Other Tours and Trails

US 23 Heritage Route Coastal Northeast Michigan

Pure Michigan Byway

200 miles of spectacular scenic views of Lake Huron and an astounding array of large public forest and recreational properties await travelers on the US 23 Heritage Route. Beginning in Standish and winding up the Lake Huron coastline, the US 23 Heritage Route offers some of the most extensive and significant recreational, ecological, historical and cultural sites in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The northern Lake Huron shoreline boasts water, forests, wetlands, lighthouses, parks, trails, museums, small towns, culture, attractions, golf, dining, and many other hidden treasures. And the adventures aren't just on the coast....connecting to the US 23 Heritage Route in Oscoda is the River Road National Scenic Byway....which winds along the mighty AuSable River through the Huron National Forest. Coastal and inland discoveries await....discover US 23....your pathway to the Sunrise Coast!

http://www.us23heritageroute.org

Michigan Water Trails Michigan

Water Trail

The Michigan Great Lakes Water Trails website promotes coastal public access by featuring water trails along the Great Lakes shoreline. View water trails by region, and then select a trail to start planning your trip. Get water trail news from around the state; check the weather; learn about paddling safety and etiquette; and more.

http://www.michiganwatertrails.org/

Sunrise Coast Birding Trail Coastal Northeast Michigan

Birding Trail

The Sunrise Coast Birding Trail incorporates 145 miles along U.S. 23. The trail takes flight at the mouth of the famed AuSable River in Oscoda and wings its way north all along the Lake Huron coast to Mackinaw City. Birders will delight in observing the  common, threatened , or endangered birds  of our coastal and inland locations. The unique  Kirtland's Warbler U.S. Forest Service managed habitat west of Oscoda is a destination  where one may get a memorable glimpse of this highly vulnerable and protected  species. The endangered  Great Lakes Piping Plover also nests here along the northern  shores of Lake Huron  which  provide critical habitat for this fragile species. The spring Raptor Watch at the Straits of Mackinaw will thrill observers as thousands of these birds cross the Straits during seasonal migrations. Enjoy the journey as you travel this N.E. corridor  of our great state. (Photo Credit: Phil Odum)

http://www.sunrisecoastbirding.org

AuSable Birding Trail Crawford and Roscommon Counties

Birding Trail

The heavily forested Crawford and Roscommon counties in the heart of northern Michigan have long been a delight for birders and a haven for endangered and migratory species. The AuSable Birding Trail takes you through the woods and into the wetlands, from the protected nesting of the Kirtland’s Warbler to the towering aeries of the populous Bald Eagle. With an emphasis on education in identification and preservation, the local communities have worked together with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Huron Pines and other environmental organizations to make this a premiere birding destination.  Birders, novice to expert, are invited to bring their eyes and ears (and binoculars and cameras) to the trails, woods and waters of the AuSable Birding Trail for a rewarding birding experience.

https://ausablebirding.org/

Sunset Coast Birding Trail Coastal Northwest Michigan

Birding Trail

The Sunset Coast Birding Trail showcases the diverse birds and natural features of Antrim, Charlevoix, and Emmet counties. Located in the northwest coastal region of the lower peninsula, these three counties host a wide variety of protected areas and habitats that attract a large number of Michigan’s 400-plus bird species.  The region offers exciting birding opportunities at local parks, nature preserves, and natural areas where prime birding locations are easily accessible.  Explore this site to plan your next birding adventure! 

http://www.sunsetcoastbirdingtrail.org/

Sleeping Bear Birding Trail Coastal Northwest Michigan

Birding Trail

Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Birding Trail (“SBBT”) spans an exceptional migratory flyway and thousands of acres of National Park along the Lake Michigan coastline.  Covering all 123 miles of Michigan Highway M-22, running from Manistee north to Traverse City, the trail encompases diverse habitat, significant public access, and vast stretches of protected shoreline. The Trail is a birder’s paradise.

http://sleepingbearbirdingtrail.org/

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Leealanu County, Michigan

Wine Trail

Discover Leelanau Peninsula, where cool-climate wines pair perfectly with local cuisine. Our small peninsula is home to 25 wineries located within diverse microclimates uniquely suited for a variety of wine grapes. Among the internationally acclaimed varietals are Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. Experience, firsthand, the authentic taste of the peninsula in local wines that continue to achieve national and international accolades with each passing vintage. The trail is divided into three mini-trails for easy touring: the Sleeping Bear Loop, the Northern Loop and the Grand Traverse Bay Loop. Each tasting room along the trail offers its own unique experience, from pure elegance with unparalleled views to cozy nooks loaded with charm. As you sip wines and chat with the laid-back, hardworking winemakers that produce them, you’re sure to find many reasons to love the trail. (Photo Credit: Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail)

http://www.lpwines.com/

Inland Waterway Cheboygan, Indian River, Alanson, Oden and Conway, Michigan

Water Trail

The Inland Waterway is a 40-mile long historic water route that begins north of Petoskey and with a series of rivers and lakes connects Conway, Oden, Alanson, Indian River, and Cheboygan to Lake Huron. A coastal route, part of the Huron Shores Blueways, connects the City of Cheboygan to Mackinaw City and the Straits of Mackinac.

The water trails connect 7 state parks; numerous campgrounds, day-use parks, and resorts; 20 Little Traverse Conservancy Nature Preserves, and six communities. Combination paddle and pedal trips are possible since the North Central State Trail, North Eastern State Trail and North Western State Trail all parallel segments of the water trail.

http://www.michiganwatertrails.org/trail.asp?ait=cv&cid=133

Huron Blueways Coastal Northeast Michigan

Water Trail

Lake Huron’s coastal waters offer a wide array of paddle sport and boating adventures. Numerous bays, coves, points, islands, even underwater sinkholes and shipwrecks lure boating enthusiasts to explore the coastal waters. Communities with tourism related amenities and marinas are strategically located along the coast for larger recreational boats. However, distances between the communities are too great for a “day’s paddle,” but many access points in between the cities break the journey into smaller doable segments.

http://www.us23heritageroute.org/blueways.asp?ait=cl&tid=4

ARTown Michigan Coastal Northeast Michigan

Arts & Culture Trail

ARTown Michigan is a region, a destination and a state of mind. It spans northeast Michigan along the coast of Lake Huron from Standish to Mackinac. It is a series of distinct yet interconnected creative communities, each with its own rich array of arts and cultural events, activities, galleries, shops, and businesses. It is a place to wander down a road less traveled; a place to relax, unwind, have fun, create, explore, reach out to others or enjoy the serenity of a day to yourself. Our main event takes place on Columbus Day Weekend: The Lake Huron Discovery Tour.

ARTown Michigan promotes collaboration between the organizations and businesses of our region while highlighting and marketing all of the art, culture, history and heritage that is here to be savored and enjoyed. If you are a visitor, ARTown Michigan welcomes you. If you are lucky enough to live here, your town is ARTown.

http://www.artownmichigan.org

Alcona County Quilt Trail Alcona County, MI

Quilt Trail

Follow the Alcona County Quilt Trail up the coast of Lake Huron and inland across the rolling green fields of Alcona County. Download the driving directions and find the 8' X 8' quilt blocks on the sides of historic barns, at local parks, on historic churches, at a train depot, and hidden in many more unexpected places. Each quilt square tells a story about the location. Travel the downtown Harrisville Walking Quilt Trail by visiting twelve downtown merchants and find the 12" fabric quilt square hanging in each!

Alcona Co Quilt Trail Brochure.pdf

http://www.alconaquilttrail.com/

Timberland Quilt Trail Oscoda County, Michigan

Quilt Trail

In 2001 Donna Sue Groves, in Adams County, Ohio painted a quilt block on her barn to honor her mother, a master quilter.  From that humble beginning has grown a national movement of counties and communities developing their own trail of quilts on barns, houses and other buildings throughout America.  More than 30 states now have Quilt Trails with over 3,000 registered quilt blocks.  The movement shows no sign of stopping and Oscoda County Art Council has brought the Quilt Trail here!

The OCAC works to involve community groups, organizations, businesses and families in painting and installing quilt blocks in all of Oscoda County.  We chose as our motto “Art where we live, work and play!” and the Quilt Trail accomplishes that by having beautiful art on old barns, businesses, homes, and along the Au Sable River.

TQTGuide2014.pdf

http://timberlandquilttrail.org/

Eastern UP Water Trails Eastern Upper Peninsula

Water Trail

If you are looking for great paddling opportunities, you have found the right place!  Here you can browse our website for regional information, use our interactive map to plan your trips,  and have an opportunity to tell us about your adventures with your own pictures and stories.  The Eastern Upper Peninsula region offers access to three of the five Great Lakes, the St. Marys River, and many more opportunities on inland lakes and rivers.

https://www.upwatertrails.org/

US 2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway Eastern Upper Peninsula

Pure Michigan Byway

This byway provides access to Mackinac Island and then the northern most shore of Lake Michigan with a 96 mile stretch of US-2 that is truly unique within the State of Michigan and the Great Lakes Region.

http://us2byway.com/

Tahquamenon Scenic Byway Eastern Upper Peninsula

Pure Michigan Byway

Welcome to the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway, a 63-mile journey through Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula. The Tahquamenon region is a vast untamed land, but the wind in the ancient forest sings a song of welcome to all who enter-let the Byway be your guide. Explore the main route of Highway M123 to experience the thunder of Tahquamenon Falls and the northern hospitality of villages like Newberry and Paradise, Michigan. Leave time to take a scenic drive around Lake Superior and visit our endless sandy beaches, restored lighthouses and Superior's stunning shoreline. This is the iconic North Woods we all seek, a place of simple beauty and deep history that cleanses the senses with cool breezes, rushing water and scenic drives. Set out on the North Country Trail at dawn. Climb the towers of three lonely lighthouses. Paddle the route of an old time log drive. Cast a line in a quiet pond. Wonder at the Northern Lights dancing in the darkest sky you've ever known. Take drive on M123, one of the most scenic drives Michigan's Upper Peninsula has to offer. Welcome to a place where wildlife outnumber people and time is measured in tree rings. Welcome to the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway.

http://www.explorem123.com/

North Huron Scenic Byway Eastern Upper Peninsula

Pure Michigan Byway

The communities along M-134 first came together to discuss applying for Recreational Byway designation under the Michigan Department of Transportation's original byways program many years ago, the program has since evolved and the Pure Michigan Byway Program recognizes the boundless recreational opportunities found along the North Huron Shore with this designation. The North Huron Scenic Byway Advisory Committee is made up of public and private partners from Drummond Island, DeTour, Cedarville, Hessel, and the surrounding area. Their meetings focus on marketing the byway and collaborating on projects to improve resources along it.

http://www.mi134.com/