lake, mason, manistee, oceana newaygo & wexford counties

FALL COLOR TOURS

IN THE MICHIGANS GREAT OUTDOORS REGION

SELF-GUIDED DRIVING TO U R S O F T H E R E G I O N

For more information visit: michigansgreatoutdoors.org

MANISTEE COUNTY & THE LAKE MICHIGAN COAST

A

lake, mason, manistee, oceana newaygo & wexford counties Sleeping Bear Bay

Miles of sandy beaches, bluffs that tower 450’ above Lake Michigan, lush forests and crystal clear inland lakes await you on this stretch of your Michigan Fall Color Tour! If you feel like stretching your legs, feel free to get out and enjoy the hiking trails of Old Indian Trail,

SUTTONS BAY 9

Little Traverse Lake

GLEN ARBOR 6

Lake Leelanau

ich iga n

Lime Lake

West Bay

Glen Lake

EMPIRE

East Bay

5

Platte Bay

Little Platte Lake Platte Lake

4

ELBERTA

3

Long Lake Silver Bass Lake Lake

er

e Riv

Platt

Crystal Lake

FRANKFORT

TRAVERSE CITY

Lake Ann

22

31

< Return Route

115

31

10

72

31

37

22

Green Lake

Duck Lake

37 iver

ie R Bets

31

Bear Creek

r istee Rive

Big Man

115

Hodenpyl Dam Pond

37

r istee Rive

Big Man

Lake

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES N AT I O N A L L A K E S H O R E

LELAND Good Harbor Bay

As you swing down the sweeping hills of 2 M-22 you will quickly come up on the sleepy ARCADIA Arcadia village of Arcadia (2). Home to a great Lake museum, boating and the world famous Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course. To take in the Bear Lake serenity of the fall colors in Manistee County, you must plan to make a stop at Inspiration ONEKAMA 1 Point. This is one of the highest points in the Portage Lake area where you can climb the 120 steps to the 22 top of the look out platform and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Lake Michigan shore- MANISTEE line as you look south across the heart of Manistee County. Manistee When you are nearly 10 minutes from Frankfort, you will drive through a chute of trees and see Elberta (3) and Frankfort (4) in the distance flanked by the burnt oranges and reds against the aqua water of Lake Michigan. As you venture “into the valley” stop in both Elberta and Frankfort. This is a great place to grab lunch, take in some shopping and see the historic Frankfort lighthouse at the waterfront park.

Grand Traverse Bay

22

7

oute

The Village of Onekama (1) is a mere 10 miles from the beginning of M-22 but is one of the highlights of the trip. Known as the “Two Lake Town,” Onekama is home to the historic Portage Point Inn which sits on Portage Lake.

8

< Return R

C O A S TA L C O M M U N I T I E S OF MANISTEE & BENZIE COUNTIES

NORTHPORT

La ke M

s the days get shorter and the brisk air sweeps through the highways and byways, visitors and locals alike flock to Northern Michigan to experience some of the most vibrant fall colors in the country. Departing from Manistee in the early morning hours of the autumn equinox, one has many options to tour one of Michigan’s most beautiful and scenic highways, M-22.

Tippy Dam Pond

55 Little Manistee River

TO CADILLAC

Pine River

TO LUDINGTON Platte Plains or the Empire Bluff Trail. All explore the deep hardwoods of the National Lakeshore ending on the shores of Lake Michigan on the rolling sands of the dunes. Each trail hike can take 1.0-1.5 hours. After touring Sleeping Bear Dunes, there a number scenic communities that can still be found while exploring your way through M-22. Empire (5) has a number of quaint shops and outdoor activities contained within while in Glen Arbor (6) you can find a bustling little village that thrives throughout the year with a variety of shops and restaurants. Once you arrive in Leland (7) you will find

excellent shopping, dining and local attractions as well as Historic Fishtown. Fishtown celebrates Northern Michigan’s commercial fishing heritage and is alive and well in this small community. Fishtown is one of the last remaining commercial fishing villages in the State of Michigan. As you leave Leland and travel across the peninsula to Northport (8), you will swing south along Grand Traverse Bay until arriving in Suttons Bay (9). This is yet another great spot for shopping and dining. As you continue south, you will make your way into Traverse City (10) where you can hook up with US-31 South back into Manistee

For more information visit: michigansgreatoutdoors.org

START HERE

Breakfast at House of Flavors 402 West Ludington Ave. | Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 845-5785 | houseofflavors.com

A great start to any day is a hearty breakfast at the House of Flavors, located on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. Grab some flapjacks, eggs, and toast and be on your way to begin your exploration of Michigan’s beauty.

lake, mason, manistee, oceana newaygo & wexford counties

MASON COUNTY

Riverflats Coffee & Tea 1975 S. Pere Marquette Hwy., Suit 2 Ludington, MI 49431 | (231) 425-4488

& THE LUDINGTON STATE PARK

T

Conrad Rd

Dr

Meisenheimer Rd

Meisenheimer Rd

Taylor Rd

Schoenherr Rd

Trufant

Larson Rd

Larson Rd

Schoenherr Rd

Benson Rd

Larson Rd

Masten

Campbell Rd

Taylor Rd

a

r ge na

Taylor Rd

Campbell Rd

Dunbar

La

Reek Rd

ld

Hansen Rd

10

E 1st St

Custer

Gi

Decker Rd

Hawley Rd

Chauvez Rd

Trl

Hawley Rd

Kinney Rd

Landon Rd

Bradshaw

Masten Rd

ian

Kinney Rd

Wiley

Campbell Rd

Ind

Custer Rd

Tuttle Rd

Chauvez Rd

Aspen

Taylor Rd

Wilson Rd

For more information visit: michigansgreatoutdoors.org d Woo

Deren Rd

Stolberg Rd

Tallman

Porter Rd

Scottville Rd

Meisenheimer Corners

Stiles Rd

Hawley Rd

8

s Trl Rd

shore

S Lake

4

Kinney Rd

Round Lake

Walhalla Rd

7

Scottville

Wilson Rd

5

Batcheller

Walhalla Rd

6

Manales Millerton Rd

Millerton

Reek Rd

State St

Johnson Rd

Rd

Ford Lake

Hansen Rd

W 1st St

Conrad Rd

ble

Benson Rd

Hansen Rd

Stephens Rd

Decker Rd

Chauvez Rd

31

Tuttle Rd

Pratt Rd Osborn Rd

Johnson Rd

2

Storage Reservoir

Tuttle Rd

Darr Rd

La Salle Rd

Sugar Grove

Gordon Rd

Pere Marquette Lake

Meyers Rd

6th St

Sugar Grove Rd

Fisher Rd

y

10

Pere Marquette Hwy

3

Washington Ave

Ludington Ave

West Shore Community College

Amber Rd

1 Ludington 13

Mason County Airport

Brye Rd

Bryant St

Tinkham AveJohnson Rd

Sau

Dewey Rd

Main St

Rasmussen Rd

Pere Marquett e Hw

Lakeshore Dr

116

Darr Rd

Stiles Rd Victory Corner Rd

Jebavy Dr

Lincoln Rd Decker Rd

Lincoln Hills Jagger Rd Golf Club Lincoln Lake

Mavis Rd

Dewey Rd

d Pine R

Sauble Rd

9

Millerton Rd

Groth Rd

Peterson Rd

12

Dewey Rd

Victory Dr

Custer Rd

g An

Victory Dr

Lakeshore Dr

Rd

Main St

g lin

Free Soil Rd

Fountain

Fountain Rd

Jebavy Dr

Hamlin Duneview Dr Lake

Schoenherr Rd

Lincoln Rd

ou

Gun Lake n Tow Rd e n Li

Poplar Rd

Quarterline Rd

Rd is nn De

Bay

Rd

Bennett

Michigan St

31

Dr

Taylor Rd

dle

Free Soil

Free Soil Rd

ide

Koenig

Budzynski Rd

b

d Stark R

Hasenbank Rd

Poplar Rd

d

Alexander Rd

Green Rd

R erg

10

Treml Rd

Hoague Rd

Taylor Rd

rl st T

White Rd

Riv ers

Campbell Rd

Koenig Rd

County Line Rd

Stephens Rd

i Rd

rl tT

rn

Ludington State Park

Hoague Rd

res Fo

Nu Mid

Relive the past by taking a self-guided tour through the grounds and 29 museum buildings and sites making up White Pine Village.

Trl

re Fo

11

re Fo

3 DETOUR Benson Rd

st

Co Cre oper ek Rd

Tour Historic White Pine Village 1687 South Lakeshore Drive | Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 843-4808 | historicwhitepinevillage.org

Custer Rd

Modjesk

2

Grab a coffee for the ride at Riverflats, conveniently located just off of South Pere Marquette Hwy. They also offer a drive-thru window and outdoor seating.

here is so much to explore all within a 10 mile radius from Downtown Ludington. Explore the beautiful sands of the Ludington State Park, or the scenic overlook on South Lakeshore Road. Also venture into the Wind Farms and see the beautiful rolling hills full of fall color flanked alongside these massive man made wonders.

Lake Michigan

1

MASON COUNTY

& THE LUDINGTON STATE PARK

Jam Farm Barn Quilt (Barn Quilt Trail Location) 5075 W. Meisenheimer Rd. | Ludington, MI 49431

4

Check out one of the 10 barns along the Barn Quilt Tour. For a complete overview of the entire tour, see the feature in this guide. Christofferson’s Farm (Agricultural Trail Location) 3441 S. Morton Rd. Ludington, MI 49431 | (231) 845-5831

5 DETOUR

Visit Christofferson’s Farm for the ultimate orchard experience. They offer a large variety of fruits for sale or u-pick, and would love to show you their orchards. They are family-friendly and welcome groups of all sizes!

Amber Elk Ranch (Agricultural Trail Location) 2688 W. Conrad Rd. | Ludington, MI 49431 (231) 843-5ELK | amberelkranch.com

6 DETOUR

Tour all 130 acres of the ranch. Take a wagon ride and experience these amazing elk and wrap up your visit at our petting zoo. Sander’s Meats (Agricultural Trail Location) 237 S. Main St. | Custer, MI 49405 (231) 757-4768 | sandersmeats.com

7

Since 1925, sons, grandsons and great-grandsons have joined the business over the years and hold generations of experience along with secret recipes that have been enjoyed by many West Michigan families. The company specializes in smoked hams, homemade brats, hotdogs, sausages and much more. Lithuanian Barn Quilt (Barn Quilt Trail Location) 3338 N. Campbell Rd. | Fountain, MI 49410 Andrulis Cheese (Agricultural Trail Location) 4295 E. Millerton Rd. | Fountain, MI 49410 (231) 462-3301 | andrulischeese.com

8

9

Welcome to Michigan Farm Cheese Dairy, makers of Andrulis Farmers Cheese! They’ve been dedicated to making traditional Baltic-style farmers cheese since 1940. Orchard Market (Agricultural Trail Location) 8418 N. US Hwy 31 | Free Soil, MI 49411 (231) 464-5534 | orchardmarket.us

10

They have 2 locations in the area, but this is the original market and has been providing fresh, locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables since 1960. Also home to a great bakery and other artisan goods. Lake Michigan Recreation Area End of Forest Trail Road - West off US-31

11 DETOUR

Lake Michigan Campground is perched on the shores of Lake Michigan. The area creates an incredible setting with a scenic overlook of the lake. This family campground provides an array of hiking and biking trails, plus swimming, fishing and kayaking.

For more information visit: michigansgreatoutdoors.org

4 SELF-GUIDED S C E N I C FA L L C O LO R RO U T E S T H RO U G H O U T T H E R E G I O N

Fall Color in Cadillac is second to none. Breath taking views can be seen from your car, bicycle, kayak, canoe, motorcycle, train and by foot…. You name your mode of transportation, & you’ll experience unforgettable views… Here are our favorite self-guided routes combined with local hot spots, and fantastic views, compliments of the Huron-Manistee National Forest. We’ve also listed additional activities you can enjoy in the Cadillac area while Mother Nature transitions from summer green to fall gold, to winter white…

lake, mason, manistee, oceana newaygo & wexford counties

WEXFORD COUNTY

ROUTE ONE - The Lakes | 20 Miles

4 SELF-GUIDED TOURS THROUGHOUT THE REGION

Fall Color in Cadillac is second to none. Breath taking views can be seen from your car, bicycle, kayak, canoe, motorcycle, train and by foot…. You name your mode of transportation, and you’ll experience unforgettable views…

Drive on Old 131 to Granite St. Turn right on Granite St, which turns into Sunnyside Dr. Take this to M-115. Turn right onto M-115, after ½ mile turn left onto M-55 West. On this tour, you will travel around both Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell and see the beautifully balanced panorama of woods and waters. Attractions: Lake Cadillac Area: Public park, Sound Garden, Clam River Greenway, picturesque pavilion, city boat docks and memorial fountain, Kenwood beach and park, public bathrooms, boat launch and 27 holes of Disc Golf. Canal area: Cadillac’s famous canal freezes before the lakes then as the lakes freeze the canal thaws and is open all winter. Mitchell State Park: Camping, Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Museum & Visitors Center and an interpretive Heritage Trail. Foodie Picks: Hermann's European Cafe (Downtown), Clam Lake Beer Co. (Downtown), Burke’s Waterfront Restaurant (burritos & french fried ice cream), The Sweet Shop (XL caramel apples). 14 Rd.

16 Rd.

Manton Mesick

Hillcrest Dr.

18 1/2 Rd.

20 Rd.

Walker Rd. E 20 Rd.

Burns Rd.

Arlene

Meauwataka

WEXFORD COUNTY Yuma

25 Rd.

La Chance Rd.

Kelly Rd.

d.

Cadillac

11 1

34 1/2 Rd.

MISSAUKEE COUNTY

46 Rd.

13 Rd.

7 Rd.

38 Rd.

46 Rd.

1 1 1 / 4 Rd .

48 Rd.

48 Rd.

Stoney Corner Rd.

McBain

N

Hoxeyville

52 Rd.

na cki

OSCEOLA COUNTY 20 Mile Rd.

Tustin

Bristol

Ca dillac fa ll color route map (231) 775-0657 | www.CadillacMichigan.com

130th Ave.

S ko o k u m Rd .

8 Mile Rd.

Ma

LAKE COUNTY

23 Mile Rd.

w

Tr a

il

County Line Rd.

S t a t e Rd .

n

wH

. wy /4 R

Gra

ie dv

W 30 1/4 Rd.

12 Rd.

W 30 Rd.

Lake City

Harrietta

5 Mile Rd.

Dighton Tourism Blog: www.ExploreCadillac.org

N

Edgets

Luther

Leroy

1

LOOK F O R TH E S I GN S A LO N G T H E S CEN I C R O U TES (# I ND I CATES RO U T E)

ROUTE TWO - Northwest | 63 Miles

Begin by going west on M-55 to 25 Rd. Take 25 Rd north to Boon Rd (34 Rd). Turn west (left) on Boon Rd and drive through Boon and Harrietta to M-37. For a different pace continue on 30 Rd heading west and take Coates Highway down to the Big Manistee River. To stay on the designated tour, continue north on M-37 to M-115 in Mesick. Either drive northwest (left) on M-115 to 9 Rd and into Glengary (14 Rd) (The Glengary area roads may be rough if weather conditions are wet) and back onto M-42 to 15 Rd or you may also turn southeast (left) on M-115 and north onto 15 Rd. These backroads will lead you through a very colorful route through Meauwataka and back to Cadillac. Attractions: • Park and sit along the lakeshore or at a picnic table along the Lake Mitchell Day Use Park (off M-115), adjacent to the canal. • Take in some history along M-55, turn left onto 25 Rd, approx. 100 ft is a CC Camp historical marker and remains. • Just west of Harrietta is the MDNR Harrietta Fish Hatchery and visitors center (open week days only in fall). • South of Mesick on the southern tip of Hodenpyle Pond: from M-37, head West on 26 Rd to O’Rourke Dr/ Hodenpyle Dam Rd, then continue North on M-37 to M-115 in Mesick. • Just shy of Mesick on M-37 stop at the Scott Wheeler Roadside Park, great view!

COLOR ON OUR RIVE R S

The Natio nal Fo res t and the r i ve r s t hat fl ow thro ugh them provid e som e of t he mo s t scenic fall co lo r in Ce n t ra l Mi chi ga n . Access o ur river fl o at map s a n d m ore o nline at: CadillacMichiga n . com

Foodie Picks: Boon Store famous Boon Cheese.

ROUTE THREE - South | 64 Miles

Drive South on Old 131 to Mackinaw Trail. Turn right on Mackinaw Trail and follow it to M-115. Turn east (left) on M-115 and then south (right) on Dighton Rd (130th). Turn west on 20 Mile Road and continue into Tustin and then into the Bristol area. As you pass through Bristol, 20 Mile Road will turn to 8 Mile Road. Continue and turn left on Skookum. Continue South to 5 Mile Road and turn right. Turn right on State Rd, cross the Pine River to 48 Rd, turn left and continue to 7 ½ Rd, thru Hoxeyville. Turn east (right) on M-55, turn north (left) on 13 Rd (towards Caberfae Peaks) north to Boon Rd/30 1/4 Rd in Harrietta. Turn right onto Boon Rd and back to Cadillac. Attractions: • Kettunen Center just beyond 150th Ave. on 20 Mile Road • 18 Mile Road is home to the Rose Golf Course • Riverside Park in downtown Tustin • Luther Loggers in downtown Luther, turn south on State Road • Silver Creek County Park just north of Luther • Hoxeyville Historic School • Caberfae Scenic Outlook • Manistee National Forest

COLOR T R A IN

Experience the Fall Co lo r Tra i n t hi s ye a r i n Cadillac! Rides o n O cto ber 8 & 15 , v i si t : CadillacMichigan.co m fo r d e t a i l s

CR A F T BEER F EST IVAL

J o in us fo r the Cadillac Cra f t Be e r Fe st i va l this year o n September 24 t h! Le a r n m ore at: ccbeerfest.co m

Foodie Picks: Coyote Crossing Restaurant, turn south (right) just past Caberfae Road, down the road on the left.

ROUTE FOUR - East | 37 Miles

Begin at Color Tour Headquarters, downtown Cadillac, and proceed north on old US 131 (Mitchell St) to Boon Rd. Turn east (right) on Boon Rd, which becomes Seeley Rd north and then Rosted Rd east, staying on the paved road. Turn north (left) on La Chance Rd, go through Jennings, and then turn west (left) on Burns Rd. Turn north (right) on Seeley Rd crossing M-42/Mike & Tony Rd. Seeley Rd then becomes 49 Rd. Continue on 49 Rd north to Roby Rd and then head east (turn right) on Roby to Brown Rd. Turn south (right) on Brown Rd, taking it to M-42/Walker Rd. Go east (left) on M-42 to M-66 south. M-66 south will take you through Lake City and then head west (right) on M-55 towards downtown Cadillac. Attractions: Located between US 131 & Seeley Rd on M-42 is Dutchman Tree Farm, one of the largest Christmas Tree Farms in the area. Rather than continuing on Seeley Road north, turn west (left) onto M-42, to the farm, offering a Christmas Village in December. Foodies: In downtown Lake City, Food Factory and the Coffee Cup are suggested local hot spots.

1

LOOK FO R THE SIGNS A LO NG THE SC ENIC RO U TES (N UM BER IN DI C ATE S R OUTE )

For more information visit: michigansgreatoutdoors.org Continue North on Scenic Drive until you reach Silver Lake Road. CHARLES MEARS Turn west and follow the signs to STATE PARK the Little Sable Point Lighthouse. This is one of the top attractions in the Silver Lake area. This PENTWATER LAKE historic lighthouse towers over the Lake Michigan Shoreline longbridge and it boasts quite the view for those interested in heading to the top! B-15

lake, mason, manistee, oceana newaygo & wexford counties

MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST

chester St.

OCEANA COUNTY

TO Ludington

Rid

ge

rd

Start your trip in the heart of Silver Lake at the round-about near the shores of Silver Lake. From here, your journey will continue north along the lakeshore on North Shore Drive. Here you will see beautiful views of Silver Lake and the sand dunes in the distance.

B-15

see detail map: pg 44

HART VETERANS HART PARK

Rid

ge

LAKE

55th Ave.

UPPER SILVER LAKE

P

N.

w. taylor rd.

R.

72nd ave.

ED 3

HART MONTAGUE BIKE 4 TRAIL AND STATE PARK

Water Rd.

OR

Hazel rd.

UNION

2

filmore rd.

CRYSTAL LAKE

scout rd.

5

4

6

7

saddleback LAKE 8

SCENIC DR.

SHELBY rd. 9

31

oceana dr.

Continue west on Garfield to Stony Lake Road. Here you can explore the Claybanks Township Park, Stony Lake area and Benona Township Park on the shores of Lake Michigan. Continue North on Scenic Drive (B-15) until you reach Buchanan. Here you will find the Fox Barn Marketplace and Winery (4). Home to excellent local wines and ciders set in a rustic ambiance that is sure to impress.

1 1

w. taylor rd.

SH SILVER

LINCOLN JOHNSON

GRISWOLD

POLK RD.

B-15 B-15

FOX RD.

JOHN GURNEY PARK

MAIN ST.

PIRATE’S PARADISE

Continue to Taylor Road and LAKE turn East until Water Road. a k e r d. L r LITTLE SABLE e Silv Head south and check out POINT LIGHTHOUSE beautiful Crystal Lake and the shimmering fall color off of this small inland lake. Continue south along Oceana Drive until you reach Country Dairy (2). Home to over 1000 cows. Check out buchanan rd. their farm store and great deli. Continue on Oceana until reaching Garfield Rd. just B-15 B-15 outside New Era. Turn west onto Garfield and you will make your way to the second market, the Lewis Farm Market and Petting Farm (3). The kids will love this place, with farm animals, games and great local fare.

SCENIC DR.

PERE MARQUETTE STATE FOREST

r d.

Continue East on Monroe until reaching Oceana Drive. Here you will traverse south along the rolling hills until reaching Hart Lake and the Village of Hart. Continue through downtown until you reach Polk Road. Turn West. Here you will come across the first Farm Market on the Tour. The Rennhack Orchards Market (1). Home to many wonderful locally grown fruits and vegetables. Continue to SILVER LAKE 55th Avenue where you will find the Village of Mears. SAND DUNES

31

PENTWATER PATHWAYS

oceana dr.

Finally, return to Silver Lake Road and head east where you CEDAR POINT will end up in COUNTY PARK downtown Silver Lake.

Turn North onto 24th Avenue and east on Fox Road until turning north on Ridge Road. Here you will meander along the lakeshore past Cedar Point County Park until you reach Longbridge Road and Pentwater Lake. Here you can turn onto Longbridge and continue to Monroe Road.

LIGHTHOUSE DR.

Monroe rd.

.

& THE SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES

Grant Rd. 10

2

stony creek

BENONA TWP. Park

stony LAKE B-15 B-15

STONY LAKE rd. CLAYBANKS TWP. PARK

11

GARFIELD rd.

3

lake, mason, manistee, oceana newaygo & wexford counties

LAKE COUNTY

TO THE LAKE MICHIGAN COAST

A

utumn is a beautiful time of year in North Central Michigan. The rolling hills and scenic overlooks allow you to look out onto a vast open network of fall color while weaving your way through some of the communities that truly define “up north” living. Take this 180 mile ride along these beautiful roads and experience the fall color through Lake, Wexford, Mason and Manistee County Find the point of interest indicated on the map by visiting the Pure Michigan website at: http://www.michigan.org/road-trips/manistee-cadillac-ludington/

NEWAYGO COUNTY TO THE LAKE MICHIGAN COAST

F

all is a special time of year in Newaygo County. The White and Muskegon River come alive with color and life. Beginning in Newaygo, you will traverse the river all the way to beautiful Croton and Hardy Dam where you will fine beautiful parks and nature areas to explore. Continue through the heart of the county North or South and you will pass through the rolling hills of Central Michigan before arriving at the Lake Michgian Coast to the west. Find the point of interest indicated on the map by visiting the Pure Michigan website at: http://www.michigan.org/road-trips/pentwater-white-cloud-muskegon/

For more information visit: michigansgreatoutdoors.org