Downtown Suttons Bay (M-22) - Image 1
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M-22 Suttons Bay

Suttons Bay, United States

Drive the legendary M22 highway, a stunning Michigan route with breathtaking lake views and the charming village of Suttons Bay.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant fall colors

CrowdMedium
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Downtown Suttons Bay (M-22) - Image 1

M-22 Suttons Bay

Best Time

Fall mornings

Vibrant fall colors

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Drive the legendary M22 highway, a stunning Michigan route with breathtaking lake views and the charming village of Suttons Bay.

"The M22 drive offers incredible scenery and a quintessential Michigan road trip experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Plan Your M22 Route

Decide if you'll drive the whole M22 or focus on key sections like Suttons Bay.

☕️ Enjoy Local Breweries

Stop at breweries like Hop Lot for unique experiences like igloo dining.

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Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

M22 Scenic Highway

M22 Scenic Highway

Drive this iconic Michigan route for breathtaking lake views and charming coastal towns.

Suttons Bay Village

Suttons Bay Village

Explore quaint shops, local breweries, and enjoy the serene waterfront of this charming town.

Herman Holiday's Lights

Herman Holiday's Lights

Experience a magical holiday light display just south of Suttons Bay on M22.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Scenic M22 Drive

The M22 highway is a legendary Michigan road trip. Plan to dedicate at least a full day to explore its stunning coastline, charming towns like Suttons Bay, and vibrant fall colors. Consider starting your journey early to maximize daylight and avoid peak crowds, especially during autumn.

Suttons Bay: A Coastal Gem

Suttons Bay offers a picturesque escape with its waterfront views and cozy atmosphere. While the M22 drive is the main draw, take time to wander through the town's shops and enjoy local breweries. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended, particularly during peak seasons.

Best Times

When
Fall mornings
Why
Vibrant fall colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Lakeside breezes
Crowd
High
When
Winter evenings
Why
Cozy holiday lights
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A holiday night in Suttons Bay: ❄️Dinner in an igloo. 🔥 Roast a s’more over the fire. 🎅 Stroll the incredible lights display at Herman Holiday’s on Murray Ct (2 miles south on M22). See lights preview towards end of this reel! Free igloo reservation | hoplotbrewing.com #hoplot #suttonsbay #m22 #michigan #puremichigan #leelanau #holiday #igloo #brewery #beergarden
hoplotbrewingco
1.5K likes • 19.4K views

🚗 Plan Your M22 Route

Decide if you'll drive the whole M22 or focus on key sections like Suttons Bay. Reddit

☕️ Enjoy Local Breweries

Stop at breweries like Hop Lot for unique experiences like igloo dining. TikTok

Sounds of Suttons Bay in the morning ✨☀️🌊 #suttonsbay #m22 #michiganawesome #puremichigan
poppythings
98 likes • 2.1K views
Mini road trip alert!🚨 Don’t forget to drive down M-22 today 🍂🍁❤️ Here’s the view from TC up to Suttons bay! Head to MyNorth.com or MyNorth.com/northern-michigan-fall/ (link also in bio) for more of our favorite fall tips and can’t-miss adventures! ✨ . . . #Fall #Autumn #MichiganFall #FallColor #FallColorTour #M22 #Roadtrip #MyNorth #MyNorthMedia #Traverse #TraverseMagazine #PureMichigan #Suttons...
mynorthmedia
268 likes • 6.6K views

📸 Capture the Views

The M22 drive offers stunning photo opportunities, especially in autumn. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Suttons Bay

Take time to explore the charming shops and waterfront of Suttons Bay village. Instagram

reddit.com

First time staying in Sutton’s Bay area. What outdoor places and activities would you recommend?

Friendly badger here :) Going to spend an extended weekend in Sutton’s Bay for the first time and was wondering if you had any good beach, hiking trails, or any other outdoor activity recommendations. Well have a car and bikes so we’ll be able to drive anywhere within an hour or…

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Plan Your M22 Route

Decide if you'll drive the whole M22 or focus on key sections like Suttons Bay. Reddit

☕️ Enjoy Local Breweries

Stop at breweries like Hop Lot for unique experiences like igloo dining. TikTok

📸 Capture the Views

The M22 drive offers stunning photo opportunities, especially in autumn. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Stroll Suttons Bay

Take time to explore the charming shops and waterfront of Suttons Bay village. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of the M22 highway and the charming atmosphere of Suttons Bay. The scenic drives, especially during fall, are a major highlight, though some find the roads can be winding. The unique dining experiences, like igloos at Hop Lot, are also frequently praised.

What People Like

Breathtaking scenic drives
Charming village atmosphere
Unique dining experiences

What People Dislike

Winding roads
Seasonal crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Suttons Bay is accessible via the scenic M22 highway, which hugs the Lake Michigan coastline. If coming from Flint, you can drive to the M22 route and decide whether to explore the entire highway or focus on specific sections like the drive up to Suttons Bay. Reddit

Many travelers recommend driving at least part of the M22, especially the stretch around Suttons Bay, for its beautiful views. Consider starting early to enjoy the scenery without the rush. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! M22 is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, charming towns, and vibrant fall colors, making it a top Michigan road trip. Instagram

While M22 is a loop, many start from areas like Traverse City and head north towards Suttons Bay, or vice versa. The choice depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Reddit

M22 is a well-maintained highway, but it can be winding and narrow in sections. Drive cautiously, especially during peak seasons or inclement weather. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, driving the M22 highway itself is free. There are no specific tickets required to access the scenic route. Instagram

Suttons Bay village is a public area, so there are no entrance fees to walk around and explore its streets and waterfront. Instagram

Yes, free igloo reservations are available at Hop Lot Brewing in Suttons Bay. It's recommended to book these in advance via their website. TikTok

The Herman Holiday's lights display on M22 near Suttons Bay is generally free to view, offering a magical holiday experience. TikTok

Shop hours in Suttons Bay can vary by season and individual business. It's best to check specific store hours online or call ahead, especially outside of peak summer months.

📸 📸 Photography

Look for pull-offs along the coastline for stunning lake views. The village of Suttons Bay itself offers charming street scenes and waterfront shots. Autumn foliage provides incredible backdrops. Instagram

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the M22's scenic beauty. Midday can be bright but still offers clear views of the lake. Instagram

Yes, Hop Lot Brewing is a picturesque spot, especially with its igloos and fire pits. Be sure to capture the unique atmosphere. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or distant shoreline features. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant lake shots. Instagram

Generally, photography is welcomed in public areas of Suttons Bay. Always be respectful of private property and individuals when taking photos. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Suttons Bay offers a variety of dining options, from casual pubs to restaurants with lake views. Hop Lot Brewing is a popular spot for food and drinks, especially their unique igloo dining experience. TikTok

Yes, Hop Lot Brewing in Suttons Bay is a highly recommended stop for craft beer and a unique atmosphere. TikTok

You'll find a range of options, including pub fare, seafood, and American cuisine. Many establishments focus on fresh, local ingredients. Instagram

Many restaurants in Suttons Bay are family-friendly, offering diverse menus that cater to various tastes. Casual eateries are plentiful. Instagram

Yes, there are numerous scenic pull-offs and small parks along M22 where you can enjoy a picnic with beautiful views of the lake. Instagram

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