Day Trip: Ride the Little Traverse Wheelway to Petoskey
Explore northern Michigan! With The Highlands located in the heart of northern Michigan, day trips just got more interesting.
One of the most beautiful paved paths in Michigan, the Little Traverse Wheelway stretches from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix. This 26-mile path has beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area. You can bike, walk, rollerblade, or jog this trail. The best part? You can pick your route length and explore at your own pace.
Our favorite starting point is a park and ride near the Harbor Springs Airport on M119. View location here >>
We recommend renting an e-bike from Boyne Country Sports in Petoskey to explore the Wheelway. The pedal-assist makes for an enjoyable, leisurely ride.
Stop 1 - Petoskey State Park
Stop at Petoksey State Park and enjoy Lake Michigan up close. Located on Little Traverse Bay, this state park offers a mile of sandy shores and a network of hiking trails. Take a dip and check the shoreline for the famous Petoksey Stones.
For a unique view, we highly recommend hiking the Old Baldy Trail (a half-mile loop). The trail has wooden steps through the woods and leads to a platform with views of Lake Michigan.
Stop 2 - Petoksey Brewing
After the state park, you need a break from all that sand. Right off the Wheelway is Petoskey Brewing, and a great place to find a cold craft brew. Sit in the unique building or step outside to their patio with views of Mud Lake.
This building is a piece of northern Michigan history. Known as the Old Brewery, it was completed in 1898 and was used to brew Petoskey Sparkle Beer until 1915. After renovation in 2012, beer flowed again through these walls.
Stop 3 - Bayfront Park
Wander around Bayfront Park for scenic views. There is a mini waterfall that lands into a bubbling brook that kids love to hop on the rocks and splash around. Go a little further, and there is a playground to explore, or keep going to walk the docks.
Just a short walk, or ride, away is the pier where you can go to see the lighthouse. Right off of this pier is a rocky beach that is great for rock hunting.
Stop 4 - Petoskey Historic Gaslight District
While heading into the Gaslight District, you walk through a stunning art mural. This piece of art wraps 270 degrees and includes fish species native to Michigan. And be sure to test your musical talents on the public piano placed inside the tunnel.
Enjoy all the local shops and offerings. With plenty to see and explore, you will be sure to come back to The Highlands with new treasures.
Photos of Petoskey Brewing, Bayfront Park, and the Petoskey Tunnel provided by PetoskeyArea.com.