Best Scenic Drives for a Beautiful West Michigan Road Trip

Hopefully warmer weather is coming our way. And with it the beauty of West Michigan begins to blossom and bloom.

So, it is almost time for a road trip. Cruising down Michigan roads, not expressways but back roads along lakes and streams.

👇 BELOW: TOP IDEAS OF PLACES TO SKIP WORK FOR! 👇

You may already have your favorite spots to cruise and relax, but here are my top spots selected from Pure Michigan as you drive along what they call The West Michigan Pike. Every city, village and town will have unique attractions, from cultural curiosities to hidden histories, and the Pure Michigan beauty we sometimes take for granted.

SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES IN HART

Probably one of the most famous natural wonders in Michigan! Just climbing the sand dunes and gazing out across Lake Michigan and shoreline is a stunning, life changing moment.

HOLLAND

Yes, there are tulips, and hundreds of thousands of them. You can't pass up the only  authentic, working Dutch windmill in the US, the DeZwann, over 250 year old. You can take a ride on the hand-painted Dutch carousel and listen to the antique, Amsterdam street organ. Unique shopping and restaurants are also one of Holland's great treats.

SOUTH HAVEN

Not only does South Haven have a beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline and beach attracting thousands, but there are hidden treasures you may not have noticed. The Michigan Maritime Museum, the Michigan Flywheelers Museum with antique tractors and farm history are there. The Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum and National Historic Site, shows you how many of Michigan’s plants, trees, and crops are cultivated, named and researched.

MUSKEGON

Muskegon combines art, history, culture, nature and adventure that you probably didn't know about. You'll find many museums, including the Fire Barn Museum, Hackley & Hume Historic Site, Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon Heritage Museum, Submarine Museum and the Veteran’s Museum. The Muskegon Museum of Art is a fabulous place to visit as well.

GRAND HAVEN

What can you say about Grand Haven except Pronto Pups? A lot! The beauty of the lake shore, the musical fountain, the 2.5 mile beachside boardwalk, trolley rides through historic downtown, and of course the beaches.

ST. JOSEPH

You'll fine an ideal place to camp, hike, swim, sunbath and just love the outdoors. Don't miss the Benton Harbor Arts District, and the Silver Beach Center, with six fun attractions perfect for families. You can visit the U-Pick Farms and Farm Market to choose from over 60 pick-your-own fruits and vegetables.

SAUGATUCK/DOUGLAS

With award winning beaches and arts scene, Saugatuck/Douglas is a must visit. The Oval beach is rated as one of the best beaches in the U.S. You'll find the Ox-Bow School of Art, where painters, sculpture artists, sketch artists, photographers and many more have honed their crafts. And the culinary scene is top notch as well.

This is a good start but is only the tip of the iceberg of the beauty of West Michigan. I haven't even reached what we call "up north." That is for another time.