Michigan’s Shortest Highway Leads to This Beautiful State Park
It’s hard to drive anywhere in Michigan without seeing an M-22 sticker on a vehicle, and while we love and appreciate that famous scenic highway there are many other Michigan highways that don’t get enough attention. Today we focus on Michigan’s shortest highway, which can be found in Cheboygan County where it connects M-33 to Aloha State Park. Known for its sandy swimming beaches, boating and fishing opportunities on Mullet Lake, campground, and close proximity to the area’s bike trails, Aloha State Park is a can’t-miss Northern Michigan vacation spot. M-212, the shortest highway in Michigan, will help you get there.
M-212 was designated a state highway in 1937. At that time it connected Second Street in Aloha on its west end with U.S. 23 at its east end. In the 1940s, U.S. 23 was realigned to follow the shore of Lake Huron, and M-33 replaced it.
At only 0.732 miles, M-212 is the shortest highway in Michigan. It just narrowly beats out the state’s shortest signed business route, M-32 B.R. in Hillman (0.738 miles) and is not much longer than the state’s second-shortest signed highway (M-143 in East Lansing, 0.943 miles). You won’t see much on your short drive on M-212 (other than a few houses), but the destination is the important part. Let’s take a look at what Aloha State Park has to offer:
Wave hello to another beautiful day at Aloha State Park in #Cheboygan!
: #PureMichigan #MiStateParks #MiStateParks100 @mistateparks pic.twitter.com/3QyGU6vCyB
— Pure Michigan (@PureMichigan) June 22, 2019
- 4,000 feet of lake frontage on Mullet Lake
- Mullet Lake is Michigan’s fourth largest inland lake and the central point of the Inland Waterway
- Access to the North Eastern State Trail that runs 70 miles from Alpena to Cheboygan
- A 283 site modern campground
- Fishing opportunities for walleye and smallmouth bass
- A boat launch and protected boat basin
- A sandy beach with a swimming area
- Close proximity to the many attractions in Mackinaw City
The next time you head to Northern Michigan, think about visiting Aloha State Park and driving down Michigan’s shortest highway – you’ll be glad you did!
