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Pure Michigan Byways Program information

A red sports car drives past the Good Hart General Store on M-119 Tunnel Of Trees in Emmet County.

Pure Michigan Byways Program information

About the Pure Michigan Byways Program

In 1993, the Michigan Legislature passed Public Act 69, directing MDOT to establish a program to identify, promote, and protect significant roadways across the state. These routes were originally known as Heritage Routes. In 2014, Public Act 445 renamed the program Pure Michigan Byways, aligning it with the award‑winning Pure Michigan campaign and statewide tourism initiatives.

Program purpose

The Pure Michigan Byways Program recognizes portions of the state trunkline highway system that showcase Michigan’s scenic, recreational, and historic assets. The goal is to enhance and protect these resources while improving the travel experience for residents and visitors.

How the program works

The program has two main components:

  • Designating new byways – Byway committees submit applications for state designation. MDOT reviews and approves these applications.
  • Maintaining existing byways – Once designated, byway committees may receive support from their Regional Planning Agency (RPA) and may qualify for annual funding, when available, to advance activities in their Corridor Management Plan. MDOT oversees the review, approval, and administration of these funds.

National recognition

Of Michigan’s 22 designated byways, three have achieved National Scenic Byway status through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Questions? Contact MDOT-Byways@Michigan.gov.

Resources

  • Guidelines for Signing on State Trunkline Highways

  • Michigan Heritage Routes Legislation

  • FHWA National Byways Program

Apply for a Pure Michigan Byway designation

Interested in designating a new Pure Michigan Byway? Follow these steps to begin the process.

 

  1. Verify route eligibility: Confirm that the proposed route is located on a state trunkline (I, M, or U.S. route).
  2. Gather local support: Obtain certified resolutions of support from the local units of government along the proposed byway.
  3. Complete the online pre‑application form: Submit the required information to begin the review process.
  4. Meet with the byways program manager: Participate in a pre‑application meeting to discuss your submission and determine readiness for a full application.
  5. Proceed only after MDOT approval: MDOT will conduct an initial review to determine eligibility. If the route shows potential, the sponsor will be invited to submit a full application and continue through the designation process.

Once submitted, MDOT will review the proposed route for basic eligibility. If it appears suitable, the sponsor will be invited to submit a full application. MDOT will then evaluate the application, and if the route meets the criteria, it will be designated a Pure Michigan Byway. 

Pre-application form

Existing Byways Corridor Management Plans

The following Corridor Management Plans (CMP) are prepared by the Regional Planning Agency on behalf of MDOT. Each CMP outlines the current conditions of the byway and its corridor, provides guidance on navigating the route, describes significant historic, cultural, and natural resources, and details strategies to preserve and enhance the byway. CMPs also identify future needs and priorities for the corridor.

To request a CMP that is available upon request, email MDOT-Byways@Michigan.gov.

 

Byway Name Byway Type Corridor Management Plan Regional Planning Agency
M-1 Woodward Avenue All American Road Available upon request SEMCOG
US-41 Copper Country Trail National Scenic Byway Copper Country Trail National Byway WUPPDR
M-65 River Road National Scenic Byway Available upon request NEMCOG
Whitefish Bay National Forest National Forest Scenic Byway Not available through MDOT EUPRPDC
Black River National Forest National Forest Scenic Byway Not available through MDOT WUPPDR
M-22 Byway State Scenic Byway M-22 Pure Michigan Byway Networks Northwest
M-37 Old Mission Peninsula State Scenic Byway M-37 Scenic Heritage Route Networks Northwest
M-119 Tunnel of Trees State Scenic Byway M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Networks Northwest
M-123 Tahquamenon State Scenic Byway M-123 Tahquamenon Scenic Byway EUPRPDC
US-2 Top of the Lake State Scenic Byway US-2 Top of the Lake Scenic Byway EUPRPDC
US-23 Sunrise Coast State Recreation Byway US-23 Heritage Route NEMCOG
I-69 Recreational State Recreation Byway Available upon request SMPC
M-15 Pathway to Family Fun State Recreation Byway M-15 Pure Michigan Byway EMCOG
M-35 Hidden Coast State Recreation Byway Available upon request CUPPAD
Chief Noonday State Recreation Byway Available upon request SMPC
M-134 North Huron State Recreation Byway M-134 North Huron Scenic Byway EUPRPDC
US-31 West Michigan Pike State Recreation Byway Available upon request WMSRDC
US-12 Heritage Trail State Historic Byway Available upon request SWMPC
US-2 Iron County Heritage Trail State Historic Byway Available upon request WUPPDR
I-94 Marshall's Territorial Road State Historic Byway SMPC
M-15 and M-25 Center Avenue/Bay City State Historic Byway EMCOG
M-125 Monroe Street State Historic Byway SEMCOG