Great Outdoors
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.
Northern Michigan Guides Stock Photo
When visiting Northern Michigan, be sure to ride one of the local Lake Michigan ferries. It’s an adventure that should be on every travelers’ Up North bucket list!
A ride on one of the ferries crossing from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island is an experience that thousands of people enjoy every year.
Mackinac Island is a major tourist destination and the ferries are the way to get there.
Two ferry businesses–Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry, and Star Line Ferries–cross the Straits of Mackinac like clock work during the summer months. The 20-minute crossing takes visitors from the mainland to a setting where the horses are still king.
Beaver Island, off the coast of Charlevoix, also is accessed by ferry. The Beaver Island Ferry transports visitors, cars, trucks, groceries, supplies and more to the island. The ferry leaves from Round Lake in Charlevoix and travels through the Pine River channel before heading across Lake Michigan to the emerald island.
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.
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
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.
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.