Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 in Traverse City
Traverse City, United States

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22

Outty Ranking 67 4.5 · 27 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $17

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September 2026

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 worth booking?

Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 is a 8-hour experience in Traverse City, United States, from $17 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (27)
Duration
8 hours
From
$17 per person

Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Michigan Lakeshore road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically along the M-22 Scenic

What you get

    About this experience

    Download the GuideAlong self-guided audio tour and you'll discover more on your Michigan Lakeshore road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and directions play automatically along the M-22 Scenic Drive, all based on your location. You'll be guided to all of the area's famous highlights as well as lessor known gems including a unique national park with huge climbable dunes, a winery trail of over 25 vineyards, one of the Great Lakes' oldest and most storied lighthouses, and a historic fishing town. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you. ✅ Stories, tips and directions play automatically based on your location ✅ Travel at your own pace ✅ Tour offline using GPS, no cell service or WiFi needed ✅ Suggested itineraries for half, full or multi day use ✅ Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates ✅ Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one tour per vehicle.

    What's included

    Included

    • Support: Toll free phone, chat and email
    • Easy To Use: Pre-download and tour offline
    • Trip Planners: In-app, web and PDF
    • Location Based: Stories, tips & directions that autoplay
    • Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so you do not need any in-person guide.
    • Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates
    • Flexible Routes: Suggested itineraries or create your own
    • GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour: 219 Points

    Not included

    • Admission fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.

      480 minutes here

    2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

      With towering dunes, endless beaches, wilderness islands and miles of trail to explore, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is definitely the main feature along the M-22 Scenic Drive.

      180 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. One thing you won’t want to miss is the Dune Climb. It’s the most popular thing to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and involves climbing a series of sand dunes with fantastic views of Lake Michigan in the distance.

      60 minutes here

    4. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

      A mini-drive within the main drive, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive was once nominated for the Most Beautiful Place in America series. This slow but extremely beautiful 7-mile loop drive is not to be missed, taking in viewpoints, dunes, a covered bridge, changing forests - including a ghost forest - and even the Sleeping Bear itself

      2 minutes here · Admission not included

    5. Northwest Michigan is a hotspot for birders, and the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve is one of the best spots along this route to view rare and endangered species. The Arcadia Marsh is one of Lake Michigan’s few remaining coastal marshes, and visitors can access the marsh through a boardwalk trail that leads straight through the heart of the preserve.

      60 minutes here

    6. This roadside viewpoint offers one of the most scenic views of Lake Michigan. This is one of the highest points along Lake Michigan so it offers one of the tallest views around. Climb the 120 steps to the top lookout platform for an even more dramatic view.

      1 minutes here

    7. With its sandy rich soil and cool climate, the Leelanau Peninsula is an ideal spot for growing grapes. Visitors will find 25+ vineyards scattered throughout the peninsula specializing in riesling and ice wine, a sweet dessert wine unique to this region.

      120 minutes here

    8. This picturesque coastal town is the best place in northwest Michigan to get acquainted with old-time fishing life. Visit the historic town to see preserved shanties along the shore, and be sure to leave room for some locally caught smoked fish or a fried fish sandwich.

      60 minutes here

    9. Point Betsie Lighthouse

      The Point Betsie Lighthouse marks the southern entrance of the Manitou Passage, one of the Great Lakes' most treacherous stretches of water. It’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in Michigan and guided tours are available of the 19th century keeper’s residence and 34-step tower.

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    10. Traverse City

      Traverse City has long been known as the “Cherry Capital of the World”. In July and August, the countryside surrounding Traverse City is filled with fruit stands and markets brimming with baskets of sweet, dark cherries. All things cherry are celebrated in the annual National Cherry Festival held in Traverse City each July.

      60 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Traverse City

    From Traverse City, join the tour and drive in reverse if preferred. The tour is designed to be driven in either direction, and you can also join anywhere along the route. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.

    Meeting point

    Traverse City

    Includes an app-based self-guided experience, so there is no need to meet an in-person guide. It is recommended to start in Manistee for the fullest tour experience through Sleeping Bear to Traverse City. After booking, search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the app.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Commentary plays automatically based on your location, so you have flexibility on where and when you want to start and end your tour anywhere along the tour route.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide)

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
    • Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
    • Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
    • Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
    • Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
    • Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
    • Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
    • Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
    • Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
    • Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
    • Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
    • The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.

    Photos

    Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 in Traverse City, photo 2Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 in Traverse City, photo 3Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 in Traverse City, photo 4Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 in Traverse City, photo 5Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 in Traverse City, photo 6Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 in Traverse City, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    27 verified traveler reviews for Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    20
    4 star
    5
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    debbiebJ8970WJ · July 2026

    Great Tour

    The tour took off right away without any prompting and stayed with us the whole route. Well worth the money!

    Response from the operator: Hi Debbie, thanks for taking our Michigan Lakeshore M-22 audio tour. We’re delighted the GPS-triggered narration began automatically and continued smoothly throughout your M-22 drive. It’s wonderful to know the experience added value to your journey. We hope to join you on the road again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Wander795277 · July 2026

    Great journey

    Fun experience once we figured out where to start.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, thank you for taking our Michigan Lakeshore M-22 audio tour. We’re glad you enjoyed the journey once you got started. You can begin at the official starting point for the smoothest experience, or join the route anywhere along the way by selecting the nearest stop in the app. We hope to join you on the road again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Mobile62741831222 · June 2026

    Lake trip

    Nice tour. Gave us information about the area.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, thanks for taking our Michigan Lakeshore M-22 audio tour. We’re so glad you enjoyed it and found the information about the area helpful along the way. It’s wonderful to hear the guide added context to your lake trip and made the drive more interesting. We hope to join you on the road again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Mobile62741831222 · June 2026

    Quiet roadtrip

    Tour was helpful and informative. Had a difficult time getting it started. Glad we had it not being from the area.

    Response from the operator: Hi Susan, thanks for choosing our self-guided audio tour along Michigan's Lakeshore on M22. We’re glad to hear that you found the commentary both helpful and informative. We’d love to know if you had trouble accessing your audio tour redemption instructions, starting the tour on the day of your trip, or something else? Any details that you can provide would be very helpful! And if you ever need help, our support team is available every day from 9 am - 6 pm ET, by phone, email, and online chat.

    via Tripadvisor

    mikesA1149QI · June 2026

    Great time.

    Narrator felt like a friend in the back seat.

    Response from the operator: Hi Mike, thanks for taking our Michigan Lakeshore (M-22) audio tour. We’re so glad you had a great time and that the narration felt like a friendly companion on your drive. It’s wonderful to hear it enhanced your experience and made exploring the lakeshore even more enjoyable. We hope to join you on the road again soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    9
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)75
    Review evidence (18% weight)47
    Booking momentum (14% weight)38
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)24
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Traverse City.

    How much does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 cost?

    +

    Prices start at $17 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Traverse City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Traverse City is not rushed.

    Is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Traverse City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22?

    +

    Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Traverse City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Traverse City and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Michigan Lakeshore, M-22 start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Traverse City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Traverse City?

    +

    Traverse City pairs Old Mission and Leelanau winery tours with Sleeping Bear Dunes trips, kayak and paddleboard rentals on Grand Traverse Bay and fall colour drives. On Outty we rank every Traverse City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, NON-BUS 4 Winery Traverse Wine Tour on Old Mission - ICE COLD AC, 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Traverse City?

    +

    June to October, with peak colour in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Traverse City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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