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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.
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.
Experience Petoskey
Destinations Up North
More Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan
Petoskey State Park
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
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.
McGulpin Rock Near Mackinaw City
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
Maple Syrup Season
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.
Cross Country Skiing in Charlevoix & Boyne City
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs
Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.
Andrew J. Blackbird Museum in Harbor Springs
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
M-119 Tunnel of Trees
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
The Little Traverse Wheelway
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.
Arch Rock – A Natural Wonder on Mackinac Island
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw’s History
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
Up North Snowmobiling
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.