Scenic Fall Foliage Drive Along U.S. 23 Heritage Route

If your idea of an epic fall getaway includes a scenic drive to witness spectacular fall foliage that explodes into reds, oranges and golds, then we have the leaf-peeping road trip for you! Hop in your car, buckle up and follow the U.S. 23 Heritage Route, which stretches 200 miles along the Sunrise Coast of Michigan. It's one of more than 20 Pure Michigan Byways and takes travelers on an exploration of shoreline, forests, wetlands, lighthouses, parks, trails, museums, small towns and many hidden treasures.

On the U.S. 23 Heritage Route, the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. You can travel the full length from Standish to Mackinaw City in roughly four hours. Along the way, take in the breathtaking autumn views of Lake Huron surrounded by forests painted with fall colors. Of course, you'll need to stretch your legs on the trip. When the road leads you to Oscoda, here are a few memorable stops you can make to experience our rich cultural heritage sites and  diverse natural beauty.

At the mouth of the AuSable River is Shoreline Park, with a beautiful sandy beach, harbor, birding platform, boardwalk and picnic facilities. On Wednesdays, the park hosts the Northeast Michigan Regional Farm Market, which runs through October and is a great place to get a fresh taste of Michigan's fall harvest.

It doesn't have to be summertime to enjoy the sugar sand beaches at Oscoda Beach Park. In addition to the 1,000 feet of beachfront, this 10-acre park also features a 300-foot observation and fishing pier. This is a perfect place to stop for a picnic lunch, which you can grab at the nearby Sunrise Kava Cafe.  

Oscoda is where the U.S. 23 Heritage Route converges with the River Road National Scenic Byway. This 22-mile route extends westward from Lake Huron into the Huron-Manistee National Forests, where you are surrounded by dense trees ablaze in glorious color. There are numerous notable stops and scenic overlooks along this byway, including Iargo Springs and the Lumberman's Monument.

Eventually, you're going to need a rest from all that driving. Lucky for you, Huron House is located right on U.S. 23, making our charming bed and breakfast the perfect place for a stopover on your road trip journey. Book your fall getaway retreat at Huron House, where you can snuggle by the fireplace in the comfort of your room, as you savor the adventures of your autumn lakeside drive.

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." — Albert Camus