If you’ve been to Boyne City, Michigan, you’ll totally understand what I’m talking about here. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to enjoy this little town I suggest you make time!
Located on the shores of sparkling Lake Charlevoix (which was voted second best lake in America by the readers of USA Today), Boyne City has always been charming. However, several years ago, residents and business owners decided that it was time for a bit of a renaissance. Committees formed, thoughts were shared, and work began to liven up the community of 3,700.
One of the town’s many smart moves was to get involved with the Main Street Program, which works with downtowns on design, organization, economic vitality and promotion. Fifteen years and nearly 50,000 volunteer hours later, Boyne City has made it to the semifinals of the national competition to be named a Great American Main Street award winner. A collaboration between Boyne City Main Street and the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce has helped strengthen the town and keep it vital.
So, if you are planning a visit to northern Lower Michigan, what should you expect to find in Boyne City?
- A bustling downtown that includes interesting shops and galleries, an amazing bakery with a French trained baker, a brewery, great dining (some with water views), bicycle rentals, an arts collective, a creative play area and a whole lot of smiles.
- A year ‘round farmers market.
- Avalanche Mountain Preserve – the perfect place to hike, mountain bike, ice skate and sled. Gorgeous views from the peak!
- Pontoon boat and jet ski rentals on Lake Charlevoix.
- A dog park and a dog friendly beach.
- A paved bike trail that leads to the area’s beautiful state park, Young State Park.
- Wildwood Rush, Michigan’s Ultimate Zipline Canopy tour with over 7,000 feet of lines and stunning views.
- Kayaking (rentals available) on the scenic Boyne River.
- Fun filled events like the National Morel Mushroom Festival with the largest collection of morel cooking anywhere.
- The excitement of high-speed power boats racing from the marina during Boyne Thunder.
- Friday night Stroll the Streets with music and entertainment and Evenings at the Gazebo during the summer.
- Family friendly times at the Fall Harvest Festival.
- Holiday events including Earlier than the Bird and the Santa Parade and Holiday Open House.
- A spring and fall Restaurant Week.
- One of the best small-town 4th of July celebrations around, according to the Travel Channel.
Set your sights for Boyne City – Where Life Meets Lake. There’s a lot of heart in this little town! Find out more about this lakefront community at boynechamber.com and PetoskeyArea.com.
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About the author
Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has "been there -- seen that" when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.