Local Area Attractions
Attractions
One smell and you'll know why this company ships their sweets all over the world! Tours are offered during the summer months.
Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center
Find informative guided hatchery tours, self-guided hiking/nature trails, interpretive exhibits, and interactive displays. Hatchery tours and nature trails are open from May through October.
These "stones" are really chunks of fossilized coral thought to be 350 million years old. The best hunting places are the beaches at Petoskey State Park and Magnus City Park. No license is required.
This is a working farm, market, and greenhouse. The market features unique canned items, organic vegetables, meats and fish.
Hands-on museum with emphasis on science, history and the arts. Includes live animal exhibits and many activities.
See the beauty of Northern Michigan from a bird’s eye view as you peacefully fly back to earth with your parachute.
Beaches
- Zoll Street Beach, Harbor Springs
- Zorn Park, Harbor Springs
- Magnus City Park Beach, Petoskey
- Petoskey State Park, Petoskey
- West Park Beach, Bay Harbor
- Bliss Township Beach, Bliss
- Cross Village Beach, Cross Village
- Good Hart Beach, Good Hart
- Readmond Township Beach, Good Hart
Boat Tours, Charters, & Ferries
Provides passage from Charlevoix to Beaver Island (32 miles). Also offers guided tours of "America's Emerald Isle". Operates from mid-April to December.
Enjoy a great fishing experience with Captain Tim Wildfong who has over 20 years of fishing on the Great Lakes for king salmon, brown and lake trout, coho, and walleye. All fishing equipment provided.
This five-minute, 100-yard voyage across the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix saves visitors a 15-mile drive Generally operates from mid-April to mid-November.
Trout and salmon charters.
Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry
The Shepler family has been ferrying vacationers to historic Mackinac Island. for three generations. Ferry operates May through October.
The largest modern fleet serving Mackinac Island and offering sunset cruises. Operates from May to October.
Two-hour sailing adventures mid-June through Labor Day leaving from the marina in Charlevoix.
Trout, salmon, and steelhead charters.
Tours by appointment for up to six passengers on Lake Charlevoix, Lake Michigan, and Little Traverse Bay. Perfect for fall colors tours!
Connecting Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Bay Harbor with passenger ferry services from May to September on Little Traverse Bay.
Bowling
Northern Lights Recreation Center
Arcade action along with bowling, billiards, and laser tag
Breweries
Located in the heart of downtown Petoskey, Beards offers a low-key environment to enjoy a pint or two.
Originally opened as the Petoskey Brewing Company in 1898 this historic building owes its unique stature to the brewing practices of the late 19th century. Closed in 1915, it wasn't until 2012 that beer once again flowed within the walls of the "Old Brewery."
Casino
Guests will find more than 1,500 loose slot machines, dozens of Las Vegas style table games, dining and unique shopping.
Fishing
Guided fishing tours. The walk & wade trips are a great way for you and your friends to hike up some waders and explore northern Michigan's world-class fisheries up close and personal.
Hiking
Little Traverse Conservancy Nature Preserves
More than seven different trail systems in Charlevoix and Emmet counties are protected by the Little Traverse Conservancy.
The trail runs from Charlevoix on U.S. 31 through Bay Harbor and Bay View. In Petoskey, the path winds through beautiful Bayfront Park. 29 miles start to finish, small segment on-road on U.S. 31.
Historical Sites & Museums
The former home of this important figure in history is now the Andrew Blackbird Museum. The museum is committed to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Indian customs, arts, crafts, music, poetry, and language. Open year-round.
This century-old Victorian community of nearly 500 cottages is a National Historic Landmark. Summer programs include concerts, theater, operas, lectures, recreational programs, educational classes, and religious services which are open to the public.
The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is pleased to welcome visitors to its new home located in the former city hall. Please call for scheduled hours of operation.
Little Traverse History Museum
On Petoskey's beautiful waterfront, this museum is the restored Pere Marquette train depot. Exhibits feature Ernest Hemingway's life, Odawa Indian artifacts, and the history of the region. Open May to September.
National Shrine of the Cross-In-The-Woods
This awesome 55-foot cross was made from a redwood tree. In 1959, the 7-ton, 28-foot crucifix was raised into place.
Miniature Golf
18-hole adventure golf. Roller racers, twin spin, inflatable bouncer and snack bar
18-holes set among the mysteries of the pirate world.
Movie Theatre
- 1540 Anderson Road, Petoskey
- 231.347.9696
- 1275 East Main Street, Harbor Springs
- 231.622.6366
Performing Arts
This century-old Victorian community of nearly 500 cottages is a National Historic Landmark. Summer programs include concerts, theater, operas, lectures, recreational programs, educational classes, and religious services which are open to the public.
Enjoy art shows in the gallery area; concerts, recitals, and performing arts in the theater. Annual performances by the Little Traverse Civic Theatre. Original works by local artists on sale. Classes, lessons, and workshops
Great Lakes Center For The Arts
The Center's mission is to inspire, entertain, educate, and serve all in Northern Michigan year-round by presenting exceptional experiences across the full spectrum of the performing arts and offering impactful educational opportunities.
Young Americans Dinner Theatre
Since 1978, The Young Americans Dinner Theatre has been entertaining and enchanting audiences of all ages, making it one of northern Michigan's most popular traditions, and home to The Highlands.
The Young Americans ensemble is made up of young, up-and-coming performers and actors, handpicked from across the nation for much-anticipated performances each June, July, and August. To enhance the experience, the Broadway-style performance is paired with dinner.
Waterpark
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
This 88,000-square-foot mega-park features six waterslides, a shallow children's pool, wet climbing wall, activity pools, a lazy river, hot tubs, a huge arcade, and the Rip Zone surf simulator - all indoors!
Wineries
Harbor Springs Vineyard & Winery
Enjoy delicious wines and hard cider in a beautiful tasting room located at Pond Hill Farm. Sample award-winning wine and enjoy a delicious lunch created using produce and meats harvested onsite.
Enriching life with exceptional wine, Mackinaw Trail Winery offers a 28-acre vineyard, winery, and tasting room.
The Petoskey Wine Region is made up of 14 unique wineries, located along the Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan coastal region. If you are planning a day trip or weekend excursion, the Petoskey Wine Region offers an excellent blend of rustic to trendy tasting rooms and vineyards that rival the wine trails of Napa Valley.