Exploring the Petoskey Area on the Shores of Lake Michigan

Nestled on the waters of Lake Michigan, the charming city of Petoskey spans over 4,000 acres, offering a gorgeous view for visitors of all ages. This scenic locale boasts an awesome array of attractions, including boutique shopping, delicious dining, cozy coffee shops, serene parks, exciting water activities, and a lot of community events.

For any emergencies, rest assured that the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital is nearby at 416 Connable Ave, near the Lake Michigan shore. Urgent care centers can also be found in the area, giving peace of mind for all.

Travelers can easily access the Petoskey region through the Harbor Springs Airport (MGN), a mere 6.2 miles away. Alternatively, the Pellston Regional Airport, located about 20 miles from the city, offers flights to and from the busy Detroit Metropolitan Airport, helping with a wide range of travel needs.

Outdoor and Water Activities

Embrace the outdoors with plenty of recreational options. From mountain bike trails and ziplines to peaceful hikes and fishing, Petoskey caters to sun-seekers of all kinds. Launch your boat into the clear waters of Little Traverse Bay, where anglers can try their luck catching bass, trout, and salmon in specific areas.

The enchanting Petoskey State Park, nestled about four miles northeast of town, boasts a mile-long sandy beach along Lake Michigan, perfect for swimming in the bay. Two modern campgrounds and metal detecting zones await adventurous souls. The park also provides a beach house with restrooms, food concessions, and rentals for bikes, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks.

Discover Bayfront Park, with its 7,800 feet of shoreline, sporting fields, and a playground near the Petoskey City Marina. The park offers splendid vistas of Little Traverse Bay, a soothing waterfall area, and a delightful kid’s fishing pond, among other amenities. Convenient access to downtown is provided via a pedestrian tunnel.

For nature enthusiasts, the Bear River Valley Recreation area beckons. Situated near the town center, it offers hiking, cross-country skiing, fishing, and rafting opportunities. Don’t miss the thrilling 0.25-mile whitewater boating area, a testament to the area’s history of multiple dams and various industries. This locale also features spacious grassy areas, perfect for gatherings, along with shelters for added comfort.

Leisure Activities

Golf aficionados will relish a visit to Bay Harbor Golf, located in the northwest part of Petoskey along the shoreline. With magnificent views of Lake Michigan, this golf haven offers three distinct courses that seamlessly combine into an unforgettable golfing experience. In total, there are 27 diverse holes across these courses, offering plenty of golfing enjoyment.

Explore the Gaslight District in downtown Petoskey, where over 170 unique shops and dining establishments await. As you stroll through this charming area, relish the captivating views of Little Traverse Bay, making every step a memorable experience.

Visit Lake Michigan – Petoskey Area Today

Petoskey, Michigan, beckons with an array of resources, amenities, and activities suitable for all ages and occasions. Eight miles of pristine Lake Michigan shoreline offer breathtaking views, ensuring an unforgettable visit.

Lake Information

  • Shoreline: 1 mile
  • Average Depth: 279 feet
  • Deepest Depth: 923 feet
  • Acreage: 14.3 million acres
  • Ownership: Public
  • Counties: Berrien County
  • Fish: Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye
  • Permit is not required to use the lake.
    Jet skis are allowed.
    Motorized boats are allowed.
    Houseboats are allowed.
    Boating restrictions (Yes). — Personal Watercraft, Marine safety, General marine rules (See https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79144_79641—,00.html)

  • Resources Nearby

    Chippewa County International Airport

    Phone: 906-495-5631
    Address: 5315 W Airport Dr, Kincheloe, MI 49788

    Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga

    Phone: 231-347-6536
    Address: 11000 Camp Petosega Rd, Alanson, MI 49706

    Chandler Hill Campground

    Phone: 231-549-7878
    Address: 2930 Magee Rd N, Boyne Falls, MI 49713

    Crooked Tree Golf Club

    Phone: 888-483-4946
    Address: 600 Crooked Tree Dr, Petoskey, MI 49770

    Bay Harbor Golf Club

    Phone: 888-483-4946
    Address: 5800 Coastal Ridge Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770

    Bay Harbor Lake Marina

    Phone: 231-439-2544
    Address: 832 Front St Bay Harbor, MI 49770

    Petoskey City Marina

    Phone: 231-347-6691
    Address: 101 E Lake St Petoskey, MI 49770

    Charlevoix Hospital

    Phone: 231-547-4024
    Address: 14700 Lake Shore Dr, Charlevoix, MI 49720