Fab Things to Do in Petoskey MI
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.
Petoskey Michigan Breakwater
Here’s what you need to know before you arrive:
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Petoskey Michigan FAQs
Where is Petoskey, Michigan located?
Petoskey, MI is located near the northwestern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. The city also has the good fortune of being located on Lake Michigan.
Drive just a few miles outside of Petoskey and you’ll quite a few charming towns and villages to explore.
Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, East Jordan, Mackinaw City, and Torch Lake are all just a short drive away.
In relation to bigger population centers: Petoskey MI is about a 4.5-hour drive from the Indiana-Michigan border and 1.5 hours from Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, MI.
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.
Just know that most beaches in Petoskey tend to be rocky.
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.
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 gifts, souvenirs, and Petoskey stones while you’re there.
Pennsylvania Park in Downtown Petoskey MI
2 – 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 26 – September 29, 2023
– 8:30Â a.m. –Â 1 p.m
Pick up ingredients for dinner, grab some fruit to eat as you stroll, or indulge in treats, beautiful flowers, and more. 
3 – 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. 
This park has a great promenade.
Bayfront Park Promenade
There’s also a waterside playground, shaded seating, lawn space, and a marina area with a cool break wall and a waterfall to explore.
4 – 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.
5 – Search for Petoskey Stones
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 and are easier to see when they’re wet.
You need a keen eye, lots of patience, and a little luck.
Searching for Petoskey Stones at Petoskey State Park
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
6 – 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!
7 – 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!
8 – Hop on Board with the Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company
101 East Lake Street, Petoskey, MI 49770
Why It’s One of the Best Things to Do in Petoskey MI:
Hop onboard 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!
9 – 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.
Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark and one of “America’s Prettiest Painted Places.”
Bay View Association
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.
10 – 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.
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!
For fantastic water views along the Wheelway, head south toward Bay Harbor. The trail is well maintained (although some parts of the trail are battling erosion).
There are several parks and playgrounds along the way if your little travelers need a break.
11 – 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.
12 – 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.
13 – 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.Â
Tickets
14 – 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.
15 – Enjoy Showstopping Views at the Scenic Farm Market & Relax on the Lakeview Deck
Coveyou Scenic Farm Market – 4160 S US Highway 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.
Coveyou Scenic Farm Market
Before you leave, spend time soaking in panoramic views of Walloon Lake and the lovely northern Michigan countryside from the Lakeview deck.
16 – 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.
17 – 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.
Be sure to read more about the trail and where and when to get off before you hit the last 1.5 miles which consists of some rapids, near Little Traverse Bay.
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.
18 – 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, 2023: Petoskey Restaurant Week (2023 dates to be announced)
– June 16-17, 2023: Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show
– June 24-25, 2023: 24th Annual Summer Art Show
– July 3, 2023: Fireworks over Bay Harbor Lake
– July 7, 2023: Blissfest Folk and Roots Festival
– July 22-23, 2023: 23rd Annual Bay Harbor Arts Festival
– Sept 22-23, 2023: Balloons Over Bay Harbor
19 – 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 Road, Petoskey, Michigan 49770: Igloos, Firepits, Kid Friendly, Dogs Not Allowed 
Rudbeckia Farm Winery
– Walloon Lake Winery, 3149 Intertown Road, Petoskey, Michigan 49770
Walloon Lake Winery
– Resort Pike Cidery and Winery, 3471 Resort Pike Road, Petoskey, Michigan 49770: Plenty of board games, outdoor bag toss, and a few farm animal friends, too!
– Mackinaw Trail Winery, 3423 US 131, Petoskey, Michigan 49770: Winery, brewery, bisto, store.
– Petoskey Farms Vineyard & Winery, 3720 Atkins Road, Petoskey, Michigan 49770: Try their wood-fired pizza. They’re open 11-7 Monday through Saturday (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
– Gabriel Farms & Winery, 2800 E Mitchell Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
– Maple Moon Sugarbush & Winery, 4454 Atkins Road, Petoskey, Michigan 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.
20 – 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.
Catching fish with Northern Exposure Charters
Or, try out a new skillset and book a fly fishing outing with CC Guide Service.
21 – Tool Around Walloon Lake on a Pontoon Boat Rental
Bear Cove Marina – 3052 Hilton Lane, 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 9 miles long – small by Michigan lake standards – but it nonetheless is worthy of your time.
Bear Cove Marina – photo: Charles Dawley
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, you’ll be experiencing northern Michigan just like Hemingway did.
22 – 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.
23 – Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Inn at Bay Harbor
3600 Village Harbor Drive, 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. 
24 – 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.
25 – 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.
26 – Make the Short Drive to Oden State Fish Hatchery
8258 South Ayr Road, Alanson, Michigan, 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 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If art is your thing, then don’t miss a visit to Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey (461 E. Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI 49770).
Their four galleries are free and open to the public.
28 – 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.
The trolley system hasn’t been functioning for the past few years due to Covid-19, and due to employee shortages it will not be running a regular schedule this summer, but maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch it!
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.
Food & Drink
30 – Dining, Drinking & Snacking in Petoskey
When it comes to things to do in Petoskey MI, sampling delicious fare is always on the list.
Here are a few places where you’ll get a great taste of Petoskey:
THe Backlot
425 Michigan St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Beer Garden, Food Trucks & Live Music. The Back Lot is open year-round in Downtown Petoskey. Occasional live music and events.
CHANDler’s a restaurant
215 Howard St Petoskey, MI 49770
Inviting patio, bar, wine cellar, and dining room tucked away in Downtown Petoskey. Details.
pour petoskey
422 E Mitchell St Suite 5, Petoskey, MI 49770
Modern American restaurant specializing in local food and signature cocktails, wine and more.
Crooked Tree Breadworks
2264 M-119, Petoskey, MI 49770
Local bakery serving up magnificent artisan breads, rustic pastries, and addictive granola. Details
corner scoops
1045 Kalamazoo Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
This neighborhood ice cream shop is a local secret, off the beaten path. Build your ice cream from the bottom up with their huge selection of flavors.
petoskey brewing
1844 Harbor-Petoskey Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
Petoskey Brewing is kid-friendly with great outdoor seating. I was thrilled to find gluten-free bread/buns.
roast and toast
1045 Kalamazoo Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
Amazing coffee shop. Housemade everything for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Details.
American spoon cafe & Creamery
411 E Lake St, Petoskey, MI 49770
I’ll have the handmade gelato, please! This is the cutest little gelato shop (and be sure to check out their market next door). Details.
julienne tomatoes
421 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770
Head here for breakfast or lunch. Get the breakfast sandwich or a pastry. Really, you can’t go wrong.
Where to Stay in Petoskey MI
With so many things to do in Petoskey MI, you’re going to need a place to stay the night!
There are lots of lodging options in the Petoskey area.
Between vacation rentals, hotels, and ski lodges, you have plenty of choices. Just book in advance for the busy summer season.
Stafford’s Bay View Inn
2011 Woodland Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
This grand Victorian inn, originally built as a hotel for the Bay View summer community in 1886, is the oldest summer hotel north of Grand Rapids, MI.
inn at Bay Harbor
3600 Village Harbor Dr, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
Luxury hotel with first-class amenities on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Michigan Inn & Lodge
1420 South US-131, Petoskey, MI 49770
Every room has a microwave and fridge.
The hotel features an on-site café that offers free meals throughout the day.
Terrace Inn and 1911 Restaurant
1549 Glendale Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770
A 38-room, three-story historic inn offering a complimentary breakfast experience. Each room is unique.
Bay inn of Petoskey
2445 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
A boutique inn with a great view of Lake Michigan.
Courtyard by Marriott Petoskey at Victories Square
1866 Bear Place, Petoskey, 49770
Outdoor fireplace and picnic area. Pool. Modern decor.
Sun Outdoors Petoskey Bay Harbor RV Resort
5505 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
One and two-bedroom cottages are available. Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub. Play a match on the pickleball courts and practice your short game on the putting green.
The Gray House at Bay Harbor
4 bdrm, sleeps 12
A stunning home in a stunning location. Fenced backyard. Close to everything.
Holiday Inn Express
1751 US 131 South, Petoskey, MI 49770
Pool, daily breakfast. Highly-rated.
What does your family love most about Petoskey? Did we miss anything? Leave a comment and let us know!
You missed my favorite winery! Farm House Vineyards on Channel rd. Petoskey is a cute organic vineyard with adorable barn and cute sheep running around.