30 Amazing Things to Do in Petoskey MI for Summer, Spring & Fall
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Petoskey is for Boating, Shopping, Winery Hopping, Hiking, Swimming & More
There are a thousand reasons and a ton of things to do in Petoskey MI with your family, making it a favorite Michigan vacation destination, especially in the summertime.
Petoskey delivers big on fresh air and family-friendly fun.
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Location
Petoskey, MI is a Lake Michigan town located near the northwestern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
Petoskey MI is about a
- 4.5-hour drive from the Indiana-Michigan border
- 1.5 hours from Traverse City, MI.
Drive just a few miles outside of Petoskey and you’ll find quite a few charming towns and villages to explore.
Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, East Jordan, Mackinaw City, and Torch Lake are all nearby.
30 Things to Do in Petoskey MI
Farms, trails, wineries, beaches and lavender fields – you’ll want to get outside and play in Petoskey.
1 – Head Downtown to the Gaslight Shopping District
Downtown Petoskey – Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Downtown Petoskey is super cute with great shopping and lovely park space.
This bustling summer destination, known as the Gaslight Shopping District, offers over 170 unique shops and restaurants.
Be sure to stop into Grandpa Shorter’s (301 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770) for unique Michigan gifts, souvenirs, and Petoskey stones while you’re there.
2 – Search for a Petoskey Stone
Petoskey State Park, 2475 M-119, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Go on a treasure hunt for these prehistoric fossils, known as Petoskey stones, when you’re in Petoskey.
They can be a little tricky to spot because their unique geometric design is only visible when they’re wet.
You need a keen eye, lots of patience, and a little luck.
You might be more likely to find them along the lakeshore.
However, Petoskey stones can be found all over the state of Michigan. (Last summer we even found Petoskeys among the river rocks behind our house near Grand Rapids.)
Good places to look for Petoskey stones in Petoskey, MI include:
– Petoskey State Park, 2475 M-119, Petoskey, MI 49770
– Magnus Park, 901 W Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
– Solanus Mission Beach, 101 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
3 – Hit the Beach at Petoskey State Park
2475 M-119 Highway, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Petoskey State Park is nestled into the north end of the Little Traverse Bay and offers access to over 300 scenic acres and the sandy beach along Lake Michigan.
Parts of the beach are also rocky, perfect for hunting Petoskey stones, as mentioned.
There are also two campgrounds if that’s your thing. There is even a designated metal detecting area!
4 – Walk the Petoskey Break Wall to the Lighthouse on a Calm Day
in Bayfront Park, 101 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI, 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
When the wind allows, you can walk all the way to the end of the Petoskey Break Wall to the lighthouse.
You can even jump in the water or just stop and take in the view. It’s a great place to watch the sunset.
where to stay & eat in
Petoskey
5 – Hike or Bike along the River at Bear River Valley Recreation Area
302 Lone St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Probably one of the most surprising things about downtown Petoskey is that Bear River Valley Recreation Area runs right through it!
With a whitewater river course (bring your kayak) and hiking trails flanking each bank, your family will love exploring this natural wonder.
You can even find Petoskey stones on the hike along the Bear River if you’re lucky.
6 – Stroll & Play at Bayfront Park
101 East Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Bayfront Park is just steps away from downtown. It’s located on the shores of Little Traverse Bay.
There’s also a waterside playground, shaded seating, lawn space, and a marina area with a cool break wall and a waterfall to explore.
7 – Make a Friday Pit Stop at the Downtown Farmer’s Market
400 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Load up on fresh-grown, locally made goodies at the Petoskey Farmer’s Market every Friday during the growing season!
– May 23 – September 26, 2025
– 8:30 AM – 1 PM
Pick up ingredients for dinner, grab some fruit to eat as you stroll, or indulge in treats, beautiful flowers, and more.
8 – Explore the Gingerbread Cottage Neighborhood of Historic Bay View
1715 Encampment Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Bay View, just two miles north of downtown Petoskey, is a historic Victorian community that was founded in 1875 as a camp for Michigan Methodists.
The long-running association is still in operation today as a seasonal community, open May – October. Their grounds, musical programs, Sunday morning worship services, and weekday Religion and Life Lectures featuring nationally known speakers, are open to the public.
Bay View walking tour highlights 21 different historic landmarks in the Bay View area. Visit their website to download written and audio information about the featured places.
There is also a guide to the Bay View Woods offering hiking trails and different opportunities to observe nature along the way.
9 – Find a Festival
Downtown Petoskey – Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Petoskey knows how to celebrate with charming annual festivals and events. The Petoskey area is full of old-fashioned festival fun year-round.
It’s always fun to see what special events might be happening while you’re visiting a new place!
Click here to check out the Petoskey area events you might enjoy.
– May 2-11, 2025: Petoskey Restaurant Week
– June 13-15, 2025: Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show
– June 28-29 2025: 26th Annual Summer Art Show
– July 3, 2025: Fireworks over Bay Harbor Lake
– July 11-13, 2025: Blissfest Folk and Roots Festival
– July 26-27, 2025: 25th Annual Bay Harbor Arts Festival
– Sept 12-14, 2025: Balloons Over Bay Harbor
– Sept 20, 2025: 29th Annual Taste of Harbor Springs
10 – Make Time for the Petoskey Wine Trail
Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
This area is filled with wineries so naturally, you have to check out a couple.
Here’s a sampling to add to your list:
- Rudbeckia Farm Winery, 3379 Lake Grove Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770: Igloos, Firepits, Kid Friendly, Dogs Not Allowed
- Walloon Lake Winery, 3149 Intertown Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
- Mackinaw Trail Winery, 3423 US 131, Petoskey, MI 49770: Winery, brewery, bistro, store.
- Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery, 3720 Atkins Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770: Try their wood-fired pizza. They’re open 11-7 Monday – Saturday (Memorial Day – Labor Day).
- Gabriel Farms & Winery, 2800 E Mitchell Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
- Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery, 4454 Atkins Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770:
Maple Moon is a family-run sugarbush and America’s first maple winery.
Tour the farm, sample treats, and adults can even go wineshoeing in the winter. The free one-hour tours show you the process of pure maple syrup production.
If interested, schedule a tour at least 24 hours in advance – call 231-342-6843.
11 – Tour Kilwins Chocolate Kitchen
1050 Bay View Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Kilwins is a well-known and beloved Michigan sweets shop where you can find Mackinac Island Fudge and Kilwins very own Original Recipe Ice Cream.
Kilwins was founded in Petoskey, MI, in 1947. Their Chocolate Kitchen is the company’s headquarters and where they make all of their chocolates, from their own proprietary recipes.
Visit on a weekday and their staff will answer any questions you may have. You can also watch the process of their production kitchens through their large observation windows!
12 – Hop on Board with the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company
101 East Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Hop on board the Little Traverse Bay Ferry, connecting Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor with passenger ferry services. It runs May – September on Little Traverse Bay.
The ferry offers an educational experience and a different way to easily get between the three cities. Plus, who can turn down a boat ride across the beauty that is Lake Michigan?
If you’re looking for a way to visit a few other Michigan cities while visiting Petoskey and don’t want to drive or bike, try the ferry!
13 – Schedule an Ernest Hemingway Walking Tour with the Little Traverse Historical Museum
100 Depot Ct, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Ernest Hemingway spent a lot of time in Northern Michigan as a child and young adult, including Petoskey.
His time here had a big impact on his writing, so it makes sense that fans want to retrace his steps. Happily, you can set up a tour to do just that with the Little Traverse Historical Museum.
14 – Get Tickets to a Concert at Historic John M. Hall Auditorium in Bay View
1725 Encampment Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Set against the backdrop of the massive 1915 Pilcher pipe organ, Hall Auditorium serves the Bay View Association as a church as well as a spot for Sunday evening vesper concerts, Theatre performances, a music festival, and a wide variety of specialty entertainment.
Tickets
15 – Spend an Afternoon at Bay Harbor
5699 S Lake Shore Dr, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Bay Harbor is an upscale Petoskey-area vacation community perched on five miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline.
Amenities abound at this enchanting getaway destination.
Visit the Village at Bay Harbor for an array of specialty shops, waterfront dining or luxurious accommodations.
They also host many inviting events, like Balloons over Bay Harbor or their Father’s Day weekend Boat Show, where you can check out the mega boats for yourselves.
16 – Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor
3600 Village Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
The Inn at Bay Harbor is a beautiful hotel located right on the waterfront, and definitely worth a special visit.
Why not treat yourself to a pampering spa treatment, followed by a relaxed and personalized afternoon tea experience?
With a selection of teas, pastries, finger sandwiches and scones, this is the perfect afternoon treat.
17 – Book a Lake Michigan Daytime or Sunset Cruise
Bay Harbor Lake Marina, 832 Front St, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
For a charter sailing company, check out Sunshine Charters.
Just under 30 mins drive from downtown Petoskey, this company operates out of Charlevoix. All tours visit both Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan.
They offer daytime and sunset cruises. Daytime cruises are best for jumping off and enjoying a swim, while sunset cruises offer a more romantic feel.
If the conditions are favorable, the captain will even let you steer the boat! Private charters are also available.
18 – Bike the Little Traverse Wheelway for Spectacular Bay Views
Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Go for a bike ride on the Little Traverse Wheelway.
This paved bike path runs 26 miles from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix with spectacular views of the bay along the Wheelway. There are plenty of places to get on and off of the Wheelway if you don’t want to bike the entire 26 miles.
** Please note some paths are closed. Check here for detour updates.
Bring your own bikes or rent one from Bahnhof Sport. Bahnhof Sport offers outdoor rentals of all varieties (bike helmets to kayaks to skis) for as little as three hours and as long as a week.
The staff here is incredibly kind and helpful – they can help you with whatever you need!
19 – Find the Petoskey Waterfall
800 Bay View Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Yep, there’s a little waterfall tucked away in downtown Petoskey inside of Bayfront Park. It’s a lovely place to stop for a picnic.
You can also climb the stair tower to get to Sunset Park.
20 – Discover the Hemlocks at Oden Island Nature Preserve
Leeward Dr, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
With one mile of footage on Crooked Lake, this tucked away 50-acre preserve is a haven for big hemlock trees and fragile wetlands.
Plan to spend a little time hiking the short trails at this northern Michigan gem.
Plus, Oden Island Preserve has a sandbar where you can swim (it’s where the boaters hang out) when the weather is nice.
21 – Enjoy Showstopping Views at the Scenic Farm Market & Relax on the Lakeview Deck
Coveyou Scenic Farm Market – 4160 S US Hwy 131, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Coveyou Scenic Farm Market is a 140+-year-old family-operated Michigan farm located two miles south of Petoskey.
In addition to a load of lovely annuals and perennials to choose from, you’ll be able to shop from armfuls of locally grown, in-season fruits and vegetables and farm products in the barn market.
Before you leave, spend time soaking in panoramic views of Walloon Lake and the lovely northern Michigan countryside from the Lakeview deck.
22 – Kayak the Bear River with the Bear River Canoe Livery
2517 McDougal Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Enjoy the quiet, picturesque scenery of the Bear River Water Trail. There are 13 miles of flatwater trails between Little Traverse Bay and Walloon Lake.
The last 1.5 miles near Little Traverse Bay has some rapids. Be sure to read more about the trail and where and when to get off before you go.
Float along on a nice summer day, or plan a group event with a canoe or kayak rented from Bear River Canoe Livery. They love hosting group parties and renting to groups of friends going on a floating trip.
23 – Tool Around Walloon Lake on a Pontoon Boat Rental
Bear Cove Marina – 3052 Hilton Ln, Petoskey MI 499770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Walloon Lake is one of the places Ernest Hemingway summered – and it’s stunning!
The lake is only about nine miles long – small by Michigan lake standards – but it nonetheless is worthy of your time.
When you rent a ski boat, pontoon boat, or tri-toon from Bear Cove Marina, you’ll not only get out onto the turquoise waters of Walloon Lake, but you’ll also be experiencing northern Michigan just like Hemingway did.
24 – Go Fishing
Lime Kiln Pond in Bay Front Park, 101 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
I have some favorite childhood memories of fishing with my dad growing up. Here’s where you can make memories casting a line together in Petoskey:
Lime Kiln Park offers a kids-only fishing pond. The pond is stocked and managed through a cooperative effort by the City of Petoskey, the Department of Natural Resources, and Miller-Van Winkle Chapter of Trout Unlimited. For additional info, click here.
If bigger fish are what you’re after, book a charter and go fishing on Lake Michigan with Northern Exposure Charters.
25 – Make the Short Drive to Oden State Fish Hatchery
8258 South Ayr Rd, Alanson, MI 49706
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Visit the Oden State Fish Hatchery. They offer scheduled seasonal programming, including kid-friendly fishing activities.
In addition to fishing, there are lots of trails, an underwater viewing chamber, and you can take tours of the fish hatchery if you’d like.
They’re open at no charge to the public. Weekdays, 7:30 AM – 4 PM, Weekends, 8 AM – 4 PM.
26 – Ride the Old-Time Trolley
Downtown Petoskey, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
If your legs are tired and you want a bit of that old-world charm, travel through Petoskey, MI, using the free Trolley System.
27 – Get a Day Pass to the Petoskey Field House
1040 Cedar Valley Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Petoskey Field House is home to inflatable attractions, rock climbing wall, retro arcade, and more.
28 – Stop into Sturgeon River Pottery
3031 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Sturgeon River Pottery is brimming with pottery, locally themed items, and gifts galore. Plus you can watch them in action in their studio.
If art is your thing, then don’t miss a visit to Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey (461 E Mitchell St).
Their four galleries are free and open to the public.
29 – Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Northern Michigan Town
Various Towns & Villages
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Petoskey is surrounded by charming neighboring towns. They are all unique and fun to discover.
CHARLEVOIX
17 miles southwest of Petoskey
Mushrooms houses, a quaint village, and beautiful lakes.
HARBOR SPRINGS
10 miles north of Petoskey
Ritzy village with great shipping and restaurants.
WALLOON LAKE
9 miles south of Petoskey
Tiny resort village with strong Hemingway roots and an upscale hotel.
BOYNE CITY
15 miles south of Petoskey
A little town on lake Charlevoix that bustles with activity in summer and fall.
30 – Dining, Drinking & Snacking in Petoskey
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
When it comes to things to do in Petoskey MI, sampling delicious fare is always on the list.
Some of our favorites are The Backlot, Pour Petoskey, Crooked Tree Breadworks, Petoskey Brewing and Corner Scoops.
Where to Stay in Petoskey
Why rush through Petoskey when you can soak it all in? This town is stacked with spots that make you want to stick around.
Think lakeside luxury at Stafford’s Bayview Inn, the easy comfort of Holiday Inn Express, or your own cozy VRBO hideaway.
But if you want the real scoop, here’s the one that’s caught our attention…
Inn at Bay Harbor
Luxury hotel with first-class amenities on the shores of Lake Michigan.
People love staying at the Inn at Bay Harbor for its dreamy lakeside views, luxurious spa, and cozy suites with fireplaces. The welcoming staff, thoughtful amenities, and onsite dining make it the perfect spot for a relaxing escape, girls’ weekend, or family getaway.
petoskey faqs
What is a Petoskey Rock?
Petoskey Rocks are actually called “Petoskey stones.”
Petoskey stones are the state stone of Michigan. They’re pre-historic fossilized coral that are unique to the area. People love to find and collect these rocks.
Does Petoskey have a beach?
Yes! Petoskey has a number of beaches. In fact, heading to the beach when the weather is nice is one of our favorite things to do in Petoskey, MI.
One of the best swimming beaches is at Petoskey State Park (2475 M-119, MI 49770). It has restrooms and playgrounds on site.
Most beaches in Petoskey tend to be rocky, making this town an ideal location for rock hunters, beach combers, and Petoskey stone collectors
When is the best time to visit Petoskey?
Like most of Michigan, Petoskey is a wonderful destination any time of the year.
If you have a big list of things to do in Petoskey MI that require warm weather (70-80 degrees F), it’s best to visit mid June – August.
September can still be warm, but the weather will turn cooler as the month progresses. The fall colors in October are splendid.
Once the snow flies, the ski resorts kick into high gear and the area turns into a real-life snow globe.
May is another month of transition, where the flowers start blooming and the trees leaf out. If you can visit in May, you’ll beat the summer crowds and still have great weather.
Is Petoskey hilly?
Yes, Petoskey is located in a very hilly area.
In fact, the relatively flat downtown shopping district rises over Lake Michigan, setting visitors up for sweeping views of Little Traverse Bay.
What Are your Favorite Things to Do in Petoskey MI?
What does your family love most about Petoskey? Did we miss anything? Leave a comment and let us know!
