Visiting Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan has ushered the frigid chill of winter out, and welcomed in the rejuvenation and fun of spring and summer. From cities like Cheboygan, home to the Nicholas’s Black River Vineyard & Winery, and Petoskey, home to the Boyne City Historical Museum, to Alpena, and Mackinaw City, home to Dinosaur Gardens Prehistoric Zoo, and Wilderness State Park, respectively – northern Michigan is a premier spring and early summer destination. Baraga, an agreeable city set just inland of the Keweenaw Bay, is home to the Hanka Homestead Museum, and Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge – a great springtime destination.

Set along Thunder Bay in northern Michigan is Alpena. A welcoming city, Alpena is home to the Jesse Besser Museum, and as the spring and summer emerges, it's a sterling example of northern Michigan hospitality. Play 18 holes at River’s Edge Golf Club, and continue to take advantage of excellent weather conditions with a visit to Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge.

On April 15, be sure to visit the Thunder Bay Theatre for a live productions of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. The week after, the same Thunder Bay Theatre will be hosting a series of live performances of the award winning Steel Magnolias. Nearly a month later, you’ll want to taste local cuisine at the VFW Hall, which will be hosting the All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale, on May 18.

North of Alpena along Highway 23, and set alongside Lake Huron, is Cheboygan. An engaging city, Cheboygan is home to the Cheboygan County Historical Museum, and Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. Experience a true taste of northern Michigan when you tour Nicholas’s Black River Vineyard and Winery.

Explore Cheboygan State Park and do a bit of fishing on Duncan Bay – there’s no better time to visit Cheboygan than during the spring and summer.

Petoskey, an hour southwest of Cheboygan, welcomes spring and summer visitors with its easy access along Highway 31 and close proximity to Little Traverse Bay. Spend the afternoon at the Virginia McCune Crooked Tree Arts Center, then tour the Little Traverse History Museum. A diverse and eclectic city, Petoskey, and the surrounding area, host many different events. Be sure to check out the 5th Annual Chefs Challenge to Benefit Challenge Mountain, held at Boyne Mountain.

Don’t miss out on Mackinaw City. Set just along I-75, and just inland of the Trails End Bay, Mackinaw City is a great stop for northern Michigan travelers heading into the Sault Sainte Marie State Forest Area, or just looking for a charming city with a small town vibe. Spring and summer yield plenty of fun at the Mackinaw State Historic Parks, and golfers love playing 18 holes at the Indian River Golf Club.

Northern Michigan Hotel Map