Photo by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
The Little Traverse Bay area of Northern Michigan has been attracting visitors to its shores for more than a century. And it is no surprise that this part of Northern Michigan continues to draw visitors and summer residents today. What could be more alluring that the brilliant blue waters of Lake Michigan, glorious beaches, charming small communities, and a myriad of activities that could fill every day from dawn until dusk.
In the late 1800s, steamships brought summer guests to Northern Michigan where they could escape the heat and humidity. The deep, protected waters of Little Traverse Bay were perfect for the steamships. In later years, it was trains and then cars that brought guests to this glorious part of Michigan. Today, guests arrive by car, plane, or boat and once they arrive, they know they are in for a treat.
The beauty of Northern Michigan is so stunning that if often gives visitors an “Aahh” moment. The communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island have so much to offer year ’round. If you are looking for a beautiful setting with a variety of outdoor activities plus fabulous lodging, dining, and shopping- well, this is where you will find all that plus more. Visit Northern Michigan year ’round!
If you are planning a visit Up North or already here, spend some time looking at all the information that we have here for you on this website. Visiting Petoskey, Charlevoix, or Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island? There is much to see and do in these two communities! Want to go sailing, kayaking, biking, or or hunt for Petoskey stones?
How about hear some great music at Bay View, view art at Crooked Tree Arts Center, or learn about the area’s past at the Harbor Springs History Museum?
Winter Up North is a delight, a Currier & Ives countryside filled with skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, sledding and iceskating and snowmobiling.
Northern Michigan is the perfect place to go to the beach, hike the dunes at the Petoskey State Park or explore the preserves of the Little Traverse Conservancy. Explore all of the great information here for you and enjoy your stay Up North!
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.