8 Stops to Make on Your Tunnel of Trees Road Trip

The Tunnel of Trees. It sounds cozy. Woodsy. Maybe romantic? It’s all of the above. 

While Michigan isn’t a hot tourist destination, after living in the state for more than a year and exploring the beauty and fun it has to offer, I can confidently say Michigan is full of hidden, and not so hidden (The Upper Peninsula, Mackinac Island) gems. 

One of our favorite gems is known as The Tunnel of Trees.

The tunnel itself sits on the M-119, officially going from the north of Harbor Springs to Cross Village. M-119 becomes very narrow, running 20 miles along a spectacular bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The road is canopied by a forest of trees, vibrantly green in the summer and orange and yellow in the fall. This is the Tunnel of Trees. 

We’ve road-tripped through the area multiple times, and each time it’s beautiful and peaceful. Here’s our ultimate list of favorite stops along the route to help you plan your Tunnel of Trees road trip.

Legs Inn at Cross Village

The inn was opened 100 years ago by a Polish immigrant and is still run by the family. While we waited in line to enter, the current owner, nephew of the original owner, came out and told us his family’s story, how his uncle came to the United States through Ellis Island and ended up in a tiny settlement in Northern Michigan and opened one of the most iconic restaurants in the state.

The inn itself is unique, think hunting log house, with a Native American, Polish twist. The garden overlooks Lake Michigan, and if you arrive with a long wait for a table you can always grab a drink at the Legs Inn bar (full of unique Polish specialties) and hang out in the garden while you wait. 

The food served is Polish and delicious. Be warned that if you’re a vegetarian it will be hard to find a dish. Apparently, the Polish never have a meal without beef, pork, or fish. 

Cross Village itself is a sweet town, with a museum and a great view of the lake. It’s also the northernmost point on the Tunnel of Trees, so you’ll start (or end) your journey here. 

Be warned that the line at Legs Inn can get up to three or four hours long. They also close for the winter season. Visit their website to get the latest information. 

Good Hart General Store

Good Hart General Store is a fun stop along the route. Opened in 1934, the general store has a complete deli and bakery, general grocer, gourmet, and gift shop. 

Their baked goods are delicious, so you’ll definitely want to make a quick stop here if only for the pies and cookies. Learn more about Good Hart General Store. 

Tunnel of Trees Pullouts

This isn’t a stop, but a notice. The Tunnel of Trees curves around Lake Michigan. Plan to pull out for some great shots of the lake and lighthouses across the way. 

Remember, the Tunnel of Trees should be enjoyed slowly. Make time to enjoy the views. If someone is riding your tail, pull to the side and let them pass. The Tunnel of Trees is also a residential area, and while I recommend you take it slow, some people are just trying to get home. 

Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs is a sweet town on the south side of the Tunnel of Trees. It’s considered the beginning (or end) of the route. A lake-front town, you’ll find a beautiful harbor, great small restaurants, and a phenomenal farmer’s market that runs seasonally on Saturdays. 

Don’t miss this stop. Grab lunch, or plan to drive through during the farmer’s market. Seriously, it’s full of small-town charm and set on a road that overlooks the harbor and is also shadowed by the large steeple of the local Catholic church. You won’t regret it. 

Petoskey

Petoskey is the next big town south of Harbor Springs. It’s also the original home of Kilwins Chocolates. If you live in Michigan, or you’ve driven through any average to large Michigan town, you’ve likely passed a Kilwins. Best known for their creamy ice cream, Kilwins also makes some of the best fudge and chocolates I’ve ever tried. We have one close to home and visit more often than is good for us. 

Kilwins has a large chocolate kitchen in Petoskey with tours you won’t want to miss. Plan to stop by and enjoy some delicious treats while learning more about this Michigan gem.

Charlevoix

Just south of Petoskey is a little town called Charlevoix. There’s not much going on, though it’s full of houses that look like they popped straight out of a fairy tale. 

Master builder Earl Young created homes that fit the landscape, rather than the other way around. 

The result? A town of adorable mushroom houses. There’s an online downloadable map that tells you where all the homes are, and golf cart tours are available to take through Charlevoix to see the unique construction. Be mindful that these homes are inhabited and private property. Please respect people’s privacy when driving through and admiring the architecture. 

You can learn more about the mushroom homes and download the map HERE. 

Traverse City

Traverse City is the “big city” in northwest Michigan. It boasts a beautiful lakefront. The last time we were in Traverse City was during their annual cherry festival (President Biden was in town at the same time and we saw his entire motorcade driving through). We ate our fill of fair food and cherries and watched kids jump off the pier into the lake. 

Because Traverse City is a larger city, it’s a great place to find overnight accommodations on your road trip. 

Fish Town

Fish Town, formally known as Leland, is a little “out of the way.” It’s 35 minutes to Traverse City and two and a half hours to Harbor Springs. But it’s arguably the most unique stop you can make. If you make it all the way up to northwestern Michigan for the Tunnel of Trees you can’t miss visiting. 

Michigan has a rich history of commercial fishing, and Fish Town brings that heritage to life. Walking along the docks at Fish Town will transport you back 100 years when commercial fishing was a lucrative, local trade. But the town’s charm isn’t just in the history, Fish Town is also one of the last working commercial fishing villages in Michigan. 

The dock is still full of nets, cages and drying racks. You’ll see barefoot local kids with homemade fishing poles running around. Dozens of fishing shanties and smokehouses line the dock, many now converted into boutiques and food joints. 

It’s a one-of-a-kind place that truly celebrates Michigan’s history and heritage, and is a must-see. Don’t skip Fish Town. 

Many people think of the UP, Detroit, or Mackinac when they think of Michigan. But northwestern Michigan, with the Tunnel of Trees, coastal towns, and heritage sites is a hidden gem overflowing with charm, history, and one-of-a-kind stops.