This 7.5-mile Scenic Route Is One of the Midwest's Most Beautiful Drives With Lake Views, Dune Hikes, and a Charming Coastal Town

"Set within the rolling dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the seven-and-a-half-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive takes travelers through magnificent woodlands, sandy ridges, and sweeping overlooks along the shores of Lake Michigan. The drive honors the late lumberman and conservationist Pierce Stocking and begins just south of Glen Lake before winding upward through thick hardwood forests. During the journey, visitors can stop at 12 viewpoints that showcase the area's diverse scenery."

"Although the drive can be completed in under an hour, many travelers spend extra time photographing the dunes, sandboarding in designated zones, and hiking various trails. One of the most striking vistas is the Lake Michigan Overlook, a mostly paved trail rising 450 feet above the shoreline. For those who prefer a longer adventure, nearby trailheads connect to sections of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, allowing visitors to explore the park's ecosystems in greater depth."

"Just outside this scenic route, you'll find several picturesque towns, including Traverse City, known as the "Cherry Capital of the U.S." Each summer, the city celebrates its famous fruit with the National Cherry Festival, featuring parades, music, and cherry-inspired treats. The surrounding Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas are ideal for wine tasting, with vineyards, such as Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn, that pair world-class Rieslings and Pinot Noirs with lake views that feel straight out of a postcard."

"For outdoor adventures, rent a kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon to spend the day on Grand Traverse Bay. You can also hike or fish along the Boardman River Trail, take a bike ride along the TART Trail, or relax on the sandy shores of Clinch Park, Bryant Park, and West End Beach. Arts enthusiasts can catch a show at the City Opera House and visit local galleries such as the Higher Art Gallery and Michigan Artists Gallery,"

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive traverses seven-and-a-half miles within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, rising from south of Glen Lake through thick hardwood forests to dramatic overlooks. Twelve viewpoints present dunes, sandy ridges, and sweeping Lake Michigan vistas, including the Lake Michigan Overlook that rises 450 feet above the shoreline. Visitors often photograph dunes, sandboard in designated zones, and hike trails, with connections to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Nearby Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival each summer. Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas offer wineries with Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, while Grand Traverse Bay supports kayaking, paddleboarding, and pontoon rentals.

Read at Travel + Leisure