Lake Michigan’s shoreline is so gorgeous that it can sometimes overshadow the beauty of Michigan’s other Great Lakes. But if you’re looking to experience the incredible sights and sounds of Lake Huron, look no further than this one-of-a-kind road trip along the state’s Sunrise Coast. The Huron Shores Heritage Route, which covers over 200 miles of shoreline along US-23, showcases the following must-see stops along the Michigan East Coast. Let’s take a look at one of the best scenic drives in Michigan, shall we? This route is a little less than 200 miles long, and you can view a map through the link just below. Be sure to check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide also to help with your trip planning.

Before you head out, be sure to check out the Google Map for this East Coast Michigan road trip.
Google Maps
1. Standish
Flickr/cmh2315fl
Your journey will begin in Standish, where you can visit the gorgeous Charity Island in Saginaw Bay. Other attractions include canoeing on Rifle River and visiting several historic sites in the surrounding area, including a series of interesting cemeteries and the Michigan Central Railroad Station. You could spend quite some time at this first stop, depending on how many of the attractions you'd like to explore while on this trip and how much time you'd like to spend at the other locations!
2. Au Gres
Flickr/jarroast
Just north of Standish sits the town of Au Gres, where you’ll discover a slew of charming activities. Spend the night in a quaint lakeside cottage or bed and breakfast, then wake up early to catch a Lake Huron sunrise or take a scenic walk through Au Gres City Park. You can also pick up some killer pickles in this little town!
3. Oscoda/Au Sable
Flickr/girl-in-the-d
Next on your trip is the Oscoda/Au Sable area, where you’ll be stunned by white sand beaches and lighthouses. You’ll also find a variety of hiking trails along the mighty Au Sable River and even a few wildlife sanctuaries where you can indulge your inner birdwatcher.

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4. Harrisville
Flickr/George Thomas
Harrisville is the next stop on your tour of the Michigan coast, and what a lovely stop it is. Check out an outdoor concert near Harrisville Harbor or take a break at Eagle Ridge Golf Course. Before you leave, be sure to check out the historic Sturgeon Point Lighthouse.
5. Alpena
Flickr/cmh2315fl
Grab your kayaks and diving gear for a memorable visit to Alpena, where you can explore the Thunder Bay River and even check out a series of over 200 shipwrecks that rest off the coast of Lake Huron. After a long day of natural exploration, sip on a handcrafted beer at Austin Brothers Beer Company.
6. Rogers City
Flickr/Charles Dawley
Rogers City and its surrounding areas are overflowing with natural wonders to explore. Make the trip inland to check out Ocqueoc Falls, the only waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. Relax on one of the town’s pristine Lake Huron beaches or ride your bike along Anishanaabe Trail, which connects some of the town’s most beautiful and historic lighthouses.
7. Cheboygan
Flickr/prettyemmy
This harbor town is the perfect place to unwind as you prepare for the end of your beautiful trip up the coast. Take in a show at the Cheboygan Opera House, spend the night in a calming rental on the water, or enjoy a leisurely hike at Cheboygan State Park.
8. Mackinaw City
Flickr/James Marvin Phelps
You’ve reached the end of your road trip, and what a perfect ending point it is! Mackinaw City is a fairy tale of a town that offers a little something for everyone, from stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge to a plethora of shops in the downtown area. Whether you’re dipping your toes in the cool water or taking in the sights of Colonial Michilimackinac, you won’t be disappointed with your last stop along the Sunrise Coast.

Now you have a guide to one of the most scenic road trips in the state on the Michigan East Coast. Go forth and explore the beauty of Pure Michigan! The attractions and activities on this list only scratch the surface of what you’ll experience during your time on the Huron Shores Heritage Route. So pack your suitcase, put on your sunscreen, and set out for an amazing adventure!

Looking for a scenic road trip where you don’t have to drive? Check out these amazing train day trips in Michigan!

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More to Explore

Scenic Road Trips in Michigan

Sarah | July 20, 2021

What are some of the most scenic road trips I can take in Michigan?

Michigan is a beauty of a state, and experiencing its splendor on the open road really is sublime. One of our very favorite scenic road trips in Michigan is the byway from M-28 from Marquette to Munising, a 43-mile stretch of road in the Upper Peninsula that gives way to insanely beautiful views of the water, and you’ll end your journey in Munising — where you can hop on a boat tour to enjoy a closer look at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Another beautiful byway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the Whitefish Bay National Forest Scenic Byway, which can be found within Hiawatha National Forest. Travel along FFH42 from near the town of Paradise and drive alongside the beautiful shores of Whitefish Bay. The route ends near Point Iroquois, but you might be tempted to turn around and drive it all over again! Read about more beautiful byways and scenic road trips in Michigan in this article.

What are some beautiful places to visit in Michigan?

Some beautiful places to visit in Michigan include:

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes
  • Holland
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
  • Nichols Arboretum
  • Grand Haven State Park

 

The beauty of Pure Michigan cannot be emphasized enough; our state is filled with spectacular scenic beauty everywhere you turn!

What are some of the very best day trips I can take in Michigan?

Day trips are amazing because they're generally more accessible, lower cost, and easy to plan than, say, a more traditional road trip or weekend getaway. Some of our favorite day trips in Michigan include Detroit's museums, Lake of the Clouds, Michigan's Adventure, Holland State Park, Avalanche Bay, and Frankenmuth, and visiting our friendly neighbors to the north in Windsor, Ontario! Of course, if you want to extend your day trip into an overnight adventure, we've got you covered, too! Our Ultimate Guide To The Best Accommodations In Michigan has cozy cabins, gorgeous cottages, beautiful resorts, amazing campsites, and even unique Airbnb options like treehouses, for an amazing night (or more!) in the Great Lakes State!

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Featured Addresses
Standish, MI 48658, USA
Au Gres, MI 48703, USA
Oscoda, MI 48750, USA
Harrisville, MI 48740, USA
Alpena, MI 49707, USA
Rogers City, MI 49779, USA
Cheboygan, MI 49721, USA
Mackinaw City, MI 49701, USA