Summer has arrived in Michigan and it's time to get out and explore Charlevoix the beautiful. If you haven’t visited Charlevoix during the summer, you are missing out on a magical time of year. It's warm and sunny which calls for a day at the beach, exploring endless trails, and so many other great recreation opportunities await you. Learn more about Charlevoix recreation opportunities here. To purchase a DNR e-license click here, learn more about fishing in Michigan, or discover more great trails located throughout the state click here.
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 can be used for running, hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, and equestrian activities.
Mt. McSauba Recreation Area Winding through a diverse 27-acre dune and wooded area, the trails that 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 of 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 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 to 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 only 1.5 miles from US-31. It’s 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.
Escape to the Lake Life is always better at the beach. Lucky for you, living the lake life is a breeze in Charlevoix. Whether you prefer windswept and wild, sandcastle building, or the uninhabited, Charlevoix-area beaches and waterways, by far, are the best. Surrounded by large freshwater lakes and many small inland lakes, Charlevoix offers visitors an abundance of lake effect options. If you are looking for outdoor recreation, boating, kayaking, or just a leisurely walk on the beach, you are sure to find your perfect lake vacation in Charlevoix.
The Charlevoix area is home to many species of fish including trout, salmon, and whitefish to name a few. With different types of bodies of water, including Lake Michigan, Round, Lake, Lake Charlevoix, inland lakes, rivers, and streams, the fishing opportunities in Charlevoix are excellent. Book a fishing charter or bring your own boat to experience world-class fishing.
Equipment Rentals Charlevoix has lots of great hiking, biking, kayaking, and stand up paddleboard opportunities. Whether you want to try something new or can't bring your equipment, the Charlevoix area has lots of equipment rental available to you.
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 has turns up a fresh batch each year.
