Top Ten Scenic Winter Drives In Michigan
Get the perfect winter vehicle at Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Usually, Michigan is filled with several excellent beaches, thick forests, exciting cliffs, and countryside that is one of the most beautiful out there. Michigan is a gem of outdoor exploration opportunities, but while most people will head to the state for the summer and fall, the state still has a lot to offer in the winter! There are plenty of frozen lakes, snow-covered forests, and adventurous ski resorts, and there are just a few of the things we look forward to in Michigan every year. If you want to see how beautiful Michigan is in the wintertime, we at Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep have provided you with several scenic drives this season! Once you are done reading, check out our complete inventory here on our website!
Huron River Drive
Local bikers love this classic 8-mile route which will take you from Ann Arbor to Dexter and back again. If you would rather take your car out, this scenic drive has plenty to offer you from the comfort of your Cherokee or Charger. This drive is excellent no matter the season, but all the snow makes it exceptionally pretty during the winter. Start on the eastern part of the road, which you can pick up near the South Pond Nature Area. Next, head west towards Hudson Mills Metropark in Dexter. As you drive, you will be treated to several snow-dusted parks, nature areas, and frozen waterfront views. You can even see Ann Arbor's quaint little Main Street.
Irish Hills
While southeast Michigan might not be filled with sweeping mountain views, valleys, or great lakes, but there is some gorgeous countryside that is perfect for your winter road trip. One of the best rides in Michigan is the one from US-12 to Irish Hills. It's a historic area that will provide drivers and passengers with a unique combination of picturesque countryside and hometown charm. You will also find more than 50 crystal blue lakes. The drive to Irish Hills and all the other drives in the area are beautiful during the winter, as you will see plenty of rolling snow-capped hills, snow-dusted historic buildings, and frozen lakes.
Irish Hills
While southeast Michigan might not be filled with sweeping mountain views, valleys, or great lakes, but there is some gorgeous countryside that is perfect for your winter road trip. One of the best rides in Michigan is the one from US-12 to Irish Hills. It's a historic area that will provide drivers and passengers with a unique combination of picturesque countryside and hometown charm. You will also find more than 50 crystal blue lakes. The drive to Irish Hills and all the other drives in the area are beautiful during the winter, as you will see plenty of rolling snow-capped hills, snow-dusted historic buildings, and frozen lakes.
Port Huron
Don't want to go outside for the winter, that's perfectly fine! Instead, take the long drive from Port Huron to Bay City, which you can find along Michigan's thumb. This is a 154-mile drive on US-25 through the small towns packed with Victorian houses, roadside parks, and the Lake Huron coastline that is more beautiful in the winter. If you want even more adventure, continue up to Tawas City, which is just another hour away and has more winter views to offer.
Eben Ice Caves
If you do nothing else in Michigan this winter, you need to take the long journey to the Eben Ice Caves. The drive from Mackinaw City is one the best in the state and features one of the largest suspension bridges in the world. When you get to the Eben Ice Caves, it's a real treat for all your senses! They are located just outside Marquette and are a prime winter attraction in Michigan. The ice formations are exciting and are created by melting snow that runs over the edge of a small cliff and then freezes to form the ice caves. You will have a bit of a hike to get there, so plan ahead by getting some ice cleats, poles, and other gear to stay steady on the ice.
Eben Ice Caves
If you do nothing else in Michigan this winter, you need to take the long journey to the Eben Ice Caves. The drive from Mackinaw City is one the best in the state and features one of the largest suspension bridges in the world. When you get to the Eben Ice Caves, it's a real treat for all your senses! They are located just outside Marquette and are a prime winter attraction in Michigan. The ice formations are exciting and are created by melting snow that runs over the edge of a small cliff and then freezes to form the ice caves. You will have a bit of a hike to get there, so plan ahead by getting some ice cleats, poles, and other gear to stay steady on the ice.
Byway M-22
Situated along the Lake Michigan coastline, the Pure Michigan Byway M-22 gives drivers the view of a lifetime. It is named one of the Top Five Greatest Driving Tours in America, according to Rand McNally, and has something for everyone. You get startling scenery, quaint towns, more outdoor exploration, and much more. While on this route, you can explore Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of the most stunning backdrops in the colder months. The dunes are also perfect for sledding, so grab a sled before you go!
The Tunnel of Trees
The tunnel of trees is located on M-119 and is one of the most iconic routes in the state. This scenic, one-lane road goes from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. M-119 begins at the north end of Petoskey and turns into "The Tunnel of Trees" north of Harbor Springs. From there, the highway is very narrow as it runs 20 miles along the sharp-looking bluff which overlooks Lake Michigan and is aligned with a cacophony of trees. During the winter, the drive is especially magical as you get snow-gleened treelines and a powdered lane that makes it look like something out of Narnia. However, don't go out after heavy snowfall, as this route can become difficult to navigate.
The Tunnel of Trees
The tunnel of trees is located on M-119 and is one of the most iconic routes in the state. This scenic, one-lane road goes from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. M-119 begins at the north end of Petoskey and turns into "The Tunnel of Trees" north of Harbor Springs. From there, the highway is very narrow as it runs 20 miles along the sharp-looking bluff which overlooks Lake Michigan and is aligned with a cacophony of trees. During the winter, the drive is especially magical as you get snow-gleened treelines and a powdered lane that makes it look like something out of Narnia. However, don't go out after heavy snowfall, as this route can become difficult to navigate.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
For those who love heading outside when the temperature plummets, we encourage you to drive from Newberry to Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The stunning route takes you through a dense forest right into one of Michigan's premier state parks, home to the second-largest waterfall east of the Mississippi. You can visit the Tahquamenon Falls State Park year-round, while the iconic waterfalls are pretty at any time of year. However, if you visit when they are frozen, you are in for one of the most breathtaking views around.
National Forest Scenic Byway
Found in the Ottawa National Forest, you will find the Black River Harbor National Scenic Byway, which starts on Country Road 513 and continues north, and ends at the Black River Harbor, which is one of the only harbors in the entire National Forest System. This stunning drive is just as pretty in the winter as you travel along the stunning Black River, go through snow-covered forests, over a scenic suspension bridge, and end at a frozen waterfall where you will find human-sized icicles. The roads and hiking trails can be treacherous during the winter months, so be sure to use caution.
National Forest Scenic Byway
Found in the Ottawa National Forest, you will find the Black River Harbor National Scenic Byway, which starts on Country Road 513 and continues north, and ends at the Black River Harbor, which is one of the only harbors in the entire National Forest System. This stunning drive is just as pretty in the winter as you travel along the stunning Black River, go through snow-covered forests, over a scenic suspension bridge, and end at a frozen waterfall where you will find human-sized icicles. The roads and hiking trails can be treacherous during the winter months, so be sure to use caution.
Copper Country Trail National Byway
If you are looking for a dose of history, be sure to travel along the Copper Country Trail National Byway, highlighting several historical moments with copper mining in Michigan throughout the 19th century. There is s 47-mile stretch on this route which stretches from Houghton to Copper Harbor, and you will be following the copper lode, which lies underground. You will also pass through thick forests, historic small towns, and a ton of historic buildings. Most people will travel this byway in the fall, but winter is still a great time to visit. You will see snow-tipped trees, frozen lake views, covered bridges, and more!
Lake Scenic Byway
The last route we are going to mention is the Lake Scenic Byway which is along Route 2. This route runs 92 miles and will take you along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, which will give you stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. You can travel from St. Ignace to Thompson, designed for people who love nature. You will love all the attractions along this route, including Castle Rock, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, and Manistique Lakeshore Campground. These excellent outlooks allow you to enjoy the icy beach and lake views, which are stunning enough to make the winter trek!
Lake Scenic Byway
The last route we are going to mention is the Lake Scenic Byway which is along Route 2. This route runs 92 miles and will take you along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, which will give you stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. You can travel from St. Ignace to Thompson, designed for people who love nature. You will love all the attractions along this route, including Castle Rock, Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, and Manistique Lakeshore Campground. These excellent outlooks allow you to enjoy the icy beach and lake views, which are stunning enough to make the winter trek!
Get a new vehicle at Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep
Before you head out and enjoy the stunning winter views, you need to ensure that you have the right vehicle for your winter needs! To get your next Jeep Wrangler or Dodge Charger, head down to Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep and speak with one of our outstanding sales team members, who will be more than happy to get you the best vehicle for your needs. If you enjoy your test drive, our finance team will take it from there, bringing you the best deal. If you need service for your vehicle, then be sure to check out our service center, where we will change your oil, rotate your tires, and even look at your brakes and steering system. Make an appointment on our website today! We look forward to serving your automotive needs at Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep!
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