Petoskey’s Bear River Valley Recreation Area
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.
Northern Michigan Guides Stock Photo
A secondary road running from Boyne Falls to Atwood is no longer a secret. This 28-mile scenic highway now known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.
The Breezeway isn’t just a road. This travel adventure includes scenic overlooks, recreational opportunities like hiking, biking and kayaking and is a popular bike and motorcycle route. The Breezeway winds from Boyne Falls through East Jordan, Ellsworth, and Atwood.
Along the way are art galleries, antique shops, resale shops, orchards, farms, and farmers markets, lodging establishments, restaurants, parks, and more. Nearly 200 businesses and scenic opportunities are included on The Breezeway. The cheery Breezeway logo appears at mile markers along the route.
Bumper stickers appear on cars, trucks, and RVs that drive The Breezeway. The drive is so popular that business has grown for businesses along the route. Summer festivals and special events along The Breezeway such as a Cruise celebrate everything from art to harvest. One highlight of the summer season for many is a Breezeway garage sale.
Fall color on the Breezeway–the drive through Atwood, Ellsworth, East Jordan, and Boyne Falls is painted in color in the fall. The Breezeway is a rural ride along C-48 from Atwood (US 31) through Ellsworth and East Jordan, and ending in Boyne Falls (US 131) that boasts scenic overlooks, great motorcycle & bicycle rides, recreational amenities galore, working farms and orchards, artist galleries and studios, resale shops, lodging facilities (cottages, campgrounds, B & Bs, motels, and a resort), retail and service businesses with superb customer service, and an epicurean’s selection of dining choices along the route.
Along the Breezeway, visitors can tour the Ellsworth labyrinth, Friskes Farm Market, the Bolt Nature Preserve as well as show, dine and play along the way. Once at Boyne Mountain, the free chairlift rides rise through fall-colored trees to the top of the hill.
Along the Breezeway, visitors will find cider, apples, and plenty of opportunities for gorgeous fall photographs.
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.
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 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.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.