M-88 starts in the community of Eastport at an intersection four blocks east of the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan next to Barnes County Park.

M-88 zig-zags south and east along Scenic Highway to the community of Central Lake.

[3] The Bellaire section of the trunkline is the location of the highest traffic levels along the highway.

The 2007 survey showed that 5,200 vehicles used the section of roadway on the average day in Bellaire.

[6] Past Schuss Mountain, M-88 turns east at Alden highway and enters the community of Mancelona, passing the Fairview Cemetery.