This is really exciting news! This summer you will be able to cruise across beautiful Little Traverse Bay between the charming resort communities of Petoskey, Bay Harbor and Harbor Springs.
Imagine being out on the bay, gliding across crystal clear waters with the sun on your shoulders. You’ll leave one beautiful port and head into another ready to welcome you with fun shops, delicious food and tons of things to do.
It’s been decades since guests skipped the drive on M-119 when wanting to travel between Harbor Springs and Petoskey, and the locals are anxious to see this happen for themselves as well as for our guests.
The Little Traverse Bay Ferry is the brainchild of a small group of self-motivated go-getters who wanted to see transportation across the bay. But that wasn’t their only goal – the organization also wanted to give to the communities by offering hands-on classes for kids to teach about the importance of taking care of one of our most precious resources – the water. Future plans include special trips for seniors and our veterans, as well. The company’s Board of Directors notes that being accessible to everyone who wants to board is uppermost in their minds.
While the last couple of months have thrown curveballs in the original plans for opening as a 49-passenger boat, the team of the Little Traverse Bay Ferry is moving forward to shoving off for the first time in late June, but following safety protocols at reduced capacity of 30 persons.
Though they want to be out on the bay that they’re named for, the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Co. isn’t rushing into things. They know that paying attention to details is one of the things that will help them be successful and the anticipation will make that maiden voyage all the more sweet.
Their launch date/ribbon cutting won’t be until June 27 when they’ll be in Harbor Springs from 5-6 pm, Petoskey from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and at the docks in Bay Harbor around 8:00 pm. The crew will be selling hot dogs at each stop to raise money for their non-profit venture.
Follow the crew and their journey into summer in the Petoskey Area on their Facebook page. Lodging is available nearby for when you’re ready to climb aboard.
Of course, that’s just one of the fun activities in Petoskey and its neighboring communities of Harbor Springs, Boyne City/Boyne Falls, Bay Harbor, and Alanson. Now that the Governor’s stay-at-home order has been lifted, our store owners, restauranteurs, hoteliers and every other business in between are slowly and carefully bringing back employees, cleaning, stocking shelves and refrigerators and looking forward to making your summer visit fun and memorable.
Traveling will be a bit different this year, but at least in the Petoskey Area, the truly important things like friendly service, fresh air and million dollar sunsets will be the same.
Come to see us, and make sure the ferry is part of your plans. It’s worth the ride.
About the author
Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.