With its proximity to thousands of lakes and a mixture of breathtaking landscapes, Michigan is no stranger to scenic drives. In fact, one of the best scenic drives in Michigan also happens to be one of the most scenic in all of America. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive may be just a little over seven miles long, but it packs in views that will make for an unforgettable trip.

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The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive can be found in the western portion of Northern Michigan. Located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the drive meanders through an impressive variety of landscapes for approximately 7.4 miles. It's one of the most beautiful drives in Michigan.
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The scenic route begins just south of Glen Lake, at the entrance off of M-109. Eventually, the road becomes a one-way route with twelve numbered sites that correlate with the brochure and interpretive information. The first site is a beautiful covered bridge, which gives way to an overlook of Glen Lake followed by a variety of forested areas and sand plains.
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This road was built in the 1960s by a man named Pierce Stocking, a dedicated lumberman after whom the drive is named. Stocking operated the road until 1976, when the duty was taken over by the National Parks Service. In the 80s, the NPS added some visitor-friendly features Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, including interpretive markers.
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It’s estimated that nearly 80,000 motorists make this breathtaking drive each year. It's the perfect drive for those looking to take Michigan road trips. The road is particularly memorable for its proximity to the Lake Michigan shoreline and its surrounding landscape. While hiking along the road is permitted, it’s strongly discouraged due to the amount of motor traffic.
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Jim/flickr
The drive was really put on the map in 2011, when Good Morning America named the Pierce Stocking Drive and nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes as the "Most Beautiful Place in America." As you wind through luscious forests and stretches of shoreline, you won’t be surprised at all by this title. One of the most impressive feats of the drive is how much landscape can be seen in such a short distance.
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As this photograph of Lake Michigan shows, the vastness of the water is such that you can't even see beyond to the other side. Whether you have a spare hour or an entire afternoon, taking a trip along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, one of the most beautiful drives in Michigan, will surely rekindle your love for the state.

Have you ever driven along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, one of the best scenic drives in Michigan? Be sure to share your experience with us! For more information on Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, visit the National Park Service website.

If you’re looking for more beautiful trips, be sure to check out our previous article: 7 Byways In Michigan That Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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Best Scenic Drives In Michigan

Melissa M. | September 10, 2021

What are some of the best scenic drives in Michigan?

Sometimes there’s nothing better than hopping into the car, turning the ignition on, and going for a drive. But not just any drive...a scenic drive! The Great Lakes State has a lot of scenery to explore and plenty of backroads to do just that. You may want to take the M-199, or the Tunnel of Trees scenic drive, where you will drive through some incredible foliage. This drive is perhaps best for the fall in order to see all the seasonal colors. Within the Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula, take the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway and drive alongside the breathtaking Whitefish Bay. You can find more scenic drives in this post. 

What are the best Michigan road trips I can take?

Since there is an abundance of choices when it comes to road trips in the great state of Michigan, we made things easy by putting together a compilation article on some of the best ones. Head to our post, the 10 Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In Michigan for some ideas. Maybe you’ll want to take the Abandoned Places Road Trip, or perhaps a Dreamy Lighthouse Road Trip is more your speed. There are plenty of choices!

Where can I find some scenic overlooks in Michigan?

Spectacle Overlook near Bay Mills in the Upper Peninsula not only gives spectacular views of Michigan’s beauty but of Canada too! Also in the Upper Peninsula is Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook which involves a hike but the views you’ll get are well worth it.

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