This Charming City Along The Shores Of Lake Michigan Offers A Fun Recreation Getaway

Michigan is among the premier outdoor destinations of the Midwest, and while its famed Upper Peninsula — home to such gems as this picturesque national lakeshore and a scenic byway with waterfalls and verdant forests — gets most of the attention, the Lower Peninsula is also a treasure trove of natural attractions and cool towns. Once such spot is Petoskey, a settlement situated on upper Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay. This friendly little city is surrounded by woods and water and acts as a perfect launch pad for exploring the unspoiled natural gems surrounding it.

Home to just under 6,000 people (as of 2023) and four hours by car from Detroit International Airport, Petoskey radiates small-town charm. It is famous for its Gaslight Shopping District where you'll find down-home eateries, galleries, boutiques, cafes, and more. You can also check out other local attractions such as the Bay View Victorian cottages and the scenic drive known as the Tunnel of Trees, along with several wineries that sit just outside of town. 

Petoskey and the area it calls home have long been one of the Midwest's most popular year-round resort areas. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking, paddling, and winter pursuits such as cross-country skiing. There is no shortage of things to keep you occupied in and around Petoskey, which is what has been bringing people to the area all of these years.

Petoskey grew as a lumber and limestone mining hub in the 19th century. Tourism also took off, and by 1900 the town boasted 14 hotels that slept up to 2,000 people a night, according to The Petoskey Chamber. The whole region became known for its vacation homes, and writer Ernest Hemingway's family had a cottage on nearby Lake Walloon where he spent the summers of his youth. Hemingway even lived in Petoskey during the winter of 1919 to 1920. He based his early short stories in Michigan, and his novel "Torrents of Spring" was set in town.

Any visit to Petoskey should start off by seeing the Bay View Victorian cottages. This community of nearly 500 stately Victorian vacation homes dates back to the 19th century and offers excellent views of Little Traverse Bay. To experience the neighborhood like a seasonal "resorter," check in to the Terrace Inn or the Stafford's Bay View Inn, which will have you feeling as if you've stepped back in time. Also, make sure to drive through the Tunnel of Trees. Starting in neighboring Harbor Springs, this 20-mile scenic byway winds along the shore of Lake Michigan and takes you through a beautiful canopy of leafy arbors, ending in the hamlet of Cross Village.

Petoskey's historic Gaslight Shopping District is one of the town's key attractions as well. Home to over 170 shops and restaurants, there really is something for everyone here. When it comes time to eat, sit down at Chandler's, which features sleek, European-style dishes and an expansive wine list, or dig into a steak or burger at the City Park Grill. Palette Bistro serves up Mediterranean-inspired fare with bay views, while Spring and Porter, located slightly west, may be the best joint in town, combining the artistry of New American dishes with expertly crafted cocktails.

Petoskey has been drawing vacationers since the late 1800s due to its idyllic location, where the waters of the Great Lakes meet the woodsy shores of northern Michigan. For two-wheel exploration, jump on a bike and cruise along the Little Traverse Wheelway. This 26-mile paved path takes cyclists through the postcard-perfect towns of Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Bay Harbor, and Charlevoix. The North Western State Trail is a 32-mile route which follows an old rail line linking Petoskey to Mackinaw City, and the area's ski resorts also feature miles of mountain bike paths that will scratch your itch for downhill speed.

If hiking is your thing, head to Bay View Woods, which offers 3 miles of forested trails, or take a bite out of the local stretch of the North Country Trail, the 4,700-mile route that stretches from North Dakota to Vermont. Canoers and kayakers will find plenty of spots to paddle around Petoskey, including the sparkling blue waters of Little Traverse Bay and Crooked Lake, as well as nearby Walloon Lake and Lake Charlevoix.

Winter is also an ideal time to visit Petoskey. The area is home to three downhill ski areas — Boyne Mountain, Nub's Nob, and The Highlands — as well as plenty of groomed trails perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. When the lakes freeze over, it's also possible to try your hand in the time-honored Midwestern tradition of ice fishing. Just make sure to check with the local bait and tackle shops regarding safety conditions. For more of Michigan's outdoor magic, check out its best trails for waterfalls, scenic views, and outdoor fun.