Petoskey is a traditional resort community on Michigan's lower peninsula that has welcomed vacationers for generations. A four-seasons destination, Petoskey lures visitors to Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay beaches in summer, nearby ski slopes in winter, to see foliage in fall, and in search of scrumptious morel mushrooms in spring.
Located about 350 miles from Chicago, Petoskey is one of those places it’s a pleasure to drive to. The view along scenic US 31 up Michigan’s Gold Coast puts travelers in a relaxed frame of mind as the road opens up ahead of them.
Petoskey bills itself as America’s summer golf capital, and en route to this Great Lakes playground, you pass Bay Harbor Golf Club, one of the most picturesque in America. It earned a spot on a leading golf magazine's "Top 100 You Can Play" list.
Although the entire town of Petoskey, Michigan, is only six square miles, active vacationers plenty to do here. The landscape encompasses woodlands, limestone bluffs, and beach dunes.
Spend time at the shore and enjoy the summer breezes that skim across the bay. You may come across a Petoskey stone. This unique, 350 million-year-old fossilized coral can be found scattered along beaches throughout out the area.
Leave time to explore downtown Petoskey. The National Historic Trust named it a distinctive place to visit, citing its "vibrant downtown with a strong commitment to historic preservation."
A tradition every August, Petoskey hosts the Festival on the Bay, which is the biggest event of the year. Bay cruises, railroad tours, a big arts and crafts show, and entertainment are among the weekend's festivities. There's also a triathlon that includes swimming in the bay, biking through rolling fields, and running along the Black River.
Whenever you visit, don't miss the Petoskey sunset. Return guests at the town’s waterside resorts know to schedule restaurant reservations around sundown. After the meal and a stroll, hit the Victories Casino to top off a day in this charming seaside town.
Top Petoskey Hotels
Stafford's Bay View Inn
Country inn with a wide, old-fashioned porch overlooking Little Traverse Bay.
Stafford's Perry Hotel
Built as a luxury resort in 1899, Stafford's Perry Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, Many rooms feature a private balcony with a romantic water view.
Inn at Bay Harbor
Focused on golf and spa relaxation, this Renaissance resort features an expansive green lawn that slopes down to the water.
Victories Casino & Hotel
Victories Casino, owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, opened in 1999.
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