Michigan has approximately 1,500 miles of roads that have received national, state, or county scenic designations. Among numerous other benefits, these special roads provide stunning views of the Great Lakes, access to many of our state’s most beautiful parks, and even the ability to travel through time when we visit points of historical significance. As such, we believe these corridors deserve considerable attention, thoughtful planning, and viewshed protection where warranted.
In 2017, we set out to conduct what we believe to be the first inventory of all roadways that have received scenic designation in the state. We hope the map below (click on the full screen for more navigation options) may help you as you think about exploring a new corner of our incredible state. And, if you live near one of these corridors, we welcome your help in preserving and protecting the special attributes and enhancing the less than scenic components. We would love to get you involved as one of our scenic ambassadors.
You can learn more about these designations in our full report: 2017 Scenic Road Inventory Report
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We’ve collected numerous corridor planning documents, federal and state guidance documents, and other resources about Byways and Michigan Scenic Byways. These resources are available in this Google Folder. Please share any resources you may have with us. And, if you have any challenges accessing the resources in this folder, please contact us.
This Michigan Sign Guidebook addresses local planning and regulation of nearly all types of exterior signs.
Jake Parcell, Ph.D Jake comes to Scenic Michigan by way of Wayne County, where he currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Wayne County Land Bank. Formerly, Jake was a Community Analyst in the City of East Lansing and a Planner in the City of Flint. Jake is a…
Are you passionate about the need to protect Michigan’s scenic qualities? Do you have strong nonprofit management experience/and or professional urban planning background? Are you looking for a position that allows you creative freedom and a good work/life balance? If so, you may be interested in applying to serve as…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Reed v. Town of Gilbert significantly impacted local governments’ approach to sign regulation. The case’s application of the content neutrality doctrine rendered most of the local sign regulations in Michigan unconstitutional. Recent Sixth Circuit court decisions challenge local governments’ ability to continue with longstanding modes…
Scenic Michigan celebrates the life and legacy of Frank Kelley, Michigan’s attorney general from 1961-98, who died March 5 at the age of 96. Lauded across the U.S. as a giant of public service and champion of civil rights, consumer and environmental protection, Kelley served on Scenic Michigan’s Board of…
Your support at work! Thank you, supporters of Scenic Michigan and Scenic America. We celebrate the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Feb. 16, 2021 announcement of 49 new designations to the America’s Byways® program, including 15 All-American Roads (AAR) and 34 National Scenic Byways (NSB) in 28 states. Michigan’s Copper Country Trail, River Road Scenic Byway…
