Lake Michigan

Northern Coastline - destinations listed north to south

  1. Harbor Springs - looks to be an upscale and charming waterfront community

    1. Activities

      1. Parks

        1. Zorn Park

        2. Zoll Street Beach

        3. Harbor Springs Deer Park

        4. Thorn Swift Nature Preserve

        5. Pond Hill Farm

      2. Skiing

        1. Nubs Nob and Boyne Highlands

      3. Museums & Galleries

        1. Harbor Springs History Museum

        2. Tvedten Fine Arts Gallery

        3. Andrew J. Blackbird Museum 

        4. Hanni Gallery

        5. Boyer Glassworks

      4. Harbor Springs Farmers Market

      5. Street Musique Series in the summer for various waterfront concerts

      6. Tunnel of Trees drive in the Fall

      7. Beautiful golf courses

      8. Lots of great bike routes - Top 10 Best Bike Towns in America biking including the Little Traverse Wheelway

    2. Dining

      1. Stafford’s Pier Restaurant - upscale with a gorgeous view of the harbor.

      2. Paper Station Bistro - casual atmosphere with local charm.

  2. Petoskey - more research coming!

    1. Little Traverse Bay Ferry - travel by boat between Bay Harbor, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs on a 49 passenger vessel. 

    2. Crooked Tree Arts Center - free to see the gallery, check out their calendar of events for live performances in the renovated 1890 church.

  3. Charlevoix

    1. Beaches (great for finding petoskey stones!)

      1. Michigan Beach

        1. The South Pier Lighthouse, or Charlevoix Lighthouse, overlooks Lake Michigan. You can access it from the pier downtown.

        2. White, sandy beach, playground, walking trails, concessions, restrooms, the lighthouse and beautiful sunsets. 

      2. North Point Nature Preserve - Reviewers say this place is a gem hidden in a residential subdivision. There’s a 1.5 mile loop trail, a disc golf course, and they say the beach is much nicer than Michigan Beach. The beach is a short walk over a small dune from the parking lot. The parking lot is small, and can fill up quickly. Looks beautiful and very quiet. No restrooms. This is next to Mt McSauba Recreation Area.

      3. Fisherman’s Island State Park 

        1. A 2,678-acre park with five miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. The park encompasses a tiny island, Fisherman's Island, currently not accessible to the mainland, due to high lake levels. There is a rustic campground nestled in the dunes (80 sites, vault toilets, hand pump water, some sites are very close to the beach - book 6 months out for these! Evidently you do hear the low hum of a nearby factory). Miles of hiking trails. 

        2. It’s popular for rock hunting, and the beach looks fairly rocky in most places.

      4. Ferry Beach on Lake Charlevoix

        1. Boat launch, playground, basketball court, restrooms with a swimming area that gradually deepens.

      5. Depot Beach on Lake Charlevoix

        1. Visit the 100 year old train depot and garden area. It has a park and public restrooms, and gets great reviews.

      6. Young State Park - sandy Lake Charlevoix beach, rolling terrain. Modern campground. Hiking, fishing, cross country skiing and swimming.

    2. Water Activities

      1. Hoffman Park - overlooks the Pine River Channel. Watch the bascule drawbridge go up every half hour (when boats are present), and find the former drawbridge key in the park. 

      2. Take in a beautiful sunset on Sunshine Charters catamaran-style sailboats (you go on both Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, morning, afternoon and sunset cruises daily) or watch the sunset at the South Pier Lighthouse.

      3. Paddle down the Jordan River. Choose a guided raft or rent canoes or kayaks.

        1. Rent kayaks, paddleboards, boats, or jet skis with Summertime Rentals or Charlevoix Adventure Company. 

      4. Jordan River - the largest tributary to Lake Charlevoix, it’s popular for fly fishing for trout, steelhead and salmon. The water stays cold (rarely above 60) all year. 

      5. Ironton Ferry operates across the south arm of Lake Charlevoix, 10 minute round trip, pedestrians are free.

      6. Beaver Island Boat Company - a 2 hour ferry ride takes you to Beaver Island in Lake Michigan where you can do a 1 ½ or 3 hour tour of Beaver Island, America’s Emerald Isle. See 2 lighthouses. 

    3. Outdoor Activities

      1. Mt McSauba

        1. A ski slope (rentals available, only tow ropes), ice skating rink, and sledding hill in the winter. It also has a 18 hole disc golf course and 0.7 miles of hiking trails and dunes to climb. The beach area is more remote and rustic. A favorite with locals. Looks gorgeous.

      2. Charles Ransom Nature Preserve

        1. The parking lot is the highest point (320 feet above Lake Michigan) and all trails go down from there. There are 1.5 miles of trails around the perimeter forming a loop. Great for finding trillium in the spring, wild blackberries and strawberries in the summer, and beautiful fall colors. Mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. 

      3. Charlevoix Fountain of Youth - Interactive mode 10 am - 9 pm. Heated fountain is open for play. Display mode from 9:30-11 pm with a choreographed music and light show on the half hour. 

      4. Farms

        1. Bolt’s Farm Market

        2. Royal Farms - wine garden, and lots of homemade treats. 

        3. Friskes Farm Market - a must-stop destination. Grab lunch or snacks, browse the General Store, and check out the Orchard Playland for the kids. 

        4. Hungry Ducks Farms - farm animals, trout fishing, museum, petting zoo, model trains, wristband for unlimited rides. 

        5. King Orchard - grows cherries and other fruits with a farm market available.

        6. Lavender Hill Farm - see the gift shop and explore the Lavender Labyrinth. 

        7. Stonehedge Fiber Mill is a 157 year old working farm with a fiber shop, custom fiber processing mill, and with shepherds, spinners, and fiber artists. 

    4. Activities

      1. Book a tandem skydive with Skydive Charlevoix. They specialize in first jumpers, making sure everyone is comfortable while creating exciting lifelong memories. While you soar over Charlevoix, you could see Beaver Island, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge, and Lake Charlevoix. 

      2. Take a guided tour of Earl Young’s mushroom houses. This self-taught architect-designed houses out of large boulders and cedar shakes, creating whimsical designs.

      3. Stop by Castle Farms to view the restored historic buildings, majestic gardens, large model train collection, and countless historic exhibits. Check out their events calendar. Be sure to stop by 1918 Cellars to try a great selection of Michigan wine. 

      4. Explore the works of local artists, attend live performances, and see the museum and cultural attractions at the Circle of Arts, Harsha House Museum, and Public Library. 

      5. See the World’s Largest Cherry Pie Tin. Baked in 1976 for a cherry festival it won a world record. Now they have the tin pan on display. 

      6. Shop in the charming downtown 

    5. Restaurants

      1. The Landing Restaurant - located at the entrance to the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix in what is known as the Ironton Narrows. Watch the Ironton Ferry and boats go by. 

      2. Horton Bay General Store - enjoy breakfast and lunch daily, a soda fountain, tapas on the weekends with a reservation. Made popular by Ernest Hemingway. 

      3. Bier’s Innwood Brewery - looks like a cool venue, live music, and pizza.

  4. Torch Lake

    1. The second largest lake in Michigan. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters. 

    2. Check out ClearWater Rentals for clear bottomed kayak rentals.

    3. It’s a very busy lake with pretty sand bars to hang out at. You can snorkel.

    4. Check out the Torch River area.

    5. Not very many public access points. Check out the Elks River Sandbar and Bellaire and Torch Lake Township.

  5. Leelanau State Park - more research coming!

    1. See the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the very tip of the peninsula. Beautiful wine country.

  6. Leland - more research coming!

  7. Glen Arbor 

    1. Beaches

      1. Beaches

        1. North Bar Lake - A short walk through the woods, walk around the edge of North Bar Lake next to the channel and then end up on Lake Michigan. We found several Petoskey stones here.

        2. Big and Little Glen Lake look beautiful with caribbean blue water

        3. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes

    2. Activities

      1. Cute downtown to walk around. 

      2. Cherry Republic - shop the store, try all the samples, and get some ice cream!

    3. Dining

      1. Cherry Republic Restaurant

      2. Arts - pub food. Cash only.

  8. Empire

    1. Beaches

      1. Platte Beach - where the Platte River empties out is gorgeous. The warmer water in the channel from the river makes a great place for kids to play. We found several petoskey stones here. 

    2. Activities

      1. Riverside Canoes - You go through Loon Lake and end at Lake Michigan. If we did this again we would get kayaks - the river is pretty slow moving, so it’s a lot of work with a canoe! Your trip ends at Platte Beach.  

    3. Lodging 

      1. Platte River Campground - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service) - is highly recommended by friends, but very difficult to get a spot. Friends recommended sites 449 or 451. 

  9. Frankfort - more research coming!

  10. Manistee 

    1. Beaches

      1. Fifth Avenue Beach - they have all the amenities and the lighthouse. It’s considered to be one of Manistee’s most beautiful beaches.

      2. First Street Beach/Douglas Park - a large park with all the amenities and a walkable pier. It says the waves can get big here. They also have a huge retro slide at the playground.

      3. Magoon Creek and Natural Area is south of town. More secluded, quiet. Has a restroom, but looks like a pretty narrow beach strip.1.5 mile hiking loop. Up on the bluff you can watch big freighters out on the water. It’s also a good place to search for Petoskey stones.

      4. North Beach Access - best for beach walking and pets. You can walk the beach for miles without seeing a house. Never many people. A big boardwalk with a lot of steps to get down to the beach. 

      5. Bar Lake Access - the website says due to high water levels there is no lake access at this time. 

      6. Portage Point Beach - situated in the rolling dunes of Portage Lake. Restrooms are available. Large beach. 

      7. Pierport Beach - a secluded beach with very little parking. Not much space between the grass/water for the beach, but it looks beautiful. 

    2. Activities

      1. Complete Guide to Manistee MI: 26 Best Things to Do for the Most Unforgettable Trip - grkids.com

      2. The town has a lot of Victorian era buildings, and a cool shopping area on River Street. Check out the Vogue Theatre.

      3. There are a lot of bridges, museums, breweries etc to tour. Also check out the cool old wooden playground at Lighthouse Park in Manistee.

      4. The village of Okenama on Portage Lake offers shops and dining along with great waterfront parks throughout town. 

      5. The Manistee Riverwalk goes 1.75 miles from downtown along the river to Lake Michigan. 

      6. Orchard Beach Aviation - They offer airplane rides for $30/per person (2 person minimum)

      7. SS City of Milwaukee - Ship tour

      8. Pine River Rafting - class 1 rapids. You can kayak, canoe, or rent a raft.  Also in the area is PineRiver Paddlesports.

      9. G&D Alpaca Farm

      10. We Bee Jammin - a cute local honey shop

      11. Northern Natural Cider House and Winery

      12. Big M Recreation Area for 40 miles of mountain bike trails through the Manistee National Forest. 

    3. Natural Wonders Tour

      1. Tunnel of Trees- ½ mile stretch of beautiful willow trees. 

      2. Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary - 76 acre wildlife sanctuary home to 178 bird species, 2 Michigan Champion trees and the only Sequoia in Michigan (planted in 1938). There’s also a giant Sycamore Tree. You can also access Lake Michigan and go hiking.

      3. Glen Park Mineral Spring

      4. Artesian Wells - considered to produce some of the purest water in the country.

      5. Old Faceful - located at the end of Thirteen Mile Road. Like the Artesian Well it’s a spring fed artesian aquifer.  Fill up your water bottle and then enjoy a quiet walk on the beach.

      6. Arcadia Marsh - you can walk, canoe or kayak. Great birding. They have a cool boardwalk to go out on. 

      7. Gravity Hill - Putney Rd crosses Joyfield Rd between US 31 and M22. Travel south from Joyfield Rd and stop at a point 150 to 200 ft beyond the “Stop Ahead” sign on the east side of the road, then put your car in neutral. You will roll all the way back up the hill to the Blaine Christian Church.

      8. Old Baldy - the hike begins in the forest and ends on the dunes overlooking Lake Michigan. Make sure to stop at Arcadia Overlook - Inspiration Point. There are lots of hikes in the Arcadia Dunes, but Old Baldy is the most popular. 

    4. Dining

      1. Check out Papa Js for pizza, putt-putt, ice cream and kayak rentals

    5. Lodging

      1. The Portage Point Resort is the “baby sister” of The Grand Hotel. It’s all cottages and condos with each having its own kitchen.

      2. Orchard Beach State Park (recommended by a friend) - on a 100 foot bluff overlooking Lake Michigan with 2 miles of hiking trails. Beautiful sunsets, the campground looks nice, there are electric sites, a bathhouse and dish washing station. Unfortunately there is no longer beach access due to erosion. A trolley tour will take you to Manistee. 

      3. Lake Michigan at Manistee Campground and the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area (recommended by friends.

        1. Huron-Manistee National Forests - Lake Michigan Recreation Area

        2. Friends recommend the Violet Loop for first come first served. You can walk further into the forest and camp for free, but then you have about a half mile walk to the bathroom. Hemlock Loop is also first come, first served. Orchid Loop has flush toilets (no showers). Orchid and Oak are reservable. The loop closest to Lake Michigan is the one that will fill up the fastest. Reviewers say it is good for riding your bikes. The campground is totally quiet and secluded, not even too busy on weekends. Limited cell reception. There are water spigots, no electricity or showers.

        3. Dunes to climb, Porter creek to play in, trails to hike, Lake Michigan right there. It looks like the beach here will be very quiet and beautiful. There are also trails through the woods and a trailhead for the Nordhouse Dunes area. 

  11. Ludington

    1. Beaches

      1. Stearns Park Beach

        1. Jaycee’s Mini Golf

      2. See Ludington’s North Breakwater Light

      3. Ludington State Park

        1. Take the 2 mile hike to see the Big Sable Lighthouse (***Check Library Card MAP for discount) 

    2. Activities

      1. Watch the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan car ferry (4 hour trip) arrive/depart from Wisconsin at the Waterfront Park. Take a picture next to the silver sailboat sculpture and play at the playground. 

      2. Check out the Mason County Sculpture Trail

      3. Cartier Park - check out the cARTier Trail through the woods that features three 4x3 foot artworks displays.

      4. Sandcastles Children’s Museum

      5. The Baby Badger - kids can ride in the “cars” of a SS Badger ride. 

      6. Check out their Visit Ludington calendar of events for live music etc

      7. Canoe Trail along Hamlin Lake - it’s a great recreation lake, and see the sand dunes

Sandy pathway through lush grass leading to a distant hill under a clear blue sky.