live music throughout the opening season. *Closed for season, reopens June 10th through October.*
Museum of L’Arbre Croche History/Holy Cross Church: Founded in 1995, you can find the museum in the Holy Cross Church, where you can learn about the Native American customs, the life of Father Weikamp, and records of the Cross Village area, including the logging era.
Skillagalee Island Lighthouse: Established on this tiny island in 1851, it is first in a chain of light stations visible in Lake Michigan when approaching Cross Village from the south.
The Old Council Tree Marker: The Council Tree is a mature white pine that marks the site of where Native American tribes once held council, as early as 1787. There was a meeting between the Chippewa, Menominee, and Ottawa Tribes in 1763 that is the most notable, where they gathered to decide their next move against the British.
Three Pines Studio: This studio features amazing work from over 40 artists from all across Northern Michigan. You can brows ceramics, woodwork, glass, metalwrok, paintings, jewelry, and even sculptures in their outdoor garden. Throughout the summer you can find events, workshops, and classes listed on their events page too.
Woollam Family Nature Preserve: You can find 69 acres of beautiful nature preserve just 1.5 miles outside of Cross Village. It features 3,300 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline and a .5-mile trail through the woods to the beach.
Where to Stay
Petoskey
Apple Tree Inn
Days Inn
Michigan Inn & Lodge
Perry Hotel
Stafford’s Bay View Inn
The Inn at Bay Harbor
Harbor Springs
Best Western of Harbor Springs
Birchwood Inn
Boyne Highlands
Colonial Inn
Cross Village
Legs Inn
You can find an array of stays in Mackinaw
The Grand Hotel
Mission Point Resort
and more, checkout my travel guide on Mackinac Island for more!
