Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
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.
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
The history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.
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.
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.
Acres and acres of Northern Michigan are abloom with trillium during May, only adding to the beauty of spring Up North!
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
Charlevoix has beaches on Lake Michigan and also offers the warmer swimming waters of inland lake beaches on Lake Charlevoix.
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.