If you’ve already driven it, then you’ll understand why there are currently over 300,000 Google results for “Tunnel of Trees M-119). If you haven’t driven it, then we encourage you to check out the 1500+ video results on YouTube. Do a little research, and we’re sure you’ll understand why there’s so much talk about this tiny stretch of Michigan highway.
Quite possibly one of the most famous stretches of scenic highway in all the country, Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees spans M-119 (Lake Shore Drive) beginning just outside of Harbor Springs and extending 21 miles north to Cross Village. Snaking its way around the twists and turns of the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Tunnel of Trees offers travelers an unparalleled view of Lake Michigan from the bluff high above the pristine waters. Good Hart happens to be the only town located on the Tunnel of Trees and trumping that fact, we’re proud to be the oldest business, sitting here in the road right of way since 1934.
Along the Way
Designated a Scenic Heritage Highway after the millennium, the Tunnel of Trees is a narrow passing through Middle Village, Good Hart, and ending at Cross Village. Points of interest along the way include unique shopping, dining and attraction opportunities. Leaving Harbor Springs, visitors will head north passing the Harbor Point Golf Course. Up ahead and past the rolling estates of Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, the road passes Pond Hill Farm, an extensive farmers market, trout experience, and greenhouse. Just a few miles past Pond Hill Farm, the M-119 offers a fabulous photo opportunity at the top of Angel Farm. Soon after, M-119 makes a sharp turn to the left and dives deep closer to the Lake Michigan coast line. The next several miles snugs the lake shore with excellent photo opps and historic markers along the way.
14 miles north of Harbor Springs, travelers will arrive at the former Native American settlement of Middle Village. Just one mile north of Middle Village is home sweet home for us – Good Hart! Stop in on your way and pick up some of our yummy Good Hart pot pies or one of our many Good Hart or M-119 gift items.
Along the Tunnel of Trees, Good Hart is also the perfect stop for an afternoon on the beach where two fabulous public beach and picnic areas await your arrival: the Readmond Township Park and St. Ignatius Church. Stop into the store and we’ll be happy to give you directions.
The seven miles north from Good Hart will take travelers deep into the forest, with sneak peaks of the water poking through the trees to the west. The road emerges from the trees at Cross Village, home to best Polish fare west of Warsaw – Legs Inn.
A Year Round Spectacle
The Tunnel of Trees is a spectacle unto itself year round. Believe it or not, as a state highway, the tiny, narrow road is one of the first to be plowed daily during the winter months. Springtime offers a spectacular view of the thousands of Trillium flowers densely covering the forest floor. Summer boasts fabulous sunsets and deep blue waters to the west. Fall offers a superb color tour, and year round, travelers can return south to Harbor Springs and Petoskey via State Road in Crossi Village, or continue north to Wilderness State Park and the greater Mackinaw area.
Visitors come from all over the world to travel this natural pathway of pure beauty. We hope that you will visit soon and take advantage of this wonderful destination we are proud to call home.
Be sure to download the Commemorative Tunnel of Trees Map before your visit. Drive safely and enjoy this spectacular ride.
