Arcadia Overlook
Arcadia Overlook
5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
113 reviews
Excellent
100
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9
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4
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0
Anum
15 contributions
Aug 2020
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.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jarIndiana
Muncie, IN414 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
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.
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.
Written August 16, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loon3
Dayton, OH62 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
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.
Written June 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MBSFLY
72 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
This is a super easy pull-out with a great view--really, it's a Must Stop. Whether you're traveling on M22 or just going between towns, you owe yourself at least a short stop here.
You can enjoy the view at the level of the parking lot, or climb the stairs to the viewpoint at the top.
Gorgeous in all weather, but especially stunning with a strong north wind.
You can enjoy the view at the level of the parking lot, or climb the stairs to the viewpoint at the top.
Gorgeous in all weather, but especially stunning with a strong north wind.
Written August 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bilaspur
Frankfort, MI116 contributions
May 2012
Highway park planners hit the top with this overlook. Amazing views of Lake Michigan from high on the bluff overlooking it. Easy access off of M-22. If you whiz past, turn around and go back!
Written December 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adrianna24sings
Traverse City, MI435 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
M22 is filled with treasures and the Arcadia Overlook is one of them. Whether you're driving north or south on M22 don't pass up this serene and lovely spot to take in views of sand dunes and the glorious Lake Michigan. The steps to the top are an added bonus and take you to an observatory deck where you can see a glimpse of the state of WIsconsin across the lake. Have your camera or phone ready to take pictures of this lovely sight.
Written September 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cincymom5
cincinnati, ohio334 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
This is a great stop to see a spectacular view with very little effort. The water is sparkly and clear and you can see a nice long view of the coastline. Highly recommend.
Written June 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KAREN S
Niles, MI504 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Don't miss stopping at this overlook. We have been here several times. Twice now we have seen bald eagles. The view never disappoints. Climbing the stairs is well worth it for an even more breathtaking view.
Written November 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rmeade88
East Lansing, MI823 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
On a recent color tour on M-22 we pulled in to a couple of spots marked scenic overlook, but the first two literally had no view. We thought maybe the trees had grown over the years and blocked the view, but couldn' be sure. Very weird. Anyway, when we got to this place, we got the view we were looking for, and then some. Great, panoramic view out over Lake Michigan. We didn't take the steps to the top but I can only imagine the view gets better and better. Great place for a quick stop. Bathrooms too, but no plumbing or running water.
Written October 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
9170compose
Kalamazoo, Michigan10 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
a must see - the best view in the world - you could go to the caribbean, but in the summer - this is far better.
Written December 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MILin0
Flat Rock, MI29 contributions
Can't find this place! Where is it? Would the nearest Visitor Center know where it is?
Arcadia Overlook - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Arcadia Overlook
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