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When this occurs, the tree tunnel effect occurs. As the trees grow over time, their crowns widen and spread and can eventually reach the branches of the trees on the opposite side of the lane. At their most fundamental level, tree tunnels are simply trees growing in a long row on both sides of a walkway, street or drive. Although they take many shapes and sizes, each has its own character and charm. No matter the season, you will have a grand time at these tried-and-true spots that are little known to ordinary tourists.Tree tunnels are a beautiful blend of natural and manmade elements. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on as there are no seats or stands for spectators. Another bonus: all spectators get to take the field at halftime to replace grass divots, an activity sure to please the kids in your group. You don’t need to know a thing about polo to appreciate the stunning horses both on and off the field. There you’ll find an old timey general store and Bliss Polo, a surprisingly accessible (it’s free!) and entertaining match to take the kids to during the summer. BlissĪlthough the Tunnel of Trees ends in Cross Village, take a short side trip northwest to the tiny town of Bliss. Head across the street to Three Pines Studio while you wait for a table or take your cold drink to one of the wooden swings overlooking the bluff. I always order the sauerkraut pierogi, and the Polish sampler platter is delish too. From the huge patio on a bluff high over the lake, you can easily see both Skillagalee Lighthouse and Beaver Island on clear days. This landmark is renowned for its eclectic one-of-a-kind architecture, expansive views of the sparkling Big Lake, and authentic Polish food. Cross Villageįurther north is Cross Village that’s where you’ll find Legs Inn, a fieldstone building you can’t miss.

The well-maintained path to the beach is just north of the church and well marked. To find Church Beach, take North Lamkin Road in Good Hart down the hill and continue south until you get to the gleaming white 1880s church. We always hope to discover the most-prized find: the Petoskey stone, Michigan’s official state stone. The kids and I like combing the beach for stones as much as we like going in the water. Church Beach has a huge parking lot which is just a short jaunt to Lake Michigan. This tiny hamlet possesses a sandy public beach perfect for avoiding the crowds.

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Good HartĬontinuing along the Tunnel of Trees, you’ll encounter a hairpin turn named Devil’s Elbow, which according to Odawa legend is full of spirits and mysterious voices. Bring lots of quarters for fish food and listen to your kids squealing as the trout gobble up the spray of pellets.

Stop at Pond Hill Farm, north of Thorne Swift, just off M-119, to feed the fish in the trout pond and visit the animals.

The trails are meticulously maintained (and relatively wheelchair accessible), the surroundings are beautifully preserved, and it’s only $5 per car to enter.

Just north of Harbor Springs, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is our favorite hiking spot in the area because of the variety of ecosystems and the access to Lake Michigan. Visitors can learn about the native Odawa Indians, Great Lakes, and in more recent developments, the local ski industry. Harbor Springsįor a taste of local history, pop into the Harbor Springs History Museum on Main Street. Although summer is the most popular time to visit, the road in spring buffered by pastel flowers, while in fall, gold and red leaves frame the alluring vistas. Traversing the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay from Harbor Springs to Cross Village is a 16-mile long route known for its dense canopy of trees and sweeping views of Lake Michigan. Tooling along M-119, a four hour drive from Ann Arbor, you will find the Tunnel of Trees.

Tunnel of trees