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.