Photo by the Charlevoix Venetian Festival
Charlevoix is a bustling community nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake and is simply beautiful. Their waterfront park is a jewel complete with a spectacular water fountain. In addition to it’s beauty, Charlevoix offers many fun events and festivals throughout the year.
July
For over 80 years, the Charlevoix Venetian Festival has been a Northern Michigan summer staple. With daily musical performances on two stages, Venetian Games (including kids and teens soccer, basketball, running, boarding, sailing, volleyball, golf, and tennis tournaments), a youth Battle of the Bands, Kids Day and even more, there’s something for everyone at this week long festival.
October
Northern Michigan orchards travel to Charlevoix’s Apple Fest to be represented and bring with them more than 30 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples. There’s also cider, baked goods, apple butter, and other fall produce. The annual arts and crafts show that’s part of the event boasts over 125 exhibitors. And it all takes place in downtown Charlevoix in East Park on the veautiful Round Lake waterfront.
November
Charlevoix kicks off the holiday season on the Friday after Thanksgiving with holiday crafts, visits with Santa, cocoa, and the main event- a Christmas parade at 5:30pm, and tree lighting at 6pm.
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.