We have some amazingly breathtaking and picturesque scenic drives in Michigan. Whether you’re looking for views of our Great Lakes or lush forests, there’s no shortage of wonderful windshield views in any corner of the state. However, there’s one unique scenic drive in Traverse City that we think everyone should experience. Plenty of tourists head to Traverse City, Michigan, and the surrounding area for the Cherry Festival or nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but this Traverse City scenic drive is definitely worth adding to your itinerary, no matter the time of year.

You'll find Mission Point Lighthouse located at the very end of Old Mission Peninsula. This little strip of land juts out into the Grand Traverse Bay.
Google Maps
The lighthouse itself is, of course, beautiful, but first, let's talk about the gorgeous drive you'll take to get there. This is one of the most scenic drives in Traverse City. You'll drive up M-37, which winds through the lovely rolling hills in this area of the state.
Scenic Drive Traverse City Michigan
It's Me/Google
Traverse City is well-known for its vineyards and you’ll see plenty of wineries on your scenic drive. If you've got the time, stop by to tour a few, as they're even prettier when you're walking through the fields.
Gary Linerode/Google

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Along your trip, you'll also pass by the delightful Harbor View Nursery and Lavender Farm. The lavender is quite the colorful sight when the fields are in bloom.
Harbor View Nursery And Lavender Farm, 17770 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA
Brad Condon/Google
Harbor View Nursery and Lavender Farm started back in 1993 and has become one of the most popular lavender farms in Michigan. Lavender in Michigan typically blooms from mid-July to mid-August, meaning a summer drive down this road will be most colorful.
Once you reach the end of the peninsula, you'll see the Mission Point Lighthouse. This pretty building was built in 1870 as an exact copy of the Mama June Light along the Detroit River.
Mission Point Lighthouse, 20500 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA
Jay Detty/Google
The lighthouse museum is open seasonally from May through October.
Of course, Mission Point Lighthouse is located directly on the water. You'll get a phenomenal view of the Grand Traverse Bay here. There's a beach to sit and watch the sunset, and even picnic tables if you'd like to enjoy a warm weather picnic.
Rick Burch/Google
Whether you're taking a trip down M-37 for the historic lighthouse, the lavender farm, or the vineyards, this is one scenic drive in Michigan that you're sure to appreciate.
Ryan Maloney/Google

To see more of Mission Point Lighthouse and learn why it attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year, check out this great video from Traverse City Tourism:

For the lighthouse museum’s hours of operation, check out the Mission Point Lighthouse website.

Have you ever taken the drive to see this pretty lighthouse in Traverse City, Michigan? Share your favorite road trip stops along M-37 in the comments.

When heading out on a road trip, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for anything that comes your way. To make sure you’re ready to face the challenges of the open road, you’ll want to see our Road Trip Essentials Packing List.

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Mission Point Lighthouse, 20500 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, USA