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Contents of Northern Michigan Guides

We're glad you're visiting our website! We hope you enjoy browsing these articles about Northern Michigan.

Blissfest Folk & Roots Festival

This annual event includes live musical performances, workshops, vendors, and more all in beautiful Harbor Springs, Michigan.

August Calendar of Events

Although the summer is beginning to wind down in August in Northern Michigan, there’s no shortage of fun events and festivals to take in.

July Calendar of Events

July in Northern Michigan means celebrating our freedoms and the beauty of summer! Between the many events, hit the beach for fun in the sun!

Emmett-Charlevoix County Fair

Emmett-Charlevoix County Fair

The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is held at the fairgrounds on Charlevoix Avenue, and is a mix of carnival rides, food, exhibits, and more.

July 4th Up North

An amazing array of activities like parades, fireworks, and more, make the 4th of July a special day in Northern Michigan.

Northern Michigan Farmers Markets

Northern Michigan grows the best. Our Farmers Markets are open from late spring to fall, from cherries, to potatoes, to sweet corn, and more.

June Calendar of Events

June means summertime is in full swing in Northern Michigan. From great outdoor activities and many festivals/events, there’s no boredom here!

East Jordan Freedom Festival

East Jordan Freedom Festival

East Jordan’s Freedom Festival has food, music, fun, entertainment, carnival, dancing, and more. Fun for the whole family!

St. Ignace Car Show Weekend

St. Ignace Car Show Weekend

Hundreds of antique, custom, and celebrity automobiles take part in the internationally acclaimed St. Ignace Car Show Weekend.

Harbor Springs History Museum

Harbor Springs History Museum

The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.

Visit Harbor Springs

Visit Harbor Springs! A Northern Michigan classic any time of year for a variety of things to do. A destination that must be seen!

Visit Charlevoix

Make your next visit to Charlevoix! Sailing, boat, golfing, and beach going await for every visitor that comes to Charlevoix.

Dining in Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs – Food & Beverage

Harbor Springs is known for it’s cafes, coffee shops, casual and fine restaurants, etc. to give you food and beverage choices for every meal.

Shay Days in Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs – Things to Do

Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike,, go snow tubing, see a concert or art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.

Northern Michigan Arts Scene

West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!

Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show

A unique event featuring a variety of one-of-a-kind exhibitors offering everything from yachts to boating goods for sale.

September Calendar of Events

September Calendar of Events

Once September starts in Northern Michigan, school is here and fall is near! September still boasts some beautiful weather so take advantage.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is filled with events and the celebration of the Island’s many varieties of lilacs.

Camping & Lodging in Boyne City

Boyne City – Camping & Lodging

No matter your style, Boyne City has the perfect place for you to stay. You’ll find everything from hotels to beautiful camping facilities.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts

The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.

May Calendar of Events

May means revving up for summertime in Northern Michigan and there are activities going on to please every member of your family!

Zoo-de-Mack Bike Ride

This 25-year-old rite of spring in Northern Michigan is a bike ride from the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, to Mackinaw City.

mushroomappreciation.com

National Morel Mushroom Festival

At this Boyne City festival, hundreds of mushroom lovers from around the country come to seek that elusive delicacy-the marvelous morel.

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival

Each August, the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival celebrates this delight with music and activities throughout the weekend.

March Calendar of Events

Looking for some St. Patrick’s Day fun? You’re in luck if you visit Northern Michigan with it’s many celebrations around this time of year.

April Calendar of Events

April showers bring May flowers, Easter celebrations, and a variety of fun for the whole family in Northern Michigan.

M-119 Tunnel of Trees

Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.

February Calendar

February Calendar of Events

Enjoy the briskness of February with some fun outdoor activities and celebrate with your loved one for Valentine’s Day!

Downtown Petoskey Winter Carnival

Indian River’s Winterfest

Indian River’s Winterfest is packed with fun things to do including a poker run, bonfires, music, food, kid’s events, and more.

Charlevoix mushroom house

Charlevoix Mushroom Houses

Northern Michigan builder Earl Young created the unusual mushroom houses in Charlevoix. Tours are available.

January Events Calendar

January welcomes the pristine white countryside which beckons you to cross country ski, snowmobile, snowboard, ski, and more!

December Events Calendar

Enjoy a Northern Michigan winter and all the joys and celebrations of the holiday season along with the many great outdoor activities.

Thanksgiving Week Events

November Events Calendar

November is a time to give thanks in Northern Michigan. From Thanksgiving events to early Christmas celebrations, there’s no shortage of fun.

October Calendar of Events

Find spooky good fun for all during October in Northern Michigan! Trick or treating, Halloween parties, and more. There’s no boredom here!

Charlevoix Apple Fest

Charlevoix Apple Fest

Apple Fest. Held each year on the second weekend of October, Apple Fest turns downtown Charlevoix into a festive and fun place to be.

A Taste of Harbor Springs

Enjoy Northern Michigan food favorites by local restaurants, delis, and gourmet shops all for a good cause at Taste of Harbor Springs.

Skitoberfest

Skitoberfest at Boyne Mountain

Skitoberfest celebrates the best of fall’s family offerings in an Oktoberfest style setting., all at amazing Boyne Mountain!

Things to Do

Boating, fishing, swimming, live music, theater, casino gambling, and more. Tour lighthouses, museums, or stroll the beaches.

Mackinac Bridge

Visit Mackinaw City

Visit Mackinaw City’s location at the most Northern tip in the lower peninsula for the perfect destination for visitors!

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum

Mackinaw City – Things to Do

In Mackinaw City, you can fill your day with everything imaginable. Each season offers it’s unique opportunities for fun in Mackinaw City!

Old Mackinac Point Historic Lighthouse

Mackinaw City Historical Pathway

With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot with lots of things to do!

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Summer in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!

Travel Information Centers

Northern Michigan Chambers of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureaus serve to help travelers plan their vacations.

Wedding & Celebrations Guide

The Northern Michigan lakeshore is the perfect setting for your wedding, celebration, or any other special occasion.

Little Traverse History Museum in Petoskey

Petoskey Beaches & Parks

The Petoskey area of Northern Michigan has parks, waterfront, and riverfront areas that are just waiting to be explored!

Disc Golf in Northern Michigan

Disc Golf Up North in Michigan

Disc golf is hot everywhere and especially in Northern Michigan because of it’s many courses and beautiful scenery.

Charlevoix beach and lighthouse

Charlevoix Beaches

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

Harbor Springs Art Gallery Tour

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

Charlevoix Ground Hog Shadowfest

Charlevoix Ground Hog Shadowfest

Charlevoix, Michigan celebrates Ground Hog Day with this celebration that includes games, food, music, prizes, awards, and more.

Boyne City – Things to Do

In Boyne City, you can do everything from a picnic on the beach in the summer, to mushroom hunting in the spring, and everything in between.

Boyne City – Food & Beverage

Boyne City is known for it’s many food and beverage options, from cafes, coffee shops, delis, to casual and fine restaurants.

Food & Beverage

There is a huge variety of restaurants and bars to visit in the communities of Northern Michigan. Choose from diners, delis, pubs and more.

Charlevoix's Historical Museums

Charlevoix – Things to Do

Vacations and weekend get aways are a great time to take part in a variety of activities. You’ll find lots to do in beautiful Charlevoix.

Festivals & Events in Boyne City

Boyne City is a gem in Northern Michigan’s crown. This growing, bustling city has it all, including great festivals and events for all ages.

Camping & Lodging in Petoskey

Petoskey – Camping & Lodging

A variety of camping & lodging facilities in Petoskey welcome you with impeccable service and your perfect place to stay.

Northern Michigan Lighthouses

In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.

Camping & Lodging in Petoskey

Lodging

Northern Michigan’s lodging facilities provide all the amenities to make your stay enjoyable and keep you coming back.

Beautiful home and garden

Home & Garden Guide

Whether you’re looking to build a custom home, or make repairs and improvements on your own, this Home and Garden guide is a great resource

Shopping

Find clothing, souvenirs, sports equipment, home decor or and more at one of many friendly Northern Michigan shops and stores.

Services

Find the goods and services you need by visiting the friendly and reliable businesses in throughout the communities in Northern Michigan.

Automotive & RV

Looking for a new car or RV, or need repairs on your vehicle? Find mechanics, body shops, friendly car/RV dealers, and RV specialists here.

Health & Beauty

Northern Michigan offers massage therapists, yoga and fitness classes, physical therapy, herbal and holistic health, and more.

Camping

Clean campgrounds, forests, or parks with great amenities and plenty of space can be found in Northern Michigan.

Boating & Fishing

Northern Michigan has many inland lakes, rivers and Lake Michigan to go boating or fishing on. Rent pontoons, fishing boats, canoes, and more.

Northern Michigan Lodging

No matter how you camp, you’ll find a Northern Michigan campground nearby that has everything you need to make your vacation stress-free and fun.

Charlevoix Venetian Festival

Festivals & Events in Charlevoix

Charlevoix is a bustling community nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake and hosts many festivals and events throughout the year.

Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan

Petoskey – Things to Do

Petoskey offers fun during every season! Everything from summer picnics on the beach, to downhill skiing in the winter can be found here.

Dining in Petoskey

Petoskey – Food & Beverage

Petoskey’s many cafes, coffee shops, delis, casual and fine restaurants, and waterfront dining give you choices for every meal of the day.

Dining in Charlevoix

Charlevoix – Food & Beverage

We have wonderful food and beverage options! Charlevoix is known for activities and one of those activities has to be dining.

Shopping & Services in Petoskey

Petoskey – Shopping & Services

Whether you are a visitor to Petoskey or lucky enough to live here, the variety of services and shopping opportunities listed can help.

Maple Syrup Time

Charlevoix – Shopping & Services

Gifts, clothing, home accessories, health care, auto repair… you name it, you’ll find all you need with the friendly Charlevoix businesses.

Charlevoix's Historical Museums

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.

McGulpin Rock Near Mackinaw City

McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.

The Little Traverse Wheelway

The Little Traverse Wheelway

Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.

Beaver Island

Beaver Island Up North

Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.

Fort Mackinac

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

Cheboygan Opera House

Cheboygan Opera House

The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum

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.

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.

Northern Michigan Beaches

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

Maple Syrup Time

Maple Syrup Season

Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.

Kayaking in Northern Michigan

Kayaking Up North Is The Best!

Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,

Cross Country Ski Trails

Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.

Up North Snowmobiling

With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.

Harbor Springs History Museum

Museums in Northern Michigan

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

Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan

What Makes Up North Special

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.

Swimming Northern Michigan

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

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.

Searching for Petoskey Stones in Northern Michigan

Pet Friendly Places Up North

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.

mackinac island ferry

Northern Lake Michigan Ferries

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!

Northern Michigan Antiques Guide

Antiques

Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.

Fall in Northern Michigan

Fall in Northern Michigan is like no where else on earth! The fall color tours are exceptional as part of the beautiful scenery up north.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Spring in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!

Cross Country Skiing in Charlevoix & Boyne City

Winter in Northern Michigan

Winter activities in Northern Michigan range from skiing to snowshoeing to snowmobiling to ice skating and more.

Ski Resorts in Northern Michigan

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

Fishermans Island State Park

Fisherman’s Island State Park

Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.

Petoskey State Park

Petoskey State Park

Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.

Visit Boyne City

Visit Boyne City! Nestled along Lake Charlevoix, Boyne City is a gem in Northern Michigan’s crown of jewels.

Visit Mackinac Island

Visit Mackinac Island for an adventure by bicycle or horse carriage! Visit and stay at the Grand Hotel and see all this island has to offer!

Visit Petoskey

Come visit Petoskey! This 6,000 person community nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan is sure to please with something to do every season!

Fort Mackinac

Visit Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is filled with activities and is a year ’round place and visitor information can help with planning Up North visits.