Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees is an Artistic Pathway Well Worth the Drive
It is once again the changing of the seasons, and this time of year is often filled with sadness as the warm months are behind us, yet joyful as it is the beginning of arguably the best season of the year – FALL. Whether one is excited for the cooler temperatures that make us pull the full rack of sweatshirts out of seasonal storage, the taste of crisp apple cider from Michigan-grown apple orchards, or the changing color of the trees, a Michigan autumn simply can’t be beat.
But for many, the changing of seasons means a scenic drive to the northern parts of the state to take in the majestic and beautiful leaves beginning to change colors. One popular path is most commonly known as the Tunnel of Trees. This scenic drive down M-119 is an artistic site for the eyes, not to mention a pathway to a rich cluster of arts and cultural entities.
Stretching from Cross Village, MI to the north all the way to the south at Harbor Springs, MI, the Tunnel of Trees travels along the shore of Lake Michigan and through an area once largely inhabited by the Odawa, or Ottawa Indians. M-119 is the road you’ll want to traverse to take in this nationally-renowned scenic drive, beginning at the north end of Petoskey and officially becoming Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees just north of Harbor Springs.
So why wait? There is only a limited window of time in which you can take in the crisp fresh air and trek through Michigan’s natural beauty. Hop in the car, prepare for the drive, and be sure to visit these unique arts and cultural stops along the way!
Little Traverse Historical Museum | Petoskey
Located inside the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Station, this train depot is placed on the National Register of Historic Places and now home to the Little Travers Historical Museum with exhibits featuring Ernest Hemingway’s life in Michigan, rare Odawa Indian artifacts and historical exhibits on the history of the Little Traverse Bay region.
Crooked Tree Arts Center | Petoskey
One of two Northern Michigan locations, Cooked Tree Arts Center features rotating art exhibits in their four galleries, a theater, dance studio, classrooms, a culinary arts kitchen, and much more.
Harbor Springs Area Historical Society | Harbor Springs
Once a center for local government, the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is located in a grand old building in the heart of Harbor Springs with a museum featuring exhibits that document the unique history of the area.
Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre | Harbor Springs
Located in the heart of Downtown Harbor Springs, this historic movie theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit offering first run, classic, and family favorite movies among other events. The theater offers three unique theater spaces that range from 23 to 200 seats.
Good Hart Glassworks | Harbor Springs
Looking to watch, learn or take your turn at blowing glass? Make a stop at Goodhart Glassworks, a glassblowing art studio and gallery where you can see the process of creating original blown glass pieces, witness an educational demo or take lessons in hot glass and fused glass.
The Old Council Tree – Tunnel of Trees Marker | Cross Village
Located along the Tunnel of Trees and near Cross Village, this marker signifies a meeting place for Native American tribes in the late 1700’s and reads: “In this area, beneath a large tree, tribal chief of the Menominee, Ojibwe, and Odawak held many councils in the late 1700’s. The tree was also used as a navigational tool during season migrations.”
Three Pines Studio | Cross Village
Step into this working artist’s studio and sales gallery with art and craft traditions. This beautiful working studio provides artists of all ages with equipment and materials to create in both clay and fiber mediums, and features the work of many northern Michigan artists.
