Scenic Self-Driving Tours in the Greater Irish Hills
Welcome to the scenic beauty of the Irish Hills! Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a relaxing drive, the Greater Irish Hills region offers picturesque routes for everyone. This blog will highlight three amazing self-driving tours: a Fall Color Tour, a Historic Driving Tour, and a Historic Churches Tour. Grab your camera, hit the road, and enjoy the stunning landscapes and fascinating history along the way.
1. Fall Color Driving Tour: Greater Irish Hills
The fall season is the perfect time to experience the vibrant colors of Michigan’s natural beauty. The rolling hills and peaceful roads offer an unforgettable journey through golden leaves and crisp autumn.
Scenic Roads in the Irish Hills
- Arnold Road from Fay Lake Road to Horning Road – 2.6 miles
- Grassy Lake Road from Marr Hwy to Prospect Hill Hwy – 13.5 miles
- Comfort Road from Raisin Center Hwy to Rogers Hwy – 0.98 miles
- Clark Lake Taylor Road from Carson Hwy to Wisner Hwy – 1.07 miles
- Killarney Hwy from M-50 to US-12 – 1.80 miles
- Marsh Road from Sand Lake to Springville Hwy – 1.05 miles
- Prospect Hill Hwy from Grassy Lake Road to Marr Hwy – 1.52 miles
Take these scenic byways and discover breathtaking vistas and peaceful countryside, all while the fall foliage paints the hills in brilliant hues. A drive down US 12 through the Irish Hills is always a beautiful sight this time of year.
2. Historic Sites Driving Tour: Step Back in Time
For history enthusiasts, the Greater Irish Hills Historic Driving Tour features stops at renowned landmarks, each with its own unique story. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region, from early settlements to industrial innovations.
Key Historic Sites:
- Davenport Hotel
- Irish Hills Towers
- St. Joseph Shrine & An Gorta Mor Memorial
- St. Michael and All Angels Church
- Brick Walker Tavern
- Walker Tavern Historic Site
- Climbing the Heights: Geology in the Irish Hills at Hidden Lake Gardens
- Roadside Attractions at Brighton Hill & Kelly’s Knoll
- Cambridge Junction and the Walker Taverns
- Henry Ford in Brooklyn – Building a Village Industry at Swains Park
These historic stops offer everything from scenic views to stories of Michigan’s past, making this driving tour an educational and scenic experience.
3. Historic Churches Driving Tour: A Journey Through Time
Explore the architectural marvels and rich histories of the region’s most historic churches. This tour will take you to sacred sites that have stood the test of time and offer a glimpse into the area’s cultural heritage.
Notable Stops:
- St. Joseph Shrine – 8743 US-12, Brooklyn, MI
- Springville United Methodist – 10341 Springville Hwy, Onsted, MI
- St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – 11646 Old Monroe Pike, Onsted, MI
- Brooklyn Presbyterian Church – 160 N Main St, Brooklyn, MI
- All Saints Episcopal Church – 151 N Main St, Brooklyn, MI
- Clarklake Community Church – 9224 Hyde Rd, Clarklake, MI
- St. Rita’s Catholic Church – 10720 Hayes Rd, Clarklake, MI
For those seeking more historical significance, check out other nearby churches, such as St. Mary On The Lake in Manitou Beach or Norvell Community Baptist Church in Norvell.
Take the opportunity to enjoy these self-guided driving tours while staying at The Clinton Inn. Whether you’re taking in the fall colors, exploring historic sites, or admiring beautiful churches, your journey through the Irish Hills promises to be memorable. Don’t forget to check out the map and suggested routes before hitting the road!
