The Area
The Petoskey Area of northern Michigan is made up of Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Bay Harbor, Bay View, and Alanson. Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, and Bay View are located on Lake Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay – home to one of the deepest basins for boats in the state of Michigan. Boyne City, Boyne Falls, and Alanson offer access to even more bodies of fresh water that have a beauty all their own – Lake Charlevoix, Crooked Lake, Walloon Lake, and more.
PETOSKEY
Petoskey, Michigan, located at the top of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula on Little Traverse Bay is known for its natural beauty, million-dollar sunsets, historic Gaslight Shopping District, and of course, Petoskey Stones. Just a ferry ride away in the warmer months are Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor.
The natural beauty surrounds you with stunning views of Little Traverse Bay from many vantage points. Looking to go outside? Petoskey is home to land for hiking, biking, a day at the beach, water sports, and so much more! The popular, Petoskey State Park is great for a hike, a day at the beach, a stop off of the Little Traverse Wheelway via bike, or going Petoskey Stone hunting.
The quaint waterfront community of Harbor Springs offers a variety of outdoor adventures for all skill levels, culinary attractions, and the deepest freshwater harbor in the Great Lakes. Harbor Springs is located on Little Traverse Bay and is just a short ferry ride away in the warmer months from Petoskey and Bay Harbor. No matter how you like to spend time outdoors, Harbor Springs offers a way for you to enjoy its natural beauty. Enjoy golf, swimming, boating, hiking, biking, or even a scenic drive like the world-famous Tunnel of Trees along M 119. Don’t miss out on annual events like Festival of the Book, Blissfest Folk Roots Music Festival, Fall Festival Days at Pond Hill Farm, and more.
Boyne City is nestled along Lake Charlevoix, which has been honored by the readers of USA Today as one of the Best Lakes in America. Just south of Petoskey, Boyne City is a unique city with its downtown offerings, you’re never more than a few minutes from the water and all it offers.
Boyne Falls is just 11 minutes southeast of Boyne City and is named after the falls on the nearby Boyne River. It is also home to Boyne Mountain Resort, a hub of fun, adventure, golf, and good times! Boyne Falls also hosts an annual Polish Festival in August each year where visitors can enjoy a polka tent, live music, youth day, a parade, and mud runs.
Bay Harbor Village is a luxury community stretching five miles along Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan – also home to Bay Harbor Lake. This community features gorgeous Lake Michigan Views, boutique shopping, casual and fine dining, a night for the arts, world-class golf, and a deep-water marina.
Enjoy spectacular views from the downtown village, nearby East Park, or from the Little Traverse Bay Ferry in the warmer months. Boutique shopping for upscale clothing, fine art, ladies’ and men’s fashion, and something to soothe your sweet tooth at Candy Harbor.
Bay View, Michigan is a seasonal community of elegant Victorian homes and buildings – which have earned the entirety of Bay View a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Although this community’s owners are part of a private association, they welcome the public to visit during their ‘open season’. This gives visitors the chance to drive, bike, or walk through the community and view the amazing architecture. Don’t miss out on all of their summer activities, amenities, and events they offer to the public as well – most notably: Bay View’s Big Read, Monday Night Film Festival, Bay View Music Festival, Self-Guided Walking Tours, or even their Bay View Woods hiking trails.
The Village of Alanson, located roughly 20 minutes from Petoskey and 30 minutes from the Mackinac Bridge, lies on the banks of the Crooked River. The Crooked River is a major link within the 38-mile Inland Waterway that connects several inland lakes to Lake Huron lying to the Lower Peninsula of Michigan’s east. The Crooked River also contains one of two locks within the waterway system.