Shop Til You Drop in Northern Michigan

Shoppers casually strolling through one of Northern Michigan’s shopping districts typically have a smile on their face and perhaps an ice cream cone in their hand. Up North shopping isn’t frenzied. It isn’t shop after shop of chain stores. It isn’t in an enclosed mall with parking miles away.

No, shopping Up North is a different experience–a delightful one! Our shops are unique, no cookie cutter stores. Here you will find independent book stores with personal attention. Clothing stores have apparel you won’t find in the city. Gift shops have distinctive items chosen for you with care. Art galleries exhibit talent from Northern Michigan and across the U.S.

You may be surprised to learn that several nationally known retail businesses began in Petoskey. The Mole Hole, American Spoon Foods, and Kilwin’s Chocolates all started in Petoskey before spreading to locations across the country.

Specialty food shops are a fun place to shop. Chocolates, jams and preserves, vinegars, ice cream, gelato, cookies and more can be found in our shopping districts. Christmas shopping? Absolutely, this is the best place in Michigan for gift shopping.

Petoskey’s Gaslight District, so named for the gas lights that line the city streets, has been a shopper’s delight for decades. Mackinac Island, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Charlevoix, and Indian River offer shoppers much to peruse. Mackinaw City has both downtown Mackinaw City, a charming shopping district, and Mackinaw Crossings, an outdoor shopping complex complete with entertainment and a food court.

Shopkeepers in Northern Michigan work hard to create a shopping experience that just doesn’t exist in a shopping mall. So stroll through our many fine shops and enjoy!