The Headlands: An International Dark Sky Park
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.
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Photo by Aliko Sunawang on Unsplash.com
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere. Yes, the tropical climates offer some great beaches but here, well, our beaches rival the best. With so many great beaches in the northland, you don’t have to fight the crowds and the sun, sand, and surf are yours to enjoy. Pack a picnic lunch and the sun screen and head to the beach.
On the shores of Crooked Lake in Conway is a spot favored by wind surfers. These shallow waters and sandy shores are great for families as well as serious wind aficionados.
Lake Charlevoix’s inviting waters lure swimmers into this great spot. Located within the city of Charlevoix, this is a great family spot and the place to be on windy days if you’re not a surf lover but the waters are calm. And the warm waters are great all season long.
Located just south of Charlevoix, Fisherman’s Island State Park has everything you could ask for in a beach. The views of the setting sun are million dollar moments.
This tiny beach sandwiched between Wequetonsing and Walstrom’s marina is the area’s best kept secret. For a perfect summer swim, hit the water here and swim past the cottages of Wequetonsing. Many sailors and sail boarders love this beach. Dogs, too, as this is a dog friendly beach.
Locally known as “the beach,” this spot really is a beach scene. If you want a social setting along with sun and fun, this is the place to be. Hang out on the sand, swim out to the rafts, and then walk a block to downtown Harbor Springs for an ice cream cone.
Few towns can boast such an incredible beach right within the city limits. Charlevoix can! This Lake Michigan beach has something for everyone including a view of the boats passing through the channel to Lake Charlevoix.
Located down Lampkin Road from nearby Good Hart, this beach has great sand, sun, waves, and peacefulness. Watch the sailboats pass by on their way to Harbor Springs from the Mackinac Island races. On clear days, Beaver Island looks like it’s within stone tossing distance.
One European family on their second visit to Northern Michigan spent a day at this beach and remarked, “Why didn’t we come here last year? It’s better than anything in Europe!” Miles of sand, Petoskey stones, great dunes, camping, picnicking, waves, and incredible sunsets await beach goers at Petoskey State Park.
Wow! That’s it in a nutshell for this special spot. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan between Cross Village and Mackinaw City, this beach has miles of sand and dunes and, on windy days, excellent waves for playing.
Just outside of Boyne City on Lake Charlevoix is a great inland lake beach. The shores of Lake Charlevoix are wonderful for swimming, sunning, and playing in the water.
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.
Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
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Founded in 1875, Bay View in Petoskey is a National Historic Landmark community with community-owned buildings, cottages, and two inns.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.