16 Stops for a Scenic Road Trip Along M-119 and the Tunnel of Trees

The historic M-119 scenic route, or the Tunnel of Trees, skirts Lake Michigan, between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. During this 20-mile drive, you'll experience tree canopies, ridiculously charming small towns, and delicious local cuisine.

Cross Village

The first town worth exploring along the Tunnel of Trees is Cross Village. It has a Heritage Museum in its old town hall, and features a giant white cross on a bluff overlooking the lake. The story of the cross has its roots back in the seventeenth century, when Jesuit missionary Jacques Marquette supposedly planted a white cross on the bluff before he died.
 

Legs Inn – Cross Village

The first thing you'll notice when you arrive at the Legs Inn is the incredible, rustic stone architecture... and things only get cooler from there. The inside is just as kitschy and lodge-like, and they serve up a wild menu of very authentic Polish cuisine (think pierogis, smoked whitefish, and stuffed cabbage.) Enjoy it all with a Polish beer or some Polish vodka, and, if you're there on the right evening, some live music. They also have cottages for rent if you want to make a whole night of it.
 

Three Pines Studio and Gallery – Cross Village

Another spot to pull off and stretch your legs is Three Pines Studio and Gallery. Hosting a huge variety of local crafts and art, you can admire the wares and purchase anything that strikes your fancy. You'll find anything from fiber arts pieces and jewelry to woodworked art, blown glass, and paintings here.
 

Good Hart

Good Hart General Store | Photo Courtesy of Good Hart General Store

Stop off in the tiny hamlet of Good Hart. Seriously, it's tiny. The downtown only has three businesses. The Good Hart General Store is one of the most iconic stops along the Tunnel of Trees. It's totally authentic. The store has been a central gathering spot for the people of Good Hart since the 1930s. It's the town's grocery, bakery, deli, real estate office, and post office. Stop in for snacks, one of their famous pot pies, souvenirs, or just a photo op with the red building.

 

Good Hart General Store

Middle Village Park – Harbor Springs

Also along the route, you might want to take a quick dip in the lake at Middle Village Park's beach. The trail behind the Middle Village church features an observation deck and easy access to the quiet little public swim spot.
 

Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs has been a resort destination for decades, so it's a great place to visit on your journey. Located on Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs offers scenic beauty, stargazing, quaint historic sites, and, of course, one end of the Tunnel of Trees.