Once winding, hilly US 27 reaches Clare, you’ll share the road with black horse-drawn buggies. See the story of the Great Lakes State, from prehistoric times to the lumber, mining and automotive eras, in a sprawling display that includes something for everyone. Or visit Michigan’s flagship historical center in Lansing, the Michigan Historical Museum. What better time to make a stop in East Lansing to watch the Spartans of Michigan State University take on the weekend’s Big Ten rival. The crisp air and falling leaves signal football season. Take a driving tour past the Italianate and Queen Anne buildings, shop for antiques and spend the night at the National House Inn, a former stagecoach inn, railroad hotel and a suspected stop along the Underground Railroad.Ĭontinue north on Old US 27 and your road will snake through central Michigan’s farmland, where fields of corn and wheat are being readied for harvest in autumn. More than 800 historic buildings lie within the city limits of Marshall, making this historic district the largest in Michigan. In the fall, trips include scenic color tours and Halloween-themed trips. The Little River Railroad offers the rare opportunity to ride an authentic century-old steam engine. But consider traveling the autumn landscape via train one afternoon. The rural roads around Coldwater make for an especially lovely road trip. The driving tour takes travelers back in time and past farms and tiny markets bursting with the season’s harvest.įall Farmers Market | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan While US 27 is no longer an official state highway, it’s still possible to travel the two-lane road through gentle hills, thick forests, scenic farmland and charming small towns especially lovely when dressed in autumn’s colors. Climb atop the park’s golden dunes for photo-worthy views of the Big Lake to the west, and inland Michigan’s blazing autumn color to the east.Ī century ago, US 27 formed one of America’s great north-south driving routes, tracing a historic Indian trail and linking Cheboygan in northern Michigan to Miami, Florida. Spectacular sand dunes tower over 3,000 acres of land between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. Closer to Lake Michigan, the region’s namesake Silver Lake draws visitors even when autumn’s chill makes the water too cold for swimming. Brilliant orange and yellow leaves from a tunnel above the paved multi-use path that stretches 22 miles in length. Get a little exercise bicycling one of Michigan’s most beautiful rail trails, the Hart to Montague Trail State Park. This region is the heart of Michigan’s fruit belt, scattered with roadside farm stands selling autumn’s fresh-picked apples, pears, squash and pumpkins on the honor system. Silver Lake State Park marks the final stop on the contemporary West Michigan Pike. Joseph enjoy the last warm rays of the summer sun at Silver Beach or Jean Klock Park before heading north againĪTV at Silver Lake Sand Dunes | Photo Courtesy of Michigan Beachtowns #FALL SCENERY FREE#Autumn is harvest time, offering opportunities to taste at award-winning wineries like Free Run Cellars, Tabor Hill Winery and Round Barn Winery, Distillery and Brewery. Joseph, South Haven, Holland, Grand Haven and Muskegon.Įxplore the gently-rolling hills of Lake Michigan Shore Wine Country en route to St. And while the original 500-mile pike has altered a bit from a century ago, the West Michigan Pike still encompasses some of Michigan’s loveliest scenery as it passes through beach towns like St. In 1915, the West Michigan Pike made the journey easier than ever, connecting Lake Michigan towns from Michigan’s southern border to Mackinaw City for the first time via US-31. Add to the visual splendor the abundance of roadside farm stands, the excitement of the season’s wine harvests and the smaller crowds and you’re sure to agree: Fall is the perfect time for a Pure Michigan road trip.Įver since the advent of the automobile Midwestern visitors have been drawn to road trips along West Michigan’s shoreline. You’ll discover a season perfect for getting off the expressway and exploring the back roads. Whether your ride of choice is a self-contained RV or a motorcycle, a pick-up truck or the family SUV, immerse yourself in Michigan’s fall color on one of these historic travel routes. Hwy 58 near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Photo Courtesy of Instagram Fan ishootmi
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