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Beaches
Rivaling the world’s best, Charlevoix offers picturesque, soft sand beaches. Swim, romp or tan – it’s all fun, and soothing to body and soul.
Mount McSauba
One-of-a-kind Michigan rolling dunes that tumble into a wide sandy beach
on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Behind the dunes is a series of well-kept
trails through a beautiful canopied wooded area. There are no lifeguards
or facilities. Depot Beach.
On Lake Charlevoix, adjacent to the old train depot, which is now a historical
museum. This beach usually has warmer water than Lake Michigan and the
waves are calmer. Depot Beach is located at the end of Mercer Boulevard
off U.S. 31 and has lifeguards, playground equipment, restrooms and picnic
areas.
Ferry Avenue Beach
Ferry Beach is also located on Lake Charlevoix. The gently sloping, sandy
swimming area is a popular spot for families. Ferry Beach offers lifeguards,
playground equipment, a concession, picnic areas and restrooms. The beach
can be reached by taking Stover Road east off of M-66, or Belvedere Avenue
from downtown.
Lake Michigan Beach
A favorite spot for visitors and locals alike. Featuring fabulous views
of the lighthouse and pier, this beach, which is maintained by the City
of Charlevoix, has lifeguards and beach houses for visitors.
East Park
Renovated in 2008, the park is beautifully kept and ideally located to
host many of the downtown events. Featuring the Odmark Music Pavilion,
nestled between the Round Lake yacht basin and downtown, this grassy haven
is the venue for Charlevoix’s concert series.
Pine River Channel
A lovely stroll on Park Avenue and along the river channel takes you to
the Earl Young hobbit homes and wonderful views of the Charlevoix South
Pier and Lighthose.
Harsha House Museum
The Victorian style house, built in 1891, was donated to the Charlevoix
Historical Society in 1978. The museum includes: 3 Victorian period rooms,
10,000 historic photos, local history artifacts, 1917 working player piano,
local oral history collection, local family history collection, local
history research materials, U.S. Census on CD's, Sanborn Fire maps on
micro-film, and Gray's Reef Lighthouse Third and One-half Order Fresnel
Lens.Museum
Hours: Mid-June to Labor Day, Monday - Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.;
Fall, Winter, Spring, Tuesday and Saturday 1 to 4 p.m.
Railroad Depot Museum
The train depot, located across from Depot Beach, was donated to the Charlevoix
Historical Society in June, 1992, on the 100th anniversary of the arrival
of the first passenger train in Charlevoix. The Charlevoix Area Garden
Clubs are developing a Heritage Garden on the grounds based on historic
garden principles and utilizing local cuttings wherever possible.
Earl Young Homes
Some call them "Fairy Houses" because they possess storybook
whimsy; others call them "Mushroom Houses" because of their
irregular shapes. By any name, the stone houses of Charlevoix are an amazing
legacy to one of Michigan's most fascinating builders. Born in 1889, Earl
Young grew up in Charlevoix, walking the shorelines collecting interesting
rocks -- a pastime that grew into a passion. A visionary, who would make
sketches and then often have his wife follow with precision drawings from
which the houses were built. The construction of the buildings, utilizing
the boulders left behind by the great glacier, are a unique architectural
accomplishment. Included are the turreted Weathervane and Lodge
motels, the rustic Weathervane Restaurant, and story-book homes on Round
Lake, Park Avenue, and in Boulder Park. Earl Young left a lasting legacy
on Charlevoix. The houses and buildings he created continue to fascinate
visitors when they see the wave-like rooflines and inimitable stonework
that have become his trademarks.
Castle Farms
Castle Farms is a Renaissance castle with magnificent stone towers, fragrant
gardens and cobblestone courtyards - the perfect place to get a petit
taste of European romance! The host of many elegant weddings, corporate
events, festivals, and visiting tourists - Castle Farms has something
to offer everyone. Historic Castle & Garden Tours are available from
10am – 4pm daily except on event days. The one and a half hour walking
tour of the Castle and surrounding gardens is fully handicap accessible,
and also features a children’s treasure hunt. The tour includes
a video and map of the Castle, exhibits and surrounding gardens. The Hedge
Maze and tower bridge lead to an aerial view of the Garden Railroad with
eight trains running on three levels. While visiting the Castle, enjoy
lawn games, feeding trout in a pond and exploring the Enchanted Forest.
Unique and whimsical gifts are available in the Castle Gift Shop. You
may want to link your visit to one of our Festivals or Shows listed on
www.castlefarm.com, or call 231-237-0884 for more information.
Raven Hill Discovery Center
Raven Hill Discovery Center is a hands-on learning environment in science,
history and the arts, for children and adults. It is open year round on
Saturday 12 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorial Day through
Labor Day: Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission price
is $6.00 per person -- except for babies in backpacks or strollers --
and includes time in the hands-on museum, a visit with the animals, access
to the one room schoolhouse and outdoor exhibits such as Beyond Jurassic
Park and the Stone Labyrinth. The average visit is one and a half
to two hours. Exhibits are appropriate for all ages. Gift
shop and picnic area available.
Beaver Island
The most remote inhabited island in the Great Lakes, with a quirky history
and fascinating shops. Getting to the Island and back is part of the fun!
Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce — 231-448-2505
www.beaverisland.org
Beaver Island Boat Company — 888-446-4095
Island Airways — 800-524-6895; 231-547-2141
www.islandairways.com
Ironton Ferry
Established in 1876, the ferry crosses Lake Charlevoix's South Arm, five
miles south of Charlevoix. A unique and quaint ferry, operated by
a cable, it’s been a part of many visitors Charlevoix experience.
The ferry operates late spring through early fall, 6:30 a.m. to 10:30
p.m. The cost is $3.00 per car, .50 per person without a vehicle
or bicycle, $1.00 per person with a bicycle.
Friske Farm Market
10743 N. U.S. 31 @ Atwood
Ellsworth, MI 49729
231-599-2604
Hahnenberg Farm Market & Cider Mill
614 S. Lake Leelanau Dr.
Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
Leelanau County
Cherry View Orchards
Elk Rapids, MI
Antrim County
Phone: 231-264-9807
Altonen Orchards
11882 S. US-31
Elk Rapids, MI 49690
Antrim County
Phone: 231-264-8052
Leelanau Peninsula
Old Mission Peninsula
Mackinac Island/Mackinaw City
