Warmer temps are on the horizon and that means spring is right around the corner. If you haven’t visited Charlevoix during the spring, you are missing out on a magical time of year. The weather is starting to get warm, the trees are starting to bloom, and it’s time to get outside to make the most of spring. Northern Michigan has numerous recreation opportunities including biking, birding, Petoskey Stone hunting, kayaking, hiking, disc golf, walking trails and so much more! Learn more about Charlevoix recreation opportunities here. To purchase a DNR e-license click here, to learn about trail etiquette, or learn more about Michigan recreation opportunities.
- Lake to Lake Trail
The Lake to Lake Trail is a three-mile trail that connects Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan. This trail is non-motorized and can be accessed at either Fisherman's Island State Park or a trailhead located on M-66. - Little Traverse Wheelway
The Little Traverse Wheelway is a 26 mile, non-motorized paved trail that extends from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. This trail offers a unique boardwalk bridging a wetland area rich with wildlife, and direct water access at several points along the Lake Michigan shoreline, including two roadside parks that are perfect for a picnic or scenic resting spot. - Top of Michigan Trails Council Trail Network
This organization oversees 180 trail miles that run along old railroad corridors. These multi-purpose trails that can ordinarily be used for running, hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, snowmobiling, and equestrian activities. - Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area
Just outside of Bellaire, Glacial Hills offers beginner, intermediate or advanced trails covered by 800 acres of moderately dense forest. - Mt. McSauba Recreation Area
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Winding through a diverse 27-acre dune and wooded area, the trails offer opportunities to enjoy the forest, open and wooded dunes, and 2,800 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. The trails provide access to the beach and wooded back dunes. This diverse recreation also boasts a challenging 18-hole disc golf course that's perfect for testing your skills. - Charles Ransom Natural Preserve
A mix of open fields and northern Michigan hardwoods, commanding one of the most spectacular views in northern Michigan, the Ransom Preserve is well worth a visit. From its highest elevation of 320 feet above Lake Michigan, viewers can see much of western Charlevoix County, a broad expanse of Lake Michigan, four islands, and the distant Leelanau Peninsula on a clear day. - Fisherman's Island State Park
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Located just a few miles south of the City of Charlevoix, Fisherman's Island State Park is not actually just an island, but a 2,678-acre park with five miles of unspoiled Lake Michigan shoreline. The park encompasses a tiny island, Fisherman's Island, currently connected not the mainland, due to high lake levels. - Rex Beach and Antrim Creek
Antrim Creek Natural Area is a 156-acre tract that lies just south of the Charlevoix/Antrim County Line and is only 1.5 miles from US-31. Its most notable feature is the nearly one mile of Grand Traverse Bay shoreline, the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline remaining within the entire 132 miles of the bay between Norwood and Northport. - Charlevoix Birding Trails
Charlevoix is home to a variety of rare and hard to find birds. Local parks, nature preserves, and natural areas make prime birding locations easily accessible and also highlight local conservation efforts - Petoskey and Charlevoix Stone Hunting
Immerse yourself into the Charlevoix rock hound culture by finding some Petoskey stones. Petoskey stones are actually fossilized coral from over 350 million years ago. The Charlevoix area is one of the best areas to find these unique pieces of fossilized coral. Spring is the best time of year to find these beautiful stones because the ice turns up a fresh batch each year. - Fishing
Locals call Lake Michigan The Big Lake for a reason. As the fifth largest lake in the world, Lake Michigan holds a recorded 100 species of fish. Charlevoix is located on the northern portion of Lake Michigan which is pristine and pure enough for the pickiest of anglers. You can fish Lake Michigan by boat or from the pier located at Michigan Beach. Lake Charlevoix waters hold numerous fish species as the depth and character of the lake vary greatly from one area to another. Bluegill, Northern Pike, Perch, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, and Sunfish are commonly found in the smaller inland lakes in and around Charlevoix.
