Charlevoix is an extremely beautiful area surrounded by three freshwater lakes: Round Lake, Lake Charlevoix, and Lake Michigan. Known for iconic beauty and small-town charm, Charlevoix welcomes visitors from all over the country each year. One of the most commonly asked questions, where you should take pictures in Charlevoix.

This question does not have a straightforward answer because there are so many great places to capture the very essence of Charlevoix. We’ve compiled a list of our top eight favorite places to take landscape and portrait pictures as well as great places to capture portrait photos.

1. South Pier Lighthouse (landscape/portrait)
There is nothing more iconic than the Charlevoix lighthouse. This classic beauty is often the focal point of numerous Charlevoix photos. Whether you take photos from the pier or Lake Michigan Beach, the lighthouse is on a nautical background welcoming everyone to take the Charlevoix lighthouse’s photo.

2. Charles Ransom Nature Preserve (landscape)
Nestled off the beaten path, this nature preserve gives photographers a much need elevation to catch the entire Charlevoix landscape. With high vantage points, you can photograph amazing vistas. Not only is sunrise and sunset breathtaking, the entire photo captures the very essence of Charlevoix’s natural beauty.

3. Rex Beach (landscape)
One of Charlevoix's best-kept secrets, Rex Beach has vast amounts of untapped natural beauty. This nature preserve welcomes everyone to experience the finest qualities of Northern Michigan. Explore hidden trails and you may have the chance to capture wildlife in its natural habitat. When sunset arrives, grab your tripod to photograph a colorful masterpiece featuring Lake Michigan.

4. Area Orchards (landscape/portrait)
Fall is a great time of year to capture one-of-a-kind photos. There are some great places to capture pictures of the apple harvest. Orchards can serve as the perfect spot to take live action shots of the family!

5. Charlevoix Drawbridge (landscape, portrait)
Did you know that the Charlevoix Drawbridge is one of two working drawbridges in the state of Michigan? This classic beauty will go up and down every half hour during the summer. Photograph the lighthouse or try challenging yourself by trying to take a picture of the lighthouse at sunset with the bridge opening, the choice is yours.

6. Depot Beach (portrait)
This public beach is a staple for anyone taking a portrait. Whether it’s a family photo, wedding, or senior picture, Depot Beach’s amazing backdrop gives photographers a lot of content to work with. The historic Train Depot and its breathtaking gardens are great places to begin a photo shoot.

7. East Park/ Charlevoix City Marina (landscape/portrait)
Located in the heart of downtown Charlevoix, this public park is a great family-friendly place that offers photographers scenic locations to capture any style of portrait. East Park makes it extremely easy to shoot a live action photo in the Fountain of Youth or a family portrait in front of the docks on Round Lake.

8. Ferry Beach (portrait)
Historic willow trees frame Ferry Beach. This inland beach beaches the shores of Lake Charlevoix. This public access beach is family friendly and easy to photograph portraits. Capturing views of Lake Charlevoix or shoot live-action moments on the playground equipment on the beach, enjoy a relaxing setting to photograph family and friends.

Charlevoix is blessed with numerous places to photograph one of a kind photos. Whether you are a novice or an expert photographer, capture the very heart and soul of Charlevoix in style of photo. Breathtaking vistas are awaiting you so be sure to grab your camera and tripod. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to get your one-of-a-kind photo