Great Outdoors
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.
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.
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.
The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
This Inland Waterway covers 38.2 miles from outside of Petoskey to Cheboygan. Find state parks, fishing, swimming, and more along the way.
Harbor Springs, Michigan has a vibrant, beautiful downtown business district complete with a beach, waterfront, shopping, dining, parks, and more!
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.
Charlevoix has beaches on Lake Michigan and also offers the warmer swimming waters of inland lake beaches on Lake Charlevoix.