
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.
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.

A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.

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 arts, history and many types of entertainment in Northern Michigan mean visitors can enjoy fabulous music, theatre, and culture.

Get the sleds and the skates out, put on the cold weather clothes, and enjoy sledding and ice skating in Northern Michigan.

Charlevoix has beaches on Lake Michigan and also offers the warmer swimming waters of inland lake beaches on Lake Charlevoix.

The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.

Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.

Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!

Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.