Arcadia Overlook

The Arcadia Overlook is the pull-off on M-22 that makes people brake: a scenic turnout about 1.5 miles north of Arcadia, built by the Michigan Department of Transportation where drivers had long stopped for the view. It suits anyone driving the coast: take the quick look from the lower platform, or climb to the top deck for the long view.

Climb the stairs, about 120 steps with landings to rest on, to the upper deck. From the top you look down a steep bluff to the beach, south along the ring of dune hills and north to where Frankfort juts into the lake. If you would rather skip the climb, a lower platform beside the parking lot, listed as fully accessible, still gives you a view of the water. Leashed dogs are allowed, though many will not climb the open metal stairs.

It is a sunset stop, so time your drive. There are picnic tables (one accessible) and summer-only latrines, and the parking lot is small, so you may have to wait for a space on a summer evening.