Historical Sites & Museums
Historical Sites
Bay Breeze Tours
231-526-8888
Discover Ernest Hemingway's true love and other fascinating stories about Victorian Bay View and Petoskey. Offering walking tours regularly during peak summer season. Call or check our website for schedules. Walking tours are available year 'round by appointment.
Bay View Association
231-347-6225
This century old Victorian community of 440 cottages just east of Petoskey is a National Historic Landmark. Summer programs include concerts, theater, operas, lectures, recreational programs, educational classes and religious services which are open to the public. Stop by the Terrace Inn (1911) and Stafford's Bay View Inn (1886) for a terrific meal in an historic setting.
Earl Young Homes
Downtown Charlevoix
Stop by the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce for a brochure highlighting the "mushroom houses" and public buildings created by architect Earl Young. Designed to fit into the landscape, Young's buildings used various types of stone in their construction. Flowing lines and cedar shake roofs make many of these houses appearr almost gnome-like. A fun self-guided tour even if you're not an architecture aficionado.
Historic Driving Tours
100 Lewis Street, Petoskey
231-347-4000
Tours originate from Stafford's Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey. These 90-minute tours are fun and informative and are offered twice weekly, seasonally. Call for a schedule and rate information.
Legs Inn
6425 Lake Shore (M-119), Cross Village
231-526-2281
The food is terrific, too, but go for the visual experience! This stone and timber landmark is filled with an intriguing collection of nature and hand-carved furniture, whimsical creations made of tree stumps, twisted limbs and roots, natural sculptures of driftwood and huge stone fireplaces. Open mid-May through mid-October and well worth the drive.
M-119 , the Tunnel of Trees Route
Audio CD - tour begins at 100 Lewis Street next to Stafford's Perry Hotel.
Route Scouts will be your guide on a 27.5 mile journey along this Michigan Heritage Highway. M-119 is a mix of villages, lakes, pastoral vistas and winding road. You'll learn about Chief Petoskey, the formation of Little Traverse Bay, wonderful places to shop and dine, ancient Odawa stories and much more. Various guides such as John Riggs of Thorne Swift Nature Preserve and Ray Kiogima, Odawa Elder, Calendar of Events
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Purchase and download your copy of the tour Here
St. Francis Solanus Indian Mission Church
400 block West Lake Street, Petoskey
Though not open to the public (except on special occasions) this building is definitely worth a drive-by. Not only the oldest building in Petoskey, but the oldest building in northern lower Michigan, this little church is a significant part of Petoskey's history.
National Shrine Of The Cross-In-The-Woods
On M-68, Indian River, MI
231-238-8973
This awesome 55-foot cross was made from a redwood tree. In 1959 the 7-ton, 28-foot-tall crucifix was raised into place. See this and more than 525 dolls dressed in religious garb and believed to be the largest display of its kind in the country.
Walking Tours
Stroll through Petoskey and Boyne City's colorful past on walking tours through historic districts. Make sure to take note of the bronze sculpture honoring Chief Ignatious Petoskey, located on Lewis Street just north of Stafford's Perry Hotel in Petoskey.
Museums
Northern Michigan is rich in history and artistry....lumbering is a big part of our heritage; Ernest Hemingway and Bruce Canton have northern Michigan roots; settlers discovered Boyne City in a dream. Find out about these things and more of our glorious past by visiting our local museums.
Andrew Blackbird Museum
368 E. Main, Harbor Springs
231-526-0612 or 231-526-2705 (Curator)
The former home of this important figure in history is now the Andrew Blackbird Museum. This building also served as the first post office in Harbor Springs. The museum is committed to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Indian customs, arts, craft, music, poetry and language. Open year 'round, Monday through Friday from 10am - 4pm.
Bay Harbor History Museum
Main Street, Bay Harbor
231-439-2700
Learn about the evolution of Bay Harbor from an abandoned cement plant to a world-class resort. 11-minute video and changing exhibits. Open seven days in season.
Harbor Springs History Museum
349 E. Main, Harbor Springs
231-526-9771
The Harbor Springs Area Historical Society is pleased to welcome visitors to its new home located in the former city hall. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. Please call for scheduled hours of operation or visit our website.
Inland Water Route Historical Museum
River Street, Alanson
231-347-8273 (rings at Ryde Marine)
See photos and artifacts on each community along the water route. Special displays focus on logging and railroad use. Open Wed., Fri., Sat. & Sun. from 10 am - 2 pm (May - Nov.). Other times, call in advance.
Little Traverse History Museum
100 Depot Court, Petoskey
231-347-2620
On Petoskey's beautiful waterfront, this museum is the restored Pere Marquette train depot. Exhibits feature Ernest Hemingway's life in Michigan, rare Odawa Indian artifacts and historical exhibits which include the history of the Little Travers Bay Region. Open Monday - Saturday from June-September. Open Tueday - Saturday in May. Call in advance other times. Admission is $2.
Hotels & Motels 