arcadia overlook

Just north of the village of Arcadia (MI) is the scenic Arcadia Overlook. By my count, there are 124 metal steps (habit of mine to count steps) to the wooden observation deck at the top of the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The best view is to the south to the village of Arcadia and the bluffs beyond. If you look to the north and peek through the trees you can get a glimpse of the Frankfurt Light. If you have been driving and need a little break (and a little exercise), this is a great place to get out of the car and enjoy a few minutes of the awesome Lake Michigan shoreline.

a must see - the best view in the world - you could go to the caribbean, but in the summer - this is far better.

Proof that those "Scenic Outlooks" are worth the stop! Don't let the 120 stairs to the very top scare you--there are platforms to stop along the way if you need a rest. Don't forget a couple quarters for the viewfinder at the top! Well worth the stop, even better on a clear, blue day. We even took our 2 dogs to the top, though one was a little skittish of the metal grate stairs.

In the area for a wedding, some friends and I noticed the overlook sign and decided to check it out. There was a ample area for parking. After exiting car, we saw some very steep stairs. Two friends decided to stay on the lower level to view the lake. One other friend and I took the stairs. Much to our surprise, when we reached the top of the first flight, there were a couple more. We are not athletic, however we are pretty active people, and the stairs definitely took the wind out of us.At the very top of the stairs is a platform for viewing. We were both very pleased. Whether you have been to the East coast of Lake Michigan or not, I would recommend taking just a short time out of your day for this breathtaking view.

Of course you need the right sky conditions, but it is well worth the investment of time. The parking is easy, and the view of Lake Michigan is great.

I would not go far out of your way to stop here but if you are in the area it is a breathtaking view worth stopping for. Nothing really to do but climb a bunch of stairs but the views are excellent.

This is my personal favorite spot out of any place I've ever been. It does not matter what time of year it is, the view is amazing.

What a view at nearly 400 ft up over the water!!! Many people agree, Lake Michigan has ocean-like sunsets.

This is the first time I actually walked up and enjoyed the view. I wish I had done so on an earlier visit as it is truly a remarkable view.As I was enjoying the view I over heard a group of people pointing at turkey buzzards and saying "look at the eagles". I wanted to tell them they were baby eagles but refrained myself. As I was listening a mature eagle flew over head. I pointed it out to them as in my opinion it is one of my favorite things to see here in Mi.They were pleased.

Second trip in 2 years and we had to stop again. Beautiful overlook. No charge to just stop which is nice. They have those binocular machines that charge $0.25 to look out. 7 flights of metal stairs, beware your dog may be a chicken in disguise and refuse to climb them. Thank goodness for the bench after the first 4 flights of stairs. There are picnic tables for lunch and restrooms.

On our way up north to sleeping bear dunes we stopped by the overlook for some pictures. We walked the 120 steps to the top of this overlook and it was beautiful. Got some great photos.

Stopped here as part of our RydeGuide motorcycle tour. One of the highest points along the coast. Stairs lead to an observation platform. Have your cameras ready!

The view of Lake Michigan is perhaps the loveliest for the Eastern shore of the Lake. High above the Lake and even higher when you climb well-constructed stairs. Some people drive up every night to watch the sunset. We know of scores of marriage proposals that transpired there. Also has restrooms, but we have never used them. Very near the C. S. Mott Nature Preserve, which we know as the blow-out and others call Old Baldy. On Highway M-22, one of the most beautiful roads in the Midwest. by all means, stop for awhile and watch the breakers (whitecaps) on a windy day.

When I read about the stairs and view I knew I had to go. I went out of my way to make it to this stop. The view is good. I was expecting a LOT more stairs. This is about equivalent to 5 stories (my estimate). The view from the top is only a little better than the view from the parking area.I would only stop there again if I had people with me who hadn't seen it before.

Every time that the opportunity presents itself, I stop here on my way to Frankfort Michigan and or to Sleeping Bear Dunes. This is a GREAT photo stop! It's just a short drive from Manistee on scenic route M-22. A camera is great but...dont miss out on the opportunity to record here with your camcorder! As far as giving this a ranking for viewing spots on the Great Lakes this would probably rank somewhere in the top 10-12 in my opinion.EnjoyJ.