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Northern Michigan is known for stunning scenery, charming towns, and abundant outdoor activities. From the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the Traverse City Wine Country to the Petoskey area, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Northern Michigan. I’ve spent half of my life exploring Northern Michigan, and I created this category of travel guides as a valuable resource to help visitors discover all that this amazing region has to offer. In addition to general travel, I also offer guides to specific destinations and activities within the region.
Information and tips about visiting the St. Joseph, MI area. Find the best beaches in the St. Joseph, MI area. Find information about Lake Michigan beach activities and beach amenities in the St. Joseph, MI area and Lake Michigan area. Learn where to swim, eat, stay and play in the St. Joseph, MI area and Lake Michigan area.
Visit Petoskey and Harbor Springs, MI | BEST Beaches in Petoskey and Harbor Springs | Vacation in Petoskey, MI | Plan your best family-friendly vacation | ADA & Wheelchair accessible beaches | Dog-friendly beaches in Petoskey | Petoskey and Harbor Springs Travel Guide | Petoskey State Park | Magnus City Beach Park | Thorne Swift Nature Preserve | Zorn Park Beach | Petoskey Lodging and Restaurants
Information and tips about visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Find the best beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area. Find information about Lake Michigan beach activities and beach amenities in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and Lake Michigan area. Learn where to swim, eat, stay and play in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area and Lake Michigan area.
Discover East Tawas and Tawas City, MI, also known as the Cape Cod of the Midwest. Set on beautiful Tawas Bay, these cute Michigan beach towns are a perfect travel destination for visitors looking for beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.
If you’re looking for one of the very best spots in Michigan for a vacation getaway, look no farther than Glen Arbor, Michigan.
Set in a picturesque glen in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor is a cherry-land paradise at the top of the list of Michigan’s must-see destinations.
And with good reason.
One visit to this beautiful, friendly town and you’ll be hooked for life. From the charming downtown that swells with delighted visitors in the summer and fall to the cozy surroundings, you can’t help but just love Glen Arbor.
Surrounded by water, including Lake Michigan Big Glen Lake, and Little Glen Lake, it’s home to some of the prettiest beaches in the country. Whether you take a boat, paddleboard, kayak or simply swim and splash on the shores, you’ll love exploring the water here.
You’ll also find boutiques and art galleries to wander, restaurants, and comfortable inns.
Read on to discover what to do in Glen Arbor MI. You’ll find everything you need to know to plan your trip to this special spot in northern Michigan.
Much like Kid Rock’s popular song, summertime in Northern Michigan means a visit to world-famous Torch Lake, Michigan, also known as Michigan’s very own Caribbean.
This top Michigan summer vacation destination is a not-so-hidden paradise known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning natural beauty and popular Sand Bar summer hang out.
Mackinaw City Michigan is the closest you can get to famous Mackinac Island without leaving the lower peninsula. Set right at the tip of Michigan’s mitten, where lakes Huron and Michigan meet, Mackinaw City is a must-visit Michigan vacation spot.
There is no shortage of hotels in Mackinaw City, one of the top tourist destinations in Michigan.The challenge is finding the right place for your stay, whether you’re headed for Mackinac islands historical sites, crossing the Mackinac Bridge to St. Ignace, or simply visiting downtown Mackinaw City. Mackinaw City, MI, is set at the tip of Michigan’s mitten, on the shores of Lake Huron. It overlooks the straits of Mackinac, where you’ll see a Mackinac Island ferry or two going back and forth across the water all day long.
Imagine standing atop a ski hill with Michigan’s wintery wonderland spread out before you: crisp, clean air, the scent of pine in air; surrounded by an endless vista of towering trees and sparkling lakes.
Are you already heading for your skis and goggles?
Michigan is the ski and snowboard capital of the Midwest, with more than 40 ski resorts. That’s more than any other state in country, with the exception of New York.
Some of Michigan’s best ski resorts can be found in northern Michigan, and they are amazing winter vacation destinations for families, couples and solo travelers alike.
Situated between Michigan’s pinky finger (also known as the Leelanau Peninsula) and the rest of the mitten, Old Mission Peninsula juts out into Grand Traverse Bay, splitting it into East and West arms. Because of this, Old Mission has some of the best views in all of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This is Michigan’s wine country, and nothing pairs better with the gorgeous view of the bay than a glass of Michigan wine from one of the many lovely wineries found along the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail.
The best fall color drives in Michigan can be found just about everywhere this season, from the lower peninsula to the peninsula.
There are some scenic drives though, where the fall color is just breathtaking, whether it’s a scenic byway like M-22 in northern Michigan, Brockway Mountain drive in Copper Harbor, or Petoskey Michigan on the sparkling shores of Lake Michigan.
A scenic drive or fall getaway to see the changing colors seems to be on everyone’s Michigan fall bucket list this year, so we put together a list of the 9 of the best scenic fall color drives in Michigan.
Read on to start making your Michigan travel plans to see the beautiful fall foliage in Michigan
Imagine cruising the iconic M22 Highway and arriving at a destination that is surrounded by the beautiful blues of Lake Michigan, a crystal clear river, and a picturesque waterfall. You can experience all of this and more in the lovely town of Leland, MI. Leland, MI is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Michigan. With a little more than a half hour from Traverse City and settled along the shore of Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland offers shopping in historic fishing shanties, a variety of waterfront restaurants, and boat excursions to the Manitou Islands all while relaxing to the rumbling roar of the waterfall dropping into the center
If you didn’t already know, now is the time to find fall things to do Northern Michigan. It’s a great time to celebrate in northern Michigan: the leaves on the trees are changing colors, the air is cooler and there is plenty of fun to be had before the first snowflake hits the ground.
The best way to spend fall is in Northern Michigan, with its gorgeous scenery, tasty food, along with outdoor and indoor activities galore. Whether you’re looking for a family activity, planning a day trip, or looking for outdoor adventures, there are plenty of fun activities and pure Michigan fall events to enjoy.
Ever dreamed about crossing the Straits of Mackinac on foot?
You can, of course, thanks to the amazing feat of modern architecture that is the Mackinac Bridge.
You can do it in the company of thousands of others, too, at the annual labor day Mackinac Bridge Walk, when participants in the walk traverse to the midpoint of the towering bridge from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. and then turn back. Some continue on, walking the entire bridge on foot or in wheelchair.
The labor Day Bridge Walk isn’t just for the super – physically fit; you’ll be joined by strollers and wheelchairs, too, all eager to cross the Mackinac Bridge and get a certificate at the completion of the event.
It’s a fun event that has attracted crowds for more than 50 years, growing in popularity each year.
If you’re looking for a unique trip idea or spots for romantic getaways, you’ll want to put Beaver Island Michigan on your Michigan travel bucket list.
Beautiful Northport Michigan in Leelanau County is one of my favorite pure Michigan destinations, especially in the summer and fall months.
I’m not alone.
Many people have discovered this charming village on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, and return year after year for vacations, bringing friends and families to this special spot.
Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula in the northwest region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, scenic Northport is surrounded by beautiful lakes, orchards, vineyards, and forests.
There is a lot to do here, from exploring lighthouses, swimming on the beautiful beaches and shopping at the cute boutiques in the village of Northport.
I’ve put together a complete travel and visitors guide to Northport MI, including the best activities in Northport, so read on for the best places to stay, play and eat in this top Michigan travel spot.
Are you ready for a journey through the 15+ best things to do and see on Old Mission Peninsula? If you’re looking for wine-ins, dine-ins, and the good life in old Michigan, you’re in luck: Old Mission Peninsula has everything you need for a perfect getaway all year long.
In the summer, the Lake Michigan breezes are refreshing, and the fall colors in the vineyards are stunning against the backdrop of the bay.
Shhhh…we’re going to let you in on a Michigan best-kept secret: Alpena, MI.It’s one of Michigan’s best beach towns, and it’s tucked away on the Lake Huron coastline in a tiny pocket of northeast Michigan in Alpena County. Set on the dramatically scenic and aptly named Thunder Bay, the city of Alpena MI is an outdoor-lovers paradise and pure Michigan natural beauty.
Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches to splash along, hiking trails alive with brilliant fall colors, or a snowy winter wonderland to explore by sleigh, sled, skis, or snowshoes, this bustling little city in Alpena County has it all year round. One of my favorite things about visiting Alpena is the endless miles of beaches, manicured parks with hiking and biking trails, rivers and lakes for kayaking and paddle boarding, farmers’ markets teeming with fresh produce, first-class fishing charters, and more…and that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the fun things to do in Alpena.
Alpena’s bustling beachfront includes beautifully maintained parks set on a shallow, sandy Lake Huron bay.
The city of Alpena has done a wonderful job of showcasing the beautiful shoreline with miles of public beaches and parks open to visitors.
If you’re driving, it’s hard to pass these beaches and not jump out and head directly for beautiful water, and once your children see the parks built alongside the shore, they’ll be clamoring for the beach, too.
Some of my fondest memories are set in Frankfort Michigan: watching the huge aqua waves crash onto the shore at Point Betsie and splashing in the Lake Michigan waves at the Frankfort public beach.
The museums in northern Michigan may well be one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets. Sure, everyone knows about the stunning natural beauty of northern Michigan that draws visitors all year long. The opportuntities for outdoor activities are endless: hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing… and more!
If you’re into Michigan architecture, you’ve probably heard about the Charlevoix Mushroom Houses.
Scattered across the small city of Charlevoix, Michigan, are a series of unique houses known as the “Mushroom Houses.” Sometimes referred to as “Hobbit Houses,” “Gnome Houses,” “Harry Potter Houses,” “Hansel and Gretel Houses,” and several other nicknames, these structures are organic in appearance and blend well with the surrounding landscapes.
Calling all hiking enthusiasts to Pyramid Point!
If you’re interested in incredible heights, momentous sand dunes, and the most spectacular view in Michigan, look no further than Pyramid Point in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for your next adventure.
For hikers, travelers, and anyone seeking stunning vistas, the Lake Michigan Overlook, more commonly known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook, is an absolute must-see.
Sleeping Bear Dunes camping is at the top of every Michigan bucket list, and with good reason. Set along the stunning shores of Lake Michigan of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Glen Arbor and Empire Michigan, this is one of the most popular camping areas in the lower peninsula.
Filled with inland lakes, the picturesque Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, a towering dune climb and endless miles of sandy Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of northern Michigan’s top tourist attractions.
Looking to do some camping in or near Oscoda MI? The Huron coast of Michigan isn’t called the Sunrise Side for nothing, and there are so many amazing camping sites in Oscoda where you can get up with the sunshine, camped out right on the edge of a lake. Or you can wake up in the woods, listening to birdsong and smelling pine trees.
Are you looking for the best things to do in Manistee Michigan, a hidden gem nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan?
This picturesque town offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and endless recreational opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Manistee has something for everyone. In fact, it’s the perfect trip idea for some pure Michigan fun all four seasons!
With miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan beach, three harbors, a charming downtown shopping and dining area, many historic sites to explore, lakes and rivers for fishing and boating, and acres of pristine forest for hiking biking and camping, you’ll want to add visiting Manistee to the top of your Michigan bucket list now.
It may well be the most scenic drive in Michigan, and that’s saying a lot for a state known for its stunning natural beauty.Set in the heart of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a 7.4-mile loop through the heart of dunes, taking you through hardwood forests filled with beech, maple, and birch to breathtaking vistas of Lake Michigan, Empire, Glen Haven, Glen Arbor, and the surrounding inland lakes and dunes.
he beautiful town of Empire Michigan is one of northern Michigan’s true gems. Set right in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan, it’s home to breathtaking views, and endless opportunities for riding and hiking, swimming, and outdoor adventure.
It’s a quiet, low-key spot, and therein lies the charm. It’s one of the top travel destinations in Michigan’s lower peninsula, and yet it never quite seems overrun with tourists, like other popular Michigan travel spots. It’s almost as if everyone who knows about it loves it and wants to keep this special spot in Leelanau County just like they found it.
The Empire beaches are some of the best in the state, and you’ll want to explore the aqua-blue Glen Lake, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the sand dunes, and more in the perfect Michigan travel destination.
I’ve been visiting Empire my entire life and am excited to share some of my favorite spots with you in this guide.
Picturesque Cheboygan, MI is one of the prettiest beach towns in Michigan. Set on Lake Huron’s Straits of Mackinac, this charming town is truly one of the most underrated northern Michigan vacation destinations.
Looking for the best Glen Arbor restaurants or places to eat when you visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore? The good news that you have both casual and fine dining options, including highly rated, gourmet eateries and favored institutions. That’s rare for most popular vacation destinations in Michigan, and it’s one thing that makes Glen Arbor so wonderfully unique.
Kid-Friendly Fun in Northern Michigan
Looking for something fun to do with your kids in northern Michigan? Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway, a fun spring break activity or things to do on your next family vacation, we’ve got you covered.
Discover the BEST Lake Huron beaches in Oscoda, Harrisville and Greenbush, MI | Find ADA and Wheelchair-friendly beaches at beautiful Oscoda Beach Park and Harrisville State Park | Plan a vacation to Oscoda, MI, and the beautiful Lake Huron Sunrise Side | AuSable Canoe Marathon | Find cottage and beach vacation rentals in Oscoda, Harrisville and Greenbush, MI | Visit Lake Huron Beach towns
Welcome to Traverse City (TC for short)! While there are almost endless things to do in this Northern Michigan city, one of the most important things when visiting is figuring out where you’ll eat.
From fun dining spots in downtown Traverse City to chic eateries and breweries in outlying areas like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Suttons Bay, the Traverse City restaurant scene is quickly establishing itself among Michigan foodies as a must-visit destination.
There’s a charming little beach town in northern Michigan that you just HAVE to visit. In fact, we like to think of it as one of Michigan’s best-kept secrets, because without much fanfare, it’s been drawing vacationers to its stunning shoreline forever.
Welcome to Manistee, a welcoming spot on a pretty stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline where fun-filled adventure and miles of natural beauty await you. Here, you’ll find a perfect spot for a getaway or even a day-trip (if you’re in the Grand Rapids area) with miles of hiking trails, a quaint downtown shopping area and some of the prettiest pure Michigan beaches in the state.
Looking for a fun holiday event or something fun to do to celebrate Christmas in Northern Michigan? Read on for a list of some of the best ways to celebrate the season!
In search of the perfect beach day, we headed to northern Michigan and one of our favorite vacation destinations: the sandy beaches of Oscoda, MI. This fun Lake Huron beach town has the perfect setting for all kinds of recreational activities from swimming and kayaking to hiking and biking to fishing and paddle boarding to…you get the picture
Have you heard the good news?
The fun doesn’t stop in northern Michigan once the cooler weather sets in.
Some might even argue (us included) that autumn in when the fun really starts to heat up.
That’s because fall is when Michigan really comes alive with fun: cider mills, pumpkin patches and corn mazes seem to spring up along country roads; driving tours for leaf-peeping become a top weekend drive priority and a day-trip to visit an apple orchard and take in some peak colors sounds like a perfect idea.
We took an adventure through the Traverse City area, and found a variety of breweries worth exploring. Craft brewing is alive and well here, and we discovered that while Traverse City beer comes in many styles, they’re all worth checking out.
The Traverse City area is a true paradise for outdoors-lovers with outdoor adventures including hiking trails, biking trails and miles of Lake Michigan beachfront.
This growing city, the county seat of Grand Traverse County, is also a paradise for foodies and craft-beef
Charming Suttons Bay in northern Michigan’s Leelanau County is filled with fun shopping, restaurants and the beautiful beaches of Grand Traverse Bay. Visit this quaint village and surrounding area to find wineries, breweries, hiking biking and endless opportunity for outdoor activities.
Information about ADA-Compliant, Dog-friendly and family-friendly beaches in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs and activities for visitors. Find information about Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay beach activities and beach amenities in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Information about hotels, cottages and other lodging accommodations in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Information about where to eat and dining options in Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Find information about recreational activities in the Charlevoix and Petoskey and Harbor Springs as well activities for visitors such as Kayaking, Hiking and Biking and more.