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Up North Snowmobiling- Superb!
When the forecast says snow, snowmobilers say go. And in Northern Michigan that “go” means fun!
With miles and miles of trails crisscrossing our rolling and scenic terrain, local snowmobile clubs devoted to creating and maintaining trails, lodging, dining, and more, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter. Thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts head north when the snow flies because of our extensive trail system, terrific snow and terrain, and plenty of lodging and friendly pubs and taverns along the trails for great fun.
Most of the trails in Emmet and Charlevoix counties are on state of Michigan land, although many area clubs have easement crossing agreements with property owners. Some Northern Michigan routes include runs on county roads. Emmet County Snowmobiles are banned from Emmet County roads. There are a few exceptions where the roads are part of the state trails system.
Here's some info on snowmobiling in the specific Northern Michigan communities:
- Petoskey – No snowmobiles on city streets.
- Harbor Springs – Snowmobilers using trails north of the city can enter Harbor Springs on a route from the baseball park/ice rink on Hoyt Street to the harbormaster’s office on the waterfront. City residents with snowmobiles are allowed to use city streets to drive in and out of town using the most direct route and obey all traffic laws so if you see a snowmobiler in town, they may be a resident; visitors cannot do the same.
- Alanson – A designated, signed snowmobile trail runs through Alanson and residents may ride to the trail using the most direct route. A snowmobile parking lot can be fount between East and Warren Streets.
- Pellston – Snowmobiles may ride through Pellston observing a 10 mph speed limit on the north-south trail following the old railroad right of way (avoid Pioneer Park). Residents may take the most direct route to and from the trail.
- Charlevoix County – Right of way or shoulder travel is permissible in some locations but stay on the trail where possible.
- Charlevoix – Limited snowmobile traffic is allowed only to reach trails.
- Boyne City – No machines are allowed in the downtown area. Shoulder use is allowed but snowmobilers are to stop at all intersections regardless of sign postings.
- Boyne Falls – Shoulder use is allowed to get in and out of the town.
Trail maps can be found at the area chambers of commerce.
Destinations Up North
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Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River
The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.

Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.

The Trillium Up North are a Beautiful Site
Acres and acres of Northern Michigan are abloom with trillium during May, only adding to the beauty of spring Up North!

Charlevoix’s History Museums
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.

Andrew J. Blackbird Museum in Harbor Springs
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.

Northern Michigan Beaches
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.

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.

Saint Ignatius Catholic Church at Good Hart
Travel along the Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan and you will pass through Good Hart and see historic Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.

Downtown Mackinac Island
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.