The Little Traverse History Museum in the evening. | Photo by the Little Traverse History Museum.

Activities & Attractions in Petoskey

With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot. The area also boasts many  historical attractions and family-friendly activites.

Here’s a sampling of the many activities and attractions Petoskey has to offer:

Little Traverse History Museum

This beautiful museum is located just a Petoskey stone’s throw from the marina. The Bayfront Park surrounds the Little Traverse History Museum. The history of the Petoskey area is captured by the museum’s three main exhibits- Ernest Hemingway, Faces and Places that Shaped Emmet County, and the Parlor Exhibit, outline the area’s history.

Petoskey State Park

Petoskey State Park was once the Petoskey Bathing Beach, a park for the city of Petoskey, and now has all the amenities of a state park plus a spectacular beach area. The park is open all year long and features activities ranging from camping to biking, to swimming to hiking, to cross country skiing. Picnic areas, camping areas, marked trails, miles of beach, a beach shelter, playground, and summer recreational activities are all available for visitors in the 304-acre park.

Activities & Attractions in Petoskey
Tannery Creek Campground Beach Access at Petoskey State Park. | Photo by Michigan Water Trails.

Harris Gardens

The North Central Michigan College campus is the home to a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art. The sculptures in Harris Gardens are made from a variety of materials including steel, bronze, copper, and stone. In addition to the sculptures, there is a beautifully landscaped garden area with benches and pathways. The gardens are open to the public all year long, free of charge.

More Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Cross Country Ski Trails

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

Harbor Springs History Museum

Museums in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!

Fishermans Island State Park

Fisherman’s Island State Park

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.

Cheboygan Opera House

Cheboygan Opera House

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

Maple Syrup Time

Maple Syrup Season

Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.

Harbor Springs History Museum

Harbor Springs History Museum

The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.