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.
Photo by Aliko Sunawang on Unsplash.com
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere. Yes, the tropical climates offer some great beaches but here, well, our beaches rival the best. With so many great beaches in the northland, you don’t have to fight the crowds and the sun, sand, and surf are yours to enjoy. Pack a picnic lunch and the sun screen and head to the beach.
On the shores of Crooked Lake in Conway is a spot favored by wind surfers. These shallow waters and sandy shores are great for families as well as serious wind aficionados.
Lake Charlevoix’s inviting waters lure swimmers into this great spot. Located within the city of Charlevoix, this is a great family spot and the place to be on windy days if you’re not a surf lover but the waters are calm. And the warm waters are great all season long.
Located just south of Charlevoix, Fisherman’s Island State Park has everything you could ask for in a beach. The views of the setting sun are million dollar moments.
This tiny beach sandwiched between Wequetonsing and Walstrom’s marina is the area’s best kept secret. For a perfect summer swim, hit the water here and swim past the cottages of Wequetonsing. Many sailors and sail boarders love this beach. Dogs, too, as this is a dog friendly beach.
Locally known as “the beach,” this spot really is a beach scene. If you want a social setting along with sun and fun, this is the place to be. Hang out on the sand, swim out to the rafts, and then walk a block to downtown Harbor Springs for an ice cream cone.
Few towns can boast such an incredible beach right within the city limits. Charlevoix can! This Lake Michigan beach has something for everyone including a view of the boats passing through the channel to Lake Charlevoix.
Located down Lampkin Road from nearby Good Hart, this beach has great sand, sun, waves, and peacefulness. Watch the sailboats pass by on their way to Harbor Springs from the Mackinac Island races. On clear days, Beaver Island looks like it’s within stone tossing distance.
One European family on their second visit to Northern Michigan spent a day at this beach and remarked, “Why didn’t we come here last year? It’s better than anything in Europe!” Miles of sand, Petoskey stones, great dunes, camping, picnicking, waves, and incredible sunsets await beach goers at Petoskey State Park.
Wow! That’s it in a nutshell for this special spot. Located along the shores of Lake Michigan between Cross Village and Mackinaw City, this beach has miles of sand and dunes and, on windy days, excellent waves for playing.
Just outside of Boyne City on Lake Charlevoix is a great inland lake beach. The shores of Lake Charlevoix are wonderful for swimming, sunning, and playing in the water.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
Disc golf is hot everywhere and especially in Northern Michigan because of it’s many courses and beautiful scenery.
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
Arch Rock is a geologic wonder on Mackinac Island and stands 146′ over the Lake Huron shoreline- nearly 15 stories tall.
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.