Arcadia Overlook, Michigan, United States

5.0 (112 reviews) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #2 in Manistee County Lookouts

Breathtaking view of Lake Michigan

We stopped here on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Because Pierce Stocking Drive and some other spots in the SBD area are closed (as of summer 2020), I would have to say that this is the best view of Lake Michigan at the moment. Parking is free, and we enjoyed a picnic here on one of the benches.

Address

Highway M-22, Arcadia, Michigan, United States.

Current local date and time now

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 9:03

User Ratings

5.0 based on (112 reviews)

Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%

Reviews

  • 5jarIndiana 5:00 PM Aug 15, 2012
    Outstanding views of Lake Michigan's Shoreline!
    The Arcadia Overlook is similar to the old style rest stops of the past, and sits high atop a hill on highway M-22 between Manistee and Frankfort Michigan. There are vault style restrooms, plenty of parking, and fantastic views of Lake Michigan at this location. The veiw is great even at ground level for those who may have disabilities and or trouble climbimg stairs. A long distance viewer is also available to look out over the lake. For those who are nimble, a long flight of stairs takes you really high above the lake for even better views. On a clear day, you can see for miles in several directions and can view the highway looking southward back towards Manistee. If you want to take some great photos, I would suggest a couple of things. 1.) Take along a helpful friend... and an umbrella. 2.) Take some sunglasses. 3.) Dont forget your camera or camcorder!!! On a bright sunny day, it can become frustrating.... and nearly impossible to both frame up and get a clear view of a desired photo becuase you cannot see your camera screen clearly. TIP: Have your friend hold up the umbrella giving you some much needed shade.... to focus in with on your camera screen. If it is still a little too bright, put on your sunglasses and try the process again. At times, you can see ships from this location too! On a scale from 1-10, this location can be an 11... on a clear and perfect day! As always be safe and enjoy your travels! J.
  • 5Loon3 5:00 PM Jun 19, 2018
    absolutely stunning
    Like all beautiful locations in Michigan, this gorgeous site is easy to miss even for those searching for it. The signage simply states "scenic overlook". If driving north on M22, the understated parking lot will be on your left. There is a fairly small gravel parking lot, a picnic table and a concrete restroom at the base of the stairs. Don't be discouraged, the climb is really quite easy. Those who would rather not climb to the top can choose to climb to the individual landings at various heights. The stairs are shorter than standard and are a pattered metal design allowing snow to fall through. Larger dogs should be confident but dogs with smaller feet would need to be carried for their comfort and safety. Do not miss this experience. The water is six or seven different colors and massive dunes can be seen on the right shoreline.

See also