Photo by Daria Kraplak on Unsplash.com
Ernest Hemingway's Northern Michigan Connection
Ernest Hemingway spent part of his first 22 years in Northern Michigan. Years later, Hemingway fans flock to the Petoskey area to walk in Hemingway’s footsteps.
And there are so many places in Northern Michigan to follow Hemingway. He and bride, Hadley Richardson, loved Horton Bay. The Horton Bay General Store. established in 1876, is the center of business and social life in the village today as it was in Hemingway’s day. Hemingway frequented the store as a boy and a young man and described it in the story “Up in Michigan.” The store may also be seen as Mr. Packard’s store in “The Last Good Country.” Hemingway photos and memorabilia are still displayed here.
Hemingway spent the winter of 1919-20 in Northern Michigan and so many favorite places still here today were here when Hemingway was. He once stayed at the Perry Hotel, played billiards at what is now the City Park Grille, spent hours writing in the Bay View Association, and, of course, summered at the family cottage, Windemere, on Walloon Lake.
Each summer, the family arrived by train in Harbor Springs where they transferred to a “dummy train” that carried them to Petoskey and then Walloon Lake. The Petoskey depot is now the Little Traverse History Museum which includes a Hemingway exhibit.
Each fall, the Michigan Hemingway Society hosts a conference in Petoskey where conference goers retrace Hemingway’s footsteps and discuss his impact on the literary world. Ernest Hemingay’s mark on the world includes Petoskey and is embraced here. If you’re a Hemingway fan, Northern Michigan has much to offer.
Destinations Up North
Activities & Attractions in Northern 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.

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.

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.

Cheboygan Opera House
The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beaver Island Up North
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.