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In the hustle and bustle of our busy and scheduled lives, Bay View offers the opportunity to take a break from our regular routine to slow down and reconnect with family and friends, rest, grow, and learn in community. This multi-generational experience is an individual and family refuge. There’s a discussion of a national epidemic of loneliness and Bay View is the antidote to that. Experiencing community as it was meant to be lived… Experience Summer with US. Bay View is walkable and we should mention the things people in this community value: community, relationships, traditions, multi-generational.
Bay View, a charming community just outside of Petoskey, has beckoned visitors since 1875. Established more than a century ago, this National Historic Landmark still holds a timeless allure for those seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and serenity on the shores of Little Traverse Bay.
Bay View is steeped in history, originating from the vision of Methodists who sought to create a haven for “intellectual and scientific culture and the promotion of the cause of religion and morality” known as a Chautauqua. With over 30 community-owned buildings and nearly 450 quaint cottages, Bay View preserves its historic charm while offering a glimpse into the past.
Bay View’s Chautauqua programming is focused on education, performing arts, recreation, and worship and has been running for more than a century. It draws visitors from across the nation boasting a legacy of hosting renowned speakers and entertainers, including luminaries like Helen Keller, Frances Willard, William Jennings Bryan, and Booker T. Washington.
The Bay View Summer Assembly program, open to the public, is a harmonious fusion of artists, music students, theatrical arts, and delightful concerts. The Opera and Concert Halls have resonated with captivating performances, entertaining and enlightening countless summer guests.
Bay View offers an array of summer seminars and hands-on classes, covering diverse interests, from knitting to fine arts.
A youth social program provides engaging activities like hot dog roasts, movies, sailing, and swimming, ensuring a memorable family experience. Various clubs, such as the Bay View Women’s Council, foster community engagement and nurture the town’s vibrant atmosphere. The Bay View Library stands as a testament to knowledge and culture.
Bay View boasts some of the most exquisite Victorian-era architecture, with cottages adorned in ornate gingerbread trim, showcasing the craftsmanship of a bygone era. Immerse yourself in a self-guided walking tour and see all campus has to offer.
The location, strategically chosen for its accessibility to steamers and trains, as well as its gentle summer climate, provides a picturesque backdrop for a memorable visit. The terraced acres offer breathtaking views of the bay, making it an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts.
As generations of families return each summer, Bay View remains as vital as it was in the late 1880’s… seamlessly blending history, tradition, music, education, and architectural beauty into a unique, eight-week “Summer Assembly” that holds special meaning for both residents and visitors alike.
Visit Bay View and immerse yourself in a treasure trove of culture, history, and natural beauty, where the past and present come together to create a memorable experience.
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Crooked Tree Arts Center is a place where artists from northern Michigan can display their talents and artwork to the public.
A walking tour of Petoskey actually is a history lesson as many of the buildings date from the 1870’s to the 1930’s.