One Of Michigan's Most Scenic Road Trip Routes Is An Overlooked Coastal Beauty

While Michigan is in the central part of North America, its place among the Great Lakes make it feel much less landlocked. Of course Lake Michigan quickly comes to mind, but the state actually borders four out of the five Great Lakes. If you want a Midwest road trip with breathtaking lake views, Michigan has routes in spades. Among its somewhat lesser-traveled routes is the Huron Shores Heritage Route, which runs along Michigan's northeastern edge shared with Lake Huron. Nicknamed the Sunrise Coast, this piece of land is full of amazing views, outdoor activities, and quaint towns.

To get the most out of the 200-mile Huron Shores Heritage Route, simply follow US-23. Given Michigan's northern latitude, many road trippers will likely want to begin the route at its southern end in the tiny town of Standish. History buffs will enjoy the Michigan Central Railroad Depot in this town. Check out some early 1900s railroad history here, including a vintage caboose and passenger cars. You can go inside these cars if you visit from May through October. After visiting the museum, grab any last minute maps, snacks, and other road trip needs at the depot before embarking on your journey.

The Great Lakes feature some beautiful and expansive beaches. A perfect place to check out the Great Lakes beaches along Huron Shores Heritage Route is at Oscoda Beach Park. This Midwestern beach helps you experience the crystal blue waters of Lake Huron up close. Not only will you be able to relax on soft sand here, you can also stay overnight close to the water. Book a stay at Thomas Parkside Cottages or Green's Near The Pier Resort. If you need a break from the sun, wander through Oscoda's museums. The Wurtsmith Air Museum features military and aviation artifacts, including a former military helicopter. The Oscoda Historical Museum celebrates the regions Indigenous, industrial, and Air Force history all in one place.

As you keep following US-23 along Lake Huron's shores toward Alpena, you'll find hiking opportunities within the Thunder Bay River State Forest. Take Werth Road from US-23 to the Norway Ridge Pathway Trails. These trails have options for all ages and fitness levels, which weave though the forest's thick, tall trees. These trails are open even if there is snow on the ground and each season brings different scenery. Head to Alpena itself for more outdoor fun. Get a unique Lake Huron experience with Alpena Shipwreck Tours, which teaches visitors about some of the area's many shipwrecks. You can also book a cruise or kayak tour with this organization online.

Cheboygan is slightly larger than some of the other towns on Huron Shores Heritage Route. What makes this town worth a stop are its lighthouses. Cheboygan Crib Light is located where the Cheboygan River meets Lake Huron. It was built in 1884, but is not at its original location. Cheboygan Crib Light once fell into the water, but the town's residents wanted to preserve it even if it would be no longer functioning. They moved the resilient structure to where it is today and it still has lovely nautical surroundings along with beaches. Enjoy the lake views even more by walking to the neighboring Cheboygan Pier Light.

You can camp, hike, and swim at an unsung state park in Cheboygan too. The beautiful Cheboygan State Park with an array of activities is just east of the lighthouses. The lakefront beaches here are popular with families, but this park also has forested hiking trails that include stunning views of Lake Huron. There are several trails under 2 miles. Throw in a line and see if you can catch some trout in Elliot Creek here too. You can also stay overnight in the park at campgrounds, cabins, or even tepees. Reserve these lodging options online.

The Huron Shores Heritage Route journey ends in Mackinaw City, the northernmost point in Michigan's lower section. There are lighthouses here too — McGulpin Point and Old Machinac — but the scene stealer is likely the massive Mackinac Bridge that leads to the state's upper peninsula. This bridge also crosses the place at which Lake Huron meets Lake Michigan. Get views of this infrastructural feat from the beach area on the bridge's east side.

Not far from Mackinaw Bridge is Colonial Michilimackinac, a fort and village from the 1700s that has been restored in order to show what life was like in Michigan centuries ago. Knowledgeable guides at this museum complex fire off muskets and wear historically accurate clothing. Archaeologists are still conducting research at this site to keep filling in pieces of Michigan history.

Finish your Sunrise Coast road trip by taking Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry to the easily walkable Mackinac Island. This island is home to the immaculately-kept Secret Garden, which you can explore at no cost. However, most of the island is filled with serene and seemingly untouched nature as well. Walk through Mackinac Island State Park to Arch Rock on the island's southeastern coast. This natural archway overlooks the vibrant lake water and truly feels like something out of a painting.