5 Quaint Towns on Michigan's M-22 You Need to See

If you're looking for the perfect Northern Michigan vacation destination, consider a road trip along the Leelanau Peninsula's M-22, taking you from Traverse City to Glen Arbor, and everywhere in between!

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Considering a summer getaway along the charming M-22 Highway Up North?

View from The Homestead, Glen Arbor

There's no better place to take a Midwest road trip than Northern Michigan's M-22. Expect friendly travelers (and not too many of them), good food, better drinks, limited hotel options, stunning vistas, and, ultimately, an incredibly relaxing trip. I've spent nearly every summer of my life exploring M-22's cutest summer colonies, and I've rounded up the Leelanau Peninsula's best towns!

​Let's take a Michigan road trip!

Bay Lavender Trading Company, Glen Arbor

What is M-22?

M-22 Wines, Glen Arbor

​M-22 is a 116.7 mile highway that skirts the Lake Michigan lakeshore surrounding the Leelanau Peninsula (Michigan's pinkie) in Northern Michigan ("Up North")!
​M-22 connects charming towns and gorgeous beaches - but the scenic drive along the highway itself is worth the trip.

Where should I stay along M-22?

The Homestead Resort, M-22

For my money, there's no better M-22 resort than The Homestead in Glen Arbor. With an unbeatable location right along Lake Michigan, several restaurant offerings, walking trails, and different types of accommodations (condos, family-oriented, traditional hotels), you'll never regret a stay at The Homestead!

The Inn at The Homestead, Glen Arbor, Michigan

The Homestead, Glen Arbor, Michigan

Where can I get M-22 merchandise?

Well, you're in luck! If you're in the market for M-22 merchandise, look no further than... M-22 - and don't forget to visit their location in Glen Arbor!

What does the M-22 sticker mean?

The M-22 sticker is a must-have for devotees of the Up North lifestyle! They're ubiquitous on cars coming to and from the Leelanau Peninsula - don't forget to get your own. You know I have one!

M-22 Town: Glen Arbor

The Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor

Let's kick off our tour of M-22 where, for me, it all began: Glen Arbor. From our first trip in the early 1990's until today, I've visited this charming hamlet nearly every year, and sometimes twice. From delicious wine tasting, to the home of The Cherry Republic, to the best (cash-only) food on the peninsula at Art's, you really can't beat Glen Arbor. I'd absolutely recommend making this charming town your home base during your visit to M-22, and it's certainly worth a day trip if you're staying elsewhere.

​For everything you need to know about Glen Arbor, check out the full post!

Extra credit: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (stock)

Holding the title of " Most Beautiful Place in America," The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see on a trip through M-22. Learn the legend of The Sleeping Bear, and test those calf muscles as you scale up and down (depending on which dune you pick!) the impressive dunes. Don't over stretch yourself - they'll make your pay for the helicopter if you can't make it back to your car.

Winery stop on M-22:
Good Harbor Vineyards Winery

On your way from Glen Arbor to Leland, you'll drive right by Good Harbor Vineyard Winery, located directly on M-22. So why not pull over for a quick wine tasting? You'll see Good Harbor's Fishtown White served in restaurants around the Leelanau Peninsula, but they have many other delicious options at the actual tasting room. Drink Michigan Wine!

M-22 Town: Leland

The Cove, Leland

Probably the quintessential M-22 town, Leland is only accessible...by...you guessed it...M-22. There's just the one road leading into and out of the charming town of Leland, home to only about 1000 residents. Don't forget to stop by Fishtown (pictured below), to take a step back in time!

​For everything you need to know about Leland, check out the full post!

M-22 Town: Sutton's Bay

It had been many years since I had made it "over" to Suttons Bay, when we visited again this year. And, I must say, this most recent trip will not be our last! I highly recommend grabbing lunch at V.I. Grill - home of the best whitefish we had on our entire trip (and that's saying something!).

​For everything you need to know about Suttons Bay, check out the full post!

Cider Stop on M-22: Sutton's Bay Ciders

If you only do one tasting during your time on M-22, make it Suttons Bay Ciders. I'm not a huge cider fan myself, but you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained, and you honestly cannot beat the view from up here. It's not often we get any elevation out here in the Great Lakes - let alone anything as beautiful as the view from Suttons Bay Ciders.

M-22 Town: Traverse City

Our last M-22 town is the cherry capital of the world, and the capital of the region, Traverse City. Significantly larger than the other spots on the list, Traverse City is also home to the region's only 'large' airport. Restaurant options are more plentiful here, but so are cars and crowds.

Traverse City, Michigan (stock)

Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a fabulous road trip and discover amazing new sights along M-22!

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• Glen Arbor, Michigan
• The Homestead Resort, Glen Arbor
• Leland, Michigan
• Northern Michigan, Up North Vacation Destinations
• What to Wear in Northern Michigan

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