Best of Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is a treasure trove of natural beauty, charming towns, and unique attractions. Whether you're planning a summer road trip or a fall getaway, this region offers an array of must-see destinations. Here is a guide to the best stops in Northern Michigan.

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Traverse City

Known as the "Cherry Capital of the World," Traverse City is the perfect starting point for your Northern Michigan adventure. Stroll through the vibrant downtown area, visit the local wineries, and relax on the beautiful beaches of Grand Traverse Bay. Don’t miss the National Cherry Festival if you’re visiting in early July.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A short drive from Traverse City, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-visit for nature lovers. The towering dunes offer breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is a picturesque route through the park. Hiking, swimming, and dune climbing are popular activities here.

Leland

Leland, also known as Fishtown, is a historic fishing village with a rustic charm. The shanties and docks now house shops, galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great spot to learn about the area’s fishing heritage and enjoy fresh-caught fish. Visit The Cove for yummy food and amazing views.

Charlevoix

This town is home to architect Earl Young's 27 Mushroom Homes. The homes feature whimsical designs with wavy rooflines and beautiful stonework. The cottages look like something out of a fairy tale. Take a self-guided or guided Mushroom House Tour. Most of the homes are located in the Boulder Park Area or the Park Avenue Area.

Children will love watching the drawbridge. After you see this walk the Channel from downtown to the Lake Michigan Lighthouse. Stroll along the harbor, visit Castle Farms, and relax on the sandy shores of Lake Charlevoix.

Cicily loved The Taffy Barrel, and I loved That French Place, a creperie that is so good! Take a sunset tour from Round Lake to Lake Michigan to watch the sunset.

Petoskey

Petoskey is a quaint town known for its charming Victorian architecture and stunning views of Little Traverse Bay. Wander through the Gaslight District to explore boutique shops. Don’t forget to hunt for Petoskey stones along the beaches these unique fossils are a great souvenir.

Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen

My girls loved Kilwins. You can take a self-guided tour and watch the factory workers make treats. The best part is they’ll give you a free sample. The Carmel apples & marshmallows + caramel + chocolate + sea salt = Heavenly!

Harbor Springs

Just a short drive from Petoskey, Harbor Springs is a picturesque resort town. Harbor Springs has been a resort destination for decades. It’s a charming town known for its quaint shops, waterfront views, and historic homes. My favorite area was the historic community of Wequetonsing, which originated in 1878. We drove along Beach Dr. and we were in heaven, the architecture was fabulous! Don’t miss a visit downtown for some of Tom’s Mom’s Cookies. This quaint shop has 17 different cookies to choose from.

Tunnel of Trees

After leaving Harbor Springs, visit the Tunnel of Trees, a name for a scenic portion of State Highway 119, known as M-119. This beautiful stretch of road, running from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, provides a breathtaking journey through dense forests, along the shores of Lake Michigan, and past charming small towns. Click here, for all the details.

Mackinac Island

Step back in time with a visit to Mackinac Island, where cars are banned, and horse-drawn carriages are the primary mode of transportation. Explore the historic Fort Mackinac, visit the iconic Grand Hotel, and enjoy the island’s famous fudge. Biking around the island’s perimeter is a favorite pastime for many visitors. Click here for my Mackinac Island Travel Guide.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Located in the Upper Peninsula, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is home to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The Upper Falls are particularly impressive, with a drop of nearly 50 feet. Hiking trails, fishing spots, and canoeing opportunities make this park a nature lover’s paradise. In the warmer months, you can swim in the river and around the base of the lower Tahquamenon Falls. Pack a lunch and have a picnic on the rocks along the riverbank.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Another Upper Peninsula gem, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is renowned for its colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The colorful sandstone cliffs are the park's most iconic feature, stretching for 15 miles along the shoreline. These cliffs, which rise to 200 feet above the lake, display a stunning array of colors due to mineral staining. Iron, copper, and manganese create hues of red, orange, blue, green, and black, offering a picturesque view that changes with the light.

One of the best ways to experience Pictured Rocks is from the water. Several companies offer boat tours that provide an up-close view of the cliffs, sea caves, and waterfalls. These tours include commentary on the geology and history of the area, making for an educational and awe-inspiring experience. Purchase your tickets here. Arrive early to get a good spot in line. The cliffs will be on the right side of the boat, sit on the right for the best picture opportunities.

Kayaking along the shoreline is a popular activity. You can explore sea caves, arches, and rock formations that are inaccessible by larger boats. Kayaking tours are available for different skill levels. While on our boat ride we saw parts of the sandstone cliffs falling in the lake near kayakers… I don’t recommend getting too close to the cliffs.😳

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has over 100 miles of hiking trails. Some of the most popular trails include Chapel Loop, Mosquito Falls, Mosquito Beach Trail, and Miners Castle Trail.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind, the stops on this list offer something for everyone. Pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of Northern Michigan!

Check out more Michigan posts:

I fell in love with West Michigan’s Beach Towns. Click here to see why.

Click here for my Mackinac Island Travel Guide.

Don’t miss a visit to Michigan’s Tunnel Of Trees. We loved discovering the charm and beauty of this northern Michigan treasure. Click here for all the details.

“WELP, I SHOULD PROBABLY GET GOING!”😆