Charlevoix Venetian Festival
The Venetian Festival in Charlevoix has been a highlight of summer in Northern Michigan for more than 80 years.
Photo by the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant
The longest running free Memorial Day historical program in the U.S. takes places in Mackinaw City, Michigan: the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant. More than 400 cast members take part in the three-day pageant that brings to life the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle between the French, British, and Native Americans.
The cast members are clad in period costumes and demonstrate the way of life for residents of Northern Michigan in the 1760’s. A highlight of the weekend is the Memorial Day parade through the streets of Mackinaw City that includes more than 100 bands, acts, and floats.
*All events are held within Fort Michilimackinac unless otherwise noted
Mackinaw City’s location at the most Northern tip in the lower peninsula is the perfect destination for visitors. With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, this is a true Great Lake’s spot. Read the stories below or go to the Mackinaw City destination page.
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.
Mackinaw and Mackinac are pronounced the same way. Why? It's the area's rich history with the Native Americans, French, and British.
With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake Huron on the other side, Mackinaw City is a true Great Lake’s spot with lots of things to do!
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsula.
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
Historic Mill Creek Discover Park has 625 acres along Lake Huron, 3.5 miles of hiking trails, a reconstructed saw mill, mill dam, and more.
McGulpin Rock, near Mackinaw City, has been used as a navigational tool by explorers and mariners since before the Pilgrims landed.
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it's own set of awesome festivals and events.
Mackinaw City's Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
The history of the fur trade in Northern Michigan is captured at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City.
312 South Huron Avenue, Mackinaw City, MI, 49701
(231) 420-8297
The Venetian Festival in Charlevoix has been a highlight of summer in Northern Michigan for more than 80 years.
A unique event featuring a variety of one-of-a-kind exhibitors offering everything from yachts to boating goods for sale.
This 25-year-old rite of spring in Northern Michigan is a bike ride from the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, to Mackinaw City.
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Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.
Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
North Central Michigan College’s Natural Area in Petoskey includes over five miles of trails that run through unique habitats.
Travel along the Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan and you will pass through Good Hart and see historic Saint Ignatius Catholic Church.
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.