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.
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.
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
Charlevoix has beaches on Lake Michigan and also offers the warmer swimming waters of inland lake beaches on Lake Charlevoix.
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.