Top Scenic Drives in the US Midwest and Northeast

Leisure Travel Vans July 14, 2019

Part IV in our Leisure List series on the best scenic drives in the United States and Canada covers the Midwestern and Northeastern United States. These drives were submitted by travel enthusiasts, and each listing includes personal tips and must-dos, plus a convenient Google Maps link to easily get you on your way. Check out more scenic drives in the Western United States (Pacific) and Western United States (Mountain), the Southern United States, Canada, and Alaska.

Do you have a favorite scenic drive to share with our community? Submit your recommendations by using the link below.

Submit Your Scenic Drive

Please note: The scenic drives below were submitted to Triple E Recreational Vehicles by independent third parties and have not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive these or other routes. Triple E Recreational Vehicles is not able to provide any information about road conditions or safety (including whether or not the scenic drives below are suitable for your specific vehicle). Always follow all applicable laws.

Needles Highway
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LocationSouth Dakota
Needles Highway (Highway 87), is found in the Black Hills of South Dakota, on a stretch of road through Custer State Park. The drive gets its name from granite rock formations that you'll see along the way, and includes two spectacular tunnels, including the famous Needle's Eye Tunnel.
Scenic Drive Tips
The Needle's Eye Tunnel is 8 feet 4 inches wide by 12 feet high, making it passable with your LTV.
Submitted By
JF Trépanier
Photo Source
Visit Rapid City, State of South Dakota, Photography Life
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Wildlife Loop Road
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LocationSouth Dakota
This loop inside of Custer State Park features not only the beautiful landscapes of the South Dakota Black Hills, but many different type of animals as well. Nearly every visitor will come across a few of the Park's 1,350 free-roaming bison, but keep your eye out and you may also spot deer, elk, bighorn sheep, or even a mountain lion. Perhaps most surprisingly, there is also a band of feral burros roaming the hills.
Submitted By
Ralph Hampton
Photo Source
Visit Rapid City, State of South Dakota, Ken Lane
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Lake Michigan Shoreline
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LocationMichigan
This beautiful trip follows the northeast shoreline of Lake Michigan from Harbor Springs to Mackinaw City on M-119. This treed drive is perhaps most beautiful in the fall when the leaves have turned, but summer is also a lovely time to take in the sights. You'll pass through one of Michigan's most iconic attractions, the beautiful Tunnel of Trees, before continuing northeast to where the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.
Scenic Drive Tips
After you complete the drive to Mackinaw City, walk along the two lake shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron and visit historic Colonial Michilimackinac. Take a ferry ride under the bridge and then over to Mackinac Island for a nice dinner, a buggy ride, and great bicycling, and be sure to walk through Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes. Don't forget to get some fudge! Mackinaw City has a beautiful campground with views of the island and bridge – a great place to view fireworks. When it's time to move on, drive north over the Mackinaw Bridge and continue north to the Canadian bridge, or go west and enjoy the scenic views and sandy beaches of Lake Michigan.
Submitted By
Marie O'Laughlin
Photo Source
Connor Gray and Rachel Haggerty, Tim Burke, Visit the USA
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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US 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
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LocationMichigan
Drive along the northernmost shore of Lake Michigan from St. Ignace, founded by voyageur Fr. Jacques Marquette, to Escanaba.
Scenic Drive Tips
Stay along the way at state parks like Indian Lake. Take the pull-it-yourself raft across Kitch-iti kipi (Big Spring) at Palms Book State Park. Stay in the remains of an iron smelter town at Fayette Historic State Park and Harbor. Enjoy Swedish pancakes at the Swedish Pantry in Escanaba. Munch on pasties from east to west, starting at Lehto's Pasties or the picturesque Hog Island Country Store, all the way to Dobber's Pasties in Escanaba. There are many other things to see and do along the way, including swimming in Lake Michigan (which is possible just feet from US 2), visiting GarLyn Zoo near Naubinway, buying smoked whitefish, checking out a quirky snowmobile museum, and more.
Submitted By
Bill Semion
Photo Source
Visit Escanaba, St. Ignance
Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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M-28 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
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LocationMichigan
Take a drive through Michigan's Central Upper Peninsula, including a 30-plus-mile length of M-28 that locals call the "Seney Stretch." The drive starts at the formerly rowdy and lawless lumber town of Seney, which in the 1800s saw characters straight out of a western novel (including one guy who would meet trains and turn travelers upside down to shake out loose change). This is also where Hemingway traveled to get ideas for his famed short story, "Big Two-Hearted River," which is set on the east branch of the nearby Fox River.
Scenic Drive Tips
At Munising, take a boat tour of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, then cruise along Lake Superior. Stop to swim (late summer is the best time for swimming) and camp.
Submitted By
Bill Semion
Photo Source
A Moon Rover, Alder Creek Photography
Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Keweenaw Peninsula
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LocationMichigan
This drive up the Keweenaw Peninsula on US 41 is a beautiful trip, especially in fall. Begin with a stay at Baraga State Park before taking in waterfalls, Sturgeon River Gorge, and Brockway Mountain Drive on the way north to Fort Wilkins Historic State Park.
Scenic Drive Tips
Visit Keweenaw National Historical Park. Have a meal at Harbor Haus Restaurant in Copper Harbor. Ferry to Isle Royale National Park, either at Houghton or Copper Harbor.
Submitted By
Bill Semion
Photo Source
E.Neil Harri, Copper Harbor, Shane Wyatt
Important Note:

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Sunrise Side of Michigan
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LocationMichigan
Drive from Port Huron to Mackinaw City – or "The Tip of the Mitt," as the locals say – along Michigan's beautiful Sunrise Side. On the way, you'll pass through quaint summer destination towns like Lakeport (home of Lakeport State Park), Grindstone City (once the nation's capital of grindstone making), Port Austin and Port Crescent State Park, and, in the crook of Michigan's "thumb," Bay City (site of yet another state park and great walleye fishing). End up in historic Mackinaw City where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet.
Scenic Drive Tips
Port Huron is the home of Thomas Edison. Port Austin offers fishing charters and great beaches. In Bay City, find more fishing and a state park. The Tawas City/East Tawas area is famous as a birding destination in spring and fall at Tawas Point State Park. From Oscoda you can take the Au Sable Scenic Byway to a national forest campground overlooking the Au Sable Valley. Travel on to Alpena and the Great Lakes Maritime Museum, then to Cheboygan and finally Mackinaw City. Take a ferry to Mackinac Island (note the different spellings, which are a nod to the area's first French, then British, history). Find many campgrounds along the way and great food including The Turkey Roost restaurant in Kawkawlin and Marion's Dairy Bar in East Tawas.
Submitted By
Bill Semion
Photo Source
Michigan History, Port Austin Outdoor Adventure, Bay City Michigan, Pure Michigan
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Old Mission Peninsula
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LocationMichigan
Whether you take choose springtime, when the largest concentration of tart cherry trees are in bloom, or opt for summertime when the trees are laden with fruit, this short drive up the Old Mission Peninsula from the bustling lakeside resort town of Traverse City is sure to be a great one.
Scenic Drive Tips
In Traverse City, enjoy brewpubs, wineries, beaches, and more Northern Michigan fun. As you cross the 45th Parallel, you'll be officially half-way between the equator and the North Pole. Old Mission Point Lighthouse has great lake views. Enjoy Old Mission Peninsula's restaurants. Take a side trip or two to travel through the orchards and along the lake up the East and West Arms of Grand Traverse Bay.
Submitted By
Bill Semion
Photo Source
Kayak, Old Mission.com, Traverse City.com, Mission Point Lighthouse
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Onekama to Empire and the Sleeping Bear Dunes
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LocationMichigan
Take a beautiful lakeshore drive up Lake Michigan from Onekama to Empire. Just east of Empire you'll find the spectacular sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Submitted By
Sharron Smith
Photo Source
PEW Trusts , Michigan.org, Dan S., Reddit
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Winona to Red Wing
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LocationMinnesota
US 61 follows the Mississippi River from Winona to Red Wing, with the Minnesota bluffs on one side, and the river and Wisconsin bluffs on the other.
Scenic Drive Tips
Take some time to visit the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, Red Wing Stoneware & Pottery in Red Wing, and the LARK Toys Toy Museum in Kellogg.
Submitted By
Duane Murray
Photo Source
Explore Mississippi Bluffs, Trip Advisor, City of Red Wing
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Wisconsin Great River Road
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LocationWisconsin
This drive from Prescott to Fountain City on WI-35 S is part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, which follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through ten states. The Wisconsin portion of the Byway passes through wonderful little river towns, and is a birdwatcher's paradise.
Scenic Drive Tips
Stop at the Smiling Pelican Bakeshop in Maiden Rock. Nelson Cheese Factory in Nelson is a great place for lunch, dinner, wine, or ice cream.
Submitted By
Scott Kee
Photo Source
Wisconsin Great River Road, Jay Olson-Goude
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Door County
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LocationWisconsin
Door County is known as the Nantucket of the Midwest, and with the quaint small towns and blue water views of Lake Michigan's Green Bay, it certainly feels like New England. Each town along this drive from Egg Harbor to Range Line Road has its own flavor with shops, art galleries, B&Bs, restaurants, and markets selling fresh cherry pies and cherry wines. It's not hard to see why Door County is a favorite destination, particularly during the fall colors season!
Scenic Drive Tips
Take the Door County Trolley tour of the area's lighthouses, and don't miss the ferry ride to Washington Island. Watch online for the dates of the area's many art shows and craft festivals.
Submitted By
Stefan Silverman
Photo Source
Lonely Planet, Travel Wisconsin
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway
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LocationMaine
Beginning at Small Falls, Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway follows Route 4 to the quaint lakeside town of Rangeley before continuing on Route 17 to Height of Land, and on into the river valley. Located in the western mountains of Maine, this drive will take you through everything from wooded forest to farm fields, and past numerous lakes and ponds.
Submitted By
Barbara Thompson
Photo Source
Visit Maine, Camp Maine, Rangeley Maine, New England Today
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park
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LocationMaine
Start in Trenton for lobster before officially beginning this scenic drive on Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. The loop begins near Hulls Cove Visitor Center; when you get to the entrance point, follow the road east past Bar Harbor and hug the coast of the Atlantic on the way south to Seal Harbor and back up to where you began. Enjoy grand ocean vistas, sand beaches, lovely carriage roads, and Cadillac Mountain, the very first place that the sun hits the US each morning.
Scenic Drive Tips
Stop at Jordan Pond House in Bar Harbor for popovers. Unload your bike and cycle along the carriage roads. Be sure to check out Thunder Hole.
Submitted By
Rick Young
Photo Source
Acadia Magic
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway
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LocationNew York
Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway and the surrounding area is known for spectacular views, outdoor activities, and historic landmarks. This is a gorgeous drive and perhaps the most breathtaking experience you will find in New York State, with beautiful panoramic mountain roads that will keep anyone mesmerized.
Scenic Drive Tips
At the northern end of the loop is the Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Mountain House. Minnewaska State Park Preserve occupies the wide midsection of the ridge. To the south of Minnewaska is Sam's Point Preserve.
Submitted By
Pasquale Talarico
Photo Source
New York New Jersey Trail Conference, Shawangunk Mountains Scenic Byway, New York State Museum
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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Kancamagus Highway
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LocationNew Hampshire
Kancamagus Highway is 32 miles of breathtaking scenery on a well-maintained road through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. There are numerous scenic overlooks with interpretive signs and perfect picture-taking opportunities. The Byway also features waterfalls and covered bridges right on the roadside, or a short and accessible trail walk from the road.
Scenic Drive Tips
The White Mountains Visitor Center in Lincoln is a perfect starting point, with information and maps to plan your drive. Sabbaday Falls, viewable with a 0.3-mile walk, is a very impressive waterfall through a granite gorge. The Byway also includes a classic New Hampshire covered bridge.
Submitted By
Michael Wheeler
Photo Source
Reddit, Imgur, Visit New Hampshire, Trip Savvy
Important Note

As indicated above, this scenic drive was submitted by an independent third party and has not been verified by Triple E Recreational Vehicles. Please do your own research on suitability, road conditions and road safety before attempting to drive this route.
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