QUAINT SMALL TOWN FEEL! BIG Adventures can come in small packages! Summertime in Northern Michigan packs a punch of beauty! One visit and you will be hooked! Populations triple through tourism and seasonal residents in Northern Michigan in June, July and August.
A festival, celebration, art-fair, farmer’s markets, car show or some such gathering is on the chamber of commerce listing for each of these towns every weekend throughout the summer. Activities never end. It is a ceaseless rotation of family adventures. Many second home owners retreat “UP NORTH” to their “cottages on the lakes” to escape the heat of the city. These communities have been populated as such since the turn of the century and before.
Many UP NORTH communities have “little Chicago’s” or “little Detroit’s” or “Camp this or that” imbedded into the fabric of their existence. The views are not to be surpassed and ALL thoroughly enjoy!
Tom Izzo, Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Madonna, Tim Allen, David Spade, Mario Batali, Ted Nugent, Eminem, and Alice Cooper to name a few feel the same and routinely grace us with their presence in Northern Michigan establishments with their families to escape and enjoy this naturally beautiful retreat “UP NORTH!” Each having rooted connections to Michigan’s beauty.
Locals respect each others space, smile, and go about their own business. Wealth and fame are not so impressive here as it is plentiful. The land, beaches, wildlife, sunrises, and sunsets are the focus of our daily peaceful existence. What an amazing place to grow up, return to as an adult, and raise my own family!
We are blessed! This touristy mecca is complete with numerous entertainment opportunities, endless outdoor activity choices, and a peacefulness unfound anywhere else on earth to me! Pass North of the Clare, Michigan marker and join us to explore Summertime in Northern Michigan. You pick either the East side of Michigan or the West, but each and every community holds a unique quality!
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The M-119 Corridor from Petoskey, through Harbor Springs and up to Cross Village is one very unique drive. It is well worth the effort!
The Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan offers a vast array of beauty. The shores of Lake Michigan offer incomparable views along it’s mighty wild, rugged shorelines. The Tunnel of Trees, a hidden gem along the cliffs of Lake Michigan north of Harbor Springs, Michigan on the historic M-119, offers twenty miles of scenic tree canopies, charming small towns, and quaint restaurants all the way to Cross Village. It is not on my list of 5 WAYS TO ENJOY SUMMER, but it sure could be, if you are up for a beautiful scenic drive!
“The nice thing about living in a small town is that when you don’t know what you’re doing, someone else does.”
~Immanuel Kant
SUMMERTIME IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
CHARLEVOIX, BOYNE CITY, EAST JORDAN
So many fond memories of growing up here in these glorious, quaint little towns. Charlevoix has evolved as have I. Most of the shops have flipped to new ventures, remodels occurred. Time changes all, right! Many of my favorite places are no longer. The foundation of my northern Michigan upbringing remains seated here though! I can boast that my parents and their parents were year-around residents in this predominantly second home culture.
The amazing real estate found here can be overwhelmingly obnoxious to some. I grew up with this as my normal. It wasn’t until I moved away from this quaint area that I truly understood that my slice of “normal” was anything but normal. I lived elsewhere for seven years before I realized that I was choosing to not be in this amazing Northern Michigan region. What a great place to settle and raise a family. It is quiet, peaceful, and filled with a tranquility of a slower paced life.
Don’t get me wrong, SUMMERTIME IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN is filled with festivals and events scheduled every weekend in all three towns. One does not have a hard time finding super interesting outings to fill their free time. Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce lists the population filled with summer residents jumping from around 2.47K per year-around residents to 15K-25K summer residents depending on which festival weekend is happening. No traffic issues downtown in the winter switches to 30-45 minutes to travel through town to cross the drawbridge daily in a one stop light downtown area.
It is one of the most unique places in Michigan. I have not experienced any place even similar. It can be magical. It can be the opposite of magical too when tourists are rude with big city mentality invading our tranquil existence or bring their big city “bad habits” north.
CHARLEVOIX
The waters of Lake Michigan flow freely into Pine River Channel connecting to Round Lake. Round Lake in turn connects with Lake Charlevoix. To learn more about the history of Charlevoix’s Lighthouse click on this link. It has a fascinating history! This Lake Michigan bluff view is one of my favorites. Notice the unique color of the water! Our region is known for the iron ore found on the bottoms of the lake.
I cannot tell you how many times I have walked these streets. This park can be filled most every weekend with booths set up for whatever festival is happening that weekend. Transient dockers arrive here by water to rent a nightly docking space to enjoy our little town each day. Marinas on each lake provide these services.
“Living in a rural setting exposes you to so many marvelous things – the natural world and the particular texture of small-town life, and the exhilarating experience of open space.” ~Susan Orlean
BOYNE CITY
THIS IS WHERE I CALL HOME NOW!
It is certainly a compelling place to visit and enjoy a slower pace of life! Family, friends, a sense of belonging to a community spirited with American patriotism. A place does exist where neighbors take care of each other, looking out for one another, assisting each other through the trials of life’s ups and downs. This is a classic Northern Michigan locale.
The Boyne City Chamber lists Charlevoix County (2015 estimated census) with an estimated 26K residents and Boyne City specifically with approximately 4K. Many tourists visit Boyne City annually and enjoy the many micro-brew pubs and restaurants along the downtown area. Stand out favorite stops remain fudge shops along with ice cream treats!
The waters of Lake Charlevoix invite playtime in many forms and fashions. Power boating, water-skiing, Jet skiing, windsurfing, surfing behind a power boats wake, wake-boarding, fishing, sailing, swimming, ice racing, ice fishing, canoeing, paddle boarding, kayaking, etc. the list too long to list all of the joys the lake provides. The iron ore reflecting from the sunshine off the lake bottom tints the waters a breathe taking shade of green/blue that beckons lake lovers to indulge.
CLICK HERE: Live Local WEBCAM to view real time action in the downtown area!
Boyne City’s marina and lighthouse have an interesting story too. Click here to read more. BOYNE CITY HISTORY
“For any American who had the great and priceless privilege of being raised in a small town there always remains with him nostalgic memories.”
~Dwight D. Eisenhower
EAST JORDAN
THIS IS THE THIRD LOCAL TOWN ON LAKE CHARLEVOIX!
While walking, look down at the pavement in any town with a street. Locate a manhole cover…where was it manufactured? YES! EAST JORDAN, MI!! No matter where we travel we are always amazed at this discovery when we look down at manhole covers originating from this company. East Jordan Iron Works, now known as: EJ, INC. This beautiful little Norther Lower Peninsula Michigan town located on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix provides a beautiful location for many tourists. The East Joran Chamber of Commerce lists 2.1K as the annual population here in this amazing location.
This area is full of natural habitats for many wildlife species. We are so blessed to have these wonderful views daily available to overwhelm our senses. Tranquility and peacefulness bombards your senses here. It is a complete luxury to just be here. Boating is a popular pastime here. Many enjoy Outdoor enjoyment down the Jordan River on a canoe trip too! It is probably the most rustic of the three towns. What a view, RIGHT!
“It takes a small town to keep you humble.” ~Bess Streeter Aldrich
SUMMERTIME IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
GRAND TAVERSE BAY, WALLOON LAKE, TORCH LAKE, FRANKFORT, GLEN ARBOR, SUTTONS BAY
The Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan is dotted with these beautiful communities with these beautiful views. Each town is uniquely different with their history, communities, and service industries geared towards tourism. Each is a gem and worth the visit to explore. The shoreline communities along Lake Michigan are vastly different. The one commonality is always the view! Lake Michigan’s beauty does not disappoint!
INLAND LAKES: DOUGLAS LAKE, HOUGHTON LAKE, MITCHELL LAKE, CROOKED LAKE, CHAIN OF LAKES
So many opportunities are present to enjoy Michigan through inland lakes too! Many enjoy calm, peaceful ways of relaxation while “UP NORTH” on vacation. Paddle boarding, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, fly fishing, rock hunting just to name a few!
Sunrises and sunsets are a bonus to the already amazing views of these lakes and the land surrounding them!
SUMMERTIME IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
MACKINAW CITY, MACKINAC ISLAND, TAWAS CITY AND ALPENA
Okay! Well, every tourist seems fascinated with traveling to Mackinaw City to hop a ferry over to Mackinac Island. Mackinac Island is unique in that NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES are permitted on the island. Yes, that means horses and bikes alone are the mode of transportation there. Time seems to stand still on Mackinac Island not only because there are no cars, but also because there are two historic military forts and a handful of the oldest buildings in Michigan. Just by being there you’ll feel like you’re back in the past!
Mackinac Island is home to many beautiful examples of Victorian architecture among the cottages and B&Bs that, in many cases, are well over 100 years old. The Island’s museums and reenactments by costumed interpreters also offer glimpses into the 19th-century lives of both soldiers and civilians.
The Alpena and Tawas City area is just as beautiful on the East side of the state. These best kept secrets on the East side remain a wonderful place to escape away from the many overdeveloped areas located on the West side of Michigan. The gorgeous lake views of Lake Huron are enchanting!
Well, I hope that this list has triggered some amazing travel ideas for you to explore the lower peninsula of Michigan in this next year! Not only are these areas tranquil and beautiful, but they are filled with several outdoor activities awaiting your pleasure! Please leave me a reply below indicating which is your favorite location that interests you to explore more, and if you have ever traveled here before! Do you have a favorite destinations like these near where you live? Maybe your perspective of your hometown needs to be looked at with new eyes and appreciation like I recently found myself doing! Christ fills us each day with His spirit. Be sure to open your eyes and ears daily to see and hear what He has prepared for you. Take stock of your blessings, daily. Breathe the clean fresh air of peace filled tranquility and share the fruits of God’s blessings daily in your actions. Others are watching. Be an example.
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A 1993 graduate of Michigan State University, Barbara earned a BS in Social Science Pre-Law. She is a Business Manager/HR Director. Her passion is travel, discovering new places, experiences, cuisine, cultures while enjoying temperate climates. Barbara is a newly transitioning empty-nester who became a travel blogger. She’s a great photographer, talented writer, and has a great family to highlight in her high school/college athlete football sons.
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TRAVEL BLOG🛩 * ADVENTURE🛶 * INSPIRATION🌞
Thanks for exploring our travel blog! We hope to assist you in your next adventure through learning from ours! We are transitioning empty-nesters perpetually seeking our next luxury snorkeling adventure! Daily God’s awe inspiring inspiration surrounds us with all of His natural beauty in every direction if we but slow down to observe. Take a moment each day to ENJOY!
Yes Tracy! Please do not judge Michigan by Detroit! It is so much more beautiful, peaceful, slower paced, friendlier, and quaint in the northern region! I hope you will will take the time to explore and enjoy a northern adventure soon!
Wow, you really impressed and surprised me with Michigan! I have never been there and you did an amazing job describing. it. I loved your quote about a small town too! You are right about people knowing what you are doing:).
I have been to Michigan in the summer but to Sioux Saint Marie. How close is that to Charlevoix? Michigan has some gorgeous views. I would love to go back to see Mackinac Island as well!
Sault Ste. Marie is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan just north of the Mackinaw Bridge about 1 hour North of Charlevoix County. It is a beautiful area too!
To learn more about the history of Charlevoix’s Lighthouse click on this link. It has a fascinating history! 
This Lake Michigan bluff view is one of my favorites. Notice the unique color of the water! Our region is known for the iron ore found on the bottoms of the lake.
I cannot tell you how many times I have walked these streets. This park can be filled most every weekend with booths set up for whatever festival is happening that weekend. Transient dockers arrive here by water to rent a nightly docking space to enjoy our little town each day. Marinas on each lake provide these services. 
Boyne City’s marina and lighthouse have an interesting story too. Click here to read more. BOYNE CITY HISTORY 
What a view, RIGHT!
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12 Comments
Tracy McHugh
I’ve been to Detroit once! Based on this post I definitely need to explore more of Michigan in the warmer months. Thanks for sharing!
Barbara Robinson
Yes Tracy! Please do not judge Michigan by Detroit! It is so much more beautiful, peaceful, slower paced, friendlier, and quaint in the northern region! I hope you will will take the time to explore and enjoy a northern adventure soon!
Valery
Great post! It looks so relaxing and fun!! Thanks so much for sharing; adding this to my bucket list!
Barbara Robinson
Excellent! I hope you will travel here to check out the area!
Literally Laurie
No wonder my sister loves it so much there! I’d love to plann a visit someday and you provide a wealth of info! Thanks!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! We are very blessed for where we choose to live daily life!
Eva Petruzziello
Michigan is so beautiful. It’s like Canada!
Barbara Robinson
Yes! Very similar climate and seasons!
Lindsey
Wow, you really impressed and surprised me with Michigan! I have never been there and you did an amazing job describing. it. I loved your quote about a small town too! You are right about people knowing what you are doing:).
Barbara Robinson
YES! Northern Michigan is under-rated. It is the best kept secret! Small town America is slow, relaxed, and wonderful!
Heather
I have been to Michigan in the summer but to Sioux Saint Marie. How close is that to Charlevoix? Michigan has some gorgeous views. I would love to go back to see Mackinac Island as well!
Barbara Robinson
Sault Ste. Marie is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan just north of the Mackinaw Bridge about 1 hour North of Charlevoix County. It is a beautiful area too!