
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.
Photo by Todd and Brad Reed Photography
The Inland Water Route is a series of lakes and rivers that with a short portage connects Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The water route was a pivotal part of the development of Northern Michigan as Native Americans used the route to avoid rough water on the big lakes. One of encampments along the waterway date back more than 3,000 years.
The history of the water route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson. This small, Northern Michigan museum is a treasure. Alanson is located on the Crooked River, one of the moving tributaries that connects the lakes.
The museum displays photos and artifacts on each community along the entire water route: Conway, Oden, Ponshewaing, Alanson, Indian River, Topinabee, and Cheboygan. The museum also includes displays on logging, railroad use, and lodging which were pivotal to the development of Northern Michigan.
The Inland Waterway includes Crooked Lake, Pickeral Lake, Burt Lake, and Mullett Lake and are connected by Crooked River, Indian River, and Cheboygan River. Communities developed along the rivers and lakes and became both resort and year ’round towns. The museum has an extensive collection of photos and artifacts focusing on the importance of the waterway in Northern Michigan’s history.
The museum, is located on River Street, one block from the swing bridge over the Crooked River. Hours are 10am-2pm, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays-Sundays.
The Inland Water Route Historical Society
6217 River St., Alanson, MI, 49781
(231) 548-5716
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’s 2,582 acres of natural area and 4,492 acres of wilderness area make this a great place to explore all year ’round.
The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
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.
Sailing is a special pastime that often brings friends together in Northern Michigan. And no wonder. The sailing here is wonderful.
The Petoskey area of Northern Michigan has parks, waterfront, and riverfront areas that are just waiting to be explored!
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.