Photo by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
The Little Traverse Bay area of Northern Michigan has been attracting visitors to its shores for more than a century. And it is no surprise that this part of Northern Michigan continues to draw visitors and summer residents today. What could be more alluring that the brilliant blue waters of Lake Michigan, glorious beaches, charming small communities, and a myriad of activities that could fill every day from dawn until dusk.
In the late 1800s, steamships brought summer guests to Northern Michigan where they could escape the heat and humidity. The deep, protected waters of Little Traverse Bay were perfect for the steamships. In later years, it was trains and then cars that brought guests to this glorious part of Michigan. Today, guests arrive by car, plane, or boat and once they arrive, they know they are in for a treat.
The beauty of Northern Michigan is so stunning that if often gives visitors an “Aahh” moment. The communities of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Mackinaw City, and Mackinac Island have so much to offer year ’round. If you are looking for a beautiful setting with a variety of outdoor activities plus fabulous lodging, dining, and shopping- well, this is where you will find all that plus more. Visit Northern Michigan year ’round!
If you are planning a visit Up North or already here, spend some time looking at all the information that we have here for you on this website. Visiting Petoskey, Charlevoix, or Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island? There is much to see and do in these two communities! Want to go sailing, kayaking, biking, or or hunt for Petoskey stones?
How about hear some great music at Bay View, view art at Crooked Tree Arts Center, or learn about the area’s past at the Harbor Springs History Museum?
Winter Up North is a delight, a Currier & Ives countryside filled with skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing, sledding and iceskating and snowmobiling.
Northern Michigan is the perfect place to go to the beach, hike the dunes at the Petoskey State Park or explore the preserves of the Little Traverse Conservancy. Explore all of the great information here for you and enjoy your stay Up North!
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
Crooked Tree Arts Center is a place where artists from northern Michigan can display their talents and artwork to the public.
This Inland Waterway covers 38.2 miles from outside of Petoskey to Cheboygan. Find state parks, fishing, swimming, and more along the way.
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
Disc golf is hot everywhere and especially in Northern Michigan because of it’s many courses and beautiful scenery.
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.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.