In the northwest corner of Michigan's Lower Peninsula lies the Petoskey Area. Made up of seven unique communities - Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Bay View, Bay Harbor, and Alanson - this region is a place to nourish your mind, body and soul with incredible natural beauty, treasured traditions, and small-town experiences.
Stay
The Petoskey Area in northern Michigan is home to a variety of accommodation options in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City & Boyne Falls, Bay Harbor, Alanson, and Bay View. Whether you’re looking for a stay right on the ski hill or somewhere closer to one of the downtown areas, there are several options to choose from. Take a look at all lodging options on their website.
Hotels & Motels
The Petoskey Area has a wide range of full-service hotels and motels and depending on what you are looking for, you should be able to find every amenity you'd like. Indoor pool, hot tub, restaurant, a fireplace lounge, and complimentary breakfast. Looking for something a bit more unique? There are boutique hotel experiences too.
Historic Hotels & Inns
Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and Bay View historic hotels and inns date back to 1886, when the Petoskey Area was a budding vacation destination. In downtown Petoskey, you can experience the Perry Hotel, built in 1899, with 75 uniquely elegant guest rooms and a casual pub with live entertainment. Harbor Springs' mainstay is the historic Colonial Inn that was established in 1894, though the hotel is only open seasonally from May to October. Bay View is a National Historic Landmark and famed Chautauqua-style community with two historic inns, Stafford’s Bay View Inn and Terrace Inn. Both immerse guests in the historic nature of the area and offer onsite dining at the Roselawn Dining Room and the 1911 Restaurant at The Terrace Inn.
Resorts
Added amenities and on-site activities transform area accommodations into the stunning resorts that they are. Check out places like Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, the Inn at Bay Harbor, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, and the Village Suites in Bay Harbor. Home to unrivaled downhill skiing and snowboarding experiences, Nordic skiing, winter hiking, on-site dining, spa amenities, and more, these resorts make for an amazing vacation in northern Michigan.
Vacation Rentals & Condos
Coming to the Petoskey area with the whole family or even extended family? Sometimes it can be nice to stay in accommodations similar to what you have at home – like a vacation rental or condo! Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, and Bay Harbor all have wonderful vacation homes and condos to choose from for your dream vacation.
Eat & Drink
Hyper-local, unrivaled food and beverage experiences can be found around every corner in the Petoskey Area! The restaurants, breweries, and wineries in this region will make your northern Michigan vacation even more special.
Restaurants & Cafés
From casual restaurants for the whole family, to fancier culinary delights, there is something for all tastes and preferences. There are many different coffee shops and cafes to choose from as well.
Dining Experiences
Wineries
16 northern Michigan wineries make up the Petoskey Wine Region that you are sure to love with a delightful selection of red, white, fruit, and even maple wines. Plus, in the winter, chances are high that you will meet the owners themselves as they tell you the virtues of their various blends. Some must-stop wineries are Boyne Valley Vineyards, Petoskey Farms, and Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery. Feeling like you may need a tour and a designated driver? There are a few wine tour shuttle companies that can help you out.
Breweries & Spirits
The Petoskey Area is home to 9 unique craft breweries to try including Petoskey Brewing, Beards Brewery, and Elder Piper Beer & Cider to name a few. For locally distilled spirits, visit Gypsy Distillery in Petoskey or Muskrat Distilling in Boyne City. Each of these offer their own unique flavors and tasting room experiences.
Winter Fun
The Petoskey Area welcomes you with some of the best snow sports in the Midwest, where you can take advantage of all your favorite winter activities - and then some. Or if skiing isn't your thing, there are so many cozy amenities and plenty of ways to enjoy the great indoors this winter. Who knows? You might discover your next great passion if you give it a try!
3 of Michigan's Best Ski Resorts
Harbor Springs and Boyne Falls are home to some of the greatest ski resorts in Michigan! The Highlands, Nub's Nob, and Boyne Mountain are all located in the Petoskey Area with more than 160 downhill runs across combined across all three - including the greatest vertical in lower Michigan. In addition to downhill skiing and riding terrain for all experience levels, visitors can enjoy Nordic skiing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing, zip lining, tubing, winter hiking, and indoor experiences like on-site dining, spa amenities and an indoor waterpark.
Snowmobiling
The Petoskey Area is home to more than 140 miles of forested pathways designed for snowmobile riding throughout Emmet and Charlevoix Counties. Check out PetoskeyArea.com for information on snowmobile rentals, trails, and map resources.
Off the Slopes Activities
The fun doesn't stop when you take a break from the slopes, and the Petoskey Area has so much to do even if you don't ski at all. Hundreds of miles of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking trails offer a special serenity with routes that lead along beautiful frozen lakes and through whisper-quiet forests. Or fly high with a winter zipline adventure, ice skate at one of the region's free natural ice rinks and or take the kids to a free sledding hill.
Winter Attractions
From well-known places to hidden gems, Petoskey area is full of great attractions to explore in Winter. Take a look at some seasonal and year-round favorites!
3 of Michigan's Best Ski Resorts
During the winter months, all three ski resorts offer major attractions in the area including downhill skiing, snowboarding, winter tubing, and more day or night. WIth some world class snowmaking capabilities, area slopes offer condiitons that are so enjoyable on a beautiful northern Michigan day or night.
SkyBridge Michigan
Welcomed to Boyne Mountain Resort in 2022, SkyBridge Michigan is renowned as the world's longest timber towered pedestrian suspension bridge. This year-round attraction is accessible by chairlift ride to the summit of the ski hill and at the 118-feet high and 1,200-feet long you will experience breathtaking valley views. In winter, SkyBridge dazzles with Lights in the Sky - a magical display of over 200,000 twinkling lights adorning the bridge. Don't forget to enjoy the views and a warm beverage at either the SkyBridge food truck or the Eagle's Nest.
Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
Also at Boyne Mountain Resort, you'll find Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark where it's always a balmy 84 degrees. Adrenaline-pumping fun for ages like the Big Couloir is the steepest drop you'll find at a waterpark, while the Lazy River Adventure is laid back and fit for the family. A dozen rides, terrific food service, an engaging kids' area where projects are created, and a super cool arcade means everyone is happy on this trip.
Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen, Petoskey
Kilwins is a local sweets store that serves high-quality chocolates, ice cream, and confections. The original Kilwins was opened in downtown Petoskey in 1947, and since then it has expanded opening over 160 franchise locations in 28 states. Make no mistake though, Petoskey is home to the original! The Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen located in Petoskey offers a firsthand look at the way these sweets are made on their daily Chocolate Tours.
