The Tunnel Of Trees
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 along 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 just 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. The first stop along the way is the newly renovated boutique hotel and craft bar experience, Otis Harbor Springs offering year round lodging, fireside cocktails, and limited sining. Up ahead just after the rolling estates of Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, the road passes Pond Hill Farm, an extensive farmers market, trout experience, cafe, and vineyard. Just a few miles past Pond Hill Farm, 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. Soon visitors traveling May - October will come upon the quaint Trillium Woods Coffee serving up serious brew and an array of unique gifts.
14 miles north of Harbor Springs, travelers will arrive at the former Native American settlement of Middle Village where a historical marker notes St. Ignatius Church below. Just one mile north of Middle Village is home sweet home for us – Downtown Good Hart. Stop in to the 1934 Good Hart General Store (our office location), and pick up some of our yummy Good Hart pot pies, homemade cookies, or one of our many Good Hart or M-119 custom gift items.
The seven miles north from Good Hart will take travelers deep into the forest, with sneak peaks of the Great Lake called Michigan poking through the trees to the west. The road emerges from the trees at Cross Village, home to best Polish fare west of Warsaw – the famous Legs Inn.
YEAR ROUND SPECTACLE
The Tunnel of Trees is a spectacle unto itself year round. Many are fascinated that as a state highway, the tiny, narrow road is one of the first to be plowed daily during the winter months. Springtime offers a stunning 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 an unparalelled color tour, and year round, travelers can return south to Harbor Springs and Petoskey via State Road in Cross 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.