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Cross Country Skiing | Northern Michigan Guides Stock Photo
Cross Country Skiing in and Near Charlevoix & Boyne City
Northern Michigan trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing are spectacular. With woods, dunes, frozen lakes, and spectacular vistas, these Charlevoix County trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to be December-March. Many outfitters Up North rent cross country skis and snow shoes. Get outside!
Avalanche Mountain Preserve
Boyne City
Great terrain with both flat and steep areas on 5.6 miles of ungroomed trails. (231) 582-6597
Boyne Mountain
Boyne Falls
The Boyne Nordican has it all for gliders, skaters, and telemark skiers. Groomed for skating and striding, here you’ll find 50K of trails, with 12 loops. (800) GO-BOYNE
Charles A. Ransom Preserve
Horton Bay
This Horton Bay preserve has 1.5 miles of ungroomed trails including vistas of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan on 80 acres. Park on Maple Grove Road. (231) 347-0991
Mount McSauba
Charlevoix
Three lighted loops, 8K of groomed trails, fabulous views, and a variety of terrain. Rentals available. (231) 547-3253
Nathan Barry Diggers Preserve
Between Horton Bay & Charlevoix
Parking off Boyne City-Charlevoix Road with 1.5 miles of groomed trails on a 75 acre preserve. (231) 347-0991
Raven Ridge Preserve
East Jordan
This preserve has 140 acres and 1.5 miles of hilly ungroomed trails- perfect for snowshoers. Located between Boyne City and East Jordan with parking off Fuller Road. (231) 347-0991
Rogers Family Homestead Preserve
Near East Jordan
Along the Jordan River near East Jordan with 1.5 miles of family-friendly terrain on 135 acres. (231) 347-0991
Springbrook Pathway
Boyne Falls
Ungroomed with 10k on 3 loops. Chandler Road. (987) 732-3541
Young State Park
Boyne City
Young State Park has three loops on 4.5 miles of trails. Boyne City Road. (231) 582-7523
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan
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.
Ski Resorts in Northern Michigan
The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.
Ride the Breezeway Scenic Highway Between Atwood & Boyne Falls
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.
Northern Michigan Beaches
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park
Historic Mill Creek Discover Park has 625 acres along Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, and more.
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.
Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson
The Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson produces three strains of brown trout and one strain of rainbow trout.
Downtown Mackinac Island
Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
Sailing in Northern Michigan for Adults & Kids
Sailing is a special pastime that often brings friends together in Northern Michigan. And no wonder. The sailing here is wonderful.
Colonial Fort Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
Charlevoix Circle of Arts
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.
The Mackinac Bridge in Northern Michigan
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Hike and Bike the North Country Trail
The North Country Trail is the longest trail in the U.S. and stretches from North Dakota to New York, passing through Northern Michigan.
Wilderness State Park on Lake Michigan
Wilderness State Park’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.
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.
Harbor Springs History Museum
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
Fisherman’s Island State Park
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Saint Ignatius Catholic Church at Good Hart
Travel along the Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan and you will pass through Good Hart and see historic Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.
Northern Michigan Lighthouses
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
Little Traverse History Museum in Petoskey
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
Young State Park Near Boyne City
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
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.
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.
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.
Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
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.
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
Antiques
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.
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.
Kayaking Up North Is The Best!
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
Cruise the Inland Waterway from Near Lake Michigan to Lake Huron
This Inland Waterway covers 38.2 miles from outside of Petoskey to Cheboygan. Find state parks, fishing, swimming, and more along the way.
Northern Michigan Arts Scene
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
The Trillium Up North are a Beautiful Site
Acres and acres of Northern Michigan are abloom with trillium during May, only adding to the beauty of spring Up North!
Cross Country Ski Trails
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
Maple Syrup Season
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.
The Little Traverse Wheelway
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.
Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey
Crooked Tree Arts Center is a place where artists from northern Michigan can display their talents and artwork to the public.
The Headlands: An International Dark Sky Park
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
Beaver Island Up North
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.
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.
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.
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.
Cheboygan Opera House
The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.
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.
Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
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.
Charlevoix’s History Museums
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.
Sledding and Ice Skating in Northern Michigan
Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.