
Kayaking Up North Is The Best!
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
Northern Michigan Guides Stock Photo
Northern Michigan may be a place where many travel to because of our great outdoor activities, but there is more here than a kayak tour or a day of skiing. Our arts scene mean visitors can spend the day on the golf course and then enjoy fabulous music or theatre.
The arts are an important part of the year ’round culture of Northern Michigan but in the summer months, art opportunities galore await visitors and residents.
The galleries of the Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey and the many fabulous art galleries in Northern Michigan provide days and days of art to view. Art has a significant presence in Northern Michigan. Art fairs? Oh, yes!
And arts education is abundant in Northern Michigan. Big Water Creative Arts in Petoskey is dedicated to promoting the arts in the Great Lakes region through education, instruction, interaction and performance. And the Interlochen Center for the Arts has served as a global destination for artists and arts enthusiasts for nearly a century. This is just to name two of the many Northern Michigan organizations that serve to educate and promote the arts.
Nothing brings people together more than music, and there is certainly no shortage of concerts and performances in Northern Michigan. Outdoor music fills the air with events such Music in the Park on Mackinac Island, Stroll the Street in Charlevoix, and many live musical performances at parks and under pavilions. Many of the local bars and restaurants host live music throughout the summer, as well. There are also many festivals and events where live music is a highlight.
Small towns are known for arts and crafts fairs, and Northern Michigan is no different. July 4th boasts a spectacular art fair in downtown Harbor Springs. Petoskey’s Art in the Park and arts and crafts fairs bring art lovers from around the state. The Women’s Club of Northern Michigan’s annual art fair at Nub’s Nob is a rite of summer for many.

Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,

The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.

Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.

Why do people enjoy being up north so much? Find out what makes being up north feel special with our list of Northern Michigan specialties.

Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.

The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.

Crooked Tree Arts Center is a place where artists from northern Michigan can display their talents and artwork to the public.

Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.

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.