You slept like a dream at Lakemore Lodge—maybe to the sound of loons echoing over the lake or the soft rustle of pines outside your window. Morning comes easy here. Coffee in hand, door propped open, spring sunlight just beginning to warm the deck. And you? You’re thinking about the day ahead.
It’s road trip season in Northern Michigan, and this isn’t your standard “get from A to B” kind of drive. This is the kind of ride where you follow the road just to see where it goes. Where blooms stretch across open fields, sleepy towns offer cinnamon rolls the size of your hand, and wildflowers seem to pop up just for you.
Whether you’ve got the whole family in tow or it’s just you and your favorite passenger, these are the scenic backroads and small-town stops that make spring unforgettable. And the best part? They all start just minutes from Lakemore Lodge.
The “Petal + Pastry” Loop (Local Bakery Meets Blossom Tour)
Route: Lakemore → Buckley → Interlochen → Lake Ann → Arbutus Lake
If your perfect morning starts with good coffee and something flaky on a napkin, this drive is for you. It’s not the fastest route, and that’s the point. This loop is all about slowing down, taking detours, and following the scent of fresh pastries and the promise of cherry blossoms.
You’ll wind through quiet roads, pass sleepy towns just waking up for the season, and maybe discover a new favorite roadside stand or two. From Lake Ann’s cozy coffee corners to the bloom-lined bends near Karlin, this route blends everything that makes spring in Northern Michigan feel a little magical.
This one’s for the slow-morning crowd. The ones who pack snacks, stop for pictures, and believe every great road trip should include something flaky and fresh out of the oven. It’s a loop best enjoyed with the windows down and nowhere to be.
☕ First Stop: Red Door Coffee House, Lake Ann
Let’s talk pastries. Red Door Coffee House isn’t just cozy—it’s the kind of place where you walk in and instantly smell something warm, buttery, and a little bit magical. The croissants? Golden and layered. The cherry jam? Made from local fruit, and it shows.
Grab a breakfast sandwich or a few treats to go (the lemon bars are a sleeper hit), and maybe linger a little longer than planned. The vibe is relaxed, and the porch is perfect if the sun’s out.
🌸 Scenic Bloom Sightings: Karlin to Inland Township
From Lake Ann, wind your way south and east toward Karlin and Inland Township. This stretch is quiet—no big signs, no crowds—just soft hills, open fields, and bursts of wild blossoms lining the road. Cherry trees, crabapple, even some rogue lilacs if the season’s right.
You’ll want to pull over. That’s part of the charm. Pack your camera or just roll down the windows and take it all in.
🧺 Roadside Finds & Local Charm
One of the best things about this loop? The roadside stands. You’ll spot them along the way—tiny wooden tables or shelves by the road, usually with a handwritten sign and a jar for cash. You might find early maple syrup, fruit preserves, or even fresh-baked bread from someone’s farm kitchen.
It’s all on the honor system: you drop a few bucks, take what you need, and smile at the simplicity of it all. It’s pure Up North.
The “No-Cell Service, All-Vibes” Scenic Drive
Route: Lakemore → Brown Bridge Rd → Supply Rd → Ranch Rudolf → Boardman Valley Trails
Sometimes the best drives aren’t about the destination—they’re about the quiet. The kind where your phone loses signal, your playlist gives way to birdsong, and the road ahead disappears into a tunnel of pines. This loop is that vibe. It’s calm, earthy, and full of places that make you want to pull over and just… exist.
Leave Lakemore and head toward Brown Bridge Road, where the pavement turns to gravel and the air starts smelling like cedar. Spring mud season might sound like a mess, but out here? It’s part of the charm. The roads are soft, the landscape is waking up, and everything feels a little wild in the best way.
🌿 Stretch Your Legs: Scheck’s Place Trailhead
A little ways in, you’ll spot the Scheck’s Place Trailhead—a hidden gem within the Boardman Valley Trail system. It’s a low-key hike with high payoff: creek views, early wildflowers, and enough peace to actually hear your own footsteps. Perfect for families, photographers, or anyone craving a slow walk in the woods.
🐎 Ranch Rudolf: Lunch + Horseback Rides
Cap off your loop at Ranch Rudolf, a rustic riverside lodge that serves up casual lunches in a cozy log cabin setting. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for one of their guided horseback trail rides through the woods. You don’t need any experience—just a sense of curiosity and maybe a little grit if it’s muddy out.
📸 Pro Tip: Mud Season Is a Mood
Spring out here isn’t polished—and that’s what makes it beautiful. The damp trails, soft light, and moody skies make for amazing photos (and quiet moments you didn’t know you needed). It’s the kind of drive that feels like a secret.
Sunrise Drive to Elk Rapids for Artisan Donuts & Waterfront Strolls
Route: Lakemore → Williamsburg → Elk Rapids → Veteran’s Memorial Park
This one’s for the early risers—or anyone willing to pretend. If you can hit the road just before 7:00 AM, you’ll catch one of the most peaceful sunrises in Northern Michigan. Arbutus Lake, just minutes from Lakemore, lights up in soft pink and gold. The roads are quiet. The air’s crisp. It’s the kind of morning that sets the tone for the whole day.
After sunrise, take the scenic backroads north through Williamsburg, wind along open farmland, and roll into Elk Rapids, a small waterfront town that feels like it was built for mornings just like this.
🍩 First Stop: The Flour Pot Bakery
Located on River Street in downtown Elk Rapids, The Flour Pot Bakery & Coffeeshop is a cozy local favorite. It’s known for house-made donuts, sticky buns, and flaky pastries that taste like someone’s grandma still works in the back.
Get a box of whatever looks fresh—seriously, it’s all good—and a cup of coffee to go. You’ll be glad you did.
🌊 Walk the Shoreline at Veteran’s Memorial Park
Just a short stroll from the bakery is Veteran’s Memorial Park, a peaceful waterfront spot along Grand Traverse Bay. In spring, you might have it mostly to yourself. The water is cold, but the sand is soft and the sunrise reflections on the bay are unbeatable. Take your time—this is a “linger and breathe” kind of stop.
📷 Optional Detour: Elk Rapids Hydroelectric Dam
Before heading back, make a quick stop at the Elk Rapids Hydroelectric Dam, just a few blocks away. The structure is old-school cool, with water rushing beneath and birds circling overhead. There's a walkway that offers a great view of the river—perfect for a few moody photos or a quiet moment before you ease back into the drive.
The “Woods to Wine” Wander (Less Touristy Than M-22)
Route: Lakemore → Williamsburg → Elk Lake Rd → Shady Lane Cellars
If you’ve ever driven M-22 in peak season, you know how packed it can get. Beautiful? Absolutely. But peaceful? Not always. This route offers a quieter alternative—no bus tours, no backed-up overlooks—just the kind of meandering forest roads and tucked-away vineyards that feel like you’ve discovered something secret.
The drive from Lakemore takes you northeast through Williamsburg and along the wooded curves of Elk Lake Road, where tall trees filter morning light and lake glimpses catch you off guard in the best way. It’s slower, softer, and a reminder that the best wine roads aren’t always the ones with the biggest signs.
🌼 Secret Stop: Shorter Loop Trail at Petobego State Game Area
Before the wine, stretch your legs at Petobego State Game Area. This spot doesn’t make many Instagram feeds—which is exactly why you should go. The Shorter Loop Trail is an easy walk through open fields and marsh, especially in early spring when wildflowers begin to bloom and migratory birds pass through.
It’s quiet, a little muddy in spots (you’ll want good shoes), and totally worth the detour. Bring binoculars if you have them—you’re almost guaranteed to spot something feathered and fantastic.
🍷 End at Shady Lane Cellars
Once you’ve had your fill of fresh air, head west toward Shady Lane Cellars, a small-batch winery nestled into a former cherry orchard. Their patio opens for spring tastings as soon as the weather cooperates, and the vibe is exactly what you want: quiet, friendly, and surrounded by old-growth vines just beginning to bud.
Here’s your insider move: get there early—before 1 p.m. if you can—and ask the host if they’re pouring anything off-menu. Many Northern Michigan wineries test small blends in spring, and you might just get a taste of something before it hits a bottle.
Scenic Drive Tips
You’ve got the route, the playlist, and your travel crew. Now it’s time for the real stuff—the little tips that don’t show up on glossy travel blogs but make the experience way better. Think local hacks, hidden tools, and the kind of prep that makes a good spring drive feel effortless.
Here are four road-tested tips to help you make the most of every mile:
🌸 1. Check the Cherry Blossom Tracker Before You Go
If you're hoping to see Northern Michigan's cherry blossoms in peak bloom, timing is everything. Luckily, Traverse City Tourism updates a Cherry Blossom Report every spring, so you don’t have to guess. Check it before you head out and adjust your route to chase the blooms.
🎶 2. Set the Mood with the Right Playlist
Music makes a drive. And spring in Northern Michigan deserves better than random shuffle. Think folk, acoustic, and relaxed indie—the kind of tracks that let you soak in the scenery without overpowering it.
Try building your own road trip playlist before you go, or queue up artists like The Accidentals (Traverse City natives), Michigan Rattlers, or even classic Motown for something local. A little thought goes a long way in setting the vibe for the open road.
🧺 3. Build a Roadside Picnic Kit Before You Leave
Lakemore Lodge’s kitchen is perfect for this. Before heading out, pack a small tote with essentials:
Cutting board + paring knife
Reusable container or wrap for bread, cheese, or fruit
A small thermos of coffee or lemonade
Blanket or beach towel
Then when you find that perfect overlook or wildflower pull-off? Boom. Instant picnic.
📷 4. Don’t Just Snap—Shoot Wide
Your phone’s camera can do more than you think. Before the drive, switch to wide-angle or landscape mode and lock in focus on the road ahead (literally). Hold your phone low to the dashboard or hood (parked, of course), and tilt up to get more sky and tree line. Spring clouds in this region make a killer backdrop—use them.
Lakemore Lodge isn’t just a stay—it’s a launch pad to the kind of drives that become traditions. The kind where you follow spring wherever it leads—through blossom-lined backroads, donut detours, and trails that surprise you with silence.
You’ll come back with sandy shoes, maybe a sunburn, and a phone full of photos you’ll actually want to print. And when the day winds down, there’s nothing better than gathering around the firepit and reliving it all with the people who came along for the ride.
Start planning your spring escape now—Lakemore Lodge is the perfect base for all the scenic routes waiting just beyond the driveway.