Old Mission Peninsula Scenic Heritage Route

This stunning 19-mile scenic drive along Old Mission Peninsula offers families a perfect blend of natural beauty and hands-on fun. Kids will love stopping at farm stands to pick cherries or apples, playing on sandy beaches with shallow waters, and learning about local agriculture at family-friendly orchards. The winding route through rolling hills and farmland provides plenty of opportunities for photo ops, picnics, and exploring northern Michigan's agricultural heritage.

• ✓U-pick cherry and apple orchards with kid-friendly wagon rides
• ✓Multiple sandy beaches with calm, shallow waters perfect for young swimmers
• ✓Old Mission Point Lighthouse and beach at the peninsula's tip
• ✓Farm stands with fresh produce, baked goods, and sometimes farm animals to visit
• ✓Scenic overlooks and picnic spots with stunning bay views on both sides of the peninsula

1. 1.Download an offline map before you start,cell service can be spotty on parts of the peninsula
2. 2.Bring cash for farm stands; many are self-serve honor-system stands with amazing homegrown produce
3. 3.Pack a cooler for your u-pick bounty and any fresh treats you buy along the way
4. 4.Stop at the Old Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula,kids love the beach there and it's a great turnaround point
5. 5.Visit during cherry season (late June-July) for the best farm stand experiences and tastings the kids can enjoy

Late spring through fall (May-October) offers the best weather and most farm stand activity. Visit weekday mornings to avoid weekend traffic and have a more relaxed experience at the orchards and beaches. Summer provides the warmest beach weather, while fall brings stunning foliage and apple picking.

The drive itself is free, though individual activities like u-pick farms charge by the pound. Most beaches along the route have free parking in small lots that fill quickly on summer weekends. Pack snacks and water as amenities are limited along the rural route.

Peak season is May through October. Cherry picking runs late June through July, apple picking September through October. Many farm stands close for winter (November-April), and beaches are only swimmable June-August. Fall foliage is spectacular in October but brings heavier weekend traffic.

Stop at Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant & Brewery at Bowers Harbor (kid-friendly with outdoor seating) or grab sandwiches at The Village Market before heading out for a scenic picnic along the route.