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InsidersGuidetoVacationinginNorthernMichigan
- 2. Insider’s Guide to Vacationing in Northern
Michigan
Historic Overview
Northern Michigan is a resort destination that is rich in history, drawing travelers
from across the U.S. for over 100 years with its scenic natural beauty and pleasant
summer climate. In the early years, travelers to Northern Michigan sought relief
from summer heat and bustling cities throughout the Midwest. Railways and
steamships provided early modes of transportation. Originally the railroads were
built to bring workers and supplies for the lumbering and farming industries. Over
time, north Michigan and the coastal towns along Lake Michigan like Charlevoix,
Petoskey and Harbor Springs would become popular resort destinations. But before
that time, families had been making the journey to northern Michigan for a different
reason.
Beginning 10,000 years ago, indigenous groups traveled
north during the warmer months to hunt and trap for
beaver, fox and mink fur. Native American tribes became
yearround residents, the first of them being the Odawa
Indians, after discovering the abundance of wildlife and
good fishing. Mackinac Island became a center for fur
trading with its central location in the Great Lakes to waterways that were used for
trade routes. French fur trappers started to make their way into the region and to
the Straits of Mackinac as early as 1715. The Straits attracted traders with their furs
and Montreal merchants with goods in tow to prepare for winter trading. Once the
British took over Fort Michilimackinac in 1761, the community outside of the fort
filled with the overflow of traders and merchants looking to call this new bustling
community home. In the early 1840s, logging became a major industry in Michigan.
After Chicago's Great Fire in 1871, Michigan’s virgin White Pine forests supplied
much of the lumber used in the rebuilding of the devastated city. Harvested timber
was hauled overland by steam train to saw mills and shipping ports built at
Sturgeon Bay, Cross Village and Boyne City, where towns flourished.
- 3. Insider’s Guide to Vacationing in Northern
Michigan
Wealthy businessmen and industrialist from the south began to come with their
families to the coastal towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix to enjoy
the lakes and cooler northern temperatures. Private resort associations were built
including Bay View, Wequetonsing, and Harbor Point which continue to be popular
summer residences that have been passed through generations of families. For
many, a vacation up north has become a treasured family tradition.
Like many before him, author Ernest Hemingway
would make his family cottage on Walloon Lake near
Petoskey his summer home and locations
throughout Northern Michigan the scene for many
of his books.
Northern Michigan Today
Named by Time Magazine in 1965 as one of the USA’s Top Resort locations, the
Little Traverse Bay area has become a fourseason destination, drawing travelers
and new residents from around the globe. Northern Michigan is a vacation Mecca for
golf, skiing, and boating, with stunning natural beauty, that is truly a “Pure
Michigan” destination we are sure will continue to bring you and your family back
year after year.
- 4. Insider’s Guide to Vacationing in Northern
Michigan
What's in store
In an area with a rich history, where charming coastal villages, and unique shopping
and dining experiences abound, you are in for a truly unforgettable experience. This
guide will provide a look into the different regions, local activities and attractions
that make northwest Michigan and the Little Traverse Bay area a top vacation
destination in every season.
Boyne City and Charlevoix
Located on the east arm of Lake Charlevoix (voted as America's Second Best Lake by
USA Today) sits Boyne City. Quaint shops, bike trails, evening street music, diverse
dining cuisine, and prime spots to catch the sun setting over Lake Charlevoix are
popular in Boyne City. Festivals and auto shows are held in the water front park
throughout the summer. In July is the Boyne Thunder offshore power boating race.
This unique boating event showcases high
performance boats, slicing through the
waters of Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan
on a breathtaking 150mile excursion.
Red Mesa Grill is a
local favorite, with great specials and what many claim as
the region's best Latin American food. Avalanche Peak offers
a moderate to challenging bike tour across its 7 mile trail
system and 4.2 of mountain bike terrain. Climb the 462
steps up to observation desks for incredible panoramic
views of Lake Charlevoix. In winter some of the Midwest's
best snow skiing and riding is just ten minutes away at
Boyne Mountain.
A short drive around Lake Charlevoix from Boyne City is Charlevoix the Beautiful, a
small coastal town on Lake Michigan that comes alive in the summer. Watch charter
boats, ferries, and sailboats cruise to and from Lake Michigan and enjoy afternoon
drinks at the Bridge Street Tap Room or live music at The Villager. From Charlevoix,
- 7. Insider’s Guide to Vacationing in Northern
Michigan
fisherman's dream, find walleye, perch, pike, and smallmouth bass beneath the
crystal blue waters. Centrally located between Boyne City and Petoskey, Walloon
Lake Village offers a public boat launch and a beach to easily slide in your kayak or
paddle board. Take a break from the action on the water and pull up to the
shopper's docks to enjoy a bite and stunning lake views at Barrel Back, a fan
favorite! Rent a paddleboard or take a wakeboard lesson at Tommy's, directly below
the restaurant. Grab something sweet at Johan's Pastry shop or a quick lunch at the
Walloon Village General Store.
Can'tMiss Events:
July: Antique Flywheelers Show
Petoskey and Bay Harbor
The coastal resort community of Petoskey is known for its
views of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, Victorian
architecture, and unforgettable shopping and restaurants
in the town's historic Gaslight Shopping District. Petoskey
offers events and celebrations throughout the year. Head
to the waterfront park to walk the pier and stroll along
Little Traverse Bay!
Hunt for the States Petoskey stones, along the bay. Hot
spots for hunting the treasured Petoskey Stones include Magnus Park off of the
Little Traverse Wheelway near downtown and the Petoskey State Park.
Biking along the scenic Little Traverse Wheelway, a route leading from Charlevoix to
Harbor Springs is a popular summer activity with everchanging views of Lake
Michigan along the trail. Enjoy live music, art shows, watch the boats sailing in Little
Traverse Bay, go charter fishing for salmon and Lake Trout, or enjoy a summer
baseball game right at the waterfront and a Million Dollar Sunset at the day's end.
- 8. Insider’s Guide to Vacationing in Northern
Michigan
The annual Festival on the Bay has live music inside the Entertainment Tent and a
fun Children’s Area all weekend. Other activities include the Chalk & Chocolate
Festival, Youth Fishing Derby, the BIG Art Show, a Petting Zoo and more!
Located just outside of Petoskey on US31, a tour of the upscale community of Bay
Harbor is a must. Bay Harbor is a lakeside living community at its finest, with
specialty boutique stores, waterfront dining, some of the nation's best golf, and one
of the largest fresh water yacht basins in North America.
Bay Harbor Golf Club has earned its reputation as one of the nation's most beautiful
and most challenging golf courses. On
the shore of Lake Michigan's Little
Traverse Bay, Bay Harbor's three
distinct 9hole courses take players
from one unique setting to another,
encompassing sweeping shoreline
bluffs, rugged rock formations, natural
dunes and lush woodlands.
Can'tMiss Events:
June: Summer Open House
July: 4th of July Celebrations, Art in the Park
August: Festival on the Bay, EmmetCharlevoix County Fair
September: Petoskey Autumn Blast, Historic Home Tour
October: A Moveable Feast, Petoskey Restaurant Week
November: Stafford's Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade
- 10. Insider’s Guide to Vacationing in Northern
Michigan
Cross Village and Sturgeon Bay
High Bluffs and sand dunes make Cross Village and Sturgeon Bay one of the best
areas to view Million Dollar Sunsets over Lake Michigan. Pass through Harbor
Springs through the scenic M119 Tunnel of Trees route where you will discover
historic Cross Village. Located about 30 minutes
south of Mackinaw City, the famous Leg's Inn
restaurant offers garden dining, stunning views
of Lake Michigan, and is a place
that draws visitors and locals
from spring until late fall. At the
bottom of the bluff overlooking
Lake Michigan you will find the
township park boat launch, pavilion, and views of Beaver Island.
Also a goto spot to let the dogs run through the waves.
Travel about three miles north to Sturgeon Bay's Wilderness State Park. Head here
to enjoy this "offthebeatentrail" secluded beach and sand dunes. Stop here after a
scenic bike ride or hike on the North Country Trail, winding through forests behind
the park's dunes and northward through Wilderness State Park.
Can'tMiss Events:
May: ZooDeMackinac
July: Fourth of July Parade
Mackinac Straits and Mackinaw City
With its numerous fudge and souvenir shops, museums, tours,
fishing charters, zip line and parasailing adventures,
Mackinaw City takes the
cake for a daytrip
destination! On the
